I HAVE LEARNED MY LESSON...AFTER HAVING MANY PROBLEMS WITH BROKEN AND DEFECTIVE MATERIALS,I DECIDED TO GIVE THEM ONE MORE TRY.LOADED CART WITH 6 HALO RECCESS IC LIGHT FIXTURES AND TRIMS.HALO SPECS 35 WATT PAR20 MAX.LIKE USUAL I CANT FIND THE BULBS.I ASK FOR HELP FROM THE VERY INTELLIGENT,WELL TRAINED BIG ORANGE WORKER.HE AGREES THEY DONT HAVE THESE PARTICULAR BULBS.HIS ADVICE.....USE 50 WATT AND PUT LIGHTS ON A DIMMER.I LEFT CART,WALKED OUT OF STORE,CALLED MY LOCAL ELECTRICAL SUPPLIER.LIGHTS ARE SAME PRICE AND WILL BE ON MY DOOR STEP IN MORNING.THANKS TO MIKE HOLT AND EVERYONE OUT THERE FOR THEIR EXCELLENT INFO!
BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
- Thread starter benny
- Start date
- Status
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Benny, calm down, your first mistake was thinking some kid at $8 hour and not an electrician could actually help.They at best can help you find something.Whats scary is that same kid will tell a home owner to do that and he might do just that.Supply houses often don't have electricians behind that counter either.I too have gotten pissed and walked away from a cart, it beats going to jail for hitting them.
Benny, calm down, your first mistake was thinking some kid at $8 hour and not an electrician could actually help.They at best can help you find something.Whats scary is that same kid will tell a home owner to do that and he might do just that.Supply houses often don't have electricians behind that counter either.I too have gotten pissed and walked away from a cart, it beats going to jail for hitting them.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Managers are just that.There should be a law to stop them from giving advice to customers.Kind of like giving legal advice and not be a lawyer.
Managers are just that.There should be a law to stop them from giving advice to customers.Kind of like giving legal advice and not be a lawyer.
luke warmwater
Senior Member
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Benny, I understand your frustration!
Bottom line is that the guy overstepped his boundary, but here's a little insite:
Home Depot has a 'Basic Lighting Training Program'. It is class #'s 1879,1880,1881,1882. All Electrical department associates are supposed to do this study guide. It is a fairly thick book and explains alot of theory about general lighting.
The first class(#1879) is 'Light Bulb Basics'.
'Lesson 6 is selling light bulbs, and the first question in Step 2 is "What is the maximum wattage your fixture will handle?" Reason: overloading can result in fire.'
I guess he missed the class.
Benny, I understand your frustration!
Bottom line is that the guy overstepped his boundary, but here's a little insite:
Home Depot has a 'Basic Lighting Training Program'. It is class #'s 1879,1880,1881,1882. All Electrical department associates are supposed to do this study guide. It is a fairly thick book and explains alot of theory about general lighting.
The first class(#1879) is 'Light Bulb Basics'.
'Lesson 6 is selling light bulbs, and the first question in Step 2 is "What is the maximum wattage your fixture will handle?" Reason: overloading can result in fire.'
I guess he missed the class.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Managers are not required to know anything.They are there to deal with things like.
Your man JOE in the electric department told me to use 50 watt bulbs in these cans and my house burned down last night!!!!
Wonder how often they get sued
Managers are not required to know anything.They are there to deal with things like.
Your man JOE in the electric department told me to use 50 watt bulbs in these cans and my house burned down last night!!!!
Wonder how often they get sued
luke warmwater
Senior Member
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Now we're back to "pove it" or "you must have mis-understood what he said", etc...
If the guy was a manager, he probably knows if made bonus or not!
Now we're back to "pove it" or "you must have mis-understood what he said", etc...
If the guy was a manager, he probably knows if made bonus or not!
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Always get scared when the homeowner goes to big orange to buy the fixtures.You just know something will be missing,broke.Ohh i thought you supply the bulbs,can you install them so no one steals them? and i will bring bulbs monday.Why are you charging me to take that defective fixture down?The guy at home depot said electricians supply extra chain !!!!
I learned to start with there fixtures then do my plugging.
Always get scared when the homeowner goes to big orange to buy the fixtures.You just know something will be missing,broke.Ohh i thought you supply the bulbs,can you install them so no one steals them? and i will bring bulbs monday.Why are you charging me to take that defective fixture down?The guy at home depot said electricians supply extra chain !!!!
I learned to start with there fixtures then do my plugging.
big john
Senior Member
- Location
- Portland, ME
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
It has been my experience that light fixtures are the worst part of this job. It may be bad in residential, but it's far worse in commercial.
Some of these buildings, you end up putting together these incredibly intricate "sculptures" of lights that barely emit lumen 1; the things are far more decorative than functional.
