Drugstore Cowboy

As mentioned in several different forums here -- Sears has their 2HP 1/2" shank combo kit (plunge base - fixed base - edge guide - dust collector sheilds) on sale for 109 or less. Currently advertised online at $99.

GOOD LUCK buying one in a store though -

FIRST the GOOD news -- and KUDOS to the crew at the Parks Mall in Arlington.
The young man who answered the phone there asked intelligent questions to be sure what I was asking for -- confirmed they had the item at the price I quoted and assured me if I was on my way - one would be available.

The BAD NEWS is -- he was the 5th person I had dealt with in 3 different stores and the ONLY one of the 5 who seemed remotely interested in selling me the item.

The first store:
The guy who answered the phone had no clue -- and asked his partner (without thinking to put me on hold) his partner didn't even address the question but claimed they couldnt sell it to me in the store at all - it had to be shipped in.
Already knowing better than that -- I asked if they were really refusing to tell me what the item would cost if I bought it in the store --- this time he went over to the shelf -- and came back and said --
Sure enough - they had it and it was that price.
NO WAY I was buying from people who gave me that kind of run around.

SO -- I stopped at another nearby store -- and asked at the tool checkout -if they had this combo -- even gave them the part number. The kid there looked like he had never HEARD of a router -- and rather than punch it in on the register roamed around the store and then said he would send someone to look in the back -- I left.

I've spent a good part of my teenage and adult life working retail -- so I know the challenges and problems they face --- but I also know the difference between decent service and getting jacked around. I don't spend money where I get the latter.

I'm old school -- and whenever possible prefer buying over the counter rather than online. BUT experiences like this -- help me understand those who feel differently.

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challagan

Yeah, this happens on a lot of sale items I think. Probably uneven distribution... some stores get a bunch. When I ordered my craftsman router online I took the pick it up in store option and got an immediate email that it was available for pick up. Maybe it removes it from the stock and shows it as taken... don't know for sure. That system worked pretty good, walked in to the store put in my ticket and someone came up with my router and off I went. I like to got to the store as well when I can and buy it.
Several weeks ago Sears had a sale on a router table. A coworker went in to get two, none in any of the omaha council bluffs area. Still waiting for them to come in. Just the way it goes with sears and other retailers some times. Hacks you off when it's something you really want!

Corey

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bobj3

Hi Cowboy

Just a note,,, many of the items that Sears sales are On Line items Only ..

Most of the adds on line state that...


I think this is because they only have just so many, and they don't ship it out to some of the many stores they have as a stock it item..
But some of the big outlets will have one or two...just in case someone walks in a ask for one.

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http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html
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Bob J.

Drugstore Cowboy

As mentioned -- I have spent MANY years working retail -- some of them actually for Sears.

I readily grant all the points you and corey made - and I will add a few ---

Yes - some online sales are online only -- and yes - those are stated as such.
(note - This one was not. - it is a regular in store item.)
And yes -- I know that just because a computer says something is in stock does not mean that it actually is.
AND - I know that just because national/regional/district offices put something on ad -- does not mean that it has actually been shipped to the stores.
AND - sometimes you get busy with customers in the store (who should come first) and you don't have time to deal with a phone customer.
I've been on the back side of a counter having to explain this to customers more times than I can count.

I would never criticize a salesperson for these things over which they have no control. What I was commenting on -- was entirely within their control -
1 - their lack of knowledge of their department
2 - (and this is the BIGGIE) - their attitude -

If you are busy and don't have time to deal with a customer on the phone -
say so - and get number you can call them back.
If you are new in a department and don't know the answer -
"I don't know - but I will find out." and a page to a supervisor solves that problem.

In any case there is no excuse for giving out BS - or making it clear to a customer that you really simply do not give a rip.

The young man I finally dealt with -- was very young -- and by demeanor - seemed to feel very out of place in the tool department -- but even with that -- managed to address my question in a professional manner -- and got my business.

I've been 'the new guy' a lot of places. And I've been swamped and stressed. And I have been at the mercy of actions and decision made beyond my control. Because I have -- I cut salespeople a LOT of slack.

What I experienced yesterday (at 2 out of 3 stores) was BAD SERVICE pure and simple. No one's fault but the sales people.

And yes -- it does happen a lot --
But that doesn't mean I have to spend my money rewarding it -- or that I shouldn't point it out when it happens.

NOTE -
I also like to point out GOOD service - -that's why I started my note mentioning someone who did what they are paid for.

bobj3

Hi Cowboy

Sorry

When I got the ones I have it stated that on the web site...I have not looked up the new add on the net..

I know they don't pay very well for the help that maybe why...you get what you pay for in this case I think..

I don't recall the last time I got a order right from McD's ,same thing I think.

===============

__________________
PodCast videos
RWS on YouTube

http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html
Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail
Machine Cut ▼
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm

Bob J.

Drugstore Cowboy

Nothing to be sorry about -
You made a valid point -

Actually my call to the first store was to address JUST that question -
To be sure whoever did the online ad had not left out that detail - to be sure if the price was the same in the store before I went over there.
What ticked me off was - instead of answering my question I got BS.
It wasn't until I pressed that they actually opened their eyes and looked on the shelf where the item was clearly displayed and priced.

challagan

Ahhh yes, the attitudes and such. I have run into this at primarily the area Borgs. I hate it when they act like you are bothering them. My wife won't put up with it. She will tell them to there face, "You don't have time to talk to me and without and attitude, then we can talk to the manager or go to some other store". At Home Depot, we have a guy that I look for as he works every evening. If he don't know the answer he will tell you but he always try's to help everyone. I look him up whenever I go to the store. He is primarily assigned to the Tool corral but I have him help me in all areas. I can't fault a kid to know what I know about tools so I do my research before and hope to have all my own questions answered. Usually will know more about the item than the store personnel and that is ok, I would rather deal with a pleasant salesperson ( kid or otherwise) that will tell you he doesn't know the answer than one who tries to fill you full of BS. I can see that guy a mile off!

Corey

__________________
My Carving Website: The Iowa Woodcarver
http://iowacarver.tripod.com/

My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503
http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/