We just got a Menards its 80 miles away same as HD and Lowes for me, but that store has an amazing selection of wood. Their prices so far while its new are waaay better than HD or Lowes or my local yard time will tell who stays and who goes in that war for consumer dollars. fwtw
Lowes/Home Depot vs. small local stores - recent experience
- Thread starter rtimgray
- Start date
- Views: 14558
Lady Tonka
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2012
- Messages
- 57
- Location
- East of Chehalis, Washington
- Tractor
- My brother's 1961 Tonka (1:32 scale)
From a lady's perspective, just for grins:
I spent decades in various careers that were all service-oriented and had the advantage of being raised by Southern parents who taught and expected strict adherence to manners ("Yes, Ma'am, No, Sir, Please, Thank You") and graciousness. So, when I worked as a stew for TWA, for instance, their training to "keep a smile on your face if it kills you" was a cinch for me, and boy, could I tell you stories about airline passengers who viewed the (now-politically-correct term) CABIN ATTENDANTS as dirt under their feet.
Knowing how great service can turneth away wrath and charm a smile out of some of the meanest grouches, I tend to gravitate towards Lowe's and Home Depot for the same reason some of you mention, mainly the ATTEMPT to make eye contact and to be pleasant and helpful (even if they don't have a clue). Locally owned building supply places in my area fall short in that regard, at least in my experience. Price and selection, of course, are still a close second to my decision to patronize an establishment and purchase the goods.
One thing I could add that always works for me is to involve the manager on duty in a constructive and non-threatening manner. I ask to speak to them when I can't get the information on what I need to find or get my questions answered. I say something like, "Look, I chose your store today and would really like to do business with you, but I need (fill in the blank)." Most managers I've encountered take the extra steps to make sure I'm taken care of, and many have thrown in a discount when I ask.
How I wish more people serving the public understood the importance of ATTITUDE and trying to help. Customers have long memories when they're dissed (or feel that they have been) and there go additional profits for your employer and possible longevity for your job position.
I spent decades in various careers that were all service-oriented and had the advantage of being raised by Southern parents who taught and expected strict adherence to manners ("Yes, Ma'am, No, Sir, Please, Thank You") and graciousness. So, when I worked as a stew for TWA, for instance, their training to "keep a smile on your face if it kills you" was a cinch for me, and boy, could I tell you stories about airline passengers who viewed the (now-politically-correct term) CABIN ATTENDANTS as dirt under their feet.
Knowing how great service can turneth away wrath and charm a smile out of some of the meanest grouches, I tend to gravitate towards Lowe's and Home Depot for the same reason some of you mention, mainly the ATTEMPT to make eye contact and to be pleasant and helpful (even if they don't have a clue). Locally owned building supply places in my area fall short in that regard, at least in my experience. Price and selection, of course, are still a close second to my decision to patronize an establishment and purchase the goods.
One thing I could add that always works for me is to involve the manager on duty in a constructive and non-threatening manner. I ask to speak to them when I can't get the information on what I need to find or get my questions answered. I say something like, "Look, I chose your store today and would really like to do business with you, but I need (fill in the blank)." Most managers I've encountered take the extra steps to make sure I'm taken care of, and many have thrown in a discount when I ask.
How I wish more people serving the public understood the importance of ATTITUDE and trying to help. Customers have long memories when they're dissed (or feel that they have been) and there go additional profits for your employer and possible longevity for your job position.
I do not think there is a difference just because they are a Mom and pop or a chain store. locally the true Mom and Pops are gone. The one true value is owned by the same family that had the mom and pop and still treat people the same and have just about everything. There is a Mom and Pop In Lockhaven Pa. that is close to the old Mom and pops crowded but if you need it they have it. lowes and HD can be good or bad depending on the manager i think. Some getting help is next to impossible others they fall over themselves to help. same as help some have people of knowledge others seem brain dead. A local Mom and Pop did not last long because their son was a real a**
300UGUY
Super Member
I used to try to go to the local stores most of the time, but more recently, I've been just going to HD or Lowes. I know that I can get pretty much anything there, and I can get in and out in a hurry. The prices are almost always better. And after dealing with some of the local businessmen, I don't know that they deserve my business. At the end of the day, they aren't doing anything for us locals, and they generally don't practice what they preach - they are just as likely to go to the big box stores themselves. I mean if the owner of a local hardware store goes to HD for kitchen cabinets, when there are several locals in that biz, what does that say about his "buy local" ethic? It looks to me like it's every man / woman for themselves. And when it comes to price, it's usually a no brainer. The local rental yard used to be a pia - they charged thru the nose, enforced time limit penalities religiously, and were pretty arrogant. HD rental rates were less than 1/2 of the locals!! And they are much more relaxed on return times.
300UGUY
Super Member
I wouldn't be surprised that it is a very complex algorythm, and they used a Cray supercomputer to crunch the numbers!!!
