Chu Supply

Wow, if you want to be treated like crap just for walking through the door then this is your spot. God I miss Lakeside Hardware.

This store is good for paint, paint/​wallboard materials, caulk, cleaners, and generic stuff. One of the standard primers, drywall PVA, is only about 50 cents higher than at Home Depot. The people at this Chu’s are pretty good, know their stuff, and are friendly. They get busy so be patient and you can get really good advice and tips from them. They’re also sensitive to budget. If you live in the Richmond or Sunset this is a good place to get your paint, so like Unilocaler «E.W.» said, don’t give your purchases and tax money «to the 650.» The older counterperson: Yes, it can be a while before you get his attention. He’s introverted and won’t volunteer information. This can be problematic — you may omit something you needed for a project and only discover it when you’re on a scaffold. It makes more business sense to ask the customer if he has joint tape to go with the 20 gallons of joint tape compound being purchased. That way a customer walks out, fully supplied. Because, next time, he’s going to the competition. Even fast food counterpeople ask if you want a drink or cubed, pureed, deep-​fried potato paste to go with your «burger.»
Great parking! It’s far out in the sparse neighborhoods and parking places are at right angles to the sidewalk to fit even more cars. My order was big and heavy so being able to back up right in front was handy.
A buddy who paints for a living lives near the Kelly Moore on Taraval but shops at Chu near the beach. «Glen» is a great, helpful, cheery salesman.
Fairly heavy accents but very adequate English skills, judging how they handle phone calls. There’s an English talk station blasting so if this is to help improve skills it merits respect. I called months after a purchase, asking a very specific question and Glen had instant total recall about details of my order. He saved the day, and somehow accents did not loom so large.
Good variety for a small storefront. They have a good stock and sell different types/​sizes of ladders. Impeccably neat, organized and clean. No overstock on shelves or in the aisles — very safe to walk down.
I highly recommend this particular Chu Supply. Ask for a bright, white Chu hat!

LOL! Yes, customer service is not going to be Nordstrom quality. But hey, it is a hardware supply store. When you get help, it can often be surprisingly knowledgeable. The prices are really low and can often be near or beat the big boxes. Free coffee (of indeterminate freshness). Shop locally! Don’t go all the way to the 650 for a $ 1.00 part.

Poor, slow service with an attituted. Avoid this place as customer service is not available.