Hatin' on the Home Depot

danger · 10-10-2005, 10:41 AM

My name is Dan Ward, this is my Home Depot story.

Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon I went to my local HD store at 82nd and Johnson Creek to pick up a small bathroom vanity. Should be a very simple task. Note time is 4:00pm.

I was going to write the whole story, but frankly it is very long and boring about out of stock units, very poor customer service, employees w/o a clue where their products are, rude employees and just the overall lack of effort from a store that basicly says �Welcome to the Home Depot, we don�t care if you have a good experience or not�people will still shop here anyway, take your spot in line�

By the time I was done, I had to go to tWo different stores and spent over 2 hours buying two items. I hate that place.

I sure do miss the days of going to the hardware store and knowing the owner�

Dan(ger)

EULACHON · 10-10-2005, 10:49 AM

Home Depot on a Sunday....

TundraIII · 10-10-2005, 10:59 AM

I still go to Home Depot but I enjoy it a whole lot less since they implemented that check/pay self serve island, freakin hate it. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry I just go next door to Lowe's because I know that there are going to be actual people at the the cash registers and ** I wont have to wait behind 15 bozo's that cant read english trying to work the self serve check out computers.

Disclaimer:

** No discrimination intended, apparently "Bozo's" come in all shapes, sizes, religions, races. :grin:

Shortbus Flashers · 10-10-2005, 11:01 AM

Dan, sorry bout your experience even if it isnt unexpected... unfortunatly even with all the bad publicity of service, people continue to go to save a buck thus pushing out all the mom & pop stores you refer to.

they mass purchase and drive down prices only to push the other guys out. soon there will only be two choices for hardware.

danger · 10-10-2005, 11:09 AM

Yeah I understand the reasons, but I hate the results.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

And honestly this is not the first time that I have gone their and had a horrible experience...where else do you go

garyk · 10-10-2005, 11:49 AM

Quote:

�Welcome to the Home Depot, we don�t care if you have a good experience or not�people will still shop here anyway, take your spot in line�

You forgot the rest of it...

Quote:

The only line, as we only run a single checkstand at a time. Enjoy the wait

HD at Jantzen Beach really makes me miss the now defunct St.Johns TruValue. Rosenburg's in Tillamook is pretty good.

I've never been in a Lowes, but I hope the new one at Delta Park means I never have to go to Jantzen Beach again.

SlipKnot · 10-10-2005, 12:01 PM

Man, I can't agree more. I fell into the trap of going to those stores and saving a couple of bucks.

Not anymore. I made the decision to stark frequenting all the small guys again and I'm much happier. It probably costs me a little more but it feels good.

danger · 10-10-2005, 12:06 PM

Slip,

I'm in agreement all of the way. When it is possible, something they stock, I will always go to the ACE at about 35th and Woodstock. Excellent service, and you can buy ONE bolt if that is what you need.

SuperT · 10-10-2005, 02:32 PM

A couple of the Home Depot's around Boise really remind me of Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde.

The one near where I work always has extremely friendly employees who are willing to search the store with you to find everything you need, never has stocking issues that I've come across, has the best plants short of a nursery, and is always quick to open another line if there are more than 2 people waiting.

The HD closer to home is about as close to the opposite as you can get: Rude and unhelpful employees, lowsy stock (especially the lumber), dead and dry plants, lines that completely block the aisles, and the worst cart management of ANY store I've ever been to.

I guess the money all makes it to the same pocket, but I feel a lot better spending my money in the first one than I do the second.

Tony Grant

sunshinefisherman · 10-10-2005, 02:46 PM

When Home Depot was a new chain, they were awesome. Nobody ever pointed you to something; they took you over to it. They hired EXPERIENCED trades people who generally knew their stuff. However, they seem to have lost focus in the last couple of years. I think that they are destined to go the way of Builder's Square and Home Base.

