My last Lowes shop
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i've always tried to find somthing in the seasonal department..its really easy toward the end of the selling season.
I tried that although since I live in the desert where it is already in the 90s, going for something from winter is not realistic. But I did try heaters and accessories and fireplaces and accessories with the argument I'm making sure I'm ready for next year and could find nothing out of stock. I also looked at all faucets and all under-cabinet kitchen storage, items that were always on the out-of-stock report. Two hours later . . . nada. I just cancelled and told them what I think of their new way of trying to find out-of-stock items.
I've done many of these shops and have never spent more than 20 minutes trying to find an item. I'm frustrated and pretty ticked off because I feel like they are setting us up to either lie or fail.
I've done many of these shops and have never spent more than 20 minutes trying to find an item. I'm frustrated and pretty ticked off because I feel like they are setting us up to either lie or fail.
I remember one time looking for a snow shovel for a child. Nobody had that not even in the winter. I live in West Texas
There is always something out of stock. Even if the item is a LIMITED time only. How are they setting us up to fail, when we already lie to see if the product is in store when we know it is OUT OF STOCK?
It is the Client that sets up the guidelines. The object of LOWES, or any DIY store is to NEVER be out of anything. They can't make money if they don't sell it. Try looking in the clearance aisle. All clearance items is heading for out of stock.
The MScompany knows that if we FAIL to find a OOS items and report such, the report won't be accepted and payment won't happen for US nor THEM.
So, there is always something Out of Stock.
Try a different color, size, amount, shape or etc.
I find it harder to do the Mission, Inspiration, Project, and Hesitation part of the shop.
It is the Client that sets up the guidelines. The object of LOWES, or any DIY store is to NEVER be out of anything. They can't make money if they don't sell it. Try looking in the clearance aisle. All clearance items is heading for out of stock.
The MScompany knows that if we FAIL to find a OOS items and report such, the report won't be accepted and payment won't happen for US nor THEM.
So, there is always something Out of Stock.
Try a different color, size, amount, shape or etc.
I find it harder to do the Mission, Inspiration, Project, and Hesitation part of the shop.
Can't you just wander an aisle until you see an empty peg? Or find an item with not much on the peg, take them all and put them in your cart, and tell them you need two more? (I don't do these shops so I'm not familiar with the scenario)
Or put them in a cart, abandon the cart in an unrelated area, and then ask about them? (You can put them back later.)
Just wondering if you could create your own out of stock to ask about.
Or put them in a cart, abandon the cart in an unrelated area, and then ask about them? (You can put them back later.)
Just wondering if you could create your own out of stock to ask about.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
There are always out of stock items. Just look on the shelves for a hole in the merchandise.
Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
If you create your own out of stock, their computer inventory will show that they are supposed to be there, and you will spend an inordinate amount of time there while they search every nook and cranny. I think that the editors check the item once you file the report to make sure that it was really out of stock at the store (I think that is why they ask for the item number and the description).
Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
You are supposed to go online and find an out of stock item before ever going into the store. There used to be an out of stock list on the website. That list no longer exists. The instructions are explicit about how to find an out of stock item and what does not qualify. It is like looking for a needle in the haystack. It never used to be like this.
Guess I'm glad I don't do those shops, and I guess I never will now.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
And you are then supposed to verify once you get to the store that it is really out of stock, and if it isn't, look around for an item that is out of stock and use that instead. I ALWAYS find an item that is out of stock. I am certain that I am ALWAYS going to find an item that it out of stock, even if I have to look in every aisle of the store.
Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
I usually can count on finding out-of-stocks in the cabinet knob aisle, the Keurig K-cup coffee area and in the drapery/curtain aisle - in that order.
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I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
I like to arrive without knowing what item I will choose for the out-of-stock part. I have always found something out of stock in the Tools department and in the Paint department. I prefer the paint department because its easy to find an associate there. In Tools, they are harder to find.
I like "Fans and Lighting" when that is not the scenario department. I will have to look in Paints. You are right. There is always someone in Paints, but I make liberal use of the Call for Help button.
Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
i never saw an out of stock list on the website.....i was always able to find something...
even in the summer...air conditioners were sold out...specifically the ones that used the odd sized plug..i forget what it was called....
its been a while since I've done lowes...and haven't done any for the newer MSC with the lower pay...so I am not totally familar with the guidelines
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2015 10:15PM by jmitw.
even in the summer...air conditioners were sold out...specifically the ones that used the odd sized plug..i forget what it was called....
its been a while since I've done lowes...and haven't done any for the newer MSC with the lower pay...so I am not totally familar with the guidelines
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2015 10:15PM by jmitw.
Hahaha! @myst4au: I'm sure they love you there.
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PS
My husband used to work at Lowe's and that call button is the perfect way to make them crazy.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2015 10:16PM by stilllearning.
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PS
My husband used to work at Lowe's and that call button is the perfect way to make them crazy.
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2015 10:16PM by stilllearning.
"Special Assistance Needed in the Fashion Lighting Department."
@stilllearning wrote:
Hahaha! @myst4au: I'm sure they love you there.
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PS
My husband used to work at Lowe's and that call button is the perfect way to make them crazy.
Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
I've always been able to find a particular model/color of ceiling fan that is out of stock. Just be sure to check the top shelves in the department, where they keep the extra stock. (Otherwise, the associate may get a giant ladder and fetch your fan for you.)
Unfortunately, this only works so many times in the same store. One problem I always have in my area is that Help buttons are rare, as are associates in the aisles. I usually have to first find a free associate and then find an out of stock item in their department. I have resorted to taking the last item off of a shelf or peg and then leaving it in another department. The last time I did this, the associate spent a long time trying to track down the item because it showed up in the inventory, so I am reluctant to do it again.
