Did you know that D.I.Y. Er's are getting shafted at LOW ES.?

Question

I purchased a bag of 10, copper 3/4" male adaptors for $11.76. The same thing in single packing was $6.33 what a rip off for the small D.I.Y er.

I don,t think $51.52 is fair, maby a buck more for a single fitting.

They told me they didn't set their own prices( bull crap)

Answer 1

I've been in the trades for a lot of years, and while I admit that I use HD....never Lowes, in a quick fix situation, I define my purchases by price...of course, and I equate a big box store (ANY),,, to a convenience store on the corner. I want a 2 liter bottle of soda (for example) the large market might have all I need for 99 cents a bottle, but might be a 20 minute drive, while the conveniece store is 5 minutes away but charges $2.19 for the same soda. What to do?

In your case I'd make some loud noises to their Corporate offices and not go back to purchase anything. They may not miss your business, but you might find satisfaction in not spending more with them than you think is fair.

On a light note,,,and forgive me this...If the Penny was recalled, and recycled, there would be more available Copper than could be marketable.

I totally empathize.

Steven Wolf

The saddest thing about what you describe, especially for me, is that at some point I either have to "EAT" the higher costs or pass them on in billing, to my customers.

Answer 2

having been in the appliance and automotive parts business, i can tell you that single parts always cost more than a pack does. if you checked the sku# on the bag you would have found different part numbers on them for the same part. your local hardware store sells nuts and bolts for a few cents each, say 5 cents for a nut, but a box of 100 sells for $2.39. i remember back in the 60's someone did a study that showed that if you bought a $2,000 new chevy by individual parts that it would cost you $6,000. what makes an item cost more has to do with procurement, tracking, handling, packaging, stocking, shipping, labeling, taxes and more. each of these affect the price of an item all through the inventory and sales flow. i'm not making excuses for it, just explaining what i know about what and how things are priced. the thing that i never understood was why hot dogs are sold in a 10 pack, and hot dog rolls were sold in 8 packs. good luck, hope this helps you understand some of what's behind the costs.

Answer 3

I agree that sometimes it's a rip job to shop at the big box hardware stores. I have found on plumbing that Lowes has better quality stuff for about the same money as HD.
Example: Replacing Moen faucet stems. HD had a complete kit 2 Stems, handles extra hardware etc. good price made in Korea.
Lowes had original Moen kit with same extra hardware for just a couple of dollars more.
By looking I could tell the HD stuff was cheaply made.
I purchased from Lowes and was happy because everything fit just like it was supposed to and will probably last another 30 years.

Answer 4

Its your choice to buy from them, so you aren't getting shafted. I assume they do this to tempt contractors who might spend a lot more than a DIY to shop there for the false idea that they can save money. In reality as some here have mentioned buying wholesale in larger qualities easily gives them cheaper prices, but they have a larger stock.

I've spent thousands of dollars at the big box stores as a DIY, but its still considerably cheaper than hiring someone for the job. I often buy the contractor packs, but its only a good deal if you will use that many.

Answer 5

You are paying for convenience. It is easy for you to go down to the local store and get what you need. It is not as easy to use your head, plan ahead, and source parts from other places. McMaster for instance has the parts you are describing for $1-$2 a piece depending on what exactly you are talking about. MSC may be better. The nice thing is with McMaster you order today, you receive it tomorrow.

Answer 6

thats right i was going to buy some 1/4 thick cable to make a dog run out of. well i decided to wait till next payday ended up at another hardware store at the same cable was .25 cents per foot less than lowes!

Answer 7

most professionals myself included dont buy parts from lowes...i my buy my parts wholesale so i basically get them at the same price or close to the same price as lowes....if you had a business license or contractors license you could do the same....this is a major problem for all D.I.Y. as every hardware store you go to wil charge more for these parts than any contractor will pay

Answer 8

It's always cheaper to buy in bulk. Visit a Sam's Club.

Answer 9

Don't you think that a guy spending $50000 a year at a hardware store should get a little more special treatment then someone who spends $50 a year? From a business perspective, who would you favor?

Answer 10

yeah you gotta keep your eyes open for that stuff, i found a few things like that at Lowes