I am nearing the end of an addition to my house and in the middle of the summer I switched to Lowes. They have their issues too but at least people will still offer to help you.

hawgcatcher · 10-10-2005, 02:56 PM

Go to the paint counter and ask for help. There is usually one guy working and he is mixing paint and has a backup of customers waiting to get their paint and have it mixed. It does not matter what day of the week it is.

Look for a certain item and they say "Well I think it is up that row, or is it two rows over?" And it really is clear to the other end of the store. That is why I go to ACE and pay a few bucks more, but then don't try and find an advertised item there as the adds are made up from the home corporation and not all stores carry what is in the adds.

danger · 10-10-2005, 02:58 PM

Quote:

I think that they are destined to go the way of Builder's Square and Home Base.

I sure hope you are right. I hate that place.

garyk · 10-10-2005, 07:12 PM

Quote:

....and the worst cart management of ANY store I've ever been to

"carts"!!

Oh, that's funny.

Everybody knows HD doesn't have carts...well, maybe the Bismark S.D. store has three or four. Otherwise, don't bother looking.

Keeper · 10-10-2005, 07:25 PM

Thanks to a couple of projects this month, I have had a bunch of trips to the Hillsboro HD. I have made sure all of my trips are on weekdays between 7am and Noon; what a huge difference this makes! I have encountered happy helpful employees that know what they are talking about. Carts? One day they almost blocked the entrance they had so many.

HD on the weekend...heck no.

JasonsZ06 · 10-10-2005, 07:51 PM

I too make every attempt to shop at Ace Hardwares. The guys working there actually know something about their product, and are willing to help. And I'd be willing to bet the one at TV hwy and 185th has almost as many employees working there as some Home Depots do.

Jason

Jettin' Fool · 10-10-2005, 08:49 PM

I must be in the minority...I love Home Depot. I go to Ace in a pinch and they usually don't have what I need or charge way more than HD.

Oh well....

Jfool

Paddlefish · 10-10-2005, 09:18 PM

I admit to shopping at the Tigard HD. Hey, it really is the closest for me -- er, since the local Ace closed up.

Anyway, I found myself in the plumbing aisle, holding a damaged middle-aged shower stem assembly. Of course, all the similar replacements were bubble-packed to render close examination impossible so I waited for help in identifying the correct replacement.

The available "help" on that aisle that day was younger than my expired piece of plumbing and was tied up for some time trying to help an older gentleman. (Yes, Virginia, there are still a few older than I.) I couldn't hear most of the conversation, just the last, prophetic words, "Maybe you should go ask at George Morlan."

My turn to plead my case. No bonus points for guessing where this ended up: "Maybe you should go ask at George Morlan."

Happily, George's is only a few miles farther so I found myself approaching their parts desk with the dead stem assembly. I held it up and, before I even opened my mouth, the clerk was reaching for the exact correct replacement from the dozens on the pegboard behind him.

I got my part, plus some good advice on replacing the mating seat and I was on my way. And my final cost was just a tiny bit less than at the previously mentioned store.

Lesson learned.

sinker · 10-11-2005, 02:26 AM

The Home Depot up here used to be pretty good but it seemed like when the 9/11 downsizing was going on they downsized with everyone else and never filled those positions again. Have to wander the entire store to find an employee and then they usually can't help you. "You'll have to ask a hardware guy"

"I was just there, there isn't one"

"hhmmm, there should be, go look again".

Lowe's used to have alot better service and lumber, now they're pretty short on both. Can't even buy a sheet of plywood there anymore. You can buy half sheets but no whole sheets.

trap50 · 10-11-2005, 04:17 AM

I agree with your home depot thoughts. I bought some paint there Sat. But first called Lowes to get a price on their paint. The KID threr told me it's about $12 a gal. That set me off. I wasn't wanting about!! I guess I wasn't very nice after that. The store manager said they were real busy. I told him they won't be busy with me. The 2 are about the same. Ever hear dumb and dumber.

Bait O' Eggs · 10-11-2005, 06:59 AM

I love Home Depot,

never had a need to ask where things were, I can almost tell you the aisle number without being in the store where everything is located. Do enough remodeling and you will figure it out on your own.

