cpw
06-16-2008, 10:12 PM
Generally I think of HD being cheaper than everywhere else, but here are two two instances in the last month in which local stores have beaten HD.
I wanted Echo back pack blower to clean up grass clippings. I looked at the HD and there decided on the Echo PB413, but then decided to visit the local lawnmower store. At first glance you aren't going to see anything cheaper, because they only have tags for the $500+ plus ones. After asking I learned they could order the PB413. HD has the hip throttle model for $299, but no tube throttle version. The tube is more desirable, the only one that the lawn mower would stock, and normally $309 ($10 more expensive). Got the tube mounted throttle for the same $299 by paying cash so he didn't have the credit card fees. I count this as a win in both service and price.
Today I needed a 24" pipe wrench. Home Depot had the RIDGID one for $60 and Chinese crap for $40 (+ tax). The local plumbing supply house down the road had a Lenox (made in China, but not as obvious crap like the one at HD) for $35 out the door. Also it only took the guy 2 minutes to get a new in the box one after I asked how much their 'cheapest 24" pipe wrench was', without me having to scour several aisles. I was floored that they had anything which would compete with HD on price, and almost didn't bother to ask. Another win on both price and service.
I wanted Echo back pack blower to clean up grass clippings. I looked at the HD and there decided on the Echo PB413, but then decided to visit the local lawnmower store. At first glance you aren't going to see anything cheaper, because they only have tags for the $500+ plus ones. After asking I learned they could order the PB413. HD has the hip throttle model for $299, but no tube throttle version. The tube is more desirable, the only one that the lawn mower would stock, and normally $309 ($10 more expensive). Got the tube mounted throttle for the same $299 by paying cash so he didn't have the credit card fees. I count this as a win in both service and price.
Today I needed a 24" pipe wrench. Home Depot had the RIDGID one for $60 and Chinese crap for $40 (+ tax). The local plumbing supply house down the road had a Lenox (made in China, but not as obvious crap like the one at HD) for $35 out the door. Also it only took the guy 2 minutes to get a new in the box one after I asked how much their 'cheapest 24" pipe wrench was', without me having to scour several aisles. I was floored that they had anything which would compete with HD on price, and almost didn't bother to ask. Another win on both price and service.