Quick Tractor Supply Rant

[Runner]

OK, so I get the latest TS ad in the mail. Coupon for "$50.00" off any KK purchase $400.00 or more. The 6' landscape rake is $399.99. Wonder if they'll let me use the coupon?

Their pricing baffles me. The web site sez $429.00 normal price for this rake. Also need the 15 gallon trailer sprayer. Mailer sez $239.99 (doesn't mention any discount and no coupon attached, but the web site sez $219.99 normal price - some sale). Have no idea what pricing I'll find when I actually drive over there to see what they have. I need both and will buy one of these items today. Of course, if I go to the closest one, they won't have either.

Rant over.

Carry on.

 

[kennyd]

Yeah, they can be a little crazy to deal with at times!

I just sent them an email via the website about the lack of inventory control they seem to have...it seems they are always out of simple things like 3PH bushings, or plastic sprayer fittings-or they have one! I have stopped in week after week and the bins are still empty

They responded and said a district manager will respond to me via phone call...

 

[greg_g]

OK, so I get the latest TS ad in the mail.

That one will be for local/regional pricing. Same item doesn't sell for the same money coast to coast. A roll of fencing will cost say $150 in TX. Same roll may go for $200 in NH. Now perhaps you'll understand why they want your ZIP code on the website.

If you rely on the clerk at the checkout counter to honor your KK discount, be prepared for a shouting match. They only know what the computerized checkout system tells them. I'd go straight to the manager with the coupon.

//greg//

 

[Bird]

Greg, you don't even have to go to another state. I've seen considerable price differences on the same item in Tractor Supply stores less than 50 miles apart. One I remember in particular was the difference between the store in Corsicana, TX, vs. the one in Hillsboro, TX.

 

[greg_g]

Greg, you don't even have to go to another state. I've seen considerable price differences on the same item in Tractor Supply stores less than 50 miles apart. One I remember in particular was the difference between the store in Corsicana, TX, vs. the one in Hillsboro, TX.

I don't question your on-site experience Bird. But the OP gripe was about differences between store and online pricing. I bet Corsicana and Hillsboro don't have the same ZIP code though. At least that's the theory behind website ZIP-based pricing.

//greg//

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Greg, you don't even have to go to another state. I've seen considerable price differences on the same item in Tractor Supply stores less than 50 miles apart. One I remember in particular was the difference between the store in Corsicana, TX, vs. the one in Hillsboro, TX.

There is my #1 beef with TSC. Lack of consistancy, lack of "corporate standard". We have 3 stores with-in 45 of the house. One is arguably the WORST example of a TSC in their chain. Another is what I'd EXPECT out of a retail establishment in 2008 (for better or for worse.), and #3 is run "old school" by a franchisee who's been in business for more than 30 years. He does as he pleases, which is, he tries to make his customers happy no matter what it takes. Guess which one is closest and guess which one I drive the extra few miles to patronize.

 

[Skyco]

I'll argue about the worst TSC....I think it is the one closest to me in Lexington SC I've looked for some items that were out of stock for months Common items too, no shortage because other places have them.

I dislike chains pricing differently on their website than their store. Some places are good about matching the web price, and I'm ok with that, but TSC locally isn't.
Personally I think something is wrong at TSC. I have to wonder if they are in trouble. The 5 stores I frequent seem indicative of a corporation that hasn't got a clue and will eventually either have to improve or will disappear. I know they lose quite a bit of money over time from me when they are out of stock or have one register open and ten people in line, and I go elsewhere.

 

[vettemanwight]

I went in to the local TSC last summer in mid July for some Roundup. Dont have any and not getting anymore this year I was told. I said your kidding??? Well the new manager that was transfered in in the spring from some southern state said they didnt use Roundup after June 15 where he was from so he didnt order any here , I live in Western New York. They are just so disorganized

 

[Skyco]

LOL went into the store in Aiken SC awhile back and was amused by a very healthy stock of dayglo "No Snowmobiles Allowed" signs

 

[Redbug]

I will have to second Skyco's remark...the worst TSC is in Lexington, SC! I don't think they know what to do when a shelf becomes empty... Seems if you have a chain store, the corporate management would be looking at the sales figures and doing something about it. No inventory means no sales. I can understand a mom and pop store not having stuff, but there's no excuse for a chain store to be like that. With bad management, they will go the way of Woolworth or Kmart... Too bad, they really do have a great nitch...