This really sticks in my crawl. I was looking for some special tiling
materials (I'll spare you the long story). Anyhow, after going to the
manufacturer's website, there is one place in our large metropolitan
area that that carries it. I drive 45 minutes to the store, only to be
told they only sell to contractors. I offer to just pay cash now, get
my stuff and leave. No deal. I ask them where I can buy it if they
won't sell it to me. They tell me to go to Lowes/Home Depot. I tell
them they don't carry it. They tell me that they could probably order
me something that is "basically the same thing".
So now, I either have to call them back, and lie about being a
contractor, or try to order the stuff online. Keep in mind, there was
two guys behind the counter, and no one else in the store. It's not
like I was stopping them from a big sale.
This type of thing happened to me with an electrical supply store too.
I needed to replace an old circuit breaker. Hard to find. The place
would only sell to contractors. Finally, after begging, the guy
"graciously" agreed to sell me my lousy 20 amp breaker, and he charged
me $90 for it. It just pisses me off.
It just seems, more often than not, these Mom and Pop stores don't want
the general public's business. I wasted a lot of time today trying to
help the local economy out. Now, I'm going to have to do a big net
search, and put off finishing my project until it gets here.
Well, if you listened to that rant, I thank you.
bf:
John, Duane and Jim are 100% on the mark. I am a contractor and have a
few places where I can buy things just a little cheaper than the
public. These guys fight the same battle every retailer does, and that
is trying to keep business coming to them and not the big boxes.
As contractors, we squeeze every last dollar out of our suppliers
because in an open bid against others, more often than not the lowest
bid wins. So if we smell undo markup we are gone. If one of our
suppliers comes onto a special buy of something, we go there, not with
our normal guys. So like everything else, it comes down to dollars.
And I certainly do expect a great deal more service from my supplier
that I buy a few thousand (sometimes several) dollars of materials a
month.
And I do not want to stand behind someone in line that is a little
bored, doesn't really want to get his project going, isn't really sure
what to do, needs technical advice on how to actually get his project
done, and worse, on Saturdays is dressed in his flannel shirt and
hiking boots for a manly day out.
The only one that has more trouble with these guys is the supplier
themselves. They do not have the markup to cater to those folks. With
contractors, we usually buy exactly what we need, and bring nothing
back. When a tool is returned because it is "broken", it is not
because we only needed that tool for a few days, or because we didn't
know how it was supposed to be used and we broke it, or because it was
never intended to do what we bought it for.
And unlike HD or Lowe's, I cannot bring a tool back to my suppliers
simply because I don't like it; nor can I bring back excess material
without some kind of restocking fee. And contrary to popular belief,
most of the folks that work there can tell you what the product number
is, how much it costs, where to find it in the computer, and if they
have it in stock. That's all. They don't know how to use it, handle
it, install it, or sometimes, even what some of the product are
actually used for.
Those guys are set up to fill the order, put it on the truck, and get
it out. That's it.
If the weekend guys walked in, knew exactly what they wanted with no
questions, waived the right of return (replacement if the item was
defective) and would not bring anything back unless they agreed to a
hefty restocking fee, I assure you these vendors of whom you speak
would be more than glad to take their money.
How do you think "Bob" gets away with his fraud? He plays the game
well and no one is the wiser.
Not trying to be rude here, but CERTAINLY agreeing with the previous
posts.
Robert
[email protected] wrote:
> bf:
>
> John, Duane and Jim are 100% on the mark. I am a contractor and have a
> few places where I can buy things just a little cheaper than the
> public. These guys fight the same battle every retailer does, and that
> is trying to keep business coming to them and not the big boxes.
>
> As contractors, we squeeze every last dollar out of our suppliers
> because in an open bid against others, more often than not the lowest
> bid wins. So if we smell undo markup we are gone. If one of our
> suppliers comes onto a special buy of something, we go there, not with
> our normal guys. So like everything else, it comes down to dollars.
> And I certainly do expect a great deal more service from my supplier
> that I buy a few thousand (sometimes several) dollars of materials a
> month.
>
> And I do not want to stand behind someone in line that is a little
> bored, doesn't really want to get his project going, isn't really sure
> what to do, needs technical advice on how to actually get his project
> done, and worse, on Saturdays is dressed in his flannel shirt and
> hiking boots for a manly day out.
