At the risk of sounding like a crybaby, I’m going to give you all the details of my latest experience at HD. I’m only doing it to get it off my chest. Wife wouldn’t understand.
Some of you may remember my recent posts regarding the Ridgid Table saw(s) I purchased at HD.
A Recap – bought the Ridgid contractor’s saw in late September on clearance. Thought I got a great deal until I realized it didn’t cut straight (Arbor Issues). Called Ridgid tech – they told me to return it and buy a new saw…which I did on October 1. Set up saw #2….it didn’t cut straight either. Same problem. I called my local Ridgid Service contact…he laughed and told me to return that saw too and try another brand. Which I will do.
Went to return the 2nd Ridgid saw yesterday (by the way, this POS weighs a ton and I’ve lifted it, with help, onto and off my truck about 8 times now!). I went to a store closer to my house to return it, not where I bought it. The store would not accept the return!!! 2 weeks after the purchase. Manager says, “Not our problem, that model’s discontinued, return it to the store where you bought it”.
So, drove 30 minutes away and returned it to the store where I bought it. All told, round trip plus 30 minutes in line, 90 minutes of a Sunday wasted!
Anyone know who’s in charge at Loews? Would like to call them and beg them to open a store closer to me.
Replies
That sucks.... It would be interesting to know if his stance is sanctioned by HD rules and regs, or if he was just wingin' it on his own.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I think the mgr's stance was driven by the fact that I bought the saw at another location and she didn't want to get stuck with a large, inventory headache.
My new rule is I will no longer buy anything with a plug or battery from HD! The only stuff I will buy from them now is supply yard and hardware-type stuff.
This rule will be added to the list which includes "Don't buy anything "living" from HD"
I have gotten to the point where I will not go to HD for anything if I have any other option. I find that the service is the worst. I have spent a lot of money there and I wish I had gone elsewhere. I too wish there was a Lows near me. I do a lot of my shopping at Manards and at least there I get help for the most part.
Ken K
There's A--holes anywhere u go. Sounds like that manager is one of them.
But, hey, HD is just that - a depot - that also happens to give you a no questions asked, 1 year return guarantee on tools. That ain't bad in my books!
Do they sell some crappy stuff? yeah! Do they have floor people that don't know Redwood from red wood? yeah!
But when they have stuff u need they offer it at a pretty good price. Use them to your benefit.
I once bought a CH paint gun at lowe's. It was bad. Took it back and got another. It was bad. Took it back and got my money back. Went to HD and got one that worked.
By the way, the Lowe's closest to me is neat as a pin and a joy to shop at. The HD across the street looks like a pig pen, and is the pits to shop at. But, this HD has twice the sales as the Lowe's. Lowe's has a female manager and HD a man. I figure that's why Lowe's is so clean and neat. Home building in this area is exploding (been exploding for last 10 years). Somehow HD has locked up all the commercial builders. Hardly any commercial builders use this Lowe's. ?????????
I use em both to what ever advantage I can get!
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
PlaneWood
Home Depot opened up a new store in my town this summer. And while I do appreciate the much larger choice of products, I hate going to that store. My regular source is a locally owned True Value store. You can park right in front of the door. The inventory has been in the same place for the last 20+ years. The clerks all know my name, and all but the newest ones can tell me instantly exactly which aisle and at what eye level the thing I'm looking for is. And in many cases where I haven't found something I needed (like a 3/16" radius round over router bit) and mentioned it to a clerk, I'd come back the next week to find one on the shelf.
The first week the Home Depot was open, I was in the market for a reciprocating saw. Home depot had a variety of makes, and the one I wanted in stock for $139 or so. I went to the True Value and they had the same one for $149 or so. I asked the True Value clerk if he would match HD's price, and he replied that he couldn't afford to. I asked him if he could afford to lose my business to HD. He didn't reply. I went to HD and bought the saw. A week or so later there was a new sign on True Value's door reading "We Will Match or Beat ANY COMPETITOR'S Prices". Since then I have only gone to HD when True Value has not carried what I needed. And since they still call me by name, I don't even worry about HD's price being cheaper.
4DThinker
Ahhh When will they ever learn. I very seldom go into either Home Dil** or Blowes.
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
I find it kind of funny that after you spoke so highly of your local True Value store you went to home depot to save $10.00 an a tool. Is the time you spent driving around comparing the prices worth anything? Have you ever found prices at TV to be cheaper on some items. I have found that true value is often cheaper on small hardware items. Sad that you don't think the personal service and knowledgable staff you spoke so highly of in you post isn't worth an extra ten bucks from time to time.Tom
Douglasville, GA
While I'm not big on the big boxes here, HD, Lowes or Sutherlands, I did appreciate years ago a pleasing moment.
I was returning a lot of sad casing and trim that my client had bought from HD, she said. During the check in the clerk was separating out some of the trim saying it must be Builders Squares' stuff 'cause it didn't scan. It looked identical to the theirs.
Crap, I said, now I've gotta go across town to another store to refund this stuff.
A nearby manager heard me cuss, asked what was the problem. After the clerk explained to him that it was not all there's he looked at me and said,"It's all the same tho and I'll bet you have more to buy?"
I said I did, quite a bit. He said then we'll refund it all explaining that he'd rather have my money from the rest I had to buy then give it to BS.
What a concept, finally a guy that got it! It bought my business and appreciation for HD here in Tulsa.
But I must agree with some of you on any given day at any given moment they have away of really p***ing me off. But that is most times due to new people who just need a little special training. I'm always glad to give it, their not always glad to get it.
