I also find what Home Depot (and Lowes) you go to will determine what and how much they carry. Go to the HD on the "Rich" side of town and they have lots of yard and garden items buck have a much smaller assortment of building supplies. They also have higher priced lumber. Run across town to the "poor" side and they have lots of DIY parts, pieces, tools and cheaper lumber.
Home Depot Woes
- Thread starter RonL
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I recently messed up/lost some of those expanding plastic fasteners from plastic trim in my suburban (long story of a DIY repair). I was at the chevy dealer and struck out with the parts guy trying to find them on his computer.
Went to a tool store which handles a lot of car trim fasteners, no luck. Was at Lowes getting some other stuff and in their misc fastener store was the EXACT part I was looking for! The fasteners were $.50 each, which is probably 25% of what chevy would have wanted.
I was impressed. But no PFY helped me find it!
Ron
Went to a tool store which handles a lot of car trim fasteners, no luck. Was at Lowes getting some other stuff and in their misc fastener store was the EXACT part I was looking for! The fasteners were $.50 each, which is probably 25% of what chevy would have wanted.
I was impressed. But no PFY helped me find it!
Ron
jmc
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We should all think about local merchants, whether its hardware or food. Someone coined the term "Generica", which will be pretty sterile without some local color.
Some of our local color is a hardware store with deep stocks of uncommon merchandise, and a large staff that knows where it is and how to use it. At any given time, there are more work trucks in the parking lot than SUVs.There's an ancient computer in back but the checkout counter is strictly manual- no bar codes. Most stuff is in bulk or minimally packaged so you can buy the exact quantity you need and inspect what you are buying. The place is dark and my 12 year old daughter says it smells bad. If you accidently drop something in the waste box by the counter, leave it there. That box is also the spitoon.
I bought a sink drain pipe there once. Parked 20 ft from the door, was intercepted by competent help just inside the door, and the part was another 15 ft away. The helper rang me up and I was out the door in 2 minutes. (No line)
Back home I found that the drain need a provision to attach the dishwasher drain to it. Back to the store, same short walk to waiting help, he exchanges it and said "it was about the same price so call it even". Back on the road in 1 minute.
Contrast that efficiency with a MODERN transaction in a shopping center. Substitute 20 foot walks on both sides of the door for walks of 300 feet or more. Twice. Substitute two long checkout lines and one long product return line for one brief checkout. Factor in time to find stuff yourself. Too bad those big stores are so seductive.
John
Some of our local color is a hardware store with deep stocks of uncommon merchandise, and a large staff that knows where it is and how to use it. At any given time, there are more work trucks in the parking lot than SUVs.There's an ancient computer in back but the checkout counter is strictly manual- no bar codes. Most stuff is in bulk or minimally packaged so you can buy the exact quantity you need and inspect what you are buying. The place is dark and my 12 year old daughter says it smells bad. If you accidently drop something in the waste box by the counter, leave it there. That box is also the spitoon.
I bought a sink drain pipe there once. Parked 20 ft from the door, was intercepted by competent help just inside the door, and the part was another 15 ft away. The helper rang me up and I was out the door in 2 minutes. (No line)
Back home I found that the drain need a provision to attach the dishwasher drain to it. Back to the store, same short walk to waiting help, he exchanges it and said "it was about the same price so call it even". Back on the road in 1 minute.
Contrast that efficiency with a MODERN transaction in a shopping center. Substitute 20 foot walks on both sides of the door for walks of 300 feet or more. Twice. Substitute two long checkout lines and one long product return line for one brief checkout. Factor in time to find stuff yourself. Too bad those big stores are so seductive.
John
Farwell
Veteran Member
John,
I remember two of the old hardware stores. One was in San Francisco and the other was in Sacramento California. The stores opened in the late 1890's and still had a bunch of inventory on the shelves that was there when they opened. I never left either store empty handed, they always had what I was looking for. Sometimes an eighty year old guy would take me down to the basement and would spend a little time digging through shelves because he knew that what I wanted was there some where and I would leave with part in hand. Then along came the big box stores and we all know the rest of the story.