>
> The only one that has more trouble with these guys is the supplier
> themselves. They do not have the markup to cater to those folks. With
> contractors, we usually buy exactly what we need, and bring nothing
> back. When a tool is returned because it is "broken", it is not
> because we only needed that tool for a few days, or because we didn't
> know how it was supposed to be used and we broke it, or because it was
> never intended to do what we bought it for.
>
> And unlike HD or Lowe's, I cannot bring a tool back to my suppliers
> simply because I don't like it; nor can I bring back excess material
> without some kind of restocking fee. And contrary to popular belief,
> most of the folks that work there can tell you what the product number
> is, how much it costs, where to find it in the computer, and if they
> have it in stock. That's all. They don't know how to use it, handle
> it, install it, or sometimes, even what some of the product are
> actually used for.
>
> Those guys are set up to fill the order, put it on the truck, and get
> it out. That's it.
>
> If the weekend guys walked in, knew exactly what they wanted with no
> questions, waived the right of return (replacement if the item was
> defective) and would not bring anything back unless they agreed to a
> hefty restocking fee, I assure you these vendors of whom you speak
> would be more than glad to take their money.
>
> How do you think "Bob" gets away with his fraud? He plays the game
> well and no one is the wiser.
>
> Not trying to be rude here, but CERTAINLY agreeing with the previous
> posts.
>
> Robert
Yes, but...one of the most successful local chains (three stores, I
think), is Taylor Bros., operating in Bedford and Lynchburg. Their
business model starts with the premise that almost all contractors do
their major ordering before 9 a.m., and John and Jane Q. Public come in
later than that, for the most part. Taylor Bros. is primarily a
contractor supply store, opens at 7 a.m., and close at 5. The are
pricey on many items on the shelves, compared to, say, Lowe's, but
their staff, with the probable exception of the checkers, know the
stock and what it will do, so that's part of what you're paying for.
They also discount--I don't know how heavily--to contractors who have
accounts with them (about all the legit local contractors).
The run garden stores during the season, right alongside the main
store, have a huge stock on hand, welcome both types of businesses
(while admittedly charging a premium for the guy who does one shingling
job, for example, in a lifetime, versus the guy who does one or two a
week FOR a lifetime. Big "Guess who" is going to help the profit margin
the most). But the guy who comes in and pays 8 bucks for a 7 buck can
of shellac is also doing a job in elevating the year end numbers. And
there are many more of them.
Of course, the Taylor Bros. store in Bedford is substituting itself for
any supplier in Lynchburg or Roanoke by shortening the drive. I'm 12
miles from Bedford, 30 from Lynchburg, and about 38 from Roanoke. With
3 buck a gallon gas, where do I head? For me, it takes a sizeable order
to offset a dime more per 2x4 when I need six or eight or even a dozen.
Oh, yeah. They do try to emphasize quality over price, which also tends
to make them seem pricer than they really are.
Actually, I don't know of anyplace around here who refuses to take
DIYers' money, cash, check money order of plastic. Even th elocal
plumbing supply houses welcome the extra bucks, and, by their very
nature, seem less offended by the concept of a few hundred feet of $12
two wire with ground, than do some of the window and gutter and siding
suppliers, as a primary example, who won't touch a DIYer's bucks.
John Emmons wrote:
>> Ooops, one more, why in the world would you drive 45 minutes without calling
> first?
>
Because the manufacturers website listed the store under "where to
buy". It was the only option in the area. And I had over $1000 in my
pocket. Didn't think it would be a problem.
I wasn't there to ask questions. I had a list. All they had to do was
pull it off the shelves and they'd never see me again.
> Hope you find what you're looking for.
>
> Find a contractor to buy it for you.
Nope, I found it online. No contractor is going to buy the stuff for me
to install. Why would he waste time doing that if he wasn't going to
get the job?
Jim wrote:
> Their business model insures that they lose money on very small purchases.
> So, as they are not in business for their health, they don't want you
> business.
> Jim
I disagree. I had $1000 cash in my pocket. Would've probably made
another trip or two back and spent a total of $3000-4000 by the
everything was done.
Most contractors are only going to buy stuff for the one bathroom they
are doing as well. I'm doing two bathrooms. It is true that I'm
unlikely to be a repeat buyer, but doing my 2-3 sales is going to make
them just as much as a contractor visit.
Don't tell me that a lot of contractor visits don't involve the
contractor coming back for that one elbow or whatever he didn't think
he needed at the last visit.