It goes both ways guys, good and bad, democrat or republican, delta or grizzly,blond or redhead.
You do the math the state of your day your life is your choosing, choose a smile it kills slower.
$10 a tool works out to 7% or so. If staying with true value was going to make my yearly hardware/building costs cost 7% more than shopping at HD, then it would be sad, but I'd let True Value die a slow death. I love the store, but mostly because they had been smart about giving me good and competitive prices on products in the past. As it turns out, they are now matching HDs prices on things they also sell, and have started specializing to carry items HD doesn't carry.
Lets pretend I'm your best friend. I have a tool you want. I'm willing to sell it to you. I want $149 from you even though you and I both know you could buy the tool somewhere else for $139. Should you pay $10 more fearing you'll lose me as a friend if you don't? Or should I fear losing you as a friend by taking advantage of that friendship and charging you more than I know would pay somewhere else? Maybe I'm an idiot for expecting you to pay $149 and shouldn't be suprised or affended if you don't buy the tools from me. As your friend I don't expect you to be so stupid as to pay more for something than you'd have to.
OK, maybe $10 is a penny to you. What if it's a $20,000 car, and I want you to pay me 7% more than the dealer down the street will sell it to you for. At what point do the pennies become serious? How much extra money should we each spend every year to keep local businesses in business?
In light of you coments about the service the store provided you it seemed to me a small price to pay for the additional services they provide. I'm sure they have other items that you pay less for by shopping there. To me it all averages out. I shop often at Highland Hardware and often pay more for items there than I could buy them for elsewhere. They spend more to have a knowledgable staff and I appreciate that. It doesn't always come down to the lowest price. Unfortunately for many small businesses price is all that matters to people such as yourself. Tom
Douglasville, GA
I used to do pretty much all my lumber business, and a reasonable portion of my hardware&plumbing business, and that was increasing, at a local True Value hardware/lumber yard. I willingly paid a small premium for the priviledge of keeping my money in the community for at least a little bit longer, LOL. Our relationship extended back at least fifeteen years.
A couple of years ago I had a big project underway, required lots of wood and fasteners and, unusual for me and they, I asked for a quote before placing the order. Days passed. Calls were made. Finally, close to a week later, a party from the store called. We went thru the list, item by item, quantity by quantity. I think he called the next day with a price that was GREAT!! "Ship it!", I said.
When the stuff arrived, half (in $) was neither on the truck nor on the invoice, the hardware was incorrect, but the total agreed with the price quoted over the phone. The driver asked who took the order, nodded his head knowingly, and allowed as that was about what to expect from him (the party who took the order), and he (the driver) was getting tired of being on the receiving end of it.
Long story short, they gave me a $50 credit (about 20% of their error). They also replaced the hardware, but still incorrect, and never returned my phone call (I called to ask if they had it in the size I needed).
My other primary recepient of all my shopping dollars, Spag's in Shrewsbury, forgot, completely, about their customers. Nothing worse, when in business, to turn one's back on one's customers while searching for new ones...
So, now the big box store gets more of our money. :-(
Ed, I completely agree that the business has a responsibility to the customer as well. I support businesses that support me. If it means paying a little more from time to time that's fine.
The local True Value hardware store sells (hardware washers nuts etc..) much cheaper than HD or Lowe's. I'd bet you couldn't get either of the others to match the price though because it isn't the "same" item. The one at TV is probably better. I think the overall package you are getting from a particular business needs to be looked at. Tom
Douglasville, GA
I'll echo some of what's been said above. I see paying that extra "little bit" as a reward for, and support of, excellent customer service received at a local store. In general, the Big Box volume stores that provide better prices do not provide consistently knowledgeable floor personnel. Sure, some are and some aren't, but in general IME most are relatively clueless about what they are selling.
I buy paint, sandpaper, solvents, sheet rock, roofing supplies and some lumber from a local store, even though I could go to a nearby town and get it at HD cheaper. Why? Because those local guys have answered dozens of questions over the years, they are almost all experienced contractors or plumbers or electricians, and I know I can count on them. Trying to get the same questions answered at HD or Lowe's is an exercise in futility.
In summary, it's not solely about money. It's about the total relationship. If a customer has no questions, and needs no customer service beyond the absolute basics, then the rest doesn't come into play I guess.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
OK, folks. You can be grateful and pay more to support your long-time local suppliers if you want. The nice thing about it being your money is that you can spend it any way you want to. I'm grateful too, but want to pay the least I have to for the things I buy. Now "pay" involves more than cash, I'll agree. Sometimes there's that gas and time cost to drive farther for a lower price. I've had a Lowes and HD about an hour away for several years, and that time/distance was never worth driving to save a few bucks on something I could get locally. But now the HD and TV are equally close to my home. That driving/time penalty doesn't apply any more. I'll also agree that true expertise is worth paying for. But if I've done the research and decided what I want to buy before every arriving at the store, no store expertise was used, and so I won't pay extra for it. Likewise, HDs total lack of expertise doesn't influence my buying decision or affect my project's outcome, so they haven't lost value in my eyes, and as such haven't lessened the value of the tools I buy from them.
I love the easy park-by-the-door and small size of the TV. At HD I have to walk a good half mile to get in and out with any purchase. That's certainly a plus for TV in my mind. But since walking is good for me, and something I don't mind, it's not worth 7% on my hardware purchases.
What has TV earned for having been there first and having been friendly all these years? THEY get my business when they have the product I want at the same or nearly the same price as HD. They know that. And that's why they are now very (more) competitive when pricing their products.
And I'll bet you shop the same way. You're no dummy.