Farwell
I remember two of the old hardware stores. One was in San Francisco and the other was in Sacramento California. The stores opened in the late 1890's and still had a bunch of inventory on the shelves that was there when they opened. I never left either store empty handed, they always had what I was looking for. Sometimes an eighty year old guy would take me down to the basement and would spend a little time digging through shelves because he knew that what I wanted was there some where and I would leave with part in hand. Then along came the big box stores and we all know the rest of the story.
Farwell
MikeIA
Silver Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( NEVER buy an open box, it always is missing something. )</font>
OR a display model, even if it is discounted heavily. You'll spend more than the discount just to order the missing parts from the manufacturer. (who would have thought that the filter on a vacuum cleaner could cost that much...)
OR a display model, even if it is discounted heavily. You'll spend more than the discount just to order the missing parts from the manufacturer. (who would have thought that the filter on a vacuum cleaner could cost that much...)
Bird
Rest in Peace
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( lots of yard and garden items )</font>
Gary, I've bought a lot of stuff from both Home Depot and Lowes. In fact, we have them across the street from each other. But then Home Depot has a completely separate "Landscaping" store several miles from the regular store, and yes, it's at the edge of a wealthy neighborhood.
Gary, I've bought a lot of stuff from both Home Depot and Lowes. In fact, we have them across the street from each other. But then Home Depot has a completely separate "Landscaping" store several miles from the regular store, and yes, it's at the edge of a wealthy neighborhood.
KirkMcD
Silver Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( We should all think about local merchants, whether its hardware or food. Someone coined the term "Generica", which will be pretty sterile without some local color. )</font>
I think about them all the time. I think about how they are always closed when I need them. Many stores, in my area, close by 6pm during the week and 1pm on Sundays. I can't cram everything in on Saturdays. Just one late night a week would be good.
I think about them all the time. I think about how they are always closed when I need them. Many stores, in my area, close by 6pm during the week and 1pm on Sundays. I can't cram everything in on Saturdays. Just one late night a week would be good.
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
I do a fair amount of building and go to a hardware store at least once a week. McCoy's is my favorite for bulk items and deliveries. They cater to builders and give me a discount that brings the price well under Home Depot and Lowes. They are also smaller than the competition and specialize in stuff to build a house more than fixing it up or making it pretty.
I've learned that each store has better selection on certain items. Home Depot is better than Lowes for electircal, but Lowes is better on plumbing. I like Home Depot cabinets and Lowes for appliances.
As a contractor, I also buy from the supply houses, but their prices are much higher than the box stores. Home Depot is cheaper on wire and outlet boxes than Wal-Mart and the Electric Supply companies in town.
For PVC pipe, my local farm store has the best prices by far.
Service isn't a consideration for me, I don't need it on 90% of my visits, and when I do, they all frustrate me. Just part of the game of building.
Bash Home Depot all you want, they are still one of my favorite places to hang out with a pad and pen taking notes and working on ideas. But I'll do that at just about any hardware store. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Eddie
I've learned that each store has better selection on certain items. Home Depot is better than Lowes for electircal, but Lowes is better on plumbing. I like Home Depot cabinets and Lowes for appliances.
As a contractor, I also buy from the supply houses, but their prices are much higher than the box stores. Home Depot is cheaper on wire and outlet boxes than Wal-Mart and the Electric Supply companies in town.
For PVC pipe, my local farm store has the best prices by far.
Service isn't a consideration for me, I don't need it on 90% of my visits, and when I do, they all frustrate me. Just part of the game of building.
Bash Home Depot all you want, they are still one of my favorite places to hang out with a pad and pen taking notes and working on ideas. But I'll do that at just about any hardware store. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Eddie
Bird
Rest in Peace
Eddie, I thought Home Depot and Lowes had just about put McCoy's out of business. I didn't know any of them survived.