[email protected] wrote:
> Those guys are set up to fill the order, put it on the truck, and get
> it out. That's it.
And that's all I wanted them to do. I could understand if they had a no
return policy or whatever.
>
> If the weekend guys walked in, knew exactly what they wanted with no
> questions, waived the right of return (replacement if the item was
> defective) and would not bring anything back unless they agreed to a
> hefty restocking fee, I assure you these vendors of whom you speak
> would be more than glad to take their money.
I was perfectly willing to do that. But I didn't even have the option.
Fred wrote:
> Finally, after begging, the guy
> > "graciously" agreed to sell me my lousy 20 amp breaker, and he charged
> > me $90 for it. It just pisses me off.
>
> You paid that much for a 20A breaker? Should it go for something like under
> $10? I'll be pissed too and change the main panel before paying that much
> for old style equipment for not much more than what you paid for this one
> breaker. Further, there are electrical houses with recycle equipment and
> parts you could have tried and save perhaps some $$.
>
It's a long story.. The wife was giving me hell, it took a while to
find someone who even carried that breaker. It was a case of being
worth the one time screw over just to get the job over with and the
wife off my back.
Duane Bozarth wrote:
> Except they probably don't have a set up to accept cash sales and most
> particularly, collect the sales tax.
>
> It's not actually the $$ amount, or even the quutions, etc., per se,
> it's that wholesale-only places simply don't have the
> bookkeeping/accounting set up to deal w/ retail sales.
My brother has to collect sales tax in his business. It's filling out a
form once a quarter (I think, maybe it's once a year).
It's not rocket science. They aren't set up that way because they
choose not to be.
I guess my whole beef is that they are the only place in town that
carries the stuff, the manufacturer pointed me there. No other
customers in the store, and they were rude jackasses. How dare a lowly
homeowner walk into their sacred store? If it inconviences them that
much, how about putting a sign on their door that says "Contractors
only".
Thank God for the internet.
Greg O wrote:
> I work for a HVAC company. We do not do business with "wholesalers" that
> sell to the general public.
Apples and oranges.. This is a relatively small tile store. They didn't
appear to be that prosperous. No one was in the store other than me.
And it's not like I was trying to install my own HVAC. I certainly not
going to call you or any other real contractor to service it if I screw
it up.
No need to get so cranky. I just wanted access to some supplies, and I
couldn't get it. Wouldn't that be frustrating for you?
I didn't expect anyone to bow down and worship me because I was going
to spend $1000. All I wanted was for one of them to spend maybe 3
minutes pulling off items that I had on a list in hand. I wasn't going
to ask any questions or return anything. I've already done 5 tile
showers, I know what I'm doing. I moved, so I didn't know that the
normal guy can't buy the good supplies locally in this city. Had no
problem getting the stuff in my former city.
Greg O wrote:
> Apples and oranges?? No they were a wholesaler, period, makes no difference
> what they sell.
You said in an earlier post that you refuse to buy from places that
sell to the public because "After the second time we got called to do
warranty work
on equipment that was sold direct we flushed them!"
You used this a main point in your arguement to why they shouldn't sell
to me.
That's what I was addressing. Tile supplies are different than HVAC.
There is no warantee work to bug you or anyone else with.
I'm more annoyed that the manufacturer pointed me to a place that won't
sell to me. The guys at the store can pound sand for all I care. They
were assholes, so I'm glad I didn't buy from them. It would've been
nice if they had a sign on their door indicating their policy so I
wouldn't have had to even talk to them.
The lesson I learned? Don't bother searching out a local dealer. Just
go to the Borg or buy it online. It's a lot easier.
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Greg O wrote:
>> >
>> > So now, I either have to call them back, and lie about being a
>> > contractor,
>>
>> Be prepared to produce a contractors license, and a tax exemption card!
>> Greg
>
> Fortunately, I found it online, so I don't have to give those jerks my
> business.
>
I work for a HVAC company. We do not do business with "wholesalers" that
sell to the general public. The two main wholesalers we deal with would have
tossed you out on your ear! Your $1000 dollars means nothing to the $500,000
dollars we spend annually at each place. We used to deal with another
wholesaler in town. After the second time we got called to do warranty work
on equipment that was sold direct we flushed them! We probably did $250,000
a year with them at the time, now maybe $500 a year on stuff we absolutely
can not get anywhere else.
