More Bunnings

[Rebus]

I was in Bunnings the other day, waiting in the checkout queue.

There were at least 25 people waiting with only 2 checkouts working.

Looking around I can see about 12 Bunnings staff. Two at the door saying hello and goodbye, a most important and usefull function; two groups of three each, chatting amongst themselves; and several others practising their "I can't help you just now, I'm on my way to deal with someone more important" look.

Feeling more than a little ticked off I said to the bloke in front of me "Look at that, there are about a dozen of the B******s around the place and yet only two on the checkout.". The bloke in front replied "Well it could be worse.". I said "You're probably right, there could be only one checkout open." and he said "No, I mean that you could rely on the advice that they give you !".

I had to give him that one. :)

[Barry_White]

You might think the ones on the door are there to greet you in and out but they are really there to make sure you aren't leaving without paying.

[Gumby]

You might think the ones on the door are there to greet you in and out but they are really there to make sure you aren't leaving without paying.

Which is fair enough.

[Sir Stinkalot]

I often wonder why they have so many registers to start with. Most stores ... inc supermarkets have at least 10 checkouts and only two operating. I guess that they put some many registers in for the day they open when they are super busy or for use only on Christmas eve. I find the quickest way out is either the trade desk or the service desk that handles returns and hire goods.

[Zed]

i suppose having 10 or so registers helps in case one or 2 of em breaks - they can just transfer the till and keep working. being the polite and introverted individual I am I have in the past worked myself into a bit of a tizzy and complained VERY loudly at the checkout as to why there were so many people standing in queues but bugger all lines open, After I was joined by a number of other introverts it was amazing how quickly they opened another 2 registers. this worked at kmart around christmas once too...

i suppose most of em are kiddies working part time so they probably arnt as enthusiastic as they could be... I may be wrong, but I dont think I am..

is bunnings becoming like a bank ? Mandatory line standing prior to service ? maybe we are the bunnies. having said that I got meslf a set of very nice indian sash clamps yesterday - after I square the faces, put better rods in them,scrape the burrs of the thread and scrape off the excess paint they should work quite well. not bad for $29!

cheers

[soundman]

was in at bunnings one day to get some gal brackets for a job.
stood in the line at the checkout for to long with two fists full of gal brackets (getting heavy) had enough, better things to do.

walked over to the service desk, dunped brackts asnd walked out.

I recon at least half the shop lifters at bunnings would cheerfully pay if someone would just take their money sometime soon. :mad:

[rodm]

For large companies customer loyalty does not seem to be important. If you think about it most families spend $10k plus per year in the same supermarket every week as an unknown. My wife was a check out chick (SHMBO description) thirty years ago and she knew the names of her regular shoppers and even helped carry their shopping to the car if they were not too busy. At the local pub her customers used to buy drinks for us. Large organizations don't seem to give a stuff about their staff so the staff have little incentive to promote good will to the customer.
The bright side to this is that a small business that recognizes the value of a customer benefits from the corporate attitude.
What I do object to is that every customer is considered a potential shop lifter and needs to be checked out of the shop. Warehouse selling is a commercial decision to reduce labor costs. If this decision results in an increase in theft then that is their problem. It does not give corporate Australia the right to treat a guest in their premises as a potential thief. I am sure that the vast majority of Australians would not steal however if treated as potential criminals perhaps there might be an incentive to become one.

[jackiew]

[QUOTE=soundman]

stood in the line at the checkout for to long with two fists full of gal brackets (getting heavy) had enough, better things to do.

walked over to the service desk, dunped brackts asnd walked out.

QUOTE]

when I was at uni ( long long time ago ) did a course where we had to use stats to develop computer simulations of real life scenarios.

The demo we were shown by the lecturer was developed for a supermarket and it allowed the supermarket to vary the number of checkouts open, vary the number of items which people had in their trolleys and vary their arrival rate.

They'd actually built in a probability of people dumping their trolley in the aisle if they wait too long!!! When he ran the program using different parameters you could actually see these little dots representing customers dumping their trolleys and leaving.

Basically the supermarket wanted to find out the minimum number of checkouts they needed open under different scenarios before people started bailing out.

If you lose the profit from 1 customer but save a whole day worth checkout chick's wages then you might decide it worthwhile. Of course if you're doing the modelling properly you also need to take account of things like where the next nearest alternative supermarket is etc - i.e. the stats won't work out the same from store to store.

I once left a trolley full of frozen and dairy foods in the aisle at tescos ( uk supermarket ) on christmas eve when it became apparent that I propably wasn't going to get served until christmas day :mad:

my scenario that I had to model was where a warehouse bay had gates that would be blocked by a big truck for a period of time as they were being reversed in. Meanwhile a queue of other trucks and little delivery vans would build up outside annoying the neighbours. The warehouse wanted to know whether to let the delivery vans jump the queue of big trucks or not.

[Wood Borer]

I normally get good service due to my taste in clothes.

I choose to wear dirty old cheap clothes with holes in them on the weekends. Mainly because I am partly a slob plus I have better things to do with my money than dress up like a real estate show pony or car thief (sorry salesman).

My weekend wardrobe rewards me with excellent service because they think I am a shop lifter or bad for business. Some places choose not to serve me and ignore me but again they are the losers because they miss out on the sale which probably saves me money if it was an impulse purchase.

I have inadvertantly discovered this wonderful tip to receiving better service and highly recommend it.

- Wood Borer

[bitingmidge]

I am sure that the vast majority of Australians would not steal

The majority maybe, but I'm not so sure about how vast. We have a lot of Robin Hood mentality..."they can afford it"... or even just plain thrill seekers..I'm afraid..

We once had a shop in an inner city centre, and our drink cabinet may as well have had a sign saying "Help Yourself". People of all ages and manner of dress have no qualms about refreshment at someone else's expense.

Of course when challenged, reactions range from indignant to just plain aggressive. I am happy to put up with the inspections and intrusion into my personal space if it catches just one of these turds!

At the same shop in the space of a year we would typically go through 500 cups, saucers and plates, and over a thousand teaspoons....all souvenired.

