Home Depot Woes

Farwell · Sep 8, 2005

California,
Thank you for telling me the name, yes it was Newberts. My memory isn't what it once was. I worked for KXTV Channel 10 back in the late 60's and early 70's, I processed all of their motion picture news and production film and when I had a mechanical problem that needed parts I could always count on Newberts to have what I needed. I do not remember the San Francisco hardware store name either, I used them for the same thing when I went to work for KGO Channel 7 and operated their motion picture lab.
Farwell

v8dave · Sep 9, 2005

( The Sacramento one would be Newberts. I was in there a lot in the 1970's when I was a Carpenter. They stocked all the wierd stuff that was original on the 50 to 100 year old houses in downtown Sacramento.
. . .

I think there is still a traditional hardware store somewhere in the gold country, maybe Nevada City, stocking washboards, gold pans, and who knows what. )

That might be Placerville Hardware. They bill them selves as the oldest hardware in continuous operation in the West, they opened during the 1849 California Gold Rush (West of what? Probably west of the rockies.). It's an interesting operation half the store is tourist trap knick knacks, the other half a real hardware store. I might note however, that their knick knack area contains the best kitchen utensil selection selection my wife and I have run across in one store.

Parking is dificult sometimes as they are on main street, but I try them first when I'm on the nut ball hunt. It'll be interesting to see how they do, a Home Depot just opened in town--smaller than the usual Home Depot and they seem to be targeting the modest size home builder. We'll see.

jol1269 · Sep 9, 2005

well ill chime in here for a second , i was hired back in 1980 at the hd and all but 5 yrs of my career spent there. i have seen alot change so i know exactley what everyones miffed about because i see it from both sides .reason being i was trained in customer service as a top priority and thats seems to have gone the way of the dinosaur . i am presently contemplating leaving the hd to be my own bos for several reason on of which i know what its like to try to find help in any of the big boxes hd, blowes ,fallmart , and it does get old to have the only knowledge of how things should be done for the customer and knowing product lines and how to stay in stock and yet noone in the higher up managment cares nor wants to hear about how to fix things because of labor management or wages being to high and no time for hands on pk classes . but i have resigned my self to leave the company and the industry , but unless we as a consumer base begin to contact the home offices of the poor service and lack of knowledge and lack of being instock for total job quanities then we must all get used to the fact that nothing will change for the better . ok im off my stump now and enjoy your weekend at the big boxes . and to all a good night

Junkman · Sep 10, 2005

This problem is in all retail big box stores. As long as the profits continue, they have no reason to change. Every time a big box store opens, there are a lot of smaller retailers that close, since the customers will support the big stores and complain, but continue to shop them. They would never put up with the same out of stock problems at the smaller stores and continue to support them. It is a double sided sword... the small stores need more margins to compete, and the larger stores will keep their prices low until the competition is gone. Then they raise prices and have a take it or leave it attitude. I see no way to resolve this problem.

slowrev · Sep 10, 2005

How come we can run down Home depot but not tractor dealers for poor service ?
Just curious ?
Whats the difference ?
It is sort of like bashing a brand of tractor as well.
Ben

bobodu · Sep 10, 2005

( How come we can run down Home depot but not tractor dealers for poor service ?

)

Because that thread would be called..."What ever happened to Gravely since Ariens bought them out?"

Farwell · Sep 10, 2005

What company will fill the void that will be created when the "Big Box Stores" over extend themselves or corrupt upper level management causes the chain to go belly up, or when the trade agreement between the U.S. and China turns sour.
Farwell

MSU_Keith · Sep 10, 2005

My new tactic is to check Lowes and HD websites before I even step outside - if its not listed then I don't even bother trying. The trouble is I can never get the specialty stores that are typically open 9am - 6pm. I find myself doing alot of quick shopping trips instead of eating lunch on the weekdays.

bobodu · Sep 10, 2005

( My new tactic is to check Lowes and HD websites before I even step outside - i. I find myself doing alot of quick shopping trips instead of eating lunch on the weekdays. )
I'm gonna try to find a woman who knows the difference between a 1/2 inch nipple and a 1/2 inch hose barb.Heck...I'm supposed to know what a Light Days Minipad with Wings looks like....
Used to be a good tactic to meet women...ask for help...don't work with femine hygene products...they know it's for someone important!!
I end up taking one with me and opening every box on the shelf.....

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jmc · Sep 10, 2005

Another post on this thread reminds me of something else I like about that hardware store in town: Ever been in the middle of a transaction when the phone rings and the helper answers it, then goes and looks something up, leaving you waiting? Feels like someone cut in line ahead of you. Well, if these guys are busy, they just let the phone ring off the wall.