It is not worth it to the wholesaler to piss off a customer that does a
bunch of business with them to satisfy you and you $1000!
Sorry, but that is the way it goes!
Greg
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Greg O wrote:
>> I work for a HVAC company. We do not do business with "wholesalers" that
>> sell to the general public.
>
> Apples and oranges.. This is a relatively small tile store. They didn't
> appear to be that prosperous. No one was in the store other than me.
> And it's not like I was trying to install my own HVAC. I certainly not
> going to call you or any other real contractor to service it if I screw
> it up.
> No need to get so cranky. I just wanted access to some supplies, and I
> couldn't get it. Wouldn't that be frustrating for you?
>
> I didn't expect anyone to bow down and worship me because I was going
> to spend $1000. All I wanted was for one of them to spend maybe 3
> minutes pulling off items that I had on a list in hand. I wasn't going
> to ask any questions or return anything. I've already done 5 tile
> showers, I know what I'm doing. I moved, so I didn't know that the
> normal guy can't buy the good supplies locally in this city. Had no
> problem getting the stuff in my former city.
>
Apples and oranges?? No they were a wholesaler, period, makes no difference
what they sell.
Don't be fooled by appearances! Much of their sales are probably dropped
shipped right to the contractor, no need to look prosperous, just do the
job. I know a couple of guys doing business out of a shit hole office that
are multimillionaires! Their business does not require marble floors and
fancy lighting, but you should see their homes!
Who's cranky? Not me! I am pretty amused by it all!
It seems to me that you fail to understand how most wholesalers work, they
don't sell to the general public, period!!
You have done tile before, so what? I never questioned you qualifications,
nobody did, nobody cares.
If you really needed that certain tile I am sure any flooring retailer would
have gladly picked it up for you and sold it to you. that is generally how
it works, sure you can find a loop hole if you look hard enough.
I have done a fair amount of tile too. I bought it at the local retailer!
The wholesaler wouldn't sell to me!
Greg
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Greg O wrote:
>> Apples and oranges?? No they were a wholesaler, period, makes no
>> difference
>> what they sell.
>
> You said in an earlier post that you refuse to buy from places that
> sell to the public because "After the second time we got called to do
> warranty work
> on equipment that was sold direct we flushed them!"
> You used this a main point in your arguement to why they shouldn't sell
> to me.
> That's what I was addressing. Tile supplies are different than HVAC.
> There is no warantee work to bug you or anyone else with.
>
>
Warranty or not it still makes no difference. Most wholesalers just won't
deal with the public. Do you think that warranty problems never come up with
floor tile?
If you were a flooring installer and walked into a home and recognized the
flooring that could only be bought through a wholesaler, so for the heck of
it you as who installed the floor. The homeowner tells you XYZ Tile
Wholesaler, an I installed it myself. As a contractor you may be a bit PO'd
if the wholesaler was to sell to contractors only.
Another point, it is very possible the tile manufacturer restricts sales
through company trained wholesalers, it does happen sometimes on other
products. The wholesaler may have been just playing CYA.
In my case, anybody can buy HVAC equipment off the 'net. Look at most
warranties and the warranty is void if not installed by a licensed and
factory trained person.
Greg
bf wrote:
>
...
> So now, I either have to call them back, and lie about being a
> contractor, ...
You'll more than likely have to have a tax-exempt certificate of
whatever your state requires...
> This type of thing happened to me with an electrical supply store too.
> I needed to replace an old circuit breaker. Hard to find. The place
> would only sell to contractors. Finally, after begging, the guy
> "graciously" agreed to sell me my lousy 20 amp breaker, and he charged
> me $90 for it. It just pisses me off.
>
> It just seems, more often than not, these Mom and Pop stores don't want
> the general public's business. ...
More than likely, they're not "Mom and Pop" but local part of sizable
wholesaler.
I'll reiterate John's point--they're wholesalers in business
specifically for the wholesale trade. While some are set up to deal w/
over-the-counter trade, may aren't. Nothing against you personally
except you aren't their clientele.
Find a contractor who'll pick it up for you is usually best bet.
bf wrote:
>
> John Emmons wrote:
> >> Ooops, one more, why in the world would you drive 45 minutes without calling
> > first?
> >
>
> Because the manufacturers website listed the store under "where to
> buy". It was the only option in the area. And I had over $1000 in my
> pocket. Didn't think it would be a problem.
