Replies

1. 
   EricPaulson | Mar 08, 2007 03:38am | #1

   All they need is a couple of guys like you and me to tell them how to run their shop....................they be kickin' but in 6 months time.

   If they refuse to offer the consumer the level of quality product and service the client percieves that they are paying for they are doomed.

   Maybe Mike Smith want's to be CEO.

   [email protected]

    

    

   WHICH content will be free, of course; WHICH content will require registration; but WHICH content will be available only to members of FineHomebuilding.com.???

    

    

    

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Mar 08, 2007 03:45am | #3

   It does make me sad Eric.  When I first got really interested in building, I'd hang around the tool dept on many a Saturday morning. After a while I started bringing coffee and doughnuts and guys would gather back there, swap stories, tips and buy tools. I learned an awful lot and made many friends.  It was really the modern equivalent of the old hardware store. 

   The other day I had someone "helping" me gather some PVC parts for a new kitchen sink install.  The "regular" guy in the plumbing dept got a piece of 1 1/2 PVC to check the trap adapter I bought.  I looked at him and said "ummm... isn't an 1 1/2 trap arm different than 1 1/2 pipe?" He shrugged and said he didn't know.  Sad sad sad how the mighty have fallen.

   See you in RI?

   PaulB

1. 
   EricPaulson | Mar 08, 2007 03:53am | #4

   See you in RI?

   Check your email later or tomorrow.[email protected]

    

    

   WHICH content will be free, of course; WHICH content will require registration; but WHICH content will be available only to members of FineHomebuilding.com.???

    

    

    

2. 
   JonE | Mar 08, 2007 03:45am | #2

   After reading the article, I think the short-staffing is only the case in some stores.  In my local HD, there's consistently more employees than customers.   Every aisle has one.  And I wish they'd just leave me alone.   After the sixth orange-aproned dweeb has asked me "Finding everything you need?" or "Can I help you?" I just wanna punch 'em in the face.  I sure don't go to Home Depot for something obscure that I can't find by myself.

    

1. 
   Sasquatch | Mar 08, 2007 07:10am | #5

   I had that problem.  They usually ask you when they sense you don't need help.  Next time somebody asks you if you need help, tell them you want 20 sheets of drywall loaded on a cart.

   If you hang around drywall or anything heavy, you'll notice a decrease in the number of offers for help.  The other day, I was standing in front of the drywall section with a cart, looking at it and thinking how many sheets I needed.  I saw at least three employees peek into the aisle, and then quickly disappear.

3. 
   traini | Mar 08, 2007 07:33am | #6

   Great Article , The time aspect is right on, I do find myself having to deal with H>D when a customer has specified a product from them  and I find my self in front of the product not on the shelve I willno long ask to have a look up high , as even if they have it up there , it could be an 1/2 hour to find someone to get it, and do not end up at the cash without a sticker on  item, I have noticed lateley that they a smaller selection of item choice and a large selection of stoves and fridges.

   I can only say I hope my local lumber yard and hardware store can hold out.

   George