When it comes to paint, I dont shop at HD, I go to the local paint store.

When it comes to nuts and bolts I go to the local Ace, way better selection.

HD is a self serve store, its designed for you to get a cart, get your own supplies and get them to the cash register, and to your car, which is why they have carts large enough you could move a complete garden shed on. :tongue: Its not a store with sales help in ties to greet you at the front door and point you to the correct aisle.

Love the self pay check stand, more stores need to add more of them. Way quicker and easier than waiting for some checker to move a line along enough to get to me.

They built a Lowes close to me, I have not spent enough time in there to learn where everything is, but for the most part, I prefer HD.

More stuff, better pricing IMO.

The new Lowes designer had no idea to come haul off enough materials to build a fence, or any other major project you will probably bring a trailer with you so you can get it all home. All parking spots are single deep with lots of curbs and plants between the rows

No where to park a trailer/truck combo so I guess HD will get all my large purchases since they were smart enough to accomodate my parking needs.

And dont shop on the weekend at either of these stores.

WaterDog · 10-11-2005, 07:16 AM

You guys crack me up.

You could replace the "HD" with any store name and it would fit. :shurg: Service everywhere is horrible. It's easier to hire younger, less knowledgeble people at 8 or 9 bucks an hour than good help at $15/hr.

Remember, it's not the fault of the young guy or gal. They are just trying to make a living. Having been in their shoes working for the local Ace Hardware, I know what's it's like. If any of them have a head on their shoulders and they stick around, they can become helpful eventually. Blame Management not the poor guy working the floor.

SuperT · 10-11-2005, 07:17 AM

Quote:

"carts"!!

Oh, that's funny.

Everybody knows HD doesn't have carts...well, maybe the Bismark S.D. store has three or four. Otherwise, don't bother looking.

I never have a problem finding a cart. There's almost always one propped right up against the side of my car when I leave (At least at the evil store).

Cool Texan · 10-11-2005, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Blame Management not the poor guy working the floor.

Actually, we should blame our desire for the lowest possible prices. :grin:

WaterDog · 10-11-2005, 07:38 AM

CT, that too! :smile:

Cool Texan · 10-11-2005, 07:48 AM

Its the same reason "we" all hate Wal Mart...we demand low prices, they put the squeeze on folks to give them low prices in order to fill our demand, the Home Depot cycle hits, and thus we all hate Wal Mart for it. If you've never seen the Wal Mart episode of South Park, its a must watch. It points out the irony of it all quite well.

Tagster · 10-11-2005, 08:16 AM

I really appreciate all you guys hating Home Depot!

They own my biggest competition...a company used to be called Maintenance Warehouse...now called Home Depot Supply.

What I am seeing written here is the same thing that I hear from my customers! There is a lack of personal attention, and an uncaring "corporate" feel to them that didn't used to be there. I actually appreciate that they were bought by Home Depot, it makes it easier for me to play up the "small..local" company angle that everyone wants to hear.

keep

away!

Spread the word! Shout it from the mountains!

:grin:

MOLDY · 10-11-2005, 08:34 AM

The HD in K Falls has some of the best customer service of any store. Now the Lowes in Medford, Don't get me started.

reeldick · 10-11-2005, 10:20 AM

I have never had a problem with HD. Always helpful personnel around and some that really know their stuff. I've had them make suggestions that have saved me some time and money.
When I have had a big project, I usually go well in advance to make sure I have all my material before my start date.
There is always a cart to use.

Abalone · 10-11-2005, 10:26 AM

Now you know why I don't do home repair and go fishing instead.

When the house falls apart buy another one.

Gus Orviston · 10-11-2005, 10:56 AM

yep,, just replace HD with whatever

I am with BOE,, HD is awesome,, I and spend hours there - you must not have enough frequent builder miles

I would appreciate most of you folks shopping elsewhere so I can get my cart up and down the isle with all my stuff.

gus

Tilla · 10-11-2005, 08:56 PM

I have magical powers that I didn't know I had. I drive my one ton PU up to the stack of concrete bags, lower my tailgate and.....Voila!....the employees dissapear!