>
> I wasn't there to ask questions. I had a list. All they had to do was
> pull it off the shelves and they'd never see me again.
Except they probably don't have a set up to accept cash sales and most
particularly, collect the sales tax.
It's not actually the $$ amount, or even the quutions, etc., per se,
it's that wholesale-only places simply don't have the
bookkeeping/accounting set up to deal w/ retail sales.
On 12 Sep 2005 09:56:36 -0700, "bf" <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Hope you find what you're looking for.
>>
>> Find a contractor to buy it for you.
>
>Nope, I found it online. No contractor is going to buy the stuff for me
>to install. Why would he waste time doing that if he wasn't going to
>get the job?
Next time you run into this problem you might check with a local mom
and pop flooring and tile shop. Just go in and ask if they sell to
do-it-your-self guys. Most small shops are happy to do this.
The reason they will sell to you is that they will make a decent
profit on the mark up and will also keep their buying volume up which
in turn can create bigger discounts or other incentives from the
wholesaler or manufacturer. Also they don't have to warranty any
installation.
Chances are they won't have what you need in stock but will likely be
able to pick it up on their next trip to the same place that refused
to sell to you.
You might also be surprised at how competitive their prices can be
compared to the borg.
Mike O.
On 10 Sep 2005 01:54:46 -0700, "Charlie Self" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
>Actually, I don't know of anyplace around here who refuses to take
>DIYers' money, cash, check money order of plastic.
Same here, at least with electrical, plumbing, floor coverings,
roofing materials, etc...
However, anybody without a state sales tax ID pays full retail price,
which is usually higher than a typical retail outlet.
Satisfaction is not guaranteed, and items are not returnable, except
for DOA like for like exchange. Tool warranties are handled directly
with the manufacturer.
Some of the suppliers, like a local lumber place, require a tax ID, a
minimum order (300-500+ bd/ft), paid delivery (you can't go get it or
hand select the materials), and COD (check or credit card) to the
driver if you don't have an account.
I think one real issue is sales tax. True wholesalers often aren't
set up to collect it, only to keep track of who will collect and
submit it to the state.
Barry
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> It just seems, more often than not, these Mom and Pop stores don't want
> the general public's business. I wasted a lot of time today trying to
> help the local economy out. Now, I'm going to have to do a big net
> search, and put off finishing my project until it gets here.
>
Their business model insures that they lose money on very small purchases.
So, as they are not in business for their health, they don't want you
business.
Jim
So, become a "contractor". I did. 25 bucks and a made-up name got me a
business license (carry it with you). Pay cash. They'll never know. I
saved the cost of the biz license on my first load of plywood from a
wholesaler.
Bob
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> This really sticks in my crawl. I was looking for some special tiling
> materials (I'll spare you the long story). Anyhow, after going to the
> manufacturer's website, there is one place in our large metropolitan
> area that that carries it. I drive 45 minutes to the store, only to be
> told they only sell to contractors. I offer to just pay cash now, get
> my stuff and leave. No deal. I ask them where I can buy it if they
> won't sell it to me. They tell me to go to Lowes/Home Depot. I tell
> them they don't carry it. They tell me that they could probably order
> me something that is "basically the same thing".
>
> So now, I either have to call them back, and lie about being a
> contractor, or try to order the stuff online. Keep in mind, there was
> two guys behind the counter, and no one else in the store. It's not
> like I was stopping them from a big sale.
>
> This type of thing happened to me with an electrical supply store too.
> I needed to replace an old circuit breaker. Hard to find. The place
> would only sell to contractors. Finally, after begging, the guy
> "graciously" agreed to sell me my lousy 20 amp breaker, and he charged
> me $90 for it. It just pisses me off.
>
> It just seems, more often than not, these Mom and Pop stores don't want
> the general public's business. I wasted a lot of time today trying to
> help the local economy out. Now, I'm going to have to do a big net
> search, and put off finishing my project until it gets here.
>
> Well, if you listened to that rant, I thank you.
>
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> I didn't expect anyone to bow down and worship me because I was going
> to spend $1000. All I wanted was for one of them to spend maybe 3
> minutes pulling off items that I had on a list in hand. I wasn't going
> to ask any questions or return anything. I've already done 5 tile
> showers, I know what I'm doing.
For every one like you, there are hundreds that are a PITA to the
wholesaler. What makes America and capitalism so great is that most business
people are free to make their own rules.
