Orange & Blue

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As a HD employee, I always enjoy reading these threads and I agree with most of the negative comments. As a customer, it really is hit or miss when it comes to finding good help. Right now there are four full timers and two part timers in the dept and only two of us have been in the trade. I was on lunch just today when a co-worker from a neighboring dept came in and told me a customer asked one of my (Electrical) workers where the pvc straps and the male terminal adapters were, but he didn't know what he was talking about. This guy has been in the dept for over six years!! Sometimes though, it's apparent that many customers think that just because you have an apron on you know everything about everything in the store. I'll be cutting wire and someone will ask me what kind of fertilizer he should use for his lawn or what's the best stuff to kill ants. You'll hear the most amazingly simple questions day to day and at some point you'll wonder how these folks even made it to the store all by themselves. Now for the reversal of electrical guys complaining about the staff at HD. Everyday so-called electricians will ask the most basic questions, 'So uh, what's the difference between this mclite and bx?", "I'm going to pull this (Romex) underground through this pipe", "Why can't I put these (Twins) in this panel?", "I can put a GE breaker in a Murray panel right?", "This romadex is crappy", " I want some 6/3 romex to plug into my generator and I'll need the other (Male) end to plug into my dryer outlet", "Why don't you carry #4 in green, it's got to be green, I'm an electrician", "Why don't you carry contractor packs of 20amp receptacle's, you got to have them on 20amp circuits, I'm an electrician", "You can only put three receptacles on the load side of a gfci, it's code", "Why do you guys carry these receptacles (Which have the holes in the back so you could, if you wanted, backstab #14) the code outlawed them, I'll bet you a steak dinner". I could go on but you get the idea.
 
mark32 said:
As a HD employee, I always enjoy reading these threads and I agree with most of the negative comments. As a customer, it really is hit or miss when it comes to finding good help. Right now there are four full timers and two part timers in the dept and only two of us have been in the trade. I was on lunch just today when a co-worker from a neighboring dept came in and told me a customer asked one of my (Electrical) workers where the pvc straps and the male terminal adapters were, but he didn't know what he was talking about. This guy has been in the dept for over six years!! Sometimes though, it's apparent that many customers think that just because you have an apron on you know everything about everything in the store. I'll be cutting wire and someone will ask me what kind of fertilizer he should use for his lawn or what's the best stuff to kill ants. You'll hear the most amazingly simple questions day to day and at some point you'll wonder how these folks even made it to the store all by themselves. Now for the reversal of electrical guys complaining about the staff at HD. Everyday so-called electricians will ask the most basic questions, 'So uh, what's the difference between this mclite and bx?", "I'm going to pull this (Romex) underground through this pipe", "Why can't I put these (Twins) in this panel?", "I can put a GE breaker in a Murray panel right?", "This romadex is crappy", " I want some 6/3 romex to plug into my generator and I'll need the other (Male) end to plug into my dryer outlet", "Why don't you carry #4 in green, it's got to be green, I'm an electrician", "Why don't you carry contractor packs of 20amp receptacle's, you got to have them on 20amp circuits, I'm an electrician", "You can only put three receptacles on the load side of a gfci, it's code", "Why do you guys carry these receptacles (Which have the holes in the back so you could, if you wanted, backstab #14) the code outlawed them, I'll bet you a steak dinner". I could go on but you get the idea.
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Well if I want a good answer, even concerning lawn fertilizer, I'm likely to ask an electrician, and often get a better answer than the one from the landscaper. :)

I liked the "I'm an electrician" quotes, you say you could go on, I wouldn't mind hearing some more.
 
Our HD has a licensed master electrician running the electrical department. He's great! I wish I still lived close to the place.

Now I am near a Lowes and the lady working the electrical aisle that day told me they were looking for an 'electrical pro' for the department.

I went to the Lowes website. It seems like every store on the planet is looking for an 'electrical pro'.

So, I called for details.....

TOP pay, $15 per hour depending upon experience. The first question I was asked was if I had any retail sales experience.

The Pro is NOT the manager. The Pro stocks shelves and sweeps floors and answers questions.

39 hours per week.

Two days starting at 6am, two starting at 10am and two starting at 1pm and on those days working until 9pm. Weekend and holiday work mandatory, no overtime pay for holidays.

At least now I know why their help is so UN-informed.

And no, I didn't consider taking the job.
 
K8MHZ said:
Our HD has a licensed master electrician running the electrical department. He's great! I wish I still lived close to the place.

