Last week at Lowes while asking for assistance to buy a 14.4-volt DeWalt
battery a "Tool" person advised me to wait until the 30th of Sept, as there
was a two for one sale that day only! I returned on the 30th to buy 2
batteries. In the checkout line the clerk advise that I needed a coupon that
had been mailed out, I didn't have one. The sign clearly posted in the tool
section said nothing of that, nor did your salesperson when telling me to
wait and return on the 30th.
I went to the customer service center and spoke with a "manager". After a
brief conversation we walked down to the tool section where he looked at the
sign, then he offered that the sale was not for the general public, only for
contractors! He refused to honor the word of your tool sales person or
honor the sign as posted in the tool section. This particular manager didn'
t help matters in the least and was in fact somewhat belligerent and
argumentative. He certainly did not want to see my side of this matter as a
customer, in the least. He did offer to discount additional battery were I
to buy two, but that is not what the posted sign or sales personnel said! I
would expect he is new at his job, and hopefully will not last long at it.
I have always been treated fairly in Lowes stores in the past. While I am
certain their intent was to offer only to contractors, their advertisements
for the event should have been posted in the contractor's area, and not for
the general public in the tool section. Additionally sale personnel in the
tool department should know better than to be passing it off as a one-day
sale item. The sign does say it is a one day contractor sale, however we all
know sales event often carry labels that do not offer validity, I merely saw
it as a name for the event. As I often have seen DeWalt service reps in
Lowes I truly felt this was to be such an event.
As you can well discern I am ticked over this! I don't like being made to
look foolish or treated in any store as anything less than a valued
customer. While I would like to say I will not go back I am sure that will
not be the case, however I take every opportunity that comes up to not go
back.
Roger Jensen
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On Fri, 03 Oct 2003 19:48:37 GMT, "Leslie Gossett"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Aren't there better places for contractors to buy their supplies and tools
>other then a borg?
>If I were a contractor, I would certainly look for a more commercial place
>then a store that is open to the general public.
All places are open to the general public. Heck, when I used to work
for 84 Lumber, which is primarily for contractors, we had plenty of
DIYers coming in all the time. But it was the contractors who would
put $200k on their credit accounts at a crack and get the best prices.
If you can't afford to spend what they spend, don't complain that
you're not getting the prices they get.
On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 21:36:31 GMT, "Leslie Gossett"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Good thing there isn't a Lowes near me. I would have to boycott it.
That's pretty stupid, you'd be boycotting every home center on the
planet because they *ALL* do the same thing.
Mike Zuchick wrote:
> How long do you think Lowes would surive without Mr. John Q. Public. I had
> the same situation with Sam's Club. I demanded a refund on my Membership
> Fees and walked out. These BORGs needs to realize who butters their bread
> and it ain't the contractors.
I don't know about that.
I stopped in Home Depot on the way to work this morning. The contractor ahead
of me in line put $28,000 on his tab this morning. That's a lot more butter
than I normally spread.
--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
Leslie Gossett wrote:
> Aren't there better places for contractors to buy their supplies and tools
> other then a borg?
> If I were a contractor, I would certainly look for a more commercial place
> then a store that is open to the general public.
It depends on what you are buying. The Borgs usually have better prices
on tools than the industrial/commercial suppliers I buy from. I'm
referring to circular saws, drills, routers etc. Perhaps if I was buying
12 saws etc. this wouldn't be true. I also buy most of my PT lumber
there (the framing stuff that is usually covered or hidden from view),
drywall, sheet goods, insulation, screws and nails. I never buy
finishing supplies or any appearance grade lumber there. Most of the
time I buy there for convenience. At the volume I purchase supplies, my
discounts are minimal.
Hank
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On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 21:11:48 GMT, "Leslie Gossett"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Why should a contractor get special attention over any other paying
>customer. I spend a lot (too much) money at the borgs and should receive the
>same treatment as any contractor.
Mostly because you don't buy in the same volume as most contractors.
