2x4 VS 4x4 lumber

[Oldgator73]

Went to HD this morning for some lumber for a little project. As I was loading some 2x4’s on my cart I noticed the little tag on the end of the lumber (see photo). I brought this to the attention of three folks that work there (none in lumber, couldn’t find anybody). None of three could see the problem. I even asked if this lumber looked like a 4x4. Their answer was the proverbial shoulder shrug. I rang myself up so I wouldn’t get charged for 4x4’s vs 2x4’s.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

Did you scan the bar code at checkout to see what it the computer thought you were buying?

I would have been asking to speak to the manager!!

 

[msw3113]

... couldn’t find anybody...

I find that to be especially true on weekends, whether at HD or the evil blue empire across town.

 

[old RV guy]

The lumber at HD arrives already tagged. Someone just entered the wrong information at the mill.

 

[Mr Lars]

Don’t be surprised if 4x4 is cheaper than 2x4.

 

[Oldgator73]

The lumber at HD arrives already tagged. Someone just entered the wrong information at the mill.

That’s fine but everyone I spoke to about was nonplussed. Really didn’t care.

 

[Oldgator73]

Don’t be surprised if 4x4 is cheaper than 2x4.

The 4x4’s are a little more than $5 more each.

 

[Domo]

Good thing we don't outsource some of those jobs!

 

[gwinger]

I have that problem with the big blue "L".
Very seldom at HD.

 

[Oldgator73]

I have that problem with the big blue "L".
Very seldom at HD.

I was informed sometime in the past that both HD and Lowe’s are not there to help you with your projects. They are DIY stores and the folks that work there are not necessarily experts in the departments they work in. You’re supposed to know what you need before you get there.

 

[bigb56]

I was informed sometime in the past that both HD and Lowe’s are not there to help you with your projects. They are DIY stores and the folks that work there are not necessarily experts in the departments they work in. You’re supposed to know what you need before you get there.

That's exactly how I use them. If I don't know where something is I look online before I go and see if it's in stock and what aisle it's in. I seldom speak to the employees unless the shelf is empty and the computer said they had many in stock, or if it's in the overhead.

 

[gwinger]

I was informed sometime in the past that both HD and Lowe’s are not there to help you with your projects. They are DIY stores and the folks that work there are not necessarily experts in the departments they work in. You’re supposed to know what you need before you get there.

We must have one the few that the associates are there to help. If one can't answer my question, they get someone that can.
Unless HD changed their policies, all new people go through a training process before they hit the floor. And refreshers about every 6 months.

 

[old RV guy]

We must have one the few that the associates are there to help. If one can't answer my question, they get someone that can.
Unless HD changed their policies, all new people go through a training process before they hit the floor. And refreshers about every 6 months.

The training process there consists of watching videos, 10% safety, 10% don’t ask your hot co-worker out unless she says it’s ok and 80% some actors telling you how only pedophiles and communist agitators join unions. Refreshers consist of more videos.

 

[Oldgator73]

Did you scan the bar code at checkout to see what it the computer thought you were buying?

I would have been asking to speak to the manager!!

I had a cashier scan the item. It came up as a 4x4. He got somebody on the phone and said it was going to be corrected. Not all the 2x4’s were incorrectly marked. It was random. Which is probably worse.

 

[TonyL]

In the UK wr have a DIY chain called B & Q
Their color scheme is identical to HD, but as far as I can find there isn't a connection.
They deliberately set out to hire retired trade people or older staff that would have experience in home projects in order for them to provide a good source of knowledge to customers.

 

[Oldgator73]

In the UK wr have a DIY chain called B & Q
Their color scheme is identical to HD, but as far as I can find there isn't a connection.
They deliberately set out to hire retired trade people or older staff that would have experience in home projects in order for them to provide a good source of knowledge to customers.

We used to go to B&Q when we lived in the UK. Nice store. Never really had an occasion to ask staff questions.

 

[whiteva]

Both of our stores HD and L have knowledgeable folks working. If the first person doesn't know the answer he or she will radio for help. Both offer Veterans discount and veterans parking. Plus I usually know what I need to begin with. I also like to order small items from on line & pick up in store. If it is out of stock they have shipped it to me at no extra charge.

 

[old RV guy]

We must have one the few that the associates are there to help. If one can't answer my question, they get someone that can.
Unless HD changed their policies, all new people go through a training process before they hit the floor. And refreshers about every 6 months.

The quality of an individual locations employees in as far as customer service is a direct reflection of the quality of its manager. That can vary greatly. Jackass managers produce Jackass employees. I've been using the HD a mile and a half from here for 15 years. I can tell when mgrs. change by the subtle shift in employee demeanor. Leadership matters.

 

[gwinger]

In the UK wr have a DIY chain called B & Q
Their color scheme is identical to HD, but as far as I can find there isn't a connection.
They deliberately set out to hire retired trade people or older staff that would have experience in home projects in order for them to provide a good source of knowledge to customers.

Our HD is the same way. You can tell by looking at some of the staff they are retired construction people.
One was actually in a wheelchair because of a work accident. He was the floor 'walker' and knew where everything was.

 

[Babe2201]

I was informed sometime in the past that both HD and Lowe’s are not there to help you with your projects. They are DIY stores and the folks that work there are not necessarily experts in the departments they work in. You’re supposed to know what you need before you get there.

IMO they do not have to be experts in the project you are doing and not have to help you but not sure what that has to do with not being able to answer why it says 4x4 when it is a 2x4. The question I have is how long the lumber was? According to the tag it should be 6' long.

I guess it is no big deal as long as when you scanned it the correct price came up and you were not charged the price of a 4x4.