Unfortunately, this only works so many times in the same store. One problem I always have in my area is that Help buttons are rare, as are associates in the aisles. I usually have to first find a free associate and then find an out of stock item in their department. I have resorted to taking the last item off of a shelf or peg and then leaving it in another department. The last time I did this, the associate spent a long time trying to track down the item because it showed up in the inventory, so I am reluctant to do it again.
I have several favorites. The appliance department is always out of one brand of vacuum cleaner. The paint department is always out of a painting tool or paint. The tool department is always out of some tool and I also like the seasonal department. I find where they have say, 4 seat cushions and then I tell the associate I need 8.
For all of these though you do need to look at the top shelving to make sure the item number isn't on one of the boxes up there.
For all of these though you do need to look at the top shelving to make sure the item number isn't on one of the boxes up there.
I gave up looking online. Half the time I would get there and the item would be on the shelf. Now I just go in, head to the opposite end of the store from where my scenario is, and find something that seems to be out of stock on the shelf. Then I get the item number off the tag and check above it to make sure there aren't more up there. Then, and only then, do I find someone to help me. I'm like Myst, if at first I don't succeed I do it again. And I love the call buttons. But they have been disconnected in some of the more rural stores here.
I generally have success in the home items aisle, where the ordinary cleaning supplies and such are.
I generally have success in the home items aisle, where the ordinary cleaning supplies and such are.
Ooh, I love the 8 seat cushions or 8 drapery panels or 8 cabinet drawer knobs request because it's so flexible. Good one, @jpgilham!
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I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
@dspeakes wrote:
Or find an item with not much on the peg, take them all and put them in your cart, and tell them you need two more?
Just wondering if you could create your own out of stock to ask about.
Untoggle me, stilllearning. I suggested that a long time ago. LOL.
Time to build a bigger bridge.
I've used the same ceiling fan for six shops in a row. At the first location it was missing and I checked the top shelf. The associate I approached did everything possible and found it was not in any stores within 100 miles, it was not available for the store to order, and it could not be ordered online. He speculated it was in a ship anchored off the California shore. I plan to keep using the same item for another ten locations.
When I do Lowes stores I go to their website, chose a store across town to make 'mine', then search for 'out of stock' items. That pulls up a list of quite a few items, many special-order only. (Last month I picked a carpet, and used it for multiple shops.)
I take a screen shot on my phone showing the model number, then when I get to the shop I check to make sure it's REALLY not there. After I track down an associate I can show him the information on my phone.
I take a screen shot on my phone showing the model number, then when I get to the shop I check to make sure it's REALLY not there. After I track down an associate I can show him the information on my phone.
Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. Eleanor Roosevelt
I just tried searching as you suggested, and it works. But, I am not sure that it finds all of the out of stock items, since only a few departments are represented in the 1017 products which are out of stock in my local store. Even odder, the search claims that they only have 65 products in stock. Still, it is a good suggestion that I will add to my toolkit of ideas.
@KathyG wrote:
When I do Lowes stores I go to their website, chose a store across town to make 'mine', then search for 'out of stock' items. That pulls up a list of quite a few items, many special-order only. (Last month I picked a carpet, and used it for multiple shops.)
I take a screen shot on my phone showing the model number, then when I get to the shop I check to make sure it's REALLY not there. After I track down an associate I can show him the information on my phone.
Shopping Southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware above the canal, and South Jersey since 2008
I tried searching 'out of stock' and the items it pulled up were in stock....not counting items that are never in stock and always shipping only......i didn't think those counted as an out of stock item..
@stilllearning wrote:
Ooh, I love the 8 seat cushions or 8 drapery panels or 8 cabinet drawer knobs request because it's so flexible. Good one, @jpgilham!
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Older hinges for cabinet doors have always worked for me.
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Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
Motivation increases when we assume large responsibilities with a short deadline.
@dspeakes: Hahaha! You're giving me too much credit; my memory bank is full.
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@dspeakes wrote:
@dspeakes wrote:
Or find an item with not much on the peg, take them all and put them in your cart, and tell them you need two more?
Just wondering if you could create your own out of stock to ask about.
Untoggle me, stilllearning. I suggested that a long time ago. LOL.
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
I have been known to ask about something specific in the wall art department. No doubt the guy thought I was just a typical woman looking for an oversized picture of geramiums or the golden gate bridge.
Her Serene Majesty, Cettie - Goat Queen of Zoltar, Sublime Empress of Her Caprine Domain
I stopped doing this particular assignment after weighing the time spent vs payment. I looked at the OOS search employee seek times after hitting the button and nobody coming into account and it simply was not worth it.
Then I went to Lowe's as a normal customer to buy two items and both were out of stock!
I wanted the little yellow can of yellow "Golden Oak" Minwax to touch-up a scratch. Strike One...
Then I went to buy a replacement florescent bulb for my 20 inch under the kitchen counter light in a soft color temperature. All they had was the Aquarium light in that size. They had two OOS bulb types in that size with empty slots.
I went across the street to Home Depot and they had both in stock. I think I'm going to go to Home Depot first for my hardware store stuff now.
Then I went to Lowe's as a normal customer to buy two items and both were out of stock!
I wanted the little yellow can of yellow "Golden Oak" Minwax to touch-up a scratch. Strike One...
Then I went to buy a replacement florescent bulb for my 20 inch under the kitchen counter light in a soft color temperature. All they had was the Aquarium light in that size. They had two OOS bulb types in that size with empty slots.
I went across the street to Home Depot and they had both in stock. I think I'm going to go to Home Depot first for my hardware store stuff now.
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