If I wanted to do a job where only the looks were important, I would've become a landscaper... :roll:
-John
It has been my experience that light fixtures are the worst part of this job. It may be bad in residential, but it's far worse in commercial.
Some of these buildings, you end up putting together these incredibly intricate "sculptures" of lights that barely emit lumen 1; the things are far more decorative than functional.
If I wanted to do a job where only the looks were important, I would've become a landscaper... :roll:
-John
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Been there done that, seen movie and got the shirt.In your bid you include installing a fan or chandelier.Your thinking average fixture 30 minutes.What you get is a 2 man assembly that takes 2 hours and 200 pieces later.You win some and loose some.Hope they add an extra something so you can break even.
Did a store build out,boss bought wrong inlays.OUCH
[ December 31, 2003, 01:46 AM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
Been there done that, seen movie and got the shirt.In your bid you include installing a fan or chandelier.Your thinking average fixture 30 minutes.What you get is a 2 man assembly that takes 2 hours and 200 pieces later.You win some and loose some.Hope they add an extra something so you can break even.
Did a store build out,boss bought wrong inlays.OUCH
[ December 31, 2003, 01:46 AM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
brian john
Senior Member
- Location
- Leesburg, VA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
I know nothing about lights other than they are required for reading, and that is what I tell everyone asking me questions regarding light fixtures.
Light fixtures IMO are an item someone (manufacture, supplier, installer) make LOTS of money with. The fixtures I have messed with, from the low price to the very expensive all look CHEAP and yet cost loads, a necessary item that I don't have to purchase. Well except for my house..
I know nothing about lights other than they are required for reading, and that is what I tell everyone asking me questions regarding light fixtures.
Light fixtures IMO are an item someone (manufacture, supplier, installer) make LOTS of money with. The fixtures I have messed with, from the low price to the very expensive all look CHEAP and yet cost loads, a necessary item that I don't have to purchase. Well except for my house..
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
More money is made selling them than installing.
More money is made selling them than installing.
tonyi
Senior Member
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Orange's inventory is not only incomplete as a general statement, but inconsistent within what they do handle.
ex. They stock 2-1/2" bonding bushings and couplings, but didn't have any 2-1/2" RMC/IMC or 2-1/2" locknuts. Same for 1" flex connectors. Lots of those, but no 1" flex and none of the larger anti-short bushings for the connectors they did have.
Orange's inventory is not only incomplete as a general statement, but inconsistent within what they do handle.
ex. They stock 2-1/2" bonding bushings and couplings, but didn't have any 2-1/2" RMC/IMC or 2-1/2" locknuts. Same for 1" flex connectors. Lots of those, but no 1" flex and none of the larger anti-short bushings for the connectors they did have.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Try to buy 4/0 aluminum.
You can buy about 98% of your needs to wire a house.Watch them on prices 14-2 or 12-2 will be as good or better than your supply house,but check them on something un common and they slam you.Checked them on aluminum pans for screen inclosure roof and 2 x 2 channel, and they were double what independent store charged.Savings on job was over$1000
Big orange is #1 after profit,satisfied customer is #2.
Lets face it they usually do have what we need and the price is usually good.
Customer help is sadly lacking and there answers usually run 50 50 on being correct.Sometimes they hire a trades man that is retired and we get good answers.
Try to buy 4/0 aluminum.
You can buy about 98% of your needs to wire a house.Watch them on prices 14-2 or 12-2 will be as good or better than your supply house,but check them on something un common and they slam you.Checked them on aluminum pans for screen inclosure roof and 2 x 2 channel, and they were double what independent store charged.Savings on job was over$1000
Big orange is #1 after profit,satisfied customer is #2.
Lets face it they usually do have what we need and the price is usually good.
Customer help is sadly lacking and there answers usually run 50 50 on being correct.Sometimes they hire a trades man that is retired and we get good answers.
chris white
Member
- Location
- Pennsylvania
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Last time I went to HD, just because it was convenient and close by, almost all the materials, from dimmers to lamps, to MC cable, ended up being more expensive than the local supply house. I went to the supply house instead, got everything and saved a lot of money.
Last time I went to HD, just because it was convenient and close by, almost all the materials, from dimmers to lamps, to MC cable, ended up being more expensive than the local supply house. I went to the supply house instead, got everything and saved a lot of money.
electricman2
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
You just have to be careful what you buy. I get 250ft rolls of 12 and 14 romex and some breakers. Most everything else is cheaper at the supply house.
You just have to be careful what you buy. I get 250ft rolls of 12 and 14 romex and some breakers. Most everything else is cheaper at the supply house.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
Thats how they make money.Low price on romex and box's (if your foolish enough to buy them 20 cent blue ones)They want you to think there cheap on electric ,but for everything you will end up paying more.