Now I am near a Lowes and the lady working the electrical aisle that day told me they were looking for an 'electrical pro' for the department.

I went to the Lowes website. It seems like every store on the planet is looking for an 'electrical pro'.

So, I called for details.....

TOP pay, $15 per hour depending upon experience. The first question I was asked was if I had any retail sales experience.

The Pro is NOT the manager. The Pro stocks shelves and sweeps floors and answers questions.

39 hours per week.

Two days starting at 6am, two starting at 10am and two starting at 1pm and on those days working until 9pm. Weekend and holiday work mandatory, no overtime pay for holidays.

At least now I know why their help is so UN-informed.

And no, I didn't consider taking the job.
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Probably not bad pay for stocking shelves and sweeping floors. When it comes to answering questions I think I will tell them that is fine also, but correct answers to questions will cost more.:lol:

Of course I could just start citing codes and giving lots of technical information and the average consumer will not understand anyway.
 
kwired said:
Probably not bad pay for stocking shelves and sweeping floors. When it comes to answering questions I think I will tell them that is fine also, but correct answers to questions will cost more.:lol:

Of course I could just start citing codes and giving lots of technical information and the average consumer will not understand anyway.
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I wouldn't mind the sweeping and I wouldn't mind the stocking. Think 'job trailer' and how stocking and sweeping is actually a part of the job.

To me, educating the customers would be the part I would enjoy. I could even handle the pay for a while if there were decent benefits and the hours didn't suck.

Of all, Menards is the WORST in my area. Besides the crappy attitude of the people that work there, the stuff they sell is junk. Every power tool I bought brand new there failed very prematurely (just outside warranty). I did some work for my X and it took three trips to Menards to get a light fixture that did not have a broken part in it.

At least the people at Lowes are nice and the stuff they sell doesn't seem like seconds. And our local HD has the advantage of actually hiring people with licenses to run their departments.

Here is some advice to all of you that shop at the box stores. Since I am now stuck going to Lowes, I figured I would at least help answer questions as long as I am standing there anyway. I did that a couple times when the guy working there was just baffled. Guess what kind of service I get there now? The help will go out of their way to assist me. (I don't know where everything is, just most of the stuff).

'Helping the help' will get you a better ROI than being a prick. Sometimes it gets you work, too.

The lady that told me about the job opening was working the elec. aisle the first day I met her. She was from a different aisle. I had to stop for a minute and try to figure out how to describe something in plain English that we use a slang term for. I did, and asked her how many times electricians came in and asked for stuff with strange names that she never heard of, and when the stuff is finally found, the strange name is no where on the box or the part. For instance, electrician asks for 'four square box' and the lable says 4"X4" box. And what about Romex? Carol doesn't make Romex. What if the store doesn't sell Southwire cable and sells Carol instead?

I told her a 'little secret' and that was that most of the electricians that used the slang terms (and expected her to know what they mean) probably didn't know the real names (what would be labeled on the box) of the part they are looking for.
 
I've actually had pretty good luck with a few employees at my local Home Depot and Lowes. A few of them seem to know a little about the stuff in their isle.

This one young girl has helped me find certain things quickly. I heard someone ask her where the ceiling tiles were one day. She said "what are those?" when the guy explained to her what they were she gave him a blank look and actually sent him in the right direction by accident. As she walked past me I heard her say to herself "I have no idea".

I use the Lowes website and an app on my phone to order and pay for some parts and just pick them at customer service. It saves me time of walking the isle looking for stuff. It's kind of like putting parts on will call at the supply house except I can't just call and tell the guy I need a box of jiffy hangers. I need to browse the site and click on the correct part number. Jiffy Hangers
 
K8MHZ said:
I wouldn't mind the sweeping and I wouldn't mind the stocking. Think 'job trailer' and how stocking and sweeping is actually a part of the job.

To me, educating the customers would be the part I would enjoy. I could even handle the pay for a while if there were decent benefits and the hours didn't suck.

Of all, Menards is the WORST in my area. Besides the crappy attitude of the people that work there, the stuff they sell is junk. Every power tool I bought brand new there failed very prematurely (just outside warranty). I did some work for my X and it took three trips to Menards to get a light fixture that did not have a broken part in it.

At least the people at Lowes are nice and the stuff they sell doesn't seem like seconds. And our local HD has the advantage of actually hiring people with licenses to run their departments.