I may follow the same though process as you on many of my purchases, but I would never walk into a store, with whom I have had a good relationship for 15 years, and tell them that if they don't match the one week old big box store's price they would lose me as a customer. Tom
Douglasville, GA
Agreed. I worked at a True Value Hardware store for several years, and the experience one receives as a good customer at such a business, compared to HD, etc., is worthy of repeat business.
I know all the names of the fellas at my regular stops, and they know mine. That will NEVER happen at HD.
rg
Does anybody see a correlation between the decline in quality of particular blue-handled brand of chisel and it's widespread appearance in the big box home improvement chain stores?
I think manufacturers compromise on quality to meet a given price point in exchange for the mass marketing opportunity of the chain store.
I am now suspicious of the quality of ALL products in a brand if that brand is at a BBHICS. My dad's worm drive Skil saw turns 25 this year. Not so sure you could say that in 2028 about a power tool you purchase today at a BBHICS.
I know this thread started with an observation about service, but I believe service is commensurate with the quality of the product. The product is NOT service at these stores. It's LOW PRICES.
And...you get what you play for.
tony b.
Obscure REO Speedwagon reference for the old-timers...
I thought it was just me! I thought I was seeing things! I was looking at a 4-pack of those Marples chisels at HD the other day, and I noticed they looked different than the old set I have at home: rougher on the edges, molded plastic handles that looked like they'd break easily and one had a chipped edge.
It's not just you. I have a set of Blue Chip chisels about ten years old and they are very very good. I recently bought a new Blue Chip and it's terrible. Can't hold an edge. The new chisel handle has a small picture of a head, looks like a pilot. That's one way of telling the new (no good) from the old (pretty good).
There is a tie in to globalization and free trade here.
My next door neighbor, an avid Ditto head, complains of poor quality imported tools and the lack of American manufacturers supplying quality tools. Yet when faced with buying a Dial Caliber, instead of a quality American Starlett, he buys a cheapee Taiwanese knock off. Doesn't see the corolation. Buy American-- Buy Quality-- Keep Jobs in America. Nope, buy the cheapest piece of c r a p and then complain. Wonder why manufacturing plants are moving to frigging Mexico. Soon we'll be flocking to Mexico for our jobs. Hope we can get drivers licenses there, just like the illegals can in California.
So back to Home Depot. You complaint about these big boxes and their c r a p p y products and their low service quality. Yet these same people flock to them. Why, because they can save $1 on a stud. They drive out competition like WalMart and then there is no choice but to shop there, because that is all there is.
Do you guys start to see the picture here?
I own a Chevy. I buy American tools. I don't shop at big boxes.Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
The talk of Marples and a change in quality has a newcomer like me thinking. When is a Marples Blue Chip chisel not a Marples Blue Chip chisel? I bought the aforementioned 4-pack at Lowes for $18 less than Woodcraft. Different products or just different prices?
When it comes to big chain stores I've seen that it depends on the particular store. Mostly good people can run a decent store that can provide "first name basis" service. There may be other stores in the franchise who couldn't care less. Big store or small, when the quality of the products goes down the tubes the customers head out the door.
just my 2 cents,
Rob
I have a feeling I'm not in Kansas anymore. . . .but how about those Jayhawks!
Not to hijack this or anything...
Right on TonyB. You'd love "Dumpster Sally" (ancient 8.25" Skil wormdrive) that I retrieved out of the town's scrap-metal dumpster. Still works a treat, and as near as I can tell it's a 1950's issue.
Curiousity being aroused and on vacation this week with the time to do so, I spoke to 4 store managers of HD and Lowe's today. I have 5 stores within 15 minutes of me. The deal with contractor theft caught me by surprise as it never entered my mind.
Two Lowe's managers and two HD managers told me that more employee's were nabbed for theft than anyone else. But, and this is a big but; the contractors (sub-contractors was the actual word used by all 4) caught actually contributed to a much higher dollar figure as they were caught with much more quantity and higher dollar items. Regular customer theft came in third.
Kind of interesting even though this was a local level question and based on a regional report they were given. These figures might vary from region to region, they were not sure of that.
And of course this does not mean all employee's, customers and sub-contractors steal from the "Big Box". The above info is just based on those caught in the act, and most aren't.
sarge..jt
Sarge,
Semper Fi from an old Grunt Corpsman and VN Vet! Leave it to an old Jarhead to bring some calm and reason to this vitriolic discussion (rant). I too have noticed the same decline in the caliber of employees at HD since Art And Bernie gave up the reigns - really a sad situation since they were on to something good I should add that my son is a store manager for HD - worked his way up from lot attendant. The kid is often frustrated by the changes but is hopeful that with time there will be a return to the old system - once they get rid of Nardelli(sp?).
By the way some of us should take a lesson from the 'college boys' and pay more attention to our grammar and spelling in our rants (has anyone noticed the spell check option in this forum?) Even a total computer illiterate like me can use it!
Steve
doc (Steve)
Semper Fi... I am not a "jar-head". Ran a Hunter-Killer team with P Co. 75th Ranger Reg. right next door (LZ Sharron) to 3rd Marine Div. HQ. in Quang Tri City, I Corp. I did work with your scout-snipers and recon many times. Were you attached to 3rd Marines or 1st Marines down at Happy Valley around Da Nang? Will let it go at that as it is a WW forum. E-mail reply if you have the time.
Yep, things have changed and only since the G.E. whiz took the reins. Lee Iaacoca (sp) went over from Eastern AL and saved Chrysler. Looks like this character tried to increase profits to meet board demands by cutting over-head at every corner including full time experienced employee's. The results are getting a "skip" or "mis-fire". I don't think personally that things will change till he's gone. And hopefully that is not too late for the sake of stock-holders and all the long-time vested employees that can't afford in this late stage to just say, "Take this job and shove it".
