[Blue Collar Christian]

The real problem, besides the customer ripping us off for our time, air conditioning and knowledge, is that here in the San Fernando Valley, I HAVE TO go to Home Depot to buy anything, and wait for price checks and people with the keys to open hardware displays, etc. The time I loose costs me more than the markup I would have paid at Dad's store. Your father-in-law's store is now closed because people want to get more merchandise for their dollar and the heck with service. They want your service and time for free as they give their money to the discounter.

At my motorcycle shop, we will no longer put a bike on a lift unless we sell the parts, tires, accessories, etc. One guy told me,"that's no way to treat your customer." I told him that MY customers buy their tires from ME.

[Nov3]

The real problem, besides the customer ripping us off for our time, air conditioning and knowledge, is that here in the San Fernando Valley, I HAVE TO go to Home Depot to buy anything, and wait for price checks and people with the keys to open hardware displays, etc.

It is kind of irritating when you have 3 or 4 people standing around on a job while you are getting materials!

Your father-in-law's store is now closed because people want to get more merchandise for their dollar and the heck with service.

He still is in business but Home Despot is hurting him. Home Despot is willing to take a loss on their Garden Center. Even more radical is how they treat their suppliers.

At my motorcycle shop, we will no longer put a bike on a lift unless we sell the parts, tires, accessories, etc. One guy told me,"that's no way to treat your customer." I told him that MY customers buy their tires from ME.

He has customers that have the gall to bring stuff from Home Depot and ask him to help them get it together!!!! They say stuff like "I have been shopping here for years"!