If it were not for the fact I need the exercise it would really bother me.
Actually to be fair, after several trips (over 15,000 lbs) I did have two women employees help. :smile:

ogstad-j · 10-12-2005, 08:47 AM

If you really want to get mad shop at the Longview home depoop. I went thier three times in the last three days AND had to look for help every time. lots of help standing around talking to each other. GOOD NEWS LOWS COMING TO LONGVIEW. dont know if they are any better but will give them a try .. now i feel better

:whazzup: :whazzup: :depressed: :depressed: :depressed:

PapaHog · 10-12-2005, 09:14 AM

I like and shop them both. However they are a big box store and as such they put it on the shelf and you go find it and make your purchase.

There are lots of small hardware stores that you can go to to seek advice and specialty items. Electrical and plumbing retailers come to mind. Ace and True Value have good customer service but in my opinion you pay for it.

If it is lumber you are looking for go to Parr.

I am a woodworking hobbyist and Rockler in Beaverton gets me in there shop a couple times a week. Some times just to look and see what is new and that I can't live without. :grin:

Papa

Left Hooked · 10-12-2005, 01:20 PM

I'm with all of you "Home Depot Haters". On several ocassions I've been left standing for long periods of time waitng for a helpful employee to return after being side track by another customer, A few times they never returned.

Most of the employess are ignorant of product knowledge and do their best to turn you to someone else, just as ignorant.

I question HD's service strategy.

alaskan · 10-12-2005, 02:40 PM

Trap50, I can understand your frustration but a caller on the phone is a last priority when it comes to customer service. The ones standing in front of you get the first service, and then if theres time, phone calls. Most sales people could spend their whole day running around geting prices, checking stock, answering how to questions. This of course takes away from the customers in the store, just like we're talking about here, or hiring a huge crew of people just standing around to take your call, but that means higher prices to pay for them.
I know this isn't what people want to hear, but it's reality. I work in retail and like to think I have very high customer service standards, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
As for the self serve checkouts, I wont use them. Thats one more lost job, even if it's a low paying job.

Shortbus Flashers · 10-12-2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

As for the self serve checkouts, I wont use them. Thats one more lost job, even if it's a low paying job.

amen! I have tryed to explain this to the checkers in various stores who try and push you to the self check out. They dont understand they wont be needed soon...

TheKing · 10-12-2005, 03:05 PM

I love Home Depot and lowes. I like to place special orders with them. They mess them up everytime. I just ordered $1500 in stove pipe for the wood burning stove in July. By the time all the right parts arrived in was the middle of Sept. They refunded all but $400. I ordered $1200 flooring a year ago from HD. They messed it up. The store manager gave me 25% off my next purchase in writing. I placed a $15,000 for lumber and materials, nail guns etc to build a barn and got a $3750 off.

goodkarma · 10-12-2005, 03:28 PM

ironically, we here in Corvallis are without a home depot and just have the little guys and I can't wait for the box store to arrive. You take for granted that you can go to the store and buy a light fixture and a door knob at the same place, you can't in Corvallis. The little guys are great if you want to get a key made or look for something unique, but if you have a big job to do, you'll never get done without home depot or a large lumber supply. Yes, the service at the little guy is great, but selection and price just can't be beat when you want to get the job done. If I just have something small to build, I still go to the small guy. I'm sure I'm bucking the trend here, but I'm do tired of driving all over town and not ending up with all of my needs met when I could drive to Home Depot in Albany and get it all at one stop. Home Depot may not be the answer to all building problems, but just be glad you don't have to do without them like we do.

fish_on · 10-12-2005, 06:56 PM

It used to be you could rely on the vendo reps to at least be able to help you in a certin department. Now they have a product service with people that don't know anything about the products in the area. I have worked for companies that have products in HD twice, each time HD gets worse.