The more you buy, the more you save, that's the way it works in most
retail outlets. Contractors usually get special prices because they
purchase wood and supplies for entire houses at a time, usually many
times a month. You simply can't match that kind of buying power and
Lowes or HD doesn't chase your business and give you special rates
because of it.
--
In His Name, be Blessed,
How long do you think Lowes would surive without Mr. John Q. Public. I had
the same situation with Sam's Club. I demanded a refund on my Membership
Fees and walked out. These BORGs needs to realize who butters their bread
and it ain't the contractors.
God Bless,
Mike
PS. Before you reply, remove 'remove-this-before-you-email'
from my Email Address please..
www.cedarworks.1plan.net
www.geocities.com/zuchick
"Morgans" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Leslie Gossett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Why should a contractor get special attention over any other paying
> > customer. I spend a lot (too much) money at the borgs and should receive
> the
> > same treatment as any contractor.
> >
> >
> > Leslie Gossett
>
>
> Perhaps because some contractors spend $50,00 to $200,000 or more per year
> with them, year after year?
>
> I live 30 minutes from where Lowes was born. They used to give a
> contractor's discount on almost every thing in the store. I almost NEVER
> went anywhere else.
>
> Then they went nation wide. That practice stopped. Too Bad. Now, even
> though I still think Lowes is better than most other places, I don't shop
> there exclusively any more.
>
> So your dollars and cents spent there don't measure up. Sorry.
> --
> Jim in NC
>
>
Mike Zuchick responds:
>How long do you think Lowes would surive without Mr. John Q. Public. I had
>the same situation with Sam's Club. I demanded a refund on my Membership
>Fees and walked out. These BORGs needs to realize who butters their bread
>and it ain't the contractors.
Maybe. Maybe not. I've seen large local building supply companies survive very,
very well doing 95% of their selling to contractors. Open early. Close early.
Give discounts. Pay special attention to quality. Be on the ball with delivery
times.
For kicks, price your auto parts at a professional auto parts store. Then get a
local mechanic to price the same parts at the same place.
Charlie Self
"Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit
soft."
Theodore Roosevelt
Charlie Self wrote:
>
> Maybe. Maybe not. I've seen large local building supply companies survive very,
> very well doing 95% of their selling to contractors. Open early. Close early.
> Give discounts. Pay special attention to quality. Be on the ball with delivery
> times.
>
> For kicks, price your auto parts at a professional auto parts store. Then get a
> local mechanic to price the same parts at the same place.
>
> Charlie Self
>
> "Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit
> soft."
> Theodore Roosevelt
I usually get the contractors discount at most lumberyards and both
"BORGS". Why, because I'm a contractor, small scale, but a contractor. I
go to the contractors checkout (BORGS) and present one of my business
cards (if the cashier doesn't know me) and pay by credit card. The
discount isn't that much on the quantities I buy, but every bit helps.
If I was one of their "registered contractors" the discount would be
greater, but at my volume ... I have rarely had a problem and a quick
chat with the dept. manager usually solved that. It is stupid to
advertise a special sale for contractors in the general tool area for
all to see. Most of us see "SALE" and that's all she wrote.
I'm still able to do most of my own work on my Truck and cars (ones not
on warranty). I do it mainly because I feel I'm the only mechanic I can
trust and because I can (brag about it to the ones that can't). I always
buy parts from a professional auto parts store (NAPA usually) and get
the trade price. I call the store and ask if they have the part in
stock, then ask my price. They then give me the list price and net
price. I thank them and say i'll send a man down or I'll be there to
pick it up. Just went through that putting a fuel pump in the truck.
Just filled it (34 gal. tank). Good thing I had six gas cans. The pump
listed for $145 and netted $91; However the sending unit (broke one the
very corroded fittings removing it) listed, Chevvy dealer item only,
for $340 and I got it for $260 (still in tears). For the good price you
have to know the system (walk the walk, talk the talk).
BTW it was snowing today (Jewett in the Catskills). Gotta start waxing
the skis.
Regards,
Hank
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Secret Squirrel wrote:
>>I'm still able to do most of my own work on my Truck and cars (ones
>>not on warranty). I do it mainly because I feel I'm the only mechanic
>>I can trust and because I can (brag about it to the ones that can't).
