some people are robots and can't think outside the square GRRR!

[Roverlord off road spares]

Last week I went shopping at Masters hardware. I needed some stainless steel nuts and bolt. The size they has in the washers and bolts were in a lollie bin, and were sold as an "each" item, there was no sticker on each individual nut ( unlike Bunnings who barcode every part)
I saw a staff member and asked if he could write me out a ticket so I didn't get held up at the register.
Which he obliged.
When I got to the check-out I handed the paper to the cashier and she said "Thanks, oh you have made it so easy for me, what a good idea, I would have had to look it up in the book!"

Today I go and buy another lot of nuts. I took a pen and paper with me and wrote down the code numbers.
i get to the cashier and hand her the paper and said here are the product numbers. She then took it and threw it down on the counter and got the book out. She then tried to find a picture of the nutsand washers, she had trouble finding it. I took the piece of paper and showed her that these were the numbers she needed. again she took it and brushed it aside on the far corner of the counter.
She again had trouble finding a picture to correspond. I said why doesn't ahe use the numbers I had written down, and again she pushed the paper away. She was a stubborn bitch this on. She then started to place the nut over some nut that didn't correspond and complained that the pictures are not always accurate. I could see from where I was standing she had no idea and didn't want my assistance. She was programmed to have a one track mind and do it by the pics. GRRRR!
Then she found some pics of a galvanised nut and insisted she had it correct, even though mine were stainless steel and 20c a nut dearer.
I hear that masters isn't traveling too well, I think the staff must be costing them money as they aren't as switched on like Bunnings.
At least bunnings staff have some product knowledge.
I ended up paying for what she asked and couldn't be bothered anymore with that staff member.
I'll probably get accused of stealing like one forum member:mad::mad: once accused me :mad::mad::mad: as I paid too little.

[mekon76]

Like at coles/woolies buy a box of cat food cans and instead of typing 20x.75c they scan one can 20 times. Or when they struggle to look up a routine, run of the mill piece of fruit or veg and you tell them what it is and they still flick through looking for the picture. Conversation usually ends with, "Like I said it's a pineapple."

Worse still, you give them loose coin to make the change easier or a single note, only to get a complete look of confusion. Nevermind.

[Mick_Marsh]

Product knowledge is no longer appreciated in todays workforce. As long as they follow the procedure as documented in their instructional booklet.
They are the type that is cheaper to employ.

[loneranger]

Like at coles/woolies buy a box of cat food cans and instead of typing 20x.75c they scan one can 20 times. Or when they struggle to look up a routine, run of the mill piece of fruit or veg and you tell them what it is and they still flick through looking for the picture. Conversation usually ends with, "Like I said it's a pineapple."

I'm very particular about how I pack shopping bags ie I don't like the meat in with the veg. Before self serve checkouts I would repack the bags at the checkout. When both my kids worked at Coles they would have regulars that would go through their checkouts because of the way they packed the bags. :D Now I just use self serve so I can pack my own bags.


Worse still, you give them loose coin to make the change easier or a single note, only to get a complete look of confusion. Nevermind.

Its always fun to hand over a handful of change and watch some teenager who can't do maths try and work out if you've given the right amount of money. :p

[trog]

I have had a few placings by labour hire companies , where in the onsite induction , have been told not to think , just do as directed. The waste of time and pay would be well in excess of the equivelent of several days pay for a permanent employee.

[Rurover]

The other "interesting" thing about Masters is that at around 9am each day, the staff have to gather around and shout their corporate "war-cry", in a pathetic attempt to create staff bonding I guess.
Really puts me off!
I couldn't work for a company that requires its staff to carry out this stupid American/Japanese practice. It's bad enough when sporting teams do it!

Alan

[ramblingboy42]

Haven't heard their war cry.

Do you know what they say?

I once applied to Colgate Palmolive and part of the recuitment was a bonding session where each person was given an animal name and had to make that anilmals noise.

I told them to get ****ed and walked out.

[CraigE]

Bunnings? Product Knowledge? Hahahahaha, you are kidding right?
Most would not have a clue apart from maybe telling you what aisle it may be in. Last week I bought a couple of items in white plumbing fittings and black garden fittings. The black poly item did not have a tag, the woman at the check out suggested I just pay the same as the white item. I nearly choked and said not likely as the white plumbing versions are twice the price.
Masters has just opened up near us so hopefully they will give Bunnings a wake up call. Over the last 12 months Bunnings have gone to complete Crap. I am in there frequently and can guarantee on at least every visit they do not have at least one item on the self. Very common to see empty spots now. Then they seem to think it is ok to block aisles with cages of stock and EWPs or whiz around without looking and expect you to move. Then there is their latest trick of closing whole aisles for days with no access to products until they decide to reopen and not even the courtesy of them getting you the product.

[Roverlord off road spares]

Bunnings? Product Knowledge? Hahahahaha, you are kidding right?
Most would not have a clue apart from maybe telling you what aisle it may be in. Last week I bought a couple of items in white plumbing fittings and black garden fittings. The black poly item did not have a tag, the woman at the check out suggested I just pay the same as the white item. I nearly choked and said not likely as the white plumbing versions are twice the price.
Masters has just opened up near us so hopefully they will give Bunnings a wake up call. Over the last 12 months Bunnings have gone to complete Crap. I am in there frequently and can guarantee on at least every visit they do not have at least one item on the self. Very common to see empty spots now. Then they seem to think it is ok to block aisles with cages of stock and EWPs or whiz around without looking and expect you to move. Then there is their latest trick of closing whole aisles for days with no access to products until they decide to reopen and not even the courtesy of them getting you the product.

