On 25 Jul 2003 20:23:40 -0700, (Mike) wrote:

Ayup. I've had mixed experiences with HD. When I was installing a
landscape irrigation system, I got some really good help/info; and
that was from young guys you'd think wouldn't know anything. When I
was looking for help buying a jigsaw (sabersaw) I asked the older
'expert' guy and he offered nothing I couldn't learn myself by reading
the product boxes.

Then there was the time I needed a simple adapter for the gas line on
a clothes dryer. I looked and looked and couldn't find what I needed.
My wife was with me at the time (mistake) and, getting impatient,
yelled down the aisle for a young employee to come help. I'd seen
that guy but could tell he was useless so I was waiting for the older
employee to return. Sure enough, the young guy literally dragged his
feet as he walked towards us. Seriously, he walked like he was
wearing 50 pound shoes. He looked for a few seconds and concluded, if
you don't see it, we don't have it (which, by pure chance, he was
right about). When the older guy finally returned, I asked him. He
looked at the rack for a few seconds and then walked away. I thought
"great, this guy just abandoned me." A couple minutes later he comes
back with the part I need and hands it to me. I say "doesn't it need
a barcode label?" He says, "oh, we don't sell those but we have a few
laying around. Just put it in your pocket and leave." Now that's
good service.

My theory is that every Borg has some of those good guys wandering
around. The trick is to identify them and then zero in on them
whenever you need help. Read their name tag. Write their name down if
necessary. Call them by it. Buy them beer. Whatever it takes. The day
will come when that guy will save your bacon because he knows who you
are and is willing to bend a bit to keep you happy.

By the same token, don't short they complete ignoramuses. I've spent a
lot of time explaining stuff to ignorant sales clerks in both the Borg
and at computer retailers. Spreading knowledge is always good. Most of
the older, more knowledgeable, guys started out without knowing
anything -- maybe they didn't start in retail, but no one is born
knowing the fitting you need to make your dryer work. Maybe with some
encouragement and the employee discount some of those pimply-faced
know-nothings will turn into woodworkers and one day come in here and
explain how to apply poly to painted cherry.

Tim Douglass

http://www.DouglassClan.com