>>I always buy parts from a professional auto parts store (NAPA usually)
>>and get the trade price. I call the store and ask if they have the
>
>
> Actually what you get is A trade price not THE trade price. I'm not sure
> what NAPA's policy but I spent several years working for a large parts
> chain my area some time back. We had 4 different price lists for commercial
> customers as well as retail. Which book you bought out of depended entirely
> on the volume you presented. The best customers got as much as 30% off, the
> gas station that made an occasional order got 5. Most got somewhere in
> between.
I was pretty much aware of that, but didn't know the details. With the
volume of auto parts I buy, I'm happy with any discount. I rally did
wince at the price of the sending unit though.
Hank
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> I'm still able to do most of my own work on my Truck and cars (ones
> not on warranty). I do it mainly because I feel I'm the only mechanic
> I can trust and because I can (brag about it to the ones that can't).
> I always buy parts from a professional auto parts store (NAPA usually)
> and get the trade price. I call the store and ask if they have the
Actually what you get is A trade price not THE trade price. I'm not sure
what NAPA's policy but I spent several years working for a large parts
chain my area some time back. We had 4 different price lists for commercial
customers as well as retail. Which book you bought out of depended entirely
on the volume you presented. The best customers got as much as 30% off, the
gas station that made an occasional order got 5. Most got somewhere in
between.
what low prices?
"Morgans" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Mike Zuchick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > --
> > In His Name, be Blessed,
> >
> > How long do you think Lowes would surive without Mr. John Q. Public. I
had
> > the same situation with Sam's Club. I demanded a refund on my Membership
> > Fees and walked out. These BORGs needs to realize who butters their
bread
> > and it ain't the contractors.
> >
> > God Bless,
> >
> > Mike
>
> The whole world runs on discounts for bulk purchases. How do you think
the
> Borgs get their prices so low? Bulk!
>
> Some of (most of) the small mom and pop companies still give the
discounts.
> They get some of my business now.
>
> I knew there would be flames, but that IS the way I fell about it. To
each
> his own.
> --
> Jim in NC
>
>
One has to remember that it is the contractor, buying widgets a pallet at a
time that allows the Borg to sell them one at a time, cheaper than you can get
at the counter store. Borgs are putting the smaller counter operations out of
business around here. I went to a medium sized electrical supplier the other
day looking for stailess outlet plates, no joy. Home Depot had them ... cheaper
than I could get them from Greybar.
In rec.woodworking
[email protected] (Gfretwell) wrote:
> Borgs are putting the smaller counter operations out of business around here.
Not just around there, around America. We are reaching the pinnacle of
capitalism. In a decade or so, there will exist:
1. Walmart
2. Borg or Lowes
3. Microsoft
The only place where more than one will survive is where variety is
demanded by the public such as food, cars, etc. Even those are
consolidating down to a select few restaurants and car makers.
P.S.
The borgs near me may have special pricing and sales for contractors, I
doubut it. They don't display them where the general public can see and
complain about them.
"Leslie Gossett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Don't you know sarcasm when you hear it.
> Don't call me stupid until you have met me.
>
>
> "Brian Henderson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 21:36:31 GMT, "Leslie Gossett"
> > <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> > >Good thing there isn't a Lowes near me. I would have to boycott it.
> >
> > That's pretty stupid, you'd be boycotting every home center on the
> > planet because they *ALL* do the same thing.
>
>
In article <[email protected]>, spam-
[email protected] says...
> what's good for a Contractor - applies to the general
> public as well (try the word discrimination). As long as they publicly
> advertised it as a sale, they can't have two prices for the same item for
> different people.
>
> Bob S.
>
>
Sorry, you're dead wrong.
A business can charge different prices to different people
as much as they please so long as the differences aren't
specifically related to the "protected groups" (sex,
religion, ad nauseam).
>
--
Mark
The truth as I perceive it to be.
Your perception may be different.
Triple Z is spam control.
Don't you know sarcasm when you hear it.
