Tractor Supply Does It Again

[buckeyefarmer]

Bought a ratchet rake there a few weeks ago. Picked up the rake in a cart, went inside and asked the counter guy where the ratchets were for it. He said they don't have them, it comes without ratchets. I pull up the ratchet rake web site and show it to him, told him it comes with ratchets. He looks around on his computer awhile then goes to the back of the store to look. Pretty soon another guy comes out with the ratchet box, original guy didn't show his face...

 

[JFoy]

I worked at TSC back in the summer for a couple months. Inventory and payroll are nearly 100% dictated by corporate now. Payroll is a bucket of hours handed down by corporate and the store management has to figure out how to disperse them. If sales go down in one month, the number of hours for the next month get cut. It's a poor way to do it in my opinion especially when you get down to skeletal crews working on busy days.

As for the inventory, yeah, we would run out of popular stuff all the time. Corporate would not give us a restock date - it showed up when it showed up. Some customers would put up with it while others would get frustrated. Only thing that kept them coming was little alternative in competitor stores in our area.

Ultimately, I left to give my hours to the kids who needed the hours.

 

[PJSprog]

As for the inventory, yeah, we would run out of popular stuff all the time. Corporate would not give us a restock date - it showed up when it showed up.

Honestly, Rural King works pretty much the same way. They were out of the 5' KK rotary cutters last fall, so I ordered one. Guy there told me he would put in an order, but couldn't tell me when it would be there. He said they ship when there's room on the truck going that way, and he wouldn't know what was on any delivery until the truck showed up. (it did show up the next week, and they even delivered it to our property at no charge)

 

[kc5dlo]

I was looking for a pellet stoves late last year and decided on a model that was carried online by both TSC and Northern. Neither stocked it and would need to be ordered online and shipped via truck freight. Both were the same price. It was a toss up who I was going to order from. A few weeks later when I was ready to pull the trigger on the purchase, TSC had it on sale and the shipping half price.
Ordered the stove and installed it when it arrived. It was dead on arrival. Called the factory and got nowhere. Called TSC ( Navigating their automated phone system is VERY difficult) Got ahold of a gentleman who was very helpful and call the factory on my behalf. He gave me a direct number to a customer service person who sent me a wiring harness and control board. Installed them and the unit started to power up but blew the fuse after a minute or so. Tried for 3 days to contact the person at the factory and they would not return my calls. Thought I was going to have to dispute the charge on my credit card but I contacted TSC again and the person that helped me told me to take the stove to my TSC store and they got a replacement on its way no charge. My shop is warm now when it needs to be and I feel TSC stepped up when PelPro would not. I don't have any warm fuzzies about PelPro but after the 1 year warranty I would have been on my own anyway.

 

[Ford850]

I worked at TSC back in the summer for a couple months. Inventory and payroll are nearly 100% dictated by corporate now. Payroll is a bucket of hours handed down by corporate and the store management has to figure out how to disperse them. If sales go down in one month, the number of hours for the next month get cut. It's a poor way to do it in my opinion especially when you get down to skeletal crews working on busy days.

As for the inventory, yeah, we would run out of popular stuff all the time. Corporate would not give us a restock date - it showed up when it showed up. Some customers would put up with it while others would get frustrated. Only thing that kept them coming was little alternative in competitor stores in our area.

Ultimately, I left to give my hours to the kids who needed the hours.

There is an enormous difference in the quality of service and inventory from store to store in my area. Unfortunately the store close to me is a sloppy mess. It looks like they never do inventory, empty hooks, merchandise on the wrong pegs, bare shelves, poor lighting, and the employees are not service minded. As an example, my dad recently purchased something that needed to be unlocked and loaded into his truck. After paying for it, they told him the "guy is about to go on break, so you'll have to wait 15 minutes for him to load it". The last time I was in there I waited at the checkout but no one came. So I went to the desk at the center of the store where I could see a manager and an employee chatting. I asked if I could check out there, but they said "no you need to go back up front, I'll be right there". I walked back up front, and waited several more minutes while they continued to tell each other personal stories. I was the only one in the store besides them, and they could see me standing there the whole time. Apparently they didn't know I could hear them gossiping. Finally one of them came up to take my money. As I said, that was the last time I was in there, and might be the last time. I usually go to another TSC store about 40 minutes away when I need something from TSC (most of my purchases now go to the new Rural King in town). But this other TSC is outstanding, even better than any of the Rural Kings' I've been in. You get asked by employees several times per visit if they can help you. They are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The store keeps all its lights on so it's brighter, its much more clean, shelves are always stocked, and the inventory online matches what they have in the store. I think some stores are managed better from the ground up, and they keep their inventory accurate so they get timely restocking from corporate. I wish they were all managed that way.

 

[tcreeley]

They don't have a clue what they are selling. It is always hit or miss.

