I own a building materials shop and have to say that I am not surprised at all by some of the posts here. I say if you need an appliance go to an appliance store. HD to me is like a jack of all trades, master of none. Or maybe a convenience store because of the hours.
Come to a small shop like mine and you work a deal with me, the owner. You have a problem - you come to me, the owner. I give a hoot about you. You are important to me. You are my customer. At home depot there are just customers. You are one in a sea of many.
As for a better deal, as someone else mentioned some companies stock their products in HD themselves and manage their areas. HD gets a cut on what they sell. I deal with the same company only I purchase stock and inventory it. An identical item I sell at 58 cents, they sell at 75 cents. I am an independant too, no banner or buying group. To be fair they do have some items I cannot compete with, or they will loss leader something - to get you somewhere else. These items I no longer carry as there is nothing in it any longer.
Oh, Our staff are 35 yrs, 34 yrs, 32 yrs, 22 yrs, 6yrs so if you ask us we'll probably know - unless its about gardening or appliance, BBQ or a patio set.