Don't call me stupid until you have met me.
"Brian Henderson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 21:36:31 GMT, "Leslie Gossett"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Good thing there isn't a Lowes near me. I would have to boycott it.
>
> That's pretty stupid, you'd be boycotting every home center on the
> planet because they *ALL* do the same thing.
Roger,
Call the Customer Rep at HQ and tell them what happened. I had a problem of
a similar nature and what's good for a Contractor - applies to the general
public as well (try the word discrimination). As long as they publicly
advertised it as a sale, they can't have two prices for the same item for
different people.
Bob S.
P.S.
The borgs near me may have special pricing and sales for contractors, I
doubt it. They don't display them where the general public can see and
complain about them.
"Brian Henderson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 21:36:31 GMT, "Leslie Gossett"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >Good thing there isn't a Lowes near me. I would have to boycott it.
>
> That's pretty stupid, you'd be boycotting every home center on the
> planet because they *ALL* do the same thing.
Back when there was the frenzy over Bessey K-Body clamps on sale at Sears, I
went to Lowes for a price match. I even brought in one of the clamps with
me so they would know it was the same one. The tool department manager
refused to match because the Sears ad didn't have the model number listed.
I e-mailed customer service from the Web site. Within a few days, I had a
response and they were looking into it. A couple days later, I had a call
from the same tool department manager. He would be happy to sell me those
clamps at the Sears price, less 10%.
--
Best Regards, Phil
Living In The Woods of Beautiful Bonney Lake, Washington
Visit My Web Site www.madrona.bizhosting.com
"Roger Jensen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Last week at Lowes while asking for assistance to buy a 14.4-volt DeWalt
> battery a "Tool" person advised me to wait until the 30th of Sept, as
there
> was a two for one sale that day only! I returned on the 30th to buy 2
> batteries. In the checkout line the clerk advise that I needed a coupon
that
> had been mailed out, I didn't have one. <snip>
A couple things to add:
I emailed Lowes regarding the above on the 30th, no reply to date and I
don't expect one. Lowes would never make is in this town (Abilene, Texas)
without the homeowner as a prime buyer. Look at their whole system, they
focus marketing to the general public, not contractors.
True, contractors spend a lot of money, but the lion's share of Lowes
profits come from home owners. I don't mind them giving a break to
contractors, BUT DON'T rub it in my face by posting the sale bill in the
general area. Then shove me off like a second rate individual unable to read
a sale bill. The vast majority of major builder/ contractors here choose an
old and well established "Lumber Yard". The prices are often better, but
the quality and service are vastly superior to Lowes. The contractors
shopping at Lowes are more often the fixer up type, building fences, smaller
projects etc....
I have spent many thousands of dollars at Lowes in the past, they are
convenient and I prefer them to Home Depot. I will continue to shop there
but will be aware to not always expect to be treated as I would like. There
are many fine employees at Lowes, it is not a bad store, just that I had a
bad experience with a manager that failed in customer care. And, as I
elevated this to a higher level it may just be a reflection of Lowes overall
management concept.
Roger Jensen
Abilene, Texas
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Why should a contractor get special attention over any other paying
customer. I spend a lot (too much) money at the borgs and should receive the
same treatment as any contractor.
Leslie Gossett
"Bob S." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Roger,
>
> Call the Customer Rep at HQ and tell them what happened. I had a problem
of
> a similar nature and what's good for a Contractor - applies to the general
> public as well (try the word discrimination). As long as they publicly
> advertised it as a sale, they can't have two prices for the same item for
> different people.
>
> Bob S.
>
>
Aren't there better places for contractors to buy their supplies and tools
other then a borg?
If I were a contractor, I would certainly look for a more commercial place
then a store that is open to the general public.
"Nova" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mike Zuchick wrote:
>
> > How long do you think Lowes would surive without Mr. John Q. Public. I
had
> > the same situation with Sam's Club. I demanded a refund on my Membership
> > Fees and walked out. These BORGs needs to realize who butters their
bread
> > and it ain't the contractors.