Here is some advice to all of you that shop at the box stores. Since I am now stuck going to Lowes, I figured I would at least help answer questions as long as I am standing there anyway. I did that a couple times when the guy working there was just baffled. Guess what kind of service I get there now? The help will go out of their way to assist me. (I don't know where everything is, just most of the stuff).

'Helping the help' will get you a better ROI than being a prick. Sometimes it gets you work, too.

The lady that told me about the job opening was working the elec. aisle the first day I met her. She was from a different aisle. I had to stop for a minute and try to figure out how to describe something in plain English that we use a slang term for. I did, and asked her how many times electricians came in and asked for stuff with strange names that she never heard of, and when the stuff is finally found, the strange name is no where on the box or the part. For instance, electrician asks for 'four square box' and the lable says 4"X4" box. And what about Romex? Carol doesn't make Romex. What if the store doesn't sell Southwire cable and sells Carol instead?

I told her a 'little secret' and that was that most of the electricians that used the slang terms (and expected her to know what they mean) probably didn't know the real names (what would be labeled on the box) of the part they are looking for.
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That "little secret" applies as much to their plumbing, millwork, floor covering, and lumber departments also. They all have their share of "dohickeys".

Menard's has junk on the shelf because they take returns of items that are damaged or missing parts and put it back on the shelf:rant:

I've seen it many times. Even had customers return things before that were defective, damaged, etc. and found same item on the shelf next time I was in the store. I could tell because of marking on the box that it was the same one I had them return. I'm sure it doesn't help if customer doesn't tell them it is defective or damaged, but it still doesn't help the next purchaser.
 
Welcome to reality ..

The box stores seem to be a bit schitzo when it comes to having qualified folks in their departments. One month they want real tradesmen, the next they're telling a kid to watch a video, then go do a seminar for the customers.

It seems to depend on who's running corporate today.

IF I were to work for a 'box,' I'd want to do things MY way. That is, I'd be 'king' of the electrical aisles. Sure, I'd sweep and stock - how else to keep all the parts in the right bins. I'd be there for the customers. I'd even like to set up some 'examples' of proper work. Maybe print out some flyers on common jobs. Put together some 'parts lists.' I'd want to do the ordering, and set the stock levels.

What I would not be interested in is being called to the garden department to help load sod. Or collect carts. Or any of the other 'generic' duties. Screw this 'other duties' catch-all .... I'm not there to just be another interchangeable body.

They can take the minimal wage and stuff it, too. Nope - you want a pro, you pay pro wages. Plus, you consider me 'management,' an 'exempt' employee with benefits to match. I worked as long and hard for my "Masters" as any management puke did for his. You think I spent those years pulling my prong? That paycheck better beat full-time union wages .... or I'm staying in the field.

And ... the moment they start traning clerks with those 15-minute videos, I'm otta there. You'd be better off lending the tapes directly to the customer.
 
wow, am i glad to find this! i'm a master electrician and thought i'd try the hd experience as a side supplement to my regular job. i was in the electrical dept. big mistake. management is clueless, thats the begining. most people that work there don't know where the right shoe goes, that why they are at hd. i've seen 6 orange aprons scatter like cockroaches when a customer approaches with a question. it's for homeowners, and you get what you pay for. the electrical supply houses where i'm at are about as useless. most of them, don't stock grounding bushings, or irreversible crimps for grounding. no of them one seen a metered disconnect. quess i'm from a "more progressive place" i'm done.
 
PEDRO ESCOVILLA said:
wow, am i glad to find this! i'm a master electrician and thought i'd try the hd experience as a side supplement to my regular job. i was in the electrical dept. big mistake. management is clueless, thats the begining. most people that work there don't know where the right shoe goes, that why they are at hd. i've seen 6 orange aprons scatter like cockroaches when a customer approaches with a question. it's for homeowners, and you get what you pay for. the electrical supply houses where i'm at are about as useless. most of them, don't stock grounding bushings, or irreversible crimps for grounding. no of them one seen a metered disconnect. quess i'm from a "more progressive place" i'm done.
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If the supply house serves primarily residential construction - I would not expect them to be much better than HD. If they serve a significant volume to commercial and industrial customers, then there is demand for grounding bushings, irreversible crimps, etc. Of course the new guy doesn't necessarily know what many items are for or what they are called, but that is becoming more of a problem at any supply house for any trade. You need to give them catalog numbers as much as possible - if they don't know what it is, the computer will find it for them.
 
kwired said:
That "little secret" applies as much to their plumbing, millwork, floor covering, and lumber departments also. They all have their share of "dohickeys".