Over three years incredibly we lost two tables and eight chairs as well!!

On relaying this tale of woe recently, one of the people in the group I was with advised that her first flat was furnished entirely from furniture from pubs, souvenired by Roadies packing up after rock gigs....and that was supposed to be funny! :mad:

Trouble is...in our own very Oz way, it IS.....and that is the root of the problem.

Thieves should be deported to the USA, then everyone would gain - we'd lose our thieves and they'd have to gain a sense of humour. :D :D :D :D (Clarification:-,- bitter and twisted remarks aimed at thieves, not our good friends on the other side of the world!:D)

What is this thread about anyway?

P :)

[RETIRED]

Gees, I get fairly good service at most wharehouse type establishments.

Maybe it is beacause like the Borer I dress in work clothes and when getting some small items put them in my pocket whilst looking skywards at all the security cameras.

Nearly guaranteed to get someone there relatively quickly. When approached, pull out sai items then ask for the rest of the stuff that I need.

[bitingmidge]

Hey what a grand idea!!

I too always have great service at Bunnings, I arrive at about 8.55 pm with a shopping list.

There is usually a queue of about 10 staff waiting near the check-out to check-out for the day, but of course they can't go till the shop is devoid of customers.

There is a sort of scramble over one another to help me, and usually four or five people are despatched to all ends of the store, sometimes they bring back alternatives for me to choose from.

I hadn't thought about the way I dress, but since you pointed it out, the old flannelette PJ's with the fly open to the point of being indiscrete, coupled with the green felt dressing gown, with no belt and slippers which have been rejected by the dog that I wear there at that time of night, may have something to do with them not wanting me to find a cosy hole in a far corner of the store!

Cheers,

P

[Sir Stinkalot]

I find the difficult one is when you walk in with an item of your own try and buy a replacement at Bunnies. The are two alternatives ....

1. Bunnies don’t have what you want so you have to try and leave with your own item that they think that you stole even though they don’t carry that line.

2. Bunnies do carry that line .... you pick up a few and then when walking to the register you need to try and put your original into your pocket so they don't charge you for it .... and it looks like you are stealing it.

You can’t win.

[Gumby]

I find the difficult one is when you walk in with an item of your own try try and buy a replacement at Bunnies. The are two alternatives ....
............ put your original into your pocket so they don't charge you for it .... and it looks like you are steeling it.

You cant win.

If you check it in a nd get it tagged as you enter you never have a problem.

[Sir Stinkalot]

Tagged???

Our Bunnies down here mustn't be up with the city folk.

Our doorman is a jolly big boned man who is always having a smile .... never checks your receipts and I wouldn't think he is equipped to tag.

(Please note for the benefit of those with gutter minds: Big boned .... is referring to his slightly enlarged waist line ….. nothing further)

[PlanePig]

Whenever I get asked by Bunnies staff " can I help you ? " I reply " I doubt it "!! :D
Planepig.

[Wongo]

Bunnings in Artamon employs mostly high school and uni students (especially at night time). Some of them is as young as 15. I like chatting to them because I like to see kids working hard. But that is as far as it goes. I don’t expect them do know too much about hardware.

If I need advice I would come here. :)

[Wood Borer]

Like most things in life I judge people and companies by their actions and not by their words or advertising.

My understanding of Bunnings is their target market is mainly for weekender and less occasional DIY people. Their product line, the skills of their staff and their advertising reflect my understanding. They offer hardware to the trades but this equipment is sold on price and quantity.

For me to go to their tool section and try to discuss the pros and cons of a low angle plane vs a York pitch plane would be pointless and ridiculous. It might make me feel good bragging to my mates that the "idiot in Bunnings hadn't even heard of .... and they don't stock them" but I got over that phase half way through high school.

I occasionally shop at Bunnings but I don't go there expecting high level advice, speciality tools or hardware.

The staff there are an easy target because many are keen but generally not experienced and sometimes their advice can be a bit shaky. If you evaluate them based on what I think is their target market, I think they are OK.

Like Wongo indicated, for advice there are horses for courses.

- Wood Borer

[gatiep]

Good one borer.


I just wonder what will happen to the complaining members if Bunnies only have cashiers in their stores. You go to Bunnies get your requirements and expect to pay as little as possible. Bunnies do the same, they attract employees and expect to pay as little as possible. That is a loose loose situation all round.

Next time you go there, forget about your gripe with Bunnies but see the person that works there as just that.......a person that works at Bunnings, who is as individual as all of us. Strike up a convo with them and you'll find that as people they are great. Say hello to the doorperson, I bet you they don't want to be there but it is a way of earning a crust. After all, that is the reason why most people work. Be nice to the staff and you will find that they will go out of their way to help you.

It is easy to brand people, especially if you don't like the pricing of their employer, but remember that they can do less to change that than you can. You can withhold your money by spending it elsewhere and you have a choice to spend it elsewhere. I bet most those people are not there because they love their job, but because it pays them , that may be pittance, but to them it is an income they need

Next time before running them down, just take a moment to reflect on your own life...................are you perfect?

Have a nice hasslefree day!

[Eastie]

I'm really struggling to read some of the posts on bunnings staff lately.Would you treat your wife/son/daughter/... with contempt if they worked on the door, in the timber section, on the trade desk, in the tool department... at Bunnings?

Borer and Gatiep - thankyou

[Sturdee]

Well said Joe.

Sometimes I am critical of the company and its policies but never of the staff that work in Bunnings.

They always are helpful and pleasant. They may not have enough product knowledge but I found that they are always willing to get a more experienced person to help if needed.

We must not forget that it is not a hardware store but a supermarket that sells hardware items, tools, electrical goods, household goods, paint store, plant nursery, timberyard and has even a cafe and play area for kids. Some things they do well others not as well for experienced woodworkers. But for the market they aim at they do it very well.

Now for timber I go to a timberyard where the timber is stacked properly, for general hardware items I go to a specialty store, for finishing items I go to a shop that specialises in them and for some tools it is Bunnings ( who could resist the GMC $ 39 router) but others I buy at Carbatec or Helrless Machinery.