>
> I don't know about that.
>
> I stopped in Home Depot on the way to work this morning. The contractor
ahead
> of me in line put $28,000 on his tab this morning. That's a lot more
butter
> than I normally spread.
>
> --
> Jack Novak
> Buffalo, NY - USA
>
>
On Fri, 3 Oct 2003 16:08:23 -0600, "Jay Windley"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"Charlie Self" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>|
>| Every commercial contractor's supply I've ever seen also sells
>| to the general public
>
>I've never had any supplier refuse me service or charge me a different price
>because I wasn't a contractor. However, some have enforced minimum order
>quantities or similar restrictions.
I deal with at least a couple of suppliers who won't even sell to
non-professionals. My hardwood supplier has a two hundred board foot
minimum if I pick up and a five hundred board foot minimum delivered.
I can buy for about one fourth to one third of what it costs at a
lumber yard, because the yards buy from this guy.
My sheet goods supplier will only sell to the trade and sends out a
salesman on the initial call to verify that you have working shop.
The discount is not as big as it is in solid stock but I have access
to products that simply are not available through yards. ie real
cabinet grade plywood, sequence matched and numbered.
When I bought from Sherwin Williams, I ran about twenty percent lower
than what Joe Homeowner could get the goods for.
My hardware supplier sells only to the trade and I can get solid brass
knobs, 1 1/2" for less than a dollar apiece when I buy a hundred. I
get Grass 180 degree hinges for about a dollar and a half each.
Being in business demands that you work your way upstream. You have
to find out who the supplier is for your current supplier and see if
that guy will do business with you directly.
It is amazing what paying cash upfront can do to open some of these
doors.
Regards, Tom.
Thomas J. Watson-Cabinetmaker
Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania
http://users.snip.net/~tjwatson
Tom Watson writes:
>>| Every commercial contractor's supply I've ever seen also sells
>>| to the general public
>>
>>I've never had any supplier refuse me service or charge me a different price
>>because I wasn't a contractor. However, some have enforced minimum order
>>quantities or similar restrictions.
>
>
>I deal with at least a couple of suppliers who won't even sell to
>non-professionals. My hardwood supplier has a two hundred board foot
>minimum if I pick up and a five hundred board foot minimum delivered.
>I can buy for about one fourth to one third of what it costs at a
>lumber yard, because the yards buy from this guy.
>
>My sheet goods supplier will only sell to the trade and sends out a
>salesman on the initial call to verify that you have working shop.
Yup. For good reason, cabinetmaker's supply companies do NOT want to deal with
Joe & Jane Average (obvious reasons being the lack of volume, having to handle
a piece too many times, etc.).
As a woodworker, I've been lucky enough to have cabinetmaker friends willing
to add my order to their order for a slight premium over what they pay. Some
will. Some won't. It is not something to base a friendship on, but may develop
from a friendship over time.
That 200 bf minimum can be a killer if you don't have an near immediate need
for that much and don't have storage space, a common complaint among hobby
woodworkers. Thus, hobbyists end up paying 6 or 8 bucks a bf for semi-decent
red oak at Lowe's or HD or a similar chain.
I really cheat. I go around to small local lumberyards and find out what
hardwoods they've overcut recently. Take it home (not here in Parkersburg,
where I've got zip for storage or shop space). Stack & sticker & wait. Skip
plane at 6 months. Joint & one side plane after maybe 9-10 months, depending on
my need for the wood.
Finish indoors, in the shop.
Cost for the raw, green wood is usually around half a buck a board foot.
Finished out, it probably costs $1.50 for oak or cherry for the FAS stock and
maybe a buck for the log run.
Charlie Self
"The income tax has made liars out of more Americans than golf."
Will Rogers
"Charlie Self" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> That 200 bf minimum can be a killer if you don't have an near immediate
need
> for that much and don't have storage space, a common complaint among hobby
> woodworkers. Thus, hobbyists end up paying 6 or 8 bucks a bf for
semi-decent
> red oak at Lowe's or HD or a similar chain.