Menard's has junk on the shelf because they take returns of items that are damaged or missing parts and put it back on the shelf:rant:

I've seen it many times. Even had customers return things before that were defective, damaged, etc. and found same item on the shelf next time I was in the store. I could tell because of marking on the box that it was the same one I had them return. I'm sure it doesn't help if customer doesn't tell them it is defective or damaged, but it still doesn't help the next purchaser.
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Lowes and Home Depot does too, never buy a previously opened package from them, because usually there is some thing missing or broken in it. A lot of times, in order to get rid of stuff like that, they will not restock the shelf until the opened boxes are sold.
 
hillbilly1 said:
Lowes and Home Depot does too, never buy a previously opened package from them, because usually there is some thing missing or broken in it. A lot of times, in order to get rid of stuff like that, they will not restock the shelf until the opened boxes are sold.
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i highlighted the key words with regards to the "stack it deep, sell it cheap" places.
 
I do not buy electrical stuff from Lowes or HD. The wire is about twice the cost of the supply house. I'm learning that a lot of there prices are higher than a small supply house. I went to buy a thermocouple, and the exact same one is FOUR dollars higher than an independant hardware store here in town. Lumber is cheaper at the home builders supply house than at Lowes also.
 
Hv&Lv said:
I do not buy electrical stuff from Lowes or HD. The wire is about twice the cost of the supply house. I'm learning that a lot of there prices are higher than a small supply house. I went to buy a thermocouple, and the exact same one is FOUR dollars higher than an independant hardware store here in town. Lumber is cheaper at the home builders supply house than at Lowes also.
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We have two supply houses. Yes, they are cheaper on wire. But, they close at 5pm and are not open at all on weekends.
 
K8MHZ said:
We have two supply houses. Yes, they are cheaper on wire. But, they close at 5pm and are not open at all on weekends.
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Maybe it is a company thing here. I have the cell phone and home numbers of a couple of the employees, and they will come into the store to supply items as long as there is quantity. The last after hours item was a roll of 12-3 UF for an emergency fix. Old 12-2 romex feeding a well pump burn't up. I gave the employee an extra $20 for his pocket, and still saved around 1/3.

I would't ask them to open for something like a receptacle or two.
 
Hv&Lv said:
Maybe it is a company thing here. I have the cell phone and home numbers of a couple of the employees, and they will come into the store to supply items as long as there is quantity. The last after hours item was a roll of 12-3 UF for an emergency fix. Old 12-2 romex feeding a well pump burn't up. I gave the employee an extra $20 for his pocket, and still saved around 1/3.

I would't ask them to open for something like a receptacle or two.
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When I worked for a foundry here, we had a 24/7 TX for one of the supply houses. From what I understand, they don't do it any more, and when they did it was for industrial accounts only.

It was kind of an odd situation. During the day I would, like normal folk, go to the sales counter and get my stuff there. But in the middle of the night, I would meet a salesman in the parking lot and we would go back into the warehouse and get the stuff off the shelf. This was in a creepy 100 year old building in a rather iffy part of town. The fun part was we had to use flashlights as it took too long for the lights to come on and obviously the salesperson wanted to keep the visit short and sweet.
 
I won't call guys from supply house after hours, unless it is a real emergency, not very often it is a real emergency.

People have made any inconvenience an emergency anymore, and weekend warriors are the ones I will not put up with. Just because you don't work in the evenings or on the weekend doesn't mean I am willing to show up on demand because you ran into something you did not plan for on your weekend warrior project. I have family and friends I like to spend time with also.

My dad worked at an auto parts store when I was in high school. He was always getting called after hours to get parts for people. I would guess only 1% max were for repair shops - they like to take nights and weekends off too. The calls were all the weekend warriors doing their own repairs - they need to plan ahead.

I am getting to where I don't answer the phone on weekends. Never fails, someone always wants something that should have been asked for earlier in the week or wait for next week.
 
K8MHZ said:
We have two supply houses. Yes, they are cheaper on wire. But, they close at 5pm and are not open at all on weekends.
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Yeah, when it comes to cut wire we're (HD) more expensive than most supply houses, however, I know that at one time (And it may still be that way) we were paying more for 1000' spools of nm than what we were selling them for!
 
Around here HD and Lowes sell romex much cheaper than any supply house.

I like HD and Lowes because I can shop for what I want, look thru the material and find what I want, and see the price. There are a lot of items that I buy from the supply house that are way overpriced, but I never have time to scrutinize the invoice until after the job is done.
 
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