By all means criticise Bunnings on its policies but not the staff unless they do something wrong and then make your criticism know to the management.


Peter.

[silentC]

It puts me in mind of a situation that I found myself in a couple of years ago.

I was in a hurry to get home because I had to pick my kids up from day care. I got to the train station in time to catch a tran that would get me there in plenty of time. After waiting for awhile, it looked like it was running late. I started to get agitated. Next there's an announcement. The train is running 15 minutes late and for today only will not be stopping at my station. The next one is 20 minutes after that.

I went around to the station master's office.
"Is the next train stopping at Riverwood?"
"No, we just made an announcement that it is not".
"Why the @#$% not?"
"Don't you swear at me!"
"You people are a disgrace, why don't you get your together. How am I going to pick my kids up now? rant rant"

I walk away swearing under my breath. I wait for the next train, I'm late but I get there. Along the way I'm starting to feel pretty bad. I really shouldn't have spoken to that guy like that. It's not his fault. He probably gets yelled at all day long and is powerless to do anything about the problem. What a rotten job. So I'm feeling pretty low by the time I get home.

The next morning, I saw him at the turnstiles so I went up and apologised to him. I told him I was a bit stressed out because I was running late and that I knew it wasn't his fault. He was very appreciative and from then on was always friendly when I saw him. He even let me through the gate one morning without a ticket, which I hadn't bought because I was late getting to the platform.

I don't know what the moral is but I guess we're all just trying to get along and do what we have to do. Being rude to people because of the job they do is probably not helpful to anyone.

[bitingmidge]

Eastie,

I tried to give you a greenie but have to do some spreadin' first!

It is a more than interesting point you make, whenever we take the you-know-what out of anyone or anything. Whether it's spelling, people who work in Bunnings, or people of a particular race, from a particular country (my particular specialty :D ) or dare I say it, STATE OF ORIGIN! (to say nothing of architects!), there will be someone who gets hurt by the comments.

I can't speak for everyone, but I don't intend to stop the remorseless bagging of anyone or thing that bobs up, on the other hand I NEVER intend to cause offence!! (How does that work?) Inevitably I will give someone the complete and utter ab-dabs, and my current apology for that doesn't expire till January from memory.

I think as long as the likes of you pop up every now and then to make sure things don't get out of hand, we are OK.

Like every good game, if we play the team and not the man, we should be on safe ground......with the caveat, that the team has in all probability more bucks than we do, so an out and out defamatory blast would not be a good idea even if it was justifiable. (No, it is IMPOSSIBLE to justify defamation!)

In the Bunnies sense, every one of the staff has a family, a credit card bill and the need to eat, they are (mostly) human beings...a really constructive way of fixing poor service is to write a detailed complaint to the store management. Even better, write a LETTER complimenting them when good service has been provided :eek: .

We employ a team of young people in a retail business, and it is amazing what sort of positive impact publishing that sort of unsolicited complimentary letter has on the team, and on the service they provide.

As employers it is amazing the impact they have on us, just knowing one of our team has stood out so much that someone has gone home and taken the time to write about their experience and then spend 50c on a stamp to tell us!

We actually do have the power to change peoples attitudes!

Peace and Love Man!!!!

Cheers,

The Maharishi
(Oh bloody hell, who have I offended now?)

[silentC]

Being rude to people because of the job they do is probably not helpful to anyone

I'd like to add a caveat to that remark. It is perfectly acceptable to be rude to the following people because of the job they do:

Lawyers
Parking Inspectors
Officers of the Highway Patrol
Architects

:D:D

[bitingmidge]

On the other hand, being rude to IT people is also perfectly acceptable...they don't get it anyway!!!

:D :D :D
Given that by my rough calculation, 85% of the members of this board are involved in the IT industry.......oh, sorry I have to go now...I hear my Mum calling................

[silentC]

Just remember that without IT people, there'd be no BitingMidge with 'much to be proud of' (I wondered what came after 'splendid one to behold') reigning over his virtual domain, there'd just be plain old P sitting around in his shed in Mountain Creek wondering if anyone else liked making sawdust as much as he does ;)

[jackiew]

it is amazing what sort of positive impact publishing that sort of unsolicited complimentary letter has on the team, and on the service they provide.

I do write complimentary letters ( although probably not as many as I do "constructive criticism" letters :( ).

I sometimes tell complete strangers they look good in something that they are wearing if I think they do or that I really like the colour scheme they've chosen for the front of their house or the plants in their front garden. Some people freak out of course but mostly they seem pleasantly surprised and walk off with a spring in their step.

We all like to know we've done something right ... and mostly we just get told when we've done things wrong.

If you're sat behind a cash register and forced to wear a hideous uniform all day and ask complete strangers how they are then having someone notice you as a person ( I like those earrings, where did you get your nails done .... ) makes life much more pleasant.

I sometimes see how many people I can get to smile at me on my way to work .... try it, its fun.

[silentC]

I sometimes see how many people I can get to smile at me on my way to work .... try it, its fun

My smile looks like a grimmace, so most people think I'm in pain and offer assistance. It's a great way to meet people. ;)

[Driver]

I sometimes see how many people I can get to smile at me on my way to work .... try it, its fun.

If you're sitting on a bus or train and you don't want anyone to sit next to you, try smiling and nodding emphatically at each new passenger as they walk towards you. They'll avoid you like the plague!

[bitingmidge]

Just remember that without IT people, there'd be no BitingMidge
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Are Macs made by IT people???

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[silentC]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Are Macs made by IT people???

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I'm willing to bet that quite a few Big Macs have been made by IT people over the years ;)

Would you like fries with that?

[Bob Willson]

Next time before running them down, just take a moment to reflect on your own life...................are you perfect? Yes.