 

[MacLawn]

I always look at these big chain stores as just a Hecho en Chine distribution warehouse. But nowadays, every store has become that. I do my best to buy only Hecho en USA, but it's about impossible. I'm too old fashioned.

 

[JFoy]

There is an enormous difference in the quality of service and inventory from store to store in my area. Unfortunately the store close to me is a sloppy mess. It looks like they never do inventory, empty hooks, merchandise on the wrong pegs, bare shelves, poor lighting, and the employees are not service minded.

I understand that. When I worked there, select employees were on the "freight team". The team would assemble at 05:30a to off load the truck and distribute the inventory. When I arrived at 08:00, two-thirds of it was still sitting in boxes on the floor.

As for the general look of the store, each employee that worked on the floor was assigned an area to straighten during their shift. If things got busy, the straightening simply didn't happen.

The service attitude? Ha! They're kids working with over-worked managers. Training? It it wasn't computer based training, it just didn't happen. But here's a perfect example. I worked with a customer who wanted some herbicide. He wanted 1gal of the cheap stuff which was essentially low concentration. I spent 15 mins with the guy and explained to him that the stronger stuff, when mixed down, was actually cheaper. So instead of spending $40, he spent $100. I got chewed out for spending too much time with the customer. Then I explained that at $10/hr ($8/hr rate but company employee expense = $10/hr), I "wasted" $2.50 on that customer. In return, I upsold the customer $60. Figuring a 40% profit margin, I wasted $2.50 which added $24 profit to the sale. They didn't get it.

I'll also add that the second I saw an elderly or frail person trying to handle a 50lbs bag, I bolted over there, handled it for them, and told them to have the cashier call me at checkout so I could load their car. On more than one occasion, customers told me I was the first person to ever offer to load their car. I was stunned.

 

[scdeerslayer]

I spent 15 mins with the guy and explained to him that the stronger stuff, when mixed down, was actually cheaper.

Not sure which "stuff" you're talking about but when I did the calculations on the tractor supply brand at 41% vs the roundup brand at something like 50.9% for glyphosate the tractor supply brand was cheaper. At first glance I thought the more expensive higher concentration was the way to go but when I did the calculations I realized I was wrong.

 

[Ford850]

I understand that. When I worked there, select employees were on the "freight team". The team would assemble at 05:30a to off load the truck and distribute the inventory. When I arrived at 08:00, two-thirds of it was still sitting in boxes on the floor.

As for the general look of the store, each employee that worked on the floor was assigned an area to straighten during their shift. If things got busy, the straightening simply didn't happen.

The service attitude? Ha! They're kids working with over-worked managers. Training? It it wasn't computer based training, it just didn't happen. But here's a perfect example. I worked with a customer who wanted some herbicide. He wanted 1gal of the cheap stuff which was essentially low concentration. I spent 15 mins with the guy and explained to him that the stronger stuff, when mixed down, was actually cheaper. So instead of spending $40, he spent $100. I got chewed out for spending too much time with the customer. Then I explained that at $10/hr ($8/hr rate but company employee expense = $10/hr), I "wasted" $2.50 on that customer. In return, I upsold the customer $60. Figuring a 40% profit margin, I wasted $2.50 which added $24 profit to the sale. They didn't get it.

I'll also add that the second I saw an elderly or frail person trying to handle a 50lbs bag, I bolted over there, handled it for them, and told them to have the cashier call me at checkout so I could load their car. On more than one occasion, customers told me I was the first person to ever offer to load their car. I was stunned.

You sound like would fit in well at the better store I noted above. When you set examples like that, the younger employees follow your lead. :thumbsup:
The poor store example I noted has several employees who have been there many years, are lazy, and dodge customers. They are just putting in time, and you can tell the new employees follow that lead or they get fed up with doing all the work so they find another job.
I've worked in sales or service of both retail and wholesale since I was 16. I appreciate good service, and I try to compliment anyone who is providing me with good service. Hopefully that encourages them to continue dong a great job. I know it surprises some when I sincerely thank them for their help, and tell them to have a good day.

 

[Bluesman]

What is going on with TSC? A while back I needed welded wire fencing to layer over my perimeter fence to prevent my goats from putting their heads through the fence and becoming chew toys for the neighbor's dogs. Red Brand was my brand preference. I checked out the TSC Website and found that they carried the Red Brand fencing. Then I called to confirm that they had what I needed in stock and was assured they did. Off I go on the 20 mile drive to pick it up. I go into the store and tell them what I wanted, confirmed again that it was Red Brand fencing, because I did not see it in the lot when I parked the truck, and paid for it. Out to the lot to get the truck loaded and the kid on the forklift picks up a brand I had never heard of. Stop right there! I explained what I wanted and was told that the brand he had on the forklift was all they carried. He put it back and back into the store I went to get a refund. That was back then.