Regards and good luck to your son...
sarge..jt
As I said, very clearly I thought: "If a customer has no questions, and needs no customer service beyond the absolute basics, then the rest doesn't come into play I guess."forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
A very telling excerpt from your post:
"I went to the True Value and they had the same one for $149 or so. I asked the True Value clerk if he would match HD's price, and he replied that he couldn't afford to. I asked him if he could afford to lose my business to HD."
So, what you are saying is, you love the service of the True Value; they're great, and treat you well, they have knowledgeable staff, BUT YOU WON'T PAY EXTRA FOR IT. So, if everyone is like you, you can expect the True Value to close in about a year.
Ron,
Few years back, I found a great deal on a Delta Contractor's saw at Lowes. Bought it, took it home, turned it on and grimaced...the dang thing was SOOO LOUD that I couldn't stand to turn it on without wearing ear muffs! Called the store, they in turn directed me to a tech rep, who said this was normal for a new saw and that the motor would "break in and quiet down.
I said bullsht...sounds like a bad bearing in the motor to me. Tech says, run saw for a week, if it breaks down, or still too loud, return it for another one.
Lo and behold, by the end of the week, the saw motor siezes up ( bad bearing of course!) and so I must return saw. Returned it to Lowes...they had no problem with the return and offered to exchange saw for another Delta Contractor....I said "no thanks, give me my money."...which they did. I in turn went and purchased a new Powermatic 66...best thing I ever did.
Moral of the story...whether you shop at Lowes or HD, the product quality is the same. For the most part, both stores carry the same line and models of tools. Whether you get a good tool or a clunker, is just the luck of the draw. Now...if you want a really good performing table saw, spend the money for a good one. Sadly, $500 won't get you spit anymore. It will buy you a decent, plastic, portable table saw, but not a great one for shop use. If you want a saw with close tolerances, buy a Powermatic 66 or a Delta Unisaw or perhaps even a General.
If you are in the market for a portable saw for jobsite use, the Makita Model 2703 is a rugged lil saw. It will cut a 4X4 in one pass. Only trouble is not much table...you need an auxillary table such as the Rousseau to really give the saw a wide rip capability. Of course these stands run you around $300...and the saw is around $300..sooo you need approx $600 for this outfit. I use the Makita for jobsite use cause it is so lightweight.
But for shop use...I'm really happy with my PM 66. Yeah, it set me back financially, but the ease of set-up and the reliability of the thing has more than made up for that initial sticker shock.
LOL.
Davo
Well a good friend of mines son used to work for HD he told me they sold 2nds. Ive heard this from other folks also. I dont know if they do. But I know they sell their own product lines. If you buy a Stanley door for example from them and its cheaper then any place else rest assured that it is made with a lighter gage steel . it will have a p/n unique to the HD.
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
I work for HD and I wouldn't buy a Ridgid or a Ryobi and no, they are not 2nd's. Whoever told that to HD emploee is an idiot. Hd is clamping down in a lot of areas and that starts with returns. No reciepit, you get a gift card, tough. HD is sick and tired of the scammers and thieves and thats why they are putting in security cameras and loss prevention personal on the floor. The biggest pack of thieves are the contractors, thats right the contractors. It's nothing for them to take 10 or 12 packs of Milwaukee reciprocating saw blades, rip open the pack and pocket them. Those packs are $14 to $20 dollars each and that equals a lot of stolen goods. Viper router bits, 4 or 5 empty packs found in the RTA kitchen cabinets one day. Not the cheap straight bits, the profile bits that go for around $25 to $40 each.
As for how clean a store is, HD is a working warehouse ( We are not Sears, Kohls, or Target) thats why some of the stores look the way they do. We have many, many, more customers then Lowe's. Lowe's stores look so neat and clean because they have nobody in the store to mess it up and that gives them time to clean and stay clean. I sell major appliances and when I am not waiting on a customer I am cleaning the appliances.
And b4 you go any farther, yes, I do shop at TV and Lowes for certain items and I don't expect HD to have everything. If have beef with a store manager there is always his boss (DM, RM or RVP) or call Atlanta.
Ok, I've been watching this for a while. No suprises. Bad service, good service, good prices and bad prices.
"The biggest pack of thieves are the contractors, thats right the contractors. "
This is a pretty severe statement. How do you know this? Is it based on the type of merchandise stolen? Have you caught contractors? I'm really curious how you came to this conclusion.
As far as HD and Lowes goes. For the most part, there service has been alright. There is one HD that I won't shop at if I can help it. It's known as the Chick Store. (FG, No offense intended) They have stocked this one with mostly "homeowner level" merchandise. The help there isn't always the best. No tool rental. ETC.
I guess my expection is less with large warehouse type stores. I support my local guys first, but they aren't always open at times when I need them.