[Bob Willson]

I'd like to add a caveat to that remark. It is perfectly acceptable to be rude to the following people because of the job they do:

Lawyers
Parking Inspectors
Officers of the Highway Patrol
Architects

:D:D
I would beg to differ about being rude to the Highway Patrol. On several occassions I have been pulled up by cops for something but by being pleasant have managed to reduce the fine that they could have hit me with to one of a lesser value. Parking Inspectors on the other hand are the scum of the earth and should exterminated with rapidity

[Wood Borer]

On several occassions I have been pulled up by cops for something but by being pleasant have managed to reduce the fine that they could have hit me with to one of a lesser value.

Bob,

I have been booked heaps of times and most times they will lower the fine so you feel good and you are less likely to take them to court. I used to be a weekend taxi driver in Melbourne for 12 years before radar guns. Used to get booked 3 or 4 times per year - deserved it and expected it.

- Wood Borer

[jackiew]

I'd disagree with Silent C's hit list.

I might not be too happy about the local council's rules for when and where you can park and how much they charge you ( and some council's notably the one at St.Kilda must be absolutely raking it in at $2 per hour until midnight!!!! ) but the parking inspectors are just doing their job like everyone else. You should be taking issue with the council not with the guys walking the street in the pouring rain or baking sun so they can pay their mortgage.

one time my car broke down in a car park and the parking inspector was busy slapping tickets down with gay abandon but I didn't get one when I explained why I was still there. Like all jobs you get "jobsworths" but mostly they seem to be pretty reasonable. There is 2 hour parking in my street for non-residents and some people really abuse it.

[ozwinner]

If you're sitting on a bus or train and you don't want anyone to sit next to you, try smiling and nodding emphatically at each new passenger as they walk towards you. They'll avoid you like the plague!
Is that in your bestest mock French nod and smile? :confused:

I get the same reaction on a train when I knock off from bricklaying, wearing my totu, it must be the muddy boots that do it? :D

Al :p

[Driver]

Is that in your bestest mock French nod and smile? :confused:
:p

Oui! Mon Dieu and Coq au Vin!. If they're game enough to sit down, of course, the next ploy is to lean towards them, leer and frown at the same time (difficult to do but practice makes perfect) and say:

"Good Moaning! Wid you loke to bee some Mix Foctor Knocker Looker? It odds a leestre to your cleester!"

[DarrylF]

On the other hand, being rude to IT people is also perfectly acceptable...they don't get it anyway!!!
NOT a good idea - we have a million ways to make life bloody difficult when crossed :D

[Theva]

Just on SilentC's hit list.

I would add polies and take the last three off, especially the police.

Regards,

Theva

[GregLee]

Us poor IT people get blamed for everything. And rightly so most of the time.. For example without IT no forum. :rolleyes:

Back to the point. Whilst I dislike the Bunnings attitude of catering to the lowest common denominator. I have found that some of the Bunnings staff to be quite excellent and extremely frustrated with their employers attitude to sell junk. A number of the staff at Belrose Bunnings especially working nights are doing second jobs. Some of the elder staff are ex tradies with health problems etc.

Now I'm not saying all there staff are wonderful. However, I have been surprised by how helpful the staff can be if you give them half a chance. :)

Further to the IT comment.

I must be cursed. My job role is a Consulting IT Architect.

Consulting: I get paid for telling you the time by reading it from your watch.
IT Architect: I design computer systems and then have to watch while other programmers destroy these perfect designs by trying to make them work.

[silentC]

Geez you're a hard lot. Don't you know the meaning of the phrase "tongue in cheek"?

:rolleyes:

[bitingmidge]

Geez you're a hard lot. Don't you know the meaning of the phrase "tongue in cheek"?

:rolleyes:

Of course! We've been catching up on Bubinga's posts!
:D :D :D


P

[silentC]

Should I add Americans to the list? Is being an American a career choice?

[bitingmidge]

Is being an American a career choice?

No, it's a "calling".

:)
P

[Eastie]

You could add farmers to that list.

They are the biggest pack of moaners you’ll ever come across. “The grain crop isn’t big enough”, “cattle prices have dropped”, “there’s not enough water in the dams”, “there’s too much water lying around”, “the government won’t secure cane prices”, “have you seen the price of diesel lately”, “there’s not enough rain to grow grass”, “the mongrel grass gets out of control after the spring rains and before you know it we'll have another bushfire” …. And last but not least…

“Don’t get me wrong, I love farming” :rolleyes::D

Eastie, the non-farming farm type.

[Wood Borer]

My folks are farmers too. I know what you mean about the whinging, some of it is justified and a lot of it is probably a cry for help.

An example of whinging. The Shepparton bypass could go either through swampland (sensitive environment area) and require heaps of bridges or it could go through the east side where there are orchards and flat land. The orchidists frequently tell us how terrible their markets are and we often see on TV the orchidists dumping hundreds of tons of fruit - can't sell it. They rip out fruit trees and blame the government .......poor devils struggling to make ends meet - real aussie battlers.

Where is the bypass going - through the swamps because the orchardists don't want to lose their orchards despite being offered generous compensation!!!!!! Perhaps they are growing crops other than fruit????? The extra cost for the bypass through the swamps will cost millions.


- Wood Borer

[Driver]

A couple of years ago at a party I was listening to a farmer complaining about how he had lost $100,000 that year because prices were so bad. I was feeling quite sympathetic. A hundred grand - that's a massive amount for anyone to lose.

The sympathy didn't last long. One of the other people listening to the whinge was in a position to know what the farmer's profit and loss account actually looked like. When the farmer paused to take a slurp of his beer, the other bloke leaned in and said:

"Mate, you didn't lose $100,000. What happened is you made $100,000 less than you made last year. You still cleared $250,000."

"That's what I mean - I lost $100,000!"

There was then a longish conversation about the difference between making a loss and making a smaller - though still substantial - profit.

The farmer was completely unconvinced. He's not a bad bloke. He's just got farmers' disease - whingeitis.

[silentC]

I guess different types of farming must be better than others.