The other consideration with discounts is the time involved. The pro knows
what he wants, places the order, loads, and is gone in a short time. Joe
Homeowner often has no clue, takes twice the time of the sales person and
the guys in the shop for a sale that is about 5% of the pro shop.
Where I work we discourage small pickups by customers. My crew can load a
53" trailer with a particular item in about 30 to 40 minutes with 2 people.
It consists of 26 large units. We have one customer that comes with his own
inadequate truck and picks up two of them himself. It takes the same amount
of time to get him loaded and tied down. Same amount of paperwork to bill
him $200 at it is to bill the big customer $5000.
Ed
On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 02:26:06 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Where I work we discourage small pickups by customers. My crew can load a
>53" trailer with a particular item in about 30 to 40 minutes with 2 people.
Hire me, I can load a 53" trailer in 3-4 minutes. <G>
Barry
On 04 Oct 2003 01:19:05 GMT, [email protected] (Charlie Self)
wrote:
>
>That 200 bf minimum can be a killer if you don't have an near immediate need
>for that much and don't have storage space, a common complaint among hobby
>woodworkers. Thus, hobbyists end up paying 6 or 8 bucks a bf for semi-decent
>red oak at Lowe's or HD or a similar chain.
>
>I really cheat. I go around to small local lumberyards and find out what
>hardwoods they've overcut recently. Take it home (not here in Parkersburg,
>where I've got zip for storage or shop space). Stack & sticker & wait. Skip
>plane at 6 months. Joint & one side plane after maybe 9-10 months, depending on
>my need for the wood.
>
>Finish indoors, in the shop.
>
>Cost for the raw, green wood is usually around half a buck a board foot.
>Finished out, it probably costs $1.50 for oak or cherry for the FAS stock and
>maybe a buck for the log run.
I'd like t be able to go that way but it takes a tremendous amount of
space and time. I buy mostly FAS and #1 Common stock. I buy it in
quantities suited to the jobs in the pipeline and many times I make up
the difference in the five hundred foot minimum for delivery by
filling out the rest with poplar, which is cheap and is used up
quickly in millwork and secondary wood usage.
I've bought from small local mills in the past and found that the run
of the mill has too low a proportion of cabinet grade face wood to be
economical. You may only pay a small amount per board foot but that
price goes up when you consider culls and below grade slabs.
I pay about four bucks for cherry but ninety percent of it is useful.
I pay about a buck and a half for poplar and damned near all of it is
useful.
When I deal with an expensive wood like cherry or walnut, it is
sometimes worth it to buy less than FAS and deal with the time
involved in cutting out the defects. This is mostly true in library
jobs where I might have use for small widths of pilasters and edge
materials. When I have a dining room table job it means that I have
to go to the yard and select and this drives the price up by a great
amount.
I hope that in your upcoming book you explain the ins and outs of
hardwood grading, particularly in the case of walnut, which has rules
unlike any other domestic hardwood. The grading standards are so
various and flexible as to be nearly incomprehensible to someone who
has not been involved with it on a professional level for some time.
When I started out, I got pissed off that so much of the wood sent to
me was unusable. My waste factors, bids and profitability have gone
up since then.
Regards, Tom.
Thomas J. Watson-Cabinetmaker
Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania
http://users.snip.net/~tjwatson
Leslie Gossett writes:
>Aren't there better places for contractors to buy their supplies and tools
>other then a borg?
>If I were a contractor, I would certainly look for a more commercial place
>then a store that is open to the general public.
Every commercial contractor's supply I've ever seen also sells to the general
public, but most of the GP ain't smart enough to bother with them.
Charlie Self
"Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit
soft."
Theodore Roosevelt
"Charlie Self" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
|
| Every commercial contractor's supply I've ever seen also sells
| to the general public
I've never had any supplier refuse me service or charge me a different price
because I wasn't a contractor. However, some have enforced minimum order
quantities or similar restrictions.
"Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
|
| I deal with at least a couple of suppliers who won't even sell to
| non-professionals.