This is now. It is time to give our goats their annual CD-T booster shots. Our vaccine of choice is made by Bar Vac, so off to TSC I go, they have always carried the Bar Vac vaccine so I was not concerned. When I get to the cooler where they store the vaccines I do not see Bar Vac, however the price sign says it is Bar Vac. I called for a clerk and she reads the bar code with the scanner and assures me it is Bar Vac CD-T vaccine. Thinking maybe Bar Vac has changed it's label, I bought three 10-dose vials. When I get home, I checked the TSC Web site and, sure enough, it shows Bar Vac in the familiar label. Upon close examination of the label on the vaccine that I bought I see that it is NOT Bar Vac. What the heck!

Is anyone else running into this? Or, is it just the TSC stores in Killeen and Lampasas, Texas?

I know exactly what you are saying. It seems they always run low on popular and high quality items. For example I feed Purina Strategy to my horses. This past summer every time I went there they were out or nearly out. After weeks of complaining to the manager they finally started stocking enough to supply their customers. Now I'm going through the same thing with Diamond dog food. Just this Friday they only had 2 bags that were ripped up and taped with a 2 dollar discount. Thanks but no thanks. I don't think it's the store employees or even individual store management. I think it has to do more with corporate. They basically send what they send and you get what you get. I don't understand that business model so if anyone can please explain it. ...lol

 

[buckeyefarmer]

It's a soon to be "going out of business" model if they don't change. I dont get it either.

 

[kthompson]

A month or so back was going to a Saturday morning funernal and stopped by wearing full dress suit. Boy did I get greated by I think three employees. Did not find the size clevis I needed but bought nearest they had. Maybe we are not dresssing proper for their standards?

You do know TSC sells chemicals in two areas, one is ag strength and the other is low strength homeowners.

 

[Rustyiron]

I also remember when they were much more "farm oriented" rather than a pet food store. We used to have a "Central tractor" & a TSC and they would compete. It would be good if someone at TSC corp. would see this thread, that is if the penny pinchers there don't care as long as they hit their margins being a dog food & clothing store. I count on them as a last resort usually.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I also remember when they were much more "farm oriented" rather than a pet food store. We used to have a "Central tractor" & a TSC and they would compete. It would be good if someone at TSC corp. would see this thread, that is if the penny pinchers there don't care as long as they hit their margins being a dog food & clothing store. I count on them as a last resort usually.

yep - TSC has become, like many others, a clothing and notions store. Locally if you're looking for tractor supplies, you'll have to go to the back (single) row to find them. "Farm and
Garden" stores have gone by the wayside along with knowledgeable "sales associates".

 

[jayste]

TSC is usually down the list on my preferred place to stop for things ag. Around here we have Atwoods Farm and Ranch supply and I much rather would go there anyway. Seems more down to earth and local. Oh, and let's not forget the popcorn machine as soon as you enter Atwoods. Maybe I'm just a sucker for popcorn.....

 

[CobyRupert]

I also remember when they were much more "farm oriented" rather than a pet food store. We used to have a "Central tractor" & a TSC and they would compete. It would be good if someone at TSC corp. would see this thread, that is if the penny pinchers there don't care as long as they hit their margins being a dog food & clothing store. I count on them as a last resort usually.

Seems like around here, what products the TSC's offer depends on what their customer base is.
The TSC in the rural area is more "farm oriented", and the TSC in the suburbia isn't.
This is were having a good manager and/or staying on top of inventory and what sells is important. Probably makes good business sense, but if you're looking for that item that 95% of the customers in your area wouldn't buy, you might be S.O.L.

 

[bindian]

I also remember when they were much more "farm oriented" rather than a pet food store. We used to have a "Central tractor" & a TSC and they would compete. It would be good if someone at TSC corp. would see this thread, that is if the penny pinchers there don't care as long as they hit their margins being a dog food & clothing store. I count on them as a last resort usually.

I get fed up with stores changing things. I sent TSC website's contact message a link to this thread last night. Hopefully, someone with some smarts will read this thread and act according.
hugs, Brandi

 

[SirReal63]

Seems like around here, what products the TSC's offer depends on what their customer base is.
The TSC in the rural area is more "farm oriented", and the TSC in the suburbia isn't.
This is were having a good manager and/or staying on top of inventory and what sells is important. Probably makes good business sense, but if you're looking for that item that 95% of the customers in your area wouldn't buy, you might be S.O.L.

This is consistent with what we find here. We have several TSC's within an hours drive, like all businesses they cater to the market they are in. Unfortunately their business model is self defeating, open a a store away from town in an agrarian area and in a few years the town has encompassed them and the agrarian needs are no longer there. This is probably when they close out the products that were needed with clothing and pet food.

 

[Rustyiron]

Seems like around here, what products the TSC's offer depends on what their customer base is.
The TSC in the rural area is more "farm oriented", and the TSC in the suburbia isn't.
This is were having a good manager and/or staying on top of inventory and what sells is important. Probably makes good business sense, but if you're looking for that item that 95% of the customers in your area wouldn't buy, you might be S.O.L.

You are right. More customers with dog's than farm critters, just business.