Some time back there was an article in the newspaper about Litchfield
County, CT. Lots of well to do New Yorkers are moving in. The local auto
parts store sold to both repair shops and over the counter walk ins. Seems
like all the newer customers would ask a hundred questions, buy the part,
then even ask for free help to install it. Unless you can get a tattoo on
the forehead that certifies you are OK, your guy decided to avoid all walk
in customers.
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Greg O wrote:
>> Apples and oranges?? No they were a wholesaler, period, makes no
>> difference
>> what they sell.
>
> You said in an earlier post that you refuse to buy from places that
> sell to the public because "After the second time we got called to do
> warranty work
> on equipment that was sold direct we flushed them!"
> You used this a main point in your arguement to why they shouldn't sell
> to me.
> That's what I was addressing. Tile supplies are different than HVAC.
> There is no warantee work to bug you or anyone else with.
>
> I'm more annoyed that the manufacturer pointed me to a place that won't
> sell to me. The guys at the store can pound sand for all I care. They
> were assholes, so I'm glad I didn't buy from them. It would've been
> nice if they had a sign on their door indicating their policy so I
> wouldn't have had to even talk to them.
>
> The lesson I learned? Don't bother searching out a local dealer. Just
> go to the Borg or buy it online. It's a lot easier.
but there can be warrantee work on tiles. they make errors in manufacturing
just like everything else, which could have caused you all sorts of problems
after installation.
Finally, after begging, the guy
> "graciously" agreed to sell me my lousy 20 amp breaker, and he charged
> me $90 for it. It just pisses me off.
You paid that much for a 20A breaker? Should it go for something like under
$10? I'll be pissed too and change the main panel before paying that much
for old style equipment for not much more than what you paid for this one
breaker. Further, there are electrical houses with recycle equipment and
parts you could have tried and save perhaps some $$.
>
> It just seems, more often than not, these Mom and Pop stores don't want
> the general public's business.
I don't think that's the case, there is at least one M&P store willing to
sell me at contractor prices but its the big establishements I couldn't even
get through the front door. The funny thing is, some stuff I buy more, and
more often than some of the contractors. Anyways, if you have a contractor
friend, he could call it in on his account and you pick it up on a will
call.
You're right, they don't want the general public's money. They want the
repeat, fairly reliable money from contractors who don't like it when their
suppliers sell stuff direct to consumers.
In addition, they probably don't like dealing in the quantity that an
average consumer will buy vs a contractor, or answering the million and one
questions that a typical consumer asks vs the contractor who only wants to
know when the stuff will get delivered.
As for helping the local economy, the contractors buy in the dozens,
hundreds, even thousands, average consumer buys onesies and twosies, who's
helping the economy more?
And lastly, thank god, a lot of wholesale businesses aren't set up for
retail sales, they often don't have cash on hand or the means to take direct
payment, they bill or charge their customers by the job or monthly.
Ooops, one more, why in the world would you drive 45 minutes without calling
first?
Hope you find what you're looking for.
Find a contractor to buy it for you.
John
"bf" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> This really sticks in my crawl. I was looking for some special tiling
> materials (I'll spare you the long story). Anyhow, after going to the
> manufacturer's website, there is one place in our large metropolitan
> area that that carries it. I drive 45 minutes to the store, only to be
> told they only sell to contractors. I offer to just pay cash now, get
> my stuff and leave. No deal. I ask them where I can buy it if they
> won't sell it to me. They tell me to go to Lowes/Home Depot. I tell
> them they don't carry it. They tell me that they could probably order
> me something that is "basically the same thing".
>
> So now, I either have to call them back, and lie about being a
> contractor, or try to order the stuff online. Keep in mind, there was
> two guys behind the counter, and no one else in the store. It's not
> like I was stopping them from a big sale.
>
> This type of thing happened to me with an electrical supply store too.
> I needed to replace an old circuit breaker. Hard to find. The place
> would only sell to contractors. Finally, after begging, the guy
> "graciously" agreed to sell me my lousy 20 amp breaker, and he charged
> me $90 for it. It just pisses me off.
>
> It just seems, more often than not, these Mom and Pop stores don't want
> the general public's business. I wasted a lot of time today trying to
> help the local economy out. Now, I'm going to have to do a big net
> search, and put off finishing my project until it gets here.
>
> Well, if you listened to that rant, I thank you.
>