IslandTractor
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2005
- Messages
- 15,802
- Location
- Prudence Island, RI
- Tractor
- 2007 Kioti DK40se HST, Woods BH
I use a small local hardware store for small things. For most other hardware purchases other than lumber or paint I use Amazon with Prime. Better selection. Nothing like being able to compare details and read other peoples reviews before purchasing at a cheaper price and without needing to drive anywhere. Free 2nd day shipping or $3.99 overnight too (after $70/yr fee). Let your fingers (and mouse) do the walking.
mvwicker
Silver Member
Forgive my adding more worms to this can.
There is a Home Depot 2 miles from my house. For a while it was open 24/7, perfect for those projects that took a little longer than expected (i.e., past midnight on Sunday) and needed a few more 2 1/2 inch drywall screws to finish. It had notoriously grumpy and ignorant staff, but that was a flaw easily overlooked by those of us who had the whole store memorized after several hundred visits.
Some HD executive decided that 24/7 meant lower profits and the glory days ended. Then a Lowes opened a tiny bit further, and it got all my business as revenge for the HD staff mistreatment. There was a guy in the flooring department who knew all about damp slabs and how to fix 'em. The old guy in plumbing could find a replacement part given the vaguest description. However, their lumber was terrible unless hand-picked (same with HD), so I used a local independent yard (recommended by my most openly Republican neighbor) when I needed to replace the back fence. It cost about 10% more but looked way better and saved me enough aggravation to make it worthwhile.
Two weeks ago I needed a small amount (only maybe $200, sheesh) of PT lumber for a treestand where appearance was irrelevant. It was late so I went to Lowes, but the checkout clerk -- in the contractors lane -- must have been stoned or otherwise impaired, since he double scanned several pieces, insisted he had done it right, and then tried to bribe me with a soda and a bag of chips when I showed him how the receipt disagreed with the lumber on the cart. It took about 10 minutes for a manager to saunter over with the magic key for voiding out mistakes, and I confess to having many evil thoughts while I waited.
No more Lowes for me for a while. The good news is that the HD staff have seen the light, maybe as a result of the Lowes. The local independent yard survives, maybe because it has better quality lumber. However, when I needed a gross of large galvanized lag screws, I ordered them online as there were none in any of the local stores. The brick-and-mortar businesses nearby (this includes TSC and several independent HW stores) seem unable to stock everything I need, no matter their size.
Moral of the story: competition and variety are good, and a bigger factor in *my* satisfaction than any theory of consumer ethics.
There is a Home Depot 2 miles from my house. For a while it was open 24/7, perfect for those projects that took a little longer than expected (i.e., past midnight on Sunday) and needed a few more 2 1/2 inch drywall screws to finish. It had notoriously grumpy and ignorant staff, but that was a flaw easily overlooked by those of us who had the whole store memorized after several hundred visits.
Some HD executive decided that 24/7 meant lower profits and the glory days ended. Then a Lowes opened a tiny bit further, and it got all my business as revenge for the HD staff mistreatment. There was a guy in the flooring department who knew all about damp slabs and how to fix 'em. The old guy in plumbing could find a replacement part given the vaguest description. However, their lumber was terrible unless hand-picked (same with HD), so I used a local independent yard (recommended by my most openly Republican neighbor) when I needed to replace the back fence. It cost about 10% more but looked way better and saved me enough aggravation to make it worthwhile.
Two weeks ago I needed a small amount (only maybe $200, sheesh) of PT lumber for a treestand where appearance was irrelevant. It was late so I went to Lowes, but the checkout clerk -- in the contractors lane -- must have been stoned or otherwise impaired, since he double scanned several pieces, insisted he had done it right, and then tried to bribe me with a soda and a bag of chips when I showed him how the receipt disagreed with the lumber on the cart. It took about 10 minutes for a manager to saunter over with the magic key for voiding out mistakes, and I confess to having many evil thoughts while I waited.
No more Lowes for me for a while. The good news is that the HD staff have seen the light, maybe as a result of the Lowes. The local independent yard survives, maybe because it has better quality lumber. However, when I needed a gross of large galvanized lag screws, I ordered them online as there were none in any of the local stores. The brick-and-mortar businesses nearby (this includes TSC and several independent HW stores) seem unable to stock everything I need, no matter their size.
Moral of the story: competition and variety are good, and a bigger factor in *my* satisfaction than any theory of consumer ethics.
dmccarty
Super Star Member
That looks like some good pizza. :licking: Course it is hard to make bad pizza! :laughing: Never seen pizza like that here though.
When we lived back in the city we bought from local delivery place. When we called they recognized us, knew what we would order and usually remember the address. :laughing: Somehow they went out of business
so we had to find a new place which turned out to be owned by a young guy from Italy. HE had some great pizza. :licking::licking::licking: However, the local place we have has even better pizza. :licking::licking::licking::licking::licking: They have a chocolate calzone. It has cheese, lots of Nutella, and a bit of white sugar on top. That stuff is GOOD! :licking::licking::licking::licking::licking::licking: :laughing:
Beats the Italian Dude's pies which is saying something.
Later,
Dan
