Home Depot Woes

DannyD · Sep 10, 2005

I walk out leaving the "stuff" on the counter. Period, end of story

I love the old time hardware stores, smelled like feed and a farm. Used to work at one that was in Louisville for over 50 years, Sellers Hardware, Preston Highway. Lost out to the big boys, then Home Quarters, then they went belly up to HD.

Funny thing about HD, my daughter worked there for a few weeks. She has a degree in design drafting, kitchens bath the whole thing, interior design. She did one kitchen, worked fine etc, then they "moved" her to plumbing. She pulled a dad, walked out saying good ridance as she left.

On the other hand when I built my barn, went to the electrical aisle, getting box breakers etc. Met some "girl" there with a HD apron on. Heck she taught me things about electric that I did not know.........and I could wire a barn with my eyes closed. She knew what she was talking about. She quit the next week.

Amontilado · Sep 10, 2005

All,
I recently became aquainted with one of the old time hardware stores. Elberta Hardware, where I bought my CC GT2550. Great service. Everytime I'm there, there's always enough customers to keep the 3-5 people working there (on a weekday even) quite busy. Everytime I stop by the H.D. to pick up a bolt or something. I usually don't get a hey or can I help you out of anyone working there. Of course, I know what I'm in there for, so am moving through quite quickly. Only rarely do I need to ask enyone for help.

Steve

RedRocker · 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)

I'd say because Home Depot doesn't advertise here.

Bigbear · Sep 10, 2005

Bobodu, ughhhhh, /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif, man, I had several good one's thunk up, /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, but maybe I better not share. But I do like Lowes. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

bobodu · Sep 10, 2005

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

)

How 'bout...
All the guys with real tractors are too busy working...the Lawn Deere guys are outside with the repair man...

LSmith · Sep 10, 2005

( I love the old time hardware stores, smelled like feed and a farm
)
Know what you mean. Had a great HW store that I could always count on. New owner hooked up with Ace and now the place looks like a mini Wal-Mart inside. As a side note one of my favorite stories came out of that old store. Was in there one Sat looking for stuff and old farmer comes in and asks the guy behind the counter how much for 2x4's 8 foot? The old guy behind the counter say "The more you buy the cheaper they get" The old Farmer hooked his thumbs in his suspenders and said "see that trailer out there, just start loadin up them 2by till their free! Lots of other stories out of that old place, sad to see what its come to.

Lane Smith

Gravy · Sep 10, 2005

That's a wonderful story! Made my night!

Gravy /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

DannyD · Sep 10, 2005

Bet that fellow scratched his head on that one a bit......

I can remember loading lots of trailers full of 2 by's, and anything else you could use in construction etc. That work never hurt me one bit, and I got to where 2 90's of portland cement, one on each shoulder was a quicker way to get out of the heat. That was then, this is now, much older and not near as stout.

mark777 · Sep 11, 2005

Boy does this thread bring back memories. I too, worked for HD for nearly 5 years. I did not start at the bottom because I had 4 years previous experience with an independently owned True Value Home AND Auto in a rural N. California town. That store did everything in-house from chain saw sharpening to lawn mower repairs. The customers loved us. It was a can do or can get attitude and the plumbing, electrical, hardware (nuts/bolts/screws/nails) sections were always overflowing with inventory. Plus 1/3 of the building occupied the auto parts inventory, counter help and displays. A fun and busy place to work and learn.

Then I relocated and started with HD. The process of hiring starts with testing on a KIOSK and because of the previous product knowledge, I was immediately hired and assigned to power tools and hardware.

In a nut shell I witnessed upper and middle management dramatically change...Associates that were paid well and were considered pros that made 15-20 $ an hour, (most licensed plumbers, carpenters and electricians who new local, state and federal codes) were replaced with three young people at $6.50 per hour. Many new hires that suffered from the entitlement syndrome with no people skills and bad attitudes.

I quit. It was one of the very few times in my life that I couldn't take it anymore...nor wanted too. A few days later I discovered a whole web site dedicated to current and former employees titled "Home Dept sucks" I think that's what it was called. It was a very interesting perspective from the inside of what goes on in the company.

Regards, Mark

Taylortractornut · Sep 11, 2005

I have a tactic for Lowes and HD or any other big store I go to. In lowes if my brothers friends arent on duty its hard to get help. the helpers run and hide or act like they dont see you. I dont smoke but thers a pack of cigarettes in the car. I take hem in and if I need some help I light on up some highschool peon that thinks they re the no smoking police runs up and tells me you cant do that here then I have them cornered lol. Ive had the same cigarette for over 2 years.