Peace,
Len
Having gone through building a garage recently where a nephew-in-law started the project but just couldn't find the time to finish it due to hunting season (yeah - where's the work ethic with some of these young people!) and having to switch to another framer AND having to go pick up garage doors, windows, etc. etc. I found out very quickly that the HD I loved could be VERY VERY frustrating when you need something besides "simple" stuff. Unfortunately the same goes for the local Lowe's. They are both big box warehouse type store's and will never have the kind of assistance you're likely to find at smaller more local operations. That said, I still buy from them both. Recently went to Lowe's (in Memphis on my way home - 25 miles north) on a Friday night to pick up some very simple stuff - pressure-treated 2x4s to build some adirondack chairs. Found what I needed - way to high up for me to reach. Found ALL the help outside (5 guys loading up another chick's stuff - okay, she was probably cuter and younger) and got the comment, "everybody comes on Friday night and we just don't have the help". I left - went to the local Cole's Do-It-Center (in Millington - 10 miles south of me) the next morning and was in and out in about 15 minutes. They are building a new Lowe's across the street from Cole's so it will be interesting to see how they respond. They've already expanded their hours in anticipation of Lowe's (they're still preparing the site - lots of dirt and grading going on!). I'm guessing I'll use Lowe's a good bit - hey, I just like walking around those "big" places sometimes to see all the cool stuff they have BUT I'll probably continue to use Cole's just simply for the knowledgeable and fast service. I know I paid more for the wood at Cole's but for me the trade-off was okay. BUT then again, I ain't doin' this for a living so I can see the other point also.It's football time in Tennessee! Go Vols!!!!
This is a pretty severe statement. How do you know this? Is it based on the type of merchandise stolen? Have you caught contractors? I'm really curious how you came to this conclusion.
How do I know this??? A contractor pulled up to the enclosed area in the back and loaded his pickup truck with two flat carts full of merchandise while in the store . Windows, paint, paint accesories, one piece toilet and quite a few power tools and headed out back to his truck. When he was confronted by a manger he and his buddy ran. The only problem was when the police arrived and blocked the truck in his wallet was on the front seat. One contractor stole 5 sheets of maple plywood by loaded it into a lumber cart, walked around the store then right past a cashier waving his receipt and out the door. The problem being it had the wrong color sticker on it and the police showed up as he was loading it and confessed to the whole thing. Small items are picked up and carried around for a while and when the get to the garden center they pick a deserted spot and toss it over the fence to a buddy. For gods sake the list goes on and on. Every week there is a thief caught and pilfering is unreal not only at HD but that goes for Lowes as well.
GEE RON: I think you might of hit a Nerve there & now poor Dave is POED..LOL..
By the way keep up the good Work..
ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..
I work for HD and I wouldn't buy a Ridgid or a Ryobi and no, they are not 2nd's. Whoever told that to HD emploee
is an idiot.
No just about everyone who works their and tries to give advice on how to do something is a idiot. I'll tell you this I dont know about rigid or ryobi but Ive bought delta from them when they sold it and just about every tool Ive bought from them I had to return because it broke or wouldnt operate correctly then go down the street to a regular tool store and buy the same tool and it worked perfectly. You tell me or maybe it was a bad shipment..ya and as far as contractors stealing I know for a fact by a current HD employee that in their new employee orientation the company states that EMPLOYEE theft is there major type of theft occurring in YOUR store. They ought to put cameras in your lounge
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
Edited 10/22/2003 10:57:34 AM ET by RonT
No just about everyone who works their and tries to give advice on how to do something is a idiot.
Ok Mr. Know-it-all. Why don't YOU put on an orange apron and show us how its done. Everything from Appliances to kitchen design to millwork to hardware to electrical and everything in between. OOOHHH and don't forget to show us how to faux paint and lay tile like a pro. No more Monday night football either, you have to hold the Do-it-Herself clincs on Mondays at 8:00 P.M.
If you are that GOOD, come work for us and show us how its done.
Gee Mr Disgruntled employee, If you were really that good at laying tile you'd be making about 400-500 bucks a day not 8 bucks a hour,
If you were a electrician you'd be making that by noon. nah your some kid frsh out of college with a liberal arts degree who couldnt get a job as a bar tender so you decided to get a job with the Home Depot, take a couple of there in house classes pass the test and now your a expert.
But dont worry maybe someday you will be able to impress one of the thieveing contractors who as a part of a industry that spend millions of dollars in that zoo and maybe he will hire you and then you can make some money and move out of your Moms basement and get your own apt with only about 6 roomates. Then you all can watch Monday nght football and play video games and watch harry potter movies.
BTW if I was your present employer, and I found out you were representing the company this way you'd be back working at a temp job or standing out in front of your great employer waiting for someone to give you a job.
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
This is getting good now. All I wanted to do was blow off some steam about my latest HD letdown...look what it's turned into! I'm afraid poor Dave is gonna go postal on the next GC he sees in the Garden dept with a toilet on his cart.
Hey Dave, ease up on the HD defensiveness....they'll never love you back.
I live in Atlanta where HD started. I have seen many changes since Arthrur Ash and partner relented to the new CEO. Much cost-cutting has taken place. More part-time employee's that are not as knowledgeable of their department. When the current regime bought out the old, the notion of hiring knowledgeable people went out the door. At least local, which is all I can speak for.
The Lowe's store that built across the street is cleaner. If you compare about 10 items, it's usually a couple of bucks higher as I experienced yesterday with a door thres-hold. I have never found the personel at Lowe's local to have more than a general knowledge of their department. I have been browsing many times there and answered questions to customers that the Tool Dept. person couldn't.
The boxes are now price oreinted for the most part. There are still concerned employee's from the old regime that care as Dave does. They are fewer and farther between than in the past as many cannot support families on other than full 40 hour weeks. The benefits are not there as they were.
Bottom line: You get what you pay for. If you're shopping price only and know what you want, they're OK. You might even run into someone like Dave that does know his product and cares. A Bonus! But if you want know-ledgeable staff, lenient return policies and customer oriented service; it was lost with the "price war" with Lowes. So, who's to blame? Maybe we are an I accept some of that as I like low prices.
