Can’t get good help

[Chrisj CMA]

So I’m at Walmart….you gotta like that place even though you hate it because they have everything. So, on my list is rotisserie chicken but they’re out and the next batch has 30 minutes to go. Well, off to sporting goods.

So I’m trying to look at the ammo. The case is way behind the counter and my 62 y/o eyes can’t see anything. No employee in sight so I’m taking pictures so I can enlarge the image. Turns out they stacked the boxes so you can’t see what it is.

Finally an associate comes and says “Do you need help?”  I felt like saying no just taking pictures. But I bit my tongue. So I ask if they have  3” 12 ga shells. No I don’t have that. So I ask what’s that on the top shelf?  He reads everything but the size so he has to show me the box. It’s 2 3/4. So how about the next shelf down. He says it’s same. Buck shot. I’m like but what size?  So he hands me a box and it’s 3” 00 Buck. Just what I asked for at a real good price.  So I say yes, these are 3”. He says really? Those are the 3”. I have to point out on the box where it says 3”. There was only 2 boxes. I said I’ll take 2 boxes.

He answered I guess I can sell you two. I was about to loose my cool when he started ringing them up and it was a done deal.

People!!!!

[Rams]

Spent almost an hour this afternoon at Lowe's going through their bolt bins looking for what I needed, asked several employees as they walked past me for help finding what I needed.   They all said they'd be back.   None ever showed up.

Eventually found what I wanted but not where it was supposed to be.   BTW, before Lowe's I was at Home Depot with even less success, that's why I went to Lowe's.   

Rams

[carolinarider09]

I had another response, but in retrospect, I must be lucky. 

I have not had that problem in Lowes here, although the staff has been somewhat constant. 

In my local ACE hardware store, looking for some galvanized bolts, no problem.  Pointed me to the exact spot

Local "Do It Best" hardware (one here in town use to be ACE), wanted some 1/2 copper tees, no issue walked right to home.  Ask for a six inch PVC pipe cap, no problem and he even knew how many they usually had in stock (which is two). 

[Jess from VA]

So I’m at Walmart…

The only way to ever get any help at the ammo counter at my Walmart, is to walk around the counter so you can actually read the ammo boxes yourself (I am not carrying my binoculars to Walmart). The glass doors are locked anyway.  Boy you get help about as quickly as possible when the camera guy sees you behind the counter.  So the guy runs up and says:

You're not allowed back there.

Yeah I know.  I'm only reading the boxes buddy, I'm not touching or stealing anything.

You should ask for assistance.

To do that, I have to walk all over the store to find someone to ask for assistance, and then maybe someone shows up in 20 minutes (or never).  When I just walk around the counter to look for myself, I get assistance right away.  

You're kind of an asshole aren't you?

Yes sir, that's me.  



We have every big box store you can think of.  For many things, I go to a local family owned one-off Hardware (and much more) store that has the finest professional help you could ever wish for.  Experts in all forms of hardware and plumbing and you name it, and they carry the best or very good quality.  If you need three parts together to cobble up your old plumbing, they'll pull the parts down and assemble them for you.  I pay more than any box store (not outrageously more), and I don't care.  There's a reason they've been in business for 50 years, and the store is always packed.

This also saves me the two and three trips back to the box stores when I get the wrong stuff too (which aggravates the living heck out of me).  
 

[carolinarider09]

We have every big box store you can think of.  For many things, I go to a local family owned one-off Hardware (and much more) store that has the finest professional help you could ever wish for.  Experts in all forms of hardware and plumbing and you name it, and they carry the best or very good quality.  If you need three parts together to cobble up your old plumbing, they'll pull the parts down and assemble them for you.  I pay more than any box store (not outrageously more), and I don't care.  There's a reason they've been in business for 50 years, and the store is always packed.

This also saves me the two and three trips back to the box stores when I get the wrong stuff too (which aggravates the living heck out of me).  
 

Jess, I firmly agree.  One of there reasons I moved to the town I live in was that it had a Hardware store (locally owned, was ACE but now Do It Best), an Autoparts place (NAPA, its now gone), A State Farm office (gone but now back), a pharmacy (locally owned and operated, very reliable), a Western Auto (just because its cool to have some legacy stores), a Echo and Husqvarana dealer (closed about five years ago) oh, and a grocery store, now a Food Lion.   

I purchased 90% of the stuff I used to build my house from the local hardware store.  If they did not stock it, they can get it.   Only a few things, like appliances and lighting fixtures and HVAC stuff did I get from others.   

When I can, Locally Owned and Operated is my choice.

[Jess from VA]

Men may not like to ask directions, but we have no problem asking technical questions on how to fix the dang thingamabob from experts (at the hardware store).  

It even happens on here from time to time.  

I like to support local business, but the reason for my loyalty is the top notch service help.

My other favorite local business is a father and son gunsmith shop.  The 80yo owner is a wizard with anything.  Rather than put one of 5 drop in triggers in my 10-22, he just worked the stock one down to 2.5 lbs of perfection.  It cost more than most of the drop ins, but it's better than all of them.  It also cost more than the rifle did when I bought it in 1975 (like $89, and a Deluxe Sporter, now about $400)

[Ramie]

My local hardware store is great.  Someone on you the moment you walk in, usually a young teen, asking if they can help you finds something.  I've yet to stump them.

[RP#62]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEhHEOIYgMY

-RP

[carolinarider09]

My local hardware store is great.  Someone on you the moment you walk in, usually a young teen, asking if they can help you finds something.  I've yet to stump them.

 

Impressive is it not?????

Makes you wonder about the rest of the "world'.

[..]

Two Ronnies 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi_6SaqVQSw

[Pappy!]

I have found that ACE hardware has a ton more selection of nuts and bolts than our Lowes has and I can select the quantity without having to buy a sealed bag.