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.....

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

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.

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.