Owens Corning

Workbench Notes
By Columnist Bob Gould

Bob GouldFrustration With Home Centers

Home centers are proliferating and getting larger. Because of this, you'd think it would be possible to find nearly any brand of any building product you'd want to buy. Think again. It's not possible. It seems that home centers plot to sell the same brands in all the stores regardless of the name on the front of the store.

There are five major home center chains here in the Kansas City area as well as several hardware store chains. During the past year, I've been in at least one store run by each of these chains. I've been frustrated by excuses such as "Sorry, we're temporally out of stock," or "Oh, we don't carry that brand," and "You might try so-and-so down the street."

I've almost quit shopping in the one of the stores that is close to where I live. I've gone into that store to buy electrical fittings, lighting fixtures, fasteners for my brad gun, hardwood dowels, and molding and walked out empty handed. In each case, they were "out of stock." I wonder how they stay in business.

When looking for a particular product, my wife usually suggests calling the store to find out if they have it in stock. I swear, sometimes I think I could drive to the store before the clerk answers the phone.

Although I been frustrated more times than I wish to remember, I have found a couple of ways to relieve my anger and perhaps improve future service in the store. If you have had these same experiences, perhaps you'll find these tips helpful:

When the store is out of stock of a particular item, drop by the manager's office and let someone know there's a problem.

When you find a store that gives good service, shop there on a regular basis. For example, one of our stores hires senior citizens as department managers. Many are former tradesmen who know their product line well and are serious about keeping the shelves well stocked. I've made friends with some of these managers and I get exceptional service. Recognized as a regular customer, they occasionally tell me in advance when a product is going on sale. And that's a good deal.

Bob Gould is a well-known writer on Home Improvement.
HouseNet, Inc.

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