My cousin is a dairy farmer in south-eastern Victoria. Not so long ago, they were faced with the loss of the farm, their house, and all of their assets. They'd been in drought for a couple of years, were having to buy feed for the cows and on top of that they were getting less for the milk than it cost to produce it. The big dairies have the milk price tied up and so the little guys have no control over what they get for it. My Uncle mortgaged his house to help them out and he was in danger of losing it too. At 60+ years of age, he went back to manual labour (as a builder) to raise enough money to meet the payments because his son was unable to pay the loan.

Maybe it's just dairy farming but I grew up on a dairy farm and I don't remember my parents ever having any money. I'm glad they got out of it when they did. I wouldn't touch farming with a ten foot pole.

[Eastie]

Silent,
I’m of similar thought.

My olds have never exactly been well off from working the land, but with a bit of help and the introduction of some technology and new practices life has become a fair bit easier in terms of managing from a month to month basis and predicting what the next 12 months may hold. I found the isolation, never being able to get away from the job 24 hours a day and the anomaly that retirement never really seems to come around for farmers extremely daunting. Not quite as bad as the thought of being Oz's brickies labourer, but pretty bad none the less :D

[Wood Borer]

I agree, my folks have never been swimming in money either. The farm may have been able to make more money with newer machines and technology but perhaps the year after they purchased the new gear they could have been hit with a drought and then go down the gurgler.

My little brother has a farm and he uses more modern ideas and equipment and does OK for himself.

My comments about the whingers related to unwarranted whinging. Most farmers I know and have met are fair dinkum with only a small percentage of farmers being ratbags.

- Wood Borer

[Driver]

I probably gave the wrong impression with that tale. I admire farmers (in most respects - except for the whinging). The uncertainties and the risky nature of the industry would deter me from ever contemplating farming. Most of the farmers I've met are genuinely good people - hard working with a genuine passion for what they do (doesn't stop 'em from whinging, though :) ).

[Theva]

Back to the original subject:

Bunnings (in NSW at least) have feedback forms you can fill and post. No stamp required.

The form is titled "How did we do?" and got only eight questions.

Question include customer's opinion on staffs knowledge & helpfulness etc.

So boys & girls, if you happened to go to Bunnings and have something to say about their service or product etc, please do fill out a form and post it (available at the checkout).

Who knows, It may do some good :cool: .

Regards,

Theva

[jackiew]

haven't tried the Bunnings cards but I just whacked one of to one of our major supermarkets this morning ... i'm a firm believer in letting organisations know where there are problems ( and occasionally I give them positives). ... if you don't tell them they don't know.

Myer, Big W, Bi-lo, Safeway etc all have the cards.

The supermarket have flavoured tuna on special and removed ALL of the cans from the usual shelf and mixed all the varieties in a big box on the aisle end ... bang went my plan of dive in before work and out again within 2 mins :mad: OK so they will probably ignore my comment but sometimes they don't.

My score so far is pretty good -

- got the post office to move a mail box that was obstructing sight lines when pulling out of a junction,
- had a road junction that was closed off to cars made legal access for bicycles with dropped kerbs,
- got cycle parking installed at a leisure centre,
- got booking software used by a ferry company altered,
- had a ramp installed inside a bank building where a sudden step caused problems for wheelchairs/prams changed

etc etc.

I firmly believe that I can make a difference in this world.

[Iain]

Farmers and a good whine seems an essential ingredient on the land, if they don't whine they are probably ill.
Not enough rain, it's a drought....no income.
Too much rain, it's flooding...no income.
Condiotions are perfect, it's a glut....no income.
And I once parked on a clearway, wasn't a clearway when I started but I got held up in town, running back to the car the parking inspector was standing there, book poised and looking around. I was a good block away and when I arrived he said he saw me running and thought it may have been my car and let it go at that.
I was suprised at a PC who was not a bastard and gladly thanked him for his consideration.

[Kevin2003]

THE EXIT !!!! :mad:

[TOMARTOM]

I am surrounded by farmers, grain and a little livestock over summer. I agree with silent that some farming industries do it tough ie the dairy farmers, and livestock farmers in middle NSW. But here they are very well off a bad year could equal a "best" year in other parts of Australia. I don't find they have a lot to winge about, and on the whole great people. They have a lot... lot of money, but I guess if farming is doing well local industry should also (in theory). I do however feel for those who suffer drought, poor yeilds and livestock loss.

I think every time I go to the supermarket an buy milk , homebrand 3l is a around the low $3 mark, a dollar a litre retail.. what then do the poor old farmers make.

regards tony

[lash]

You're all good for a laugh! From bunnings gripe to whinging about whingy farmers... We humans are funny creatures (not funny ha ha) Still I'm as opinionated as anyone else Stupidmarkets like bunnings and what not are there because we wanted it or fell for it. I just avoid 'em if I can. As much as i hate saying it we're responsible for our sad society.Can't sit on our bums and biitch about it without sounding like a peanut. For me its not about customer service, but ethics. Bunnings is but one of many mass money munching entities. Its the mcdonalds of the hardeware stores. there's only so much "money" (/resources) to go round and once the scales are tipped the side with less can only do what they can to survive. Look after your local little guy they're more likely to do the same for you. Who would you look to at places like bunnings? They know this hence the greeting guy.
Geez ......life's a ditty.

[DanP]

Whenever I get asked by Bunnies staff " can I help you ? " I reply " I doubt it "!!

It's people like you who make them apathetic and disinterested. If you were insulted on a daily basis you would be disinclined to offer assistance too.

Dan

[LineLefty]

I always felt sorry for farmers, being a city boy through and through. Until I wnet to Bourke in far east NSW.

Here in WA, here it doesnt rain much, the farmers grow wheat or run sheep. I know some people in cooroow who make a decent living and dont whinge too much.

On the othe hand, if you goy to bourke, where it's as dry as a bone, theyre growing.............................oranges. Enourmous irrigation ditches as far as the eye can see and they're growing water intensive fruit trees in a desert.

Thats why the NSW farmers are always whingeing. They try and take more that the land has to give.