JDGREEN4ME
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( "how about you let me worry about what I want it for... )</font>
That is great! I will have to remember that the next time someone asks me the same thing! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
That is great! I will have to remember that the next time someone asks me the same thing! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
slowrev
Elite Member
The few Home Depot's and Lowes that are in a more rural area usually have a lot better help. They actually have people that plan on working that job for a long time, unlike a college kid or other transient worker type that you have more of in the larger urban areas.
Ben
Ben
Bird
Rest in Peace
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 'how about you let me worry about what I want it for )</font>
That's not the way I answer because sometimes when I tell a knowledgeable fellow what I want it for, he might have a better idea. It's happened before, so I tell'em what I want it for and see what suggestions he might have. Sometimes good ideas, sometimes not. I know sometimes I get a clerk that really doesn't know what he's talking about, but I also know there are some folks around who know more than I do, so I don't take a chance on missing a good thing. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
That's not the way I answer because sometimes when I tell a knowledgeable fellow what I want it for, he might have a better idea. It's happened before, so I tell'em what I want it for and see what suggestions he might have. Sometimes good ideas, sometimes not. I know sometimes I get a clerk that really doesn't know what he's talking about, but I also know there are some folks around who know more than I do, so I don't take a chance on missing a good thing. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
texbaylea
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Bird
The one near me has transformed itself into a ranchers supply operation. They still have building materials and all that but not as much as they did. Seems to be doing well. It is closer to me than the others so gets a lot of my business. TSC is a 35-40 mile round trip so gets my business only when I have a lot of errands that take me near.
Vernon
The one near me has transformed itself into a ranchers supply operation. They still have building materials and all that but not as much as they did. Seems to be doing well. It is closer to me than the others so gets a lot of my business. TSC is a 35-40 mile round trip so gets my business only when I have a lot of errands that take me near.
Vernon
boustany
Platinum Member
Ah, yes, in the good old days there would be a guy who would know what you SHOULD use, and help you out.
Now, the odds are 20:1 you'll get somebody who hasn't even got a clue what you want, let alone what you should be using.
I so bad, that when I overhear an HD guy explaining to somebody what to do, I wait till he goes away and I tell the customer what he should actually be using and how he should do it.
In fact, I've had a few HD customers try to hire me. I just tell them 'they couldn't afford my rates' /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Now, the odds are 20:1 you'll get somebody who hasn't even got a clue what you want, let alone what you should be using.
I so bad, that when I overhear an HD guy explaining to somebody what to do, I wait till he goes away and I tell the customer what he should actually be using and how he should do it.
In fact, I've had a few HD customers try to hire me. I just tell them 'they couldn't afford my rates' /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
California
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I remember two of the old hardware stores. One was in ... Sacramento. The stores opened in the late 1890's and still had a bunch of inventory on the shelves that was there when they opened. -Farwell )</font>
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.
Plus a lot of stuff that was just plain wierd - like the model of Coleman lantern that had a hotplate on top.
As somebody pointed out, traditional business hours weren't convenient for homeowners. I think Newbert's doors were open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm with a 'last call' about 4:40. Plus 3.5 hours on Saturday for the homeowners.
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.
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.
Plus a lot of stuff that was just plain wierd - like the model of Coleman lantern that had a hotplate on top.
As somebody pointed out, traditional business hours weren't convenient for homeowners. I think Newbert's doors were open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm with a 'last call' about 4:40. Plus 3.5 hours on Saturday for the homeowners.
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.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( As somebody pointed out, traditional business hours weren't convenient for homeowners. )</font>
I'll agree there, and it isn't just limited to hardware stores/lumber yards. However If I can get to my local store it's a quick trip in and out; then I can drive around and back into the warehouse, where they help me load what I need.
Going to HD entails a 45 mile drive one way, then fighting the crowd; and checking out through their "automated checkout" seems to be designed to lock you in, so you can't get tired of waiting and leave. Plus they often have grat deals on locally sawn lumber. In this area at least, most local outlets are competitive with the "Box stores", on lumber anyways.
I suspect it's like shopping at "WalMart"; either you love it or you hate it. That's what "Freedom of Choice" is all about.
I'll agree there, and it isn't just limited to hardware stores/lumber yards. However If I can get to my local store it's a quick trip in and out; then I can drive around and back into the warehouse, where they help me load what I need.