BTW, for all of you that don't know Dave, he is not a just out of college, wet behind the ears, fell off the "turnip truck" yesterday person. He is an ex-Marine VN vet that has many years experience in appliance retail sales at Sears before their down-size. He has a young family and works his hinny off to support them.
I don't give a d*mn what someone's yearly salary is. I have as much respect for someone making $8 an hour as $800. Respect is earned, not handed out on the basis of your yearly income. Personal character does not come with your pay-check. I have respect for Dave, he has earned that from me. I may not agree with him all the time, but I won't dis-mantle him as an idiot as he's not. To do so without knowing anything about him except his salary would probably classify me as a well... an "idiot".
Ya'll behave now, ya hear... ha..ha..
sarge..jt
Well said Sarge.
There is no excuse for bad manners.
That all maybe true. But its not how much money he makes or what his back ground is its his ATTITUDE. Pure and simple.
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
In post #20 I see where he describes the current policy of the new regime of HD. In a manner that would be considered diplomatic by HD? Probably not, but no direct insults to anyone on this forum.
In post #22 the 1st line of paragraph 2 reads:"No, just about everyone who works there and tries to give advice on how to do something is an idiot."
Diplomatic? Probably not. Direct insult when speaking to a employee of HD and forum member? I would be insulted, would you if spoken to first party in that manner?
In post #35 he responds to the direct insult in post#22. Attitude? Not sure. Defense of being called an idiot? Probably.
In post #37 everything gets thrown but the kitchen sink. Assumptions based on no reliable information. You will have to go back and read for yourself. Would you or I stand for someone speaking to us in that manner, face to face?Probably not..
Were mistakes made? That is for the parties involved to decide. If so, ATTITUDE will play a role in correcting them if they are to be corrected. Pure and simple.
sarge..jt
SARGE: I see your assuming your New position here as the Principal,I assume Jamie is going to be the New school Marm.. & me & Ron T are going to be paddled & made stand in the corner huh?LMAO... ok now thats over lets slosh down a few cold Brewskies & grill some brats on the BBQ..
oh by the way if FG was the school Marm,I would be the teachers "Pet" <G>
ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..
TD
You probably would be the pet and I have a feeling she would have you on a leash writing "I've been a bad boy" on the black-board 100 times.
The Brewskies sound good, but you will have to supply the Brats. All we retired "moon-shiners" can afford down south is "weenies" made from what didn't get sold at a premium price to you rich folks up north. he....
In the in-famous words of Sgain Dubh, "I think we all need a drink". An I'm going to get one... now.. ha..ha..
sarge..jt
SARGE: Weenies they make them up here too use everything from the Pig but the squeal..<G>.. anywho have a nice weekend.. hmm your keepin kinda late hours here for a old Guy..LOL...
ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..
Doc
This old guys gets up at 9 AM and retires around 2 PM. I told you sleeping is too much down-time. I'm on vacation this week also. Take one every two months where I need it or not. Another advantage of old guys. :>)
sarge..jt
SARGE: Must be Nice to be Semi Retired like you,Ive got to hand it to ya old Fox you certainly have a handle on things..IM begining to start looking forward to retirement myself lately after all the long days I have been puting in lately Retirement is starting to look better & better all the time.. but its still a long time off..guess I just need a little down time where I can sit back & enjoy the time off..I have Bookoo Vacation stored up & need to burn a few days,guess I better do it soon before old man winter hits us here in the NE,cause theres no Vac or Holidays or time off then...oh well guess I'll just slosh another brewskie & dream of it.. Have a nice weekend..
ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..
Doc
It's nice to be able to work when you want. I have a part-time job with a company that restores and sells old muscle car parts all over the world. 6 hours a day talking about old Chevelles, GTO's. Camaro's, etc. Free coffee to boot. If they ever cut out the free coffee, I'm headed to my shop for good. ha..ha..
Take care, Doc...
sarge..jt
go,back to post 20
He said:
"I work for HD and I wouldn't buy a Ridgid or a Ryobi and no, they are not 2nd's. Whoever told that to HD emploee is an idiot."
you said " Diplomatic? Probably not. Direct insult when speaking to a employee of HD and forum member? I would be insulted, would you if spoken to first party in that manner
Un huh????
So then my best friend and mentor who passed away 1 year ago last year who was the best woodwork/contractor is a idiot. But when I respond in like Im attaccking him. Lets check your other referances (thats where the edits will come from)
You said :
Curiousity being aroused and on vacation this week with the time to do so, I spoke to 4 store managers of HD and Lowe's today. I have 5 stores within 15 minutes of me.
Isnt that what I said in the same post you quoted as a attack, I said something to the effect of most of the theft at HD is from employees.
So in post 35 he went on the offensive with direct escalation of the insults with:
Ok Mr. Know-it-all. Why don't YOU put on an orange apron and show us how its done. Everything from Appliances to kitchen design to millwork to hardware to electrical and everything in between. OOOHHH and don't forget to show us how to faux paint and lay tile like a pro. No more Monday night football either, you have to hold the Do-it-Herself clincs on Mondays at 8:00 P.M.
If you are that GOOD, come work for us and show us how its done.
That answer gives me the impression that he works in all those departments and is a expert at them with the " OOOHHH and dont forget to show us how faux paint or tile like a pro. Not to mention with the MNF remark He doesnt like his job at all and its mine or the publics fault because the the store schedules those classes at that time. Sounds like he was complianing to me.