Havnig said all that, I could be just an ignorant putz

[silentC]

Until I wnet to Bourke in far east NSW

I could be just an ignorant putz
You said it. I know it's in the east to you, but Bourke is actually in North Western NSW :rolleyes:

[LineLefty]

No no no, if your reference point is Tibooburra, then Bourke is the far west, I mean east, **** I'm all confused :confused: :confused: :confused:

Sorry, my mind just associates inland with east now I'm back in Perth.

[silentC]

See? It's this 'sun setting over the ocean' bit that's confusing you. It's just not right, I tell you. :D

[Toggy]

Well, the big "B" have done it again.

A friend of SWMBO went into the Shepparton branch of Bunnies (which is an apt name for them) and decided to buy a large BBQ, an outdoor setting and a few small items. Value $1000 or so. Not a bad sale.
She gets to the counter to pay for them & asks if they could hold them until she & hubby get back with the ute (1.5hr round trip); as they won't fit in the Barina. Is told "we can't do that". She gets cranky & the staff make a phone call. End result is that, "We don't operate that way, we do not have any storage" SHe rightly cracks the s & go across the road.

Finds a better unit $30 cheaper. Tells the salesperson of the earlier altercation who replies that he will happily take her money and he has a huge storage area out the back. Take your time & I'll see you when you get back.

At least somebody knows about customer relations.

Ken

[Peter R]

I was in Bunnings the other day, waiting in the checkout queue.

There were at least 25 people waiting with only 2 checkouts working.

Looking around I can see about 12 Bunnings staff. Two at the door saying hello and goodbye, a most important and usefull function; two groups of three each, chatting amongst themselves; and several others practising their "I can't help you just now, I'm on my way to deal with someone more important" look.

:)
I didn't leave the last bit out because it wasn't good, I just thought that it would save room, OK??

I had a fifty-yard dummy spit at bunnings today and went elsewhere. No one was put out other than me because bunnings Coffs Harbour is about $2.00 fuel away from home.

However, the reason for my angst was that I needed to have some timber cut to length and there was only one bloke in the entire store that had the key to the saw, and guess what? he was on his way to morning tea.
I tried to convince him that it wouldn't take long to cut the timber and that he could then have his cuppa - "No way! if I do that I will miss out on my regulation 15 minutes because I have to come back on time even if I go late".
Fair enough, I thought and said, but asked if anyone else could cut the timber "Na! I'm the only one with the key". With that he took off for the tea room.
I asked the section manager could he cut the timber " I could but Jack has got the key and he is at morning tea".
The dummy was pressing against my front teeth, but I tried to remain calm.
"Could you go and get the key from him?"
"Na! can't interfere with his tea break". Pwettttteeew.boing!~ boing! - splatt!

bunnings comes to towns (cities) like Coffs Harbour, sets up shop and tries to ruin all the othr DIY business in the area.
Now the other side of the coin: It is not the staff's fault. You will find, if you ask, that staff are assigned to certain areas and must not go outside those areas. some areas are busier than others so there is some standing around, although, for customer peace of mind the staff could make themselves busy instead of laughing and joking at the two girls on the checkout trying to calm the fidgetting throng.
If we all spoke to the managers about what we think is wrong we may get it fixed, but we don't, we just spit the dummy and carry on as usual.
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon10.gif
Peter R.

[Peter R]

It puts me in mind of a situation that I found myself in a couple of years ago.

.My dearly departed, ex-father in law, who was very Irish in his ways more than in his accent once went to the Coffs Harbour railway station to book a ticket to Sydney.

"How much for a return ticket", he asked.
"Where to, sir",
"Here, of course".

Peter R.http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon7.gif

[grahame_a]

Bunnings are okay.

There 3 within 10 minutes drive. They open early, close late and are open on Sunday - which is darn sight more than I can say for a lot of other suppliers.

General comments:-

If you do not know what you want choose someone in the store who can help you. ie Ask for the resident expert.

If you want something that is not in the mainstream go to the specialists.

Concerned at the time in the line - try waiting at some timber suppliers, just take a packed lunch in case they are in 'slow mode'.

[dazzler]

Hi all

Remember not so long ago you could go down to your local hardware store and "bill" the owner would say gooday "jim hows it going" and you would have a little chat and he remembered that he sold you that makita drill that you bought and actually knows what goes where and how to do it and there was a young kid helping on a saturday or after school and he'd help carry the timber out to the car with you and if you just ducked down to get some bolts for the deck and didnt have your wallet and Bill would say drop the money off later............

well the hardware megasupadupa stores come to town and sell us stuff for cheaper so stuff bill we all shop at the megasupadupa and bill goes broke and stargloria coffee shop opens instead.

And now we can buy really cheap power tools like GMC.......are life is much better.....NOT

And we can only blame ourselves!!!!!!!!!!!!

cheers

daazzzzler

[Sturdee]

Hi all

Remember not so long ago you could go down to your local hardware store and "bill" the owner would say gooday "jim hows it going" and you would have a little chat and he remembered that he sold you that makita drill that you bought and actually knows what goes where and how to do it and there was a young kid helping on a saturday or after school and he'd help carry the timber out to the car with you and if you just ducked down to get some bolts for the deck and didnt have your wallet and Bill would say drop the money off later............


No, I am sorry but that was not what I was used to. :( :(

Before the hardware supermarkets came there were two hardware stores nearby, both were distinctly lacking in service, often had to wait whilst the shopkeeper kept yacking away to his mates whilst you were waiting.

Never had a large range of goods and an item urgently needed was often out of stock. There was often a lack of parking space on Saturday mornings and they closed at noon. :mad:

One of them increased their prices by 20 % on Saturday, because as he said one day when I queried him "It's Saturday morning it's too late to go elsewhere and I've got it and you probably need it to finish a job". He was amazed when I replied that it could wait untill next week and I didn't buy it.

When he was forced to close from the competition of the supermarket I went in the last day and told him that he is now reaping what he sowed all these years. :D

Long live the hardware supermarkets, you just have to remember that they are not always as knowledgeable as the specialised stores but their range and service is great and at least at ours they go out of their way to try and help you.


Peter.

[simon c]

I remember the same thing when real supermarkets came in and replaced the local greengrocer - it brought about the decline in local shops that supposedly gave better service and better quality food.