Thats how they make money.Low price on romex and box's (if your foolish enough to buy them 20 cent blue ones)They want you to think there cheap on electric ,but for everything you will end up paying more.
goldstar
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Re: BIG ORANGE PROBLEMS
OK. I'll add my 2 cents worth to this thread....here are some tips I would suggest when buying from or dealing with HD ( assuming we're all professionals and do electrical work for a living) :
a) If you decide to buy at HD for convenience or any other reason make sure you get there early in the AM. Any other time and you're subject to a thousand homeowners wandering all over the place, long check-out lines and beeping fork lifts.
b) Know EXACTLY what you are going to buy and where it is.......don't rely on advice from sales personnel other than EXACTLY where an item you are interested in is located. You don't need their advice......you're the professional
c) Inspect all items carefully for missing parts. If you are buying goods that are already boxed make sure the box is factory sealed and does not appear to be resealed by a HD employee. Many people buy things and return them a short time later.......check out the "returns" line next time you're there. I once purchased a Bosch hammer drill, used it once, discovered that it didn't do the job I expected and returned it. Lord knows if it wound up back on the shelf or was sent back to Bosch.
d) If you're buying power tools at HD do some research before you buy. Just because it says Milwaukee, DeWalt or Bosch doesn't always mean you're getting the same tool that you would from a tool supply. These tool manufacturing companies mass market many of their items for sale at home centers and will cut corners in many ways such as slightly less power, plastic carrying cases, fewer accessories, etc.
e) If you're hired to do electrical work for a kitchen renovation in a residence where the homeowner bought kitchen cabinets from HD be prepared for a "long haul". You'll probably get a 1-day window to renovate old wiring and install new rough-in work; they (HD) usually don't take out permits for their work - make sure you take out one for yours; there always seems to be a miscalculation on a cabinet or two and the job can't be completed until it's in. This may or may not affect you unless it's the cabinet for the island or peninsula in which case, if you're not there when they decide to install the cabinet, they'll bury the whip you left for the required receptacle.
Bear in mind the cabinet installing contractors on HD's approved list have probably not had a look at the specific project. In many cases the homeowner provided the dimensions and the HD computer worked up the drawings. Everything looks great on paper !!
If you regularly buy from a supply house you'll find that they will work hard to keep your business. If you have a defective product they will not only stand behind you but will find out why it became defective. If you need a rare item they will research and find it for you. You can't really get this service from HD.
Hope this helps !!!
[ January 03, 2004, 08:52 AM: Message edited by: goldstar ]
OK. I'll add my 2 cents worth to this thread....here are some tips I would suggest when buying from or dealing with HD ( assuming we're all professionals and do electrical work for a living) :
a) If you decide to buy at HD for convenience or any other reason make sure you get there early in the AM. Any other time and you're subject to a thousand homeowners wandering all over the place, long check-out lines and beeping fork lifts.
b) Know EXACTLY what you are going to buy and where it is.......don't rely on advice from sales personnel other than EXACTLY where an item you are interested in is located. You don't need their advice......you're the professional
c) Inspect all items carefully for missing parts. If you are buying goods that are already boxed make sure the box is factory sealed and does not appear to be resealed by a HD employee. Many people buy things and return them a short time later.......check out the "returns" line next time you're there. I once purchased a Bosch hammer drill, used it once, discovered that it didn't do the job I expected and returned it. Lord knows if it wound up back on the shelf or was sent back to Bosch.
d) If you're buying power tools at HD do some research before you buy. Just because it says Milwaukee, DeWalt or Bosch doesn't always mean you're getting the same tool that you would from a tool supply. These tool manufacturing companies mass market many of their items for sale at home centers and will cut corners in many ways such as slightly less power, plastic carrying cases, fewer accessories, etc.
e) If you're hired to do electrical work for a kitchen renovation in a residence where the homeowner bought kitchen cabinets from HD be prepared for a "long haul". You'll probably get a 1-day window to renovate old wiring and install new rough-in work; they (HD) usually don't take out permits for their work - make sure you take out one for yours; there always seems to be a miscalculation on a cabinet or two and the job can't be completed until it's in. This may or may not affect you unless it's the cabinet for the island or peninsula in which case, if you're not there when they decide to install the cabinet, they'll bury the whip you left for the required receptacle.
Bear in mind the cabinet installing contractors on HD's approved list have probably not had a look at the specific project. In many cases the homeowner provided the dimensions and the HD computer worked up the drawings. Everything looks great on paper !!
If you regularly buy from a supply house you'll find that they will work hard to keep your business. If you have a defective product they will not only stand behind you but will find out why it became defective. If you need a rare item they will research and find it for you. You can't really get this service from HD.
Hope this helps !!!
[ January 03, 2004, 08:52 AM: Message edited by: goldstar ]
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