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
Edited 10/24/2003 2:48:47 PM ET by RonT
Edited 10/24/2003 2:58:55 PM ET by RonT
Do you think we should forward this thread to this poor guy? ;)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3146042998
Were mistakes made? That is for the parties involved to decide. If so, ATTITUDE will play a role in correcting them if they are to be corrected. Pure and simple.
The last paragraph of my only direct post to you.
Please explain in post #37, from paragraph two forward where did the infomation and sources you based all those allegations come from. Do you consider it truth or slander?
If the answer is truth and you state the reliable sources from which you attained it, I will continue this discussion.
If the answer is slander that was spoken in a moment of anger, please refer to the first paragraph of this post and have a good day.
sarge..jt
Edited 10/25/2003 2:40:36 AM ET by SARGE
Hello everyone. My name is Sue and I am replying to RonT message. My husband was so appalled at this posting he has decided never to come here nor post anything.
My husband is 52 y.o Man who is working his a%^ off trying to get this family back on even keel after a real diaster with Sears. He makes about 2 1/2 times the amount you stated ($8/hr.) and has been a Major Appliances salesman since '92. He is also a veteran of Vietnam with the Marines and he does go to the birthday every year (Cookies) with his brother ( Marine veteran of Beriut, '58 I think). After the Corps he was a Machine Designer of semi conductor machinery from '73 til '91. His Mom and Dad passed away ('77 & '82) and he has never lived in anybodys basement. He is proud to work at Home Depot and loves it there because of all the knowledge his is gaining from the his fellow employees. He's not an expert in electricity or tiling nor has he ever claimed to be. You made that statement. What he is is my husband, lover and best friend. Someone who cares and understands and loves me for who I am weather I am right or wrong. He is also a grandfather and father to two daughters and there is nothing he would not do for them.
What he is to Home Depot is a dedicated employee, giving each and every customer the best possible service and knowledge answers he can. If he doesn't know the answer he will find the right source and get it for you.
You have done a great disservice to this man and someday, when you mature and grow up, you will learn just what you did and I hope it never happens to you.
good bye,Sue
Sue
Tell Dave I said hello. I think you will find that most people here are aware of what you told us at this point. Please tell Dave if there's anything I can possibly do, please email.
My thoughts and wishes are with you and your family.
Sincerely...
sarge..jt
Sue, I can only hope you and Dave understand that RonT doesn't speak for all of us here at Knots, and fortunately few members conduct ourselves in such an immature, rude and demeaning way toward others. Hopefully, Dave can put that ugly message from Post 22 in its place -- the Big Garbage Can in the Cyberspace.
I will apologize for my somewhat snippy comment -- was feeling concern about Dave's "job security" should his employer somehow read his posts. Best of luck to you both in these hard times!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
FG
I think I will e-mail. If he said he won't return, then he will most likely not. If you or others care to do that the option is there. It just seems the right thing to do.
Regards...
sarge..jt
SARGE: I have already beat you to the punch..oh I forgot your older than me & not as quick& fast on the key board anymore.. I fired off a reply to Dave last night asking him to reconsider his decission of not posting here.. its ashame that his post had to resort to this.. but guess his post was enough to fire up a lot of people..sort of reminds me of the old saying.. if you can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen..anywho I for one hopes he does return & we can all get back to talking tools, Woodworking & me of course just bothering you & FG..<G>..
ToolDoc
Proud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..
Now Dave just cuz we have a disagreement is no reason to stop posting here. There have been alot worse salvos fired then this little thing. This isnt nothing. Now I remember some issues that really got blown out of proportion a couple of the really nasty ones were over how flat a workbench should be and believe it or not toothpaste as a lapping compound. This is the internet no need to take things so personal from people(me included) you'll probably never meet and wouldnt know if they were standing next to you at a bus stop.
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
"There have been alot worse salvos fired then this little thing." True, unfortunately. Nothing to be proud of, for sure.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Im not sure but was that a incoming salvo
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
"What he is to Home Depot is a dedicated employee"
And What I am to him as well as other contractors is a thief.
Now sniff sniff my feeling are hurt . I guess I should just let him and you and others hang me up and beat me like a pinata and Im supposed to enjoy it....
Thank you Sir , May I have another
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
geeeeezzzzzz....
Of course the contractors are going to be the biggest theives. They are the ones that are in the store the most often. They also feel that they are owed something because they do spend so much money there.
One of the things i like about the big chain stores is that you can walk around and see the product. I get more ideas of things to do and alternatives this way. In my local TV you pretty muck have to know what u want b4 u go in the store. Everything is kept out back where u dont get a chance to see it.
Dave: Sure seems to be you like to Toot your own Horn..Better Wake up & smell the Coffee cause Home Depot is NOT a Better store than LOWES..
ToolDocProud Member of the Delta & Klein Tradesman Club & Milwaukee HD Club & Knots Bad Boys & Girls Club..
A Non ~ Member of the Knots Bandsaw Guru Club..
Right on Tooldoc - Give Lowes time...they'll catch up and knock out all those (most of them) Poor service, unorganized, dirty, laggards in the HD chain.
Dave - since you wwork for HD maybe you can help me out. I started this thread with my table saw issue. I wound up returning the saw to a store 30 minutes away from my home because the store 3 minutes away would not take it back. I had the receipt. The saw was a floor model and when I bought it I asked about returns and the Tool Crib guy said it wouldn't be a problem. I brought the saw home and it wouldn't cut striaght. I called the local service guy...he laughed and said I should return it. Returned it to my local store and the MGR said "Bring it back to where you bought it, it's not my problem."
I had to waste 90 minutes on a Sunday driving to the store where I bought it, waiting in the return line for 30 minutes, and driving back.