Going to HD entails a 45 mile drive one way, then fighting the crowd; and checking out through their "automated checkout" seems to be designed to lock you in, so you can't get tired of waiting and leave. Plus they often have grat deals on locally sawn lumber. In this area at least, most local outlets are competitive with the "Box stores", on lumber anyways.
I suspect it's like shopping at "WalMart"; either you love it or you hate it. That's what "Freedom of Choice" is all about.
escavader
Veteran Member
I am a licenced lumber inspector at a lumber company here in MAINE.I have got to tell you,if i tried to push the crap home depot,and lowes does,NELMA would come and pull my licence.ThE stuff they sell for pine is way off grade,and you know what...our customers know it too,thats why we are so successful,even with a depot,and lowes in towns where we have retail outlets.Our moto is a happy customer is a return customer,aint it true!!!!Their deleverys stink. I f you want building materials,you get them when they"have a truck in your area".This aint cool if you are a contractor.
ESCAVADER
ESCAVADER
boustany
Platinum Member
Oh, yeah, I shoulda mentioned, the proper answer is:
"gee mister, here is where we keep the left handed muffler bearings! what do you need one for"
That way, I get what I want, and he provides me with a education, if need be. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
If he answers 'what do you want it for, chances are, he doesn't know what what I want is, and, more likely than not, I'm the one doing the teaching.
"gee mister, here is where we keep the left handed muffler bearings! what do you need one for"
That way, I get what I want, and he provides me with a education, if need be. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
If he answers 'what do you want it for, chances are, he doesn't know what what I want is, and, more likely than not, I'm the one doing the teaching.
JSUnlimited
Platinum Member
You know its funny this post came up! In my town, there is a Home Depot getting ready to open RIGHT NEXT to Lowe's in the next week or two. The funny thing is, a year or two ago at Lowe's it was like a ghost town trying to find the grumpy old man in plumbing who always asked "well why do you want to do it that way, you should buy ten more elbows instead of keeping it simple!" But today with HD almost ready to open, you have to beg people to leave you the **** alone at Lowe's. All I can say is that in this town....competition is GOOD!
RichNJKubota
Gold Member
I just read all the posts.
Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has 'had it' with the big box stores. I'm not alone.
HD and Lowes are a pain. They never have what I want and if they do carry it - it's out of stock. I've learned enough times that I will never go to HD or Lowes when I need something. I could not count how many times I even called before I went to HD and they said on the phone that - yes indeed they have it. I get there and when I can't find it I ask an employee and they say they don't carry it. OUCH. I am lucky I never went POSTAL at that moment.
It happned today. I needed a particular Rust-Oleum oil based paint. Called Rust-Oleum. They confirmed they made it and to check HD. Called HD. They claimed they could mix the color. Got there and the lady just looks on the shelf and says - we haven't had the proper base stock here for months. WELL THEN, WHO DID I TALK TO ON THE PHONE!
This web server does not have enough disk storage for all the HD stories I have!
I go to the remaining local suppliers and I may pay a little more BUT they have what I want AND they know what they are selling.
Rich
NJ
Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has 'had it' with the big box stores. I'm not alone.
HD and Lowes are a pain. They never have what I want and if they do carry it - it's out of stock. I've learned enough times that I will never go to HD or Lowes when I need something. I could not count how many times I even called before I went to HD and they said on the phone that - yes indeed they have it. I get there and when I can't find it I ask an employee and they say they don't carry it. OUCH. I am lucky I never went POSTAL at that moment.
It happned today. I needed a particular Rust-Oleum oil based paint. Called Rust-Oleum. They confirmed they made it and to check HD. Called HD. They claimed they could mix the color. Got there and the lady just looks on the shelf and says - we haven't had the proper base stock here for months. WELL THEN, WHO DID I TALK TO ON THE PHONE!
This web server does not have enough disk storage for all the HD stories I have!
I go to the remaining local suppliers and I may pay a little more BUT they have what I want AND they know what they are selling.
Rich
NJ