All I remember is my Mum bringing home fruit and the greengrocer had always managed to slip a rotten one into the bag when she wasn't looking.

I agree that it is a shame that we lost the well run local shop with helpful service but I think they were few and far between. Probably just as common as a helpful & knowledgable employee at Bunnings - ie they certainly aren't all like that but there are a few.

Simon

[Ivor]

I am not sure whether I should be excited or not but there is a Bunnings coming to my town in the not too distant future. My town has about 20,000 people and I am surprised that there would be enough of a market for them here. If they are open Sunday arvo I will be a happy man.

[DanP]

I can go into the local Mitre 10 and they all know me by name...but that might have more to do with me loitering there for hours on end :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Barry_White]

I am not sure whether I should be excited or not but there is a Bunnings coming to my town in the not too distant future. My town has about 20,000 people and I am surprised that there would be enough of a market for them here. If they are open Sunday arvo I will be a happy man.
Hi Ivor

I read your post with interest. Although I rarely go to Armidale because I do most of my business it Tamworth it will certainly give Armidale a shake up. Are they going to take over any of the other stores.

It will certainly give "The Other Big Hardware" a shake up because their prices are way over the top especially on power tools but I gather they will be up to the challenge.

The interesting thing is that Bunnings don't really care about the builders market, they only want the retail market and will take the builders only at their pricing and as long as they spend a set amount each month they will let them have an account.

[Kev Y.]

I can go into the local Mitre 10 and they all know me by name...but that might have more to do with me loitering there for hours on end :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:


OF course they know your name Dan.. its on the badge over your right breast pocket! :p :rolleyes:

Barry White.. Bunnings was good for my local hardware stores, with their 10% cheaper (at the time) offer, the local stores just dropped thier prices to match bunnies best offer. This was done without even asking.

Only once did I put bunnies Offer to the test, I was after some "weed mat" for the garden, and was after a specific width.. 1.2 m from memory. The bunnies "resident expert" told me it didn't come in that width. I responded with" the hardware shop around the corner has it at that width and this price."

Guess who went to the hardware store and got it at a price competive to bunnies :cool:

[RETIRED]

Quote:
Originally Posted by DanP
I can go into the local Mitre 10 and they all know me by name...but that might have more to do with me loitering there for hours on end



OF course they know your name Dan.. its on the badge over your right breast pocket!

Barry White.. Bunnings was good for my local hardware stores, with their 10% cheaper (at the time) offer, the local stores just dropped thier prices to match bunnies best offer. This was done without even asking.

Only once did I put bunnies Offer to the test, I was after some "weed mat" for the garden, and was after a specific width.. 1.2 m from memory. The bunnies "resident expert" told me it didn't come in that width. I responded with" the hardware shop around the corner has it at that width and this price."

Guess who went to the hardware store and got it at a price competive to bunnies

I think it has more to do with the colour of the pocket and the jaunty hat they wear. :D

[bitingmidge]

I have just bought two "bargains of the year" from Bunnings.....two Bunnings tee shirts at $4.95.

I bought XXXL because at that size I think I can get 35 polishing rags from each!!

:D :D :D :D :D
P

[ozwinner]

Well Ill raise you one Bunnies store, and see ya for one Bunnies MEGA store.


Thats right folks, rumour has it we are getting a MEGA store not 10 mins drive from here.

Al :p

[Sturdee]

..but that might have more to do with me loitering ......

Dan, you better watch out that some copper doesn't nick you as I believe loitering is still illegal. :D :D :D


Peter.

[ozwinner]

Loitering, with intent, to buy.:D :D

Al :rolleyes:

[simon c]

Well Ill raise you one Bunnies store, and see ya for one Bunnies MEGA store.


Thats right folks, rumour has it we are getting a MEGA store not 10 mins drive from here.

Al :p

Wouldn't that be a Mitre10 Mega?

[ozwinner]

No!!

Bunnings.

Al :D

[Wood Borer]

Maybe it is a XXXXX-XXX store Al. :D You might get your LN plane after all. :D

[Daddles]

Wow. A Mega store. Now you'll be able to get lost among more aisles, meet more shop assisants who are no assistance, see more items that are almost but not quite what you need and have to cross a larger carpark before driving off to your current shop to buy what you went into Bunnies to get. :D

BTDT

Richard

[DanP]

Loitering within tent

Hmm, haven't been camping for ages. :rolleyes: :p :p

Richard,

My nearest Bunnings is 45 minutes away. I have a Home hardware and a Mitre 10 within two minutes of my house.

I still buy most of my hardware from Bunnings because it's cheaper for me to go 45 minutes and buy it, including petrol, than to pay the exhorbitant prices locally. Strangely enough, both local stores are usually within a dollar of each other normally about 50% dearer than Bunnings. Coincidence? I think not. :mad: I'd love a Bunnings nearby, even if only to make the other ones more accountable.

Dan

[JackoH]

Succinctly put Dan. Why do people wonder why the little local stores of all types are disappearing?

[AlexS]

This thread is 14 years old, and things haven't improved. The following is a message I've just sent to Bunnings FB page, for all the good it will do.

"Well, Bunnings, your Thornleigh store has just lost at least one sale because you can't staff your registers properly. I was one of at least six people waiting at a cash register - none were staffed. An assistant came to the register, but immediately took a phone call.
As I was sick of waiting I rang the store from the queue and eventually someone answered. When I told whoever answered of the problem, a staff member opened another register, but started serving new arrivals, rather than calling the existing queue over.
I have no idea when the queue I was in was eventually served. When the young lady at the register took another call, I left.
Frankly, it is quicker for me to drive to a small independent store at Hornsby, where at least I know I'll be served quickly, and there are staff who can assist. The sooner you go broke, the better."

[BobL]

One thing that has changed is self checkout and most of the large stores I go to have self checkout facilities but they are not always open. I asked a checkout staff member if there was any pattern as to when the self checkouts were open but she said she didn't know.