Who do I call to put report this manager. I believe she was wrong in her decision...and extremely rude as well....she gives all you guys a bad name....sorry to generalize but that's the way it goes.
"HD is sick and tired of the scammers and thieves....""The biggest pack of thieves are the contractors...."
Uhhhh, it's evident public relations training hasn't been intense. Do they know you're representing here in an international forum?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I buy major power tools from a local retail tool supply guy, which charges about 15% more than Home Cheapo or the the Tool Crib. I've known the guy for about 15 years, he knows my business, cheerfully accepts returns, and can fix the d a m n tool, as he is an authorized service center for Delta etc.
I cheerfully pay extra for the service and the quality. You got exactly what you bargained for.
By the way, I bought my Delta Unisaw from my guy, he assembled it, trued the table to specs with a dial caliber, installed an outfeed table, and tested it. He then delivered it to my shop. All for $100 extra which I cheerfully paid him.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
There's a lot of discussion in this thread about the 10$ difference in price between a large store and the smaller True Value but nobody has mentioned what, in my mind, is the critical issue. What is the volume of sales of True Value compared to HD?Consider the cost to each respective store to put that saw on the shelf. What HD might have for $139 might cost them $125 to put there because they buy from the manufacturer by the carload. True Value being smaller might find themselves paying $135 or more for the same item since they only buy by the truckload. And then consider the overhead that must come out of the gross profit - employees, physical plant, utilities ... it's a good deal higher percentage per piece for a smaller store so in matching a price it is even possible that they will make no profit on the piece and you might even look at it as taking a loss since overhead doesn't change. All small businesses must do this at times but do so to keep customers coming back.
Realizing that it's a different market in many ways - I own a computer shop. I do not so much as try to match or compete with Best Buy or Circuit City with new systems - my cost is quite a bit more than their final price. However, they cannot compete with me in service which is what keeps me in business - and I've been growing steadily over the last 8 years. I still sell a significant number of custom machines as more and more customers are coming to realize that the components I use are superior to those in the mass marketed boxes.
The point here is that the True Value store in question is most probably a franchise meaning they can buy their stock from the TV main warehouse at prices where they can turn a profit but that price is almost certainly not going to be the same as HD pays for the same item. If we don't support our smaller local businesses, the conglomerates are going to be our only options before too long and service is pretty much going to be a thing of the past. Do any of us really want that?
Be safe,Ken
Ahhhhh, while Sarge and TD were tossing down brewskies, Ken signed up as "navigator. Good job Ken, and right on target re: the costs of doing business!
I wasn't around last night, and see that this thread is definitely "an argument for men who love arguments" so I'll be taking a low profile, LOL!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I am probably jumping in on the minority side here. I like Home Depot and Lowes. HD is about 2 miles and Ls' is about 8 miles. I have had very good luck with the staff in both stores. I'm not looking for an expert just staff that knows the stock so I don't have to read my way down 2 lanes looking for something. I've had good luck in plumbing, electric, paint and hardware. I agree HD is a bit of a dive, the lighting is terrible and never enough staff at checkout.
I miss the 2 old fashion hardware stores in my area that have gone out of buisness in the last 15 years. Great friendly helpful staff that knows thier stock. Especially the second to close, that old guy could read a ruler and cut glass Right!
My local True Value store is great, small, but great. They recognize me the soon as I walk in the door and want to help me. Their my first choice on a Saturday morning when I need some special size screws. Home Depot is a zoo on weekend mornings.
I buy most of my structural wood at 84 Lumber (old fashion lumber yard). Order and pay inside and then drive your truck to the right pile(s) and the guy is there to help you. NO STINKING CARTS WITH A BAD WHEEL REQUIRED.
Enjoy, Roy
I think you've said what I think about this issue, perhaps better than I could, S-H. I buy from HD only because it's relatively fast (or used to be) when I know what I want and know where to find it in the store. But for major tool purchases and decent lumber, I shop at a 'real' lumber yard and my local saw sharpening/power tool business. 'cuz they're both there to serve me for those special kinds of things I need/want and they have the guts to back them up.
I'll pay a bit more any time to make sure American small business enterprise stays alive and well.
...........
Dennis in Bellevue WA
[email protected]
Just to let you know that it's not necessarily the store, but the people who work there that make all the difference. I have had so many distasteful experieces at my local Lowes store, that I often find myself driving an extra 25 minutes longer just to visit my nearest Home Depot.
Hey Yall,
As a remodeling contractor I spend MEGA bucks at HD. More than 30 K last year, according to my IRS statement. I occasionaly shop at Lowes but I always regret it. When I have a question it is usually a pretty "advanced" question that only an experienced person could answer. Most of the employees that work there have worked as profesionals in their field for 10 or more years. This always amazes me. At Lowes I always seem to find these young highschool kids who dont even know what is in their department, much less how to use it.
As for returns, I have had great experiences at both. It is not uncommon for me to return several hundred dollars of odds and ends after a job, This sometimes means a basket full of little fittings and electrical doo dads. They always take it back with no questions. I absolutely do not look back fondly on the days of relying on the old Mom and Pop place. I remember growing up in the business that my dad would drive 200 miles to buy a decent aircompressor. The local store couldnt stock every thing. And if you needed anything strange like an oversized 2 gang switch and GFCI cover plate in ivory, forget it. I really like the selection at the Borgs when I make a purchase I know that I can count on finding the exact tool I need/want.
I absolutly think that the service is a lot better at the Borgs than at Wood Craft or Rocklers, where I usually end up with a sales guy who wants to argue about how his way is the right way, instead of really helping me.
MIke
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