I'm sure I'll run into that if I escalate my appetite for projects. I
haven't had any yet refuse me service because I'm not a professional, but
I've been put off myself by minimums I wasn't prepapred to satisfy. Maybe
that was their polite way of saying they didn't want my business, but I'm
usually the one who brings up the minimum.
I have some pipe organ builders who let me piggyback on their orders too;
it's just more convenient for me. It's not because I can't get materials
any other way.
It's fine with me if a supplier wants to decide who his customers should be.
Personally I prefer to buy my wares at commercial and industrial suppliers.
They are easier to deal with and the service is 1k times better.
Unfortunately they have that 8am to 5pm mentality.
"Roger Jensen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> A couple things to add:
>
> I emailed Lowes regarding the above on the 30th, no reply to date and I
> don't expect one. Lowes would never make is in this town (Abilene, Texas)
> without the homeowner as a prime buyer. Look at their whole system, they
> focus marketing to the general public, not contractors.
> True, contractors spend a lot of money, but the lion's share of Lowes
> profits come from home owners. I don't mind them giving a break to
> contractors, BUT DON'T rub it in my face by posting the sale bill in the
> general area. Then shove me off like a second rate individual unable to
read
> a sale bill. The vast majority of major builder/ contractors here choose
an
> old and well established "Lumber Yard". The prices are often better, but
> the quality and service are vastly superior to Lowes. The contractors
> shopping at Lowes are more often the fixer up type, building fences,
smaller
> projects etc....
>
> I have spent many thousands of dollars at Lowes in the past, they are
> convenient and I prefer them to Home Depot. I will continue to shop there
> but will be aware to not always expect to be treated as I would like.
There
> are many fine employees at Lowes, it is not a bad store, just that I had a
> bad experience with a manager that failed in customer care. And, as I
> elevated this to a higher level it may just be a reflection of Lowes
overall
> management concept.
>
> Roger Jensen
> Abilene, Texas
>
>
>
> ---
> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.522 / Virus Database: 320 - Release Date: 9/29/2003
>
>
"Leslie Gossett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Why should a contractor get special attention over any other paying
> customer. I spend a lot (too much) money at the borgs and should receive
the
> same treatment as any contractor.
>
>
> Leslie Gossett
Perhaps because some contractors spend $50,00 to $200,000 or more per year
with them, year after year?
I live 30 minutes from where Lowes was born. They used to give a
contractor's discount on almost every thing in the store. I almost NEVER
went anywhere else.
Then they went nation wide. That practice stopped. Too Bad. Now, even
though I still think Lowes is better than most other places, I don't shop
there exclusively any more.
So your dollars and cents spent there don't measure up. Sorry.
--
Jim in NC
"Mike Zuchick" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> --
> In His Name, be Blessed,
>
> How long do you think Lowes would surive without Mr. John Q. Public. I had
> the same situation with Sam's Club. I demanded a refund on my Membership
> Fees and walked out. These BORGs needs to realize who butters their bread
> and it ain't the contractors.
>
> God Bless,
>
> Mike
The whole world runs on discounts for bulk purchases. How do you think the
Borgs get their prices so low? Bulk!
Some of (most of) the small mom and pop companies still give the discounts.
They get some of my business now.
I knew there would be flames, but that IS the way I fell about it. To each
his own.
--
Jim in NC
Good thing there isn't a Lowes near me. I would have to boycott it.
"Morgans" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Leslie Gossett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Why should a contractor get special attention over any other paying
> > customer. I spend a lot (too much) money at the borgs and should receive
> the
> > same treatment as any contractor.
> >
> >
> > Leslie Gossett
>
>
> Perhaps because some contractors spend $50,00 to $200,000 or more per year
> with them, year after year?
>
> I live 30 minutes from where Lowes was born. They used to give a
> contractor's discount on almost every thing in the store. I almost NEVER
> went anywhere else.
>
> Then they went nation wide. That practice stopped. Too Bad. Now, even
> though I still think Lowes is better than most other places, I don't shop
> there exclusively any more.
>
> So your dollars and cents spent there don't measure up. Sorry.
> --
> Jim in NC
>
>