[AlexS]

I refuse to use self check-outs. In this case, I wanted to buy fertiliser & mulch. I would have had to bring them in on a trolley from outside - I'm not sure what the process would have been after that. At a cash register I could simply tell them what I wanted, pay my money and collect them on the way out.

[Beardy]

Like it or not that is how things are going and the reality is there is no serious alternatives to Bunnings for the weekend warriors do I don’t see them
they have brought out a new app for trade account customers where you scan and pay for the items on your phone so don’t need to go to cashier
havnt bothered to try it yet though

[BobL]

I don't like self checkouts either but given a choice of waiting in a line behind a customer with 101 irrigation fittings, and a self check out, I will use them.

[apple8]

When the checkouts are busy at the exits, I go to the tools checkout, usually a lot quicker.

[AlexS]

I don't like self checkouts either but given a choice of waiting in a line behind a customer with 101 irrigation fittings, and a self check out, I will use them.
I choose not to. I can go to a small independent store which is a little further away, but quicker than waiting in line at Hardware Hell.

[AlexS]

I don't like self checkouts either but given a choice of waiting in a line behind a customer with 101 irrigation fittings, and a self check out, I will use them.
I choose not to. I can go to a small independent store which is a little further away, but quicker than waiting in line at Hardware Hell.

[Chris Parks]

When the checkouts are busy at the exits, I go to the tools checkout, usually a lot quicker.

I do this also though I will use a self checkout if one is available.

[Simplicity]

They also seem to be cutting staff early morning,when’s there’s dozens and dozens of tradies.
Who just want to get in get out.
It can be frustrating when your there at 7 am an need to be on site by 8 am to meet clients before they go of to work.[emoji35][emoji35][emoji35]


Cheers Matt,

[pker]

We are being trained. At the Morayfield store ,there could be 10 to 12 people waiting at the only manned checkout , while they have an operator standing there telling everyone in the line that the self serve checkout is open .This is between 10 & 12 am. chris

[Drillit]

I classify them as the Store of last resort. The problem is where else to go for things for urgent little jobs. They have a terrible monopoly and the advice is the first thing that comes out of their green and red lips. Drillit.

[poundy]

the sad news is that this is all a "convenience" play and an opportunity to drive profit margin - they are a corporation who are driven by shareholders, and to gain margin you control the labour costs down (if I was a shareholder, I'd want them to).
The pity is that there really are less and less options because of their buying power. There used to be two Mitre10's in my area but both are gone. I can only see the competition that Bunnings drive as an eventual nail in the coffin of some of these smaller businesses, which is a genuine pity...

[Beardy]

the sad news is that this is all a "convenience" play and an opportunity to drive profit margin - they are a corporation who are driven by shareholders, and to gain margin you control the labour costs down (if I was a shareholder, I'd want them to).
The pity is that there really are less and less options because of their buying power. There used to be two Mitre10's in my area but both are gone. I can only see the competition that Bunnings drive as an eventual nail in the coffin of some of these smaller businesses, which is a genuine pity...

I don’t think it is that bad and the competition can easily survive around them if they play a different game.

I can tell you that Bunnings is not good at working with trade and the majority of them deal with the smaller guys who can offer better service and they do compete on price quite well in most cases.
Bunnings is convenient though with their long operating hours and focus on retail handyman trade, they struggle with the trade sector though.
Mitre 10 eat Bunnings in the regional areas but in places like Sydney you will struggle if you are chasing the mum and dad retail trade, you need to focus on trade.

[Sir Stinkalot]

There is a lot of negativity about Bunnies, but in my opinion they do a fairly good job overall.

I can't recall a time where I went to Bunnies and found it was out of stock on a particular item - their stock management seems to be fairly good.

Their website, whilst not ideal has enough information to enable research and the preparation of a "shopping" list before going to the store - it could be much better (particularly the search function) but is still reasonable - M10 by comparison is useless and their is no chance of telling what they stock, if its in stock or at what price.

Staffing can be hit and miss, but to be honest I do my research before buying so don't need their feedback - if I can't find something they seem to know where it is.

Operating hours - even in SA with our crazy trading restrictions - is very convenient.

Quality and range isn't the best - but I much prefer dedicated tool stores for tools, dedicated woodworking suppliers (such as our forum sponsors) for specialty items.

The key for the smaller hardware stores is diversification or trade, offer something that Bunnies doesn't have - don't try and compete against them. We have Stratco in SA and I have found that they offer certain items that Bunnies do not. They also carry a lot of similar items, but their prices are much higher. I go their to grab the odd things that I can't get from Bunnies, but cant come at paying 50-100% more of regular items that Bunnies stock. There is another huge Bunnies opening up on South Road in SA not far from one of the few remaining Stratco stores - I think the writing is already on the wall for them as they do not offer enough difference to Bunnies. We used to have a Hills Store here - the clotheslines people - it had a great range of odd stuff, cut to length steel etc - it was great to hunt around in - unfortunately it closed :(

As for self checkouts - I try and avoid them at all costs (Bunnies and Supermarkets). It is just another way for a store to cut staff numbers and operating cost - passing on the work to the customer without reducing the cost.

Disclaimer - I do own Westfarmers shares :) - but not enough to influence my buying.

[rrich]

One thing that has changed is self checkout and most of the large stores I go to have self checkout facilities but they are not always open. I asked a checkout staff member if there was any pattern as to when the self checkouts were open but she said she didn't know.

Not much different at Home Depot here.

When they were very busy on weekends and I HAD to purchase something I would also purchase an 8 foot (2.5 M) 2 x 4 and go through the self check out. (It gets better) HD uses barcode labels on about everything they sell. The labels are usually glued or stapled to the end of the 2 x 4. Here I am going through self check out and as I raise the 2 x 4 to a vertical position and pass it over the scanner, several HD employees come running over to assist. I usually get reprimanded for bringing a 2 x 4 through self checkout. I usually respond with, "You need to have more check stands open so that I don't have to bring a 2 x 4 through self check out."

Actually it has worked. Now there are usually 3 or 4 checkout registers working all the time.