Masters is directly opposite Bunnings where I go.

Bunnings parking full.
Master easy to park plenty of VACANT spots.

Bunnings heaps of customers
Master very few at any given time

Bunnings queues at checkouts
Masters, self service check outs closed and 1 cashier to cope with the few customers.

Bunnings claustrophobic aisles.
Masters seems more open

Bunnings try and find assistance , staff hiding and talking amongst themselves in aisles.
Masters, plenty of staff to help you.

Bunnings 1 welcomer
Masters 1 welcomer and heaps of people in shop saying hello.

Bunnings try and carry your stuff to car.
Masters - had staff with trolley deliver to my car.

Bunnings , going profit big time.
Masters appears to struggle in the market.

Bunnings leading the way
Masters trying to get into the market , struggling

Bunnings more products, like sikaflex and other specialty fasteners
Master, no sikaflex lesser range of adhesives

Bunnings try to find a staff member to help

Masters, annoying loud repeated broadcasts over PA system.
customer assistance is required in plumbing,
customer assistance is required in plumbing,
customer assistance is required in plumbing, etc etc

[Eevo]

the bunnings in adelaide are much better
everyone saying hello
everyone knows where stuff is
and when you get to the item, there is a staff member near who knows what hes talking about

[p38arover]

I've chatted with a few staff at Bunnings in Penrith and it seems quite a few of the older ones are ex-tradies. They have suggested I join them.

[CraigE]

the bunnings in adelaide are much better
everyone saying hello
everyone knows where stuff is
and when you get to the item, there is a staff member near who knows what hes talking about
My brother works at Mile End.
So I know idiots work at Bunnings. LOL

[CraigE]

I agree to most of what you have said, Bunnings do carry more specialised products, but still nowhere what they should. Often hard to get basic hardware items and have to go to specialist bolt supplies. Or moreso just don't re-stock shelves. Way too many staff in Bunnings seem more concerned about sitting around and chatting with each other than helping customers. That said it is not the majority, but when the slackers are visible it sticks in your mind.
I think Bunnings have just dropped the ball a little lately. You want to stock shelves, block aisles and re-invent / change aisles, do it out of hours. What happened to stocking shelves etc after hours?
2 fairly different takes on hardware. Bunnings is generally just that and garden. Masters is more homewares / hardware. Masters may be better for when I take the girls shopping and I only need items that can be bought at Masters as it also has a lot of crafty and girly stuff. Their garden section needs a lot of work. Half dead plants and very limited vegie seedling range. Masters seems to be more aimed at women and yuppies.



Masters is directly opposite Bunnings where I go.

Bunnings parking full.
Master easy to park plenty of VACANT spots.

Bunnings heaps of customers
Master very few at any given time

Bunnings queues at checkouts
Masters, self service check outs closed and 1 cashier to cope with the few customers.

Bunnings claustrophobic aisles.
Masters seems more open

Bunnings try and find assistance , staff hiding and talking amongst themselves in aisles.
Masters, plenty of staff to help you.

Bunnings 1 welcomer
Masters 1 welcomer and heaps of people in shop saying hello.

Bunnings try and carry your stuff to car.
Masters - had staff with trolley deliver to my car.

Bunnings , going profit big time.
Masters appears to struggle in the market.

Bunnings leading the way
Masters trying to get into the market , struggling

Bunnings more products, like sikaflex and other specialty fasteners
Master, no sikaflex lesser range of adhesives

Bunnings try to find a staff member to help

Masters, annoying loud repeated broadcasts over PA system.
customer assistance is required in plumbing,
customer assistance is required in plumbing,
customer assistance is required in plumbing, etc etc

[firsttracks]

I reckon masters and Bunnings have peaked. Everyone's over all they're "buying in bulk" bs. Yeah some stuff is cheap, but not everything. But as far as tools goes, forget it. I'll goto trade tools or similar they actually know what they're talking about.

[loneranger]

I have easy access to 4 Bunnings where we are. One of them I won't bother with at all because I can never find anything. The others it depends on what I want. Sometimes you can get lucky with the staff being ex-tradie and actually having some knowledge.

We have 1 Masters I go there if I'm after automotive type nuts and bolts or anything that is out of the ordinary as I'm more likely to get it there.

[PhilipA]

When I need steel or bolts I now go to this aptly named shop.

Metal By The Metre & Bolts By The Bag - Yellow Pages (http://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yellowpages.com.au%2Fnsw%2Fer ina%2Fmetal-by-the-metre-bolts-by-the-bag-13628998-listing.html&ei=BBsAVcLILobm8AXaroCACg&usg=AFQjCNF53XWxQQKSA5JSMAGuZblpNs6T0Q&bvm=bv.87611401,d.dGc)

And Gosford bearings for more specialized bolts, seals and bearings
Gosford Bolts & Bearings (https://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2F10056355621769 2302853%2Fabout%3Fgl%3Dau%26hl%3Den&ei=exsAVfWnDcr_8QX144HACg&usg=AFQjCNFaooXsA0rNuYMwyA8Q5BHV-9X1Cg&bvm=bv.87611401,d.dGc)

They have just about all you need.
Regards Philip A

[scarry]

I have given up with nuts,bolts,rivets, and screws at bunnings,i now always use the fastening stores.
Better range,better advice and way better price.
And you can get a quantity that you want,where at bunnings,you may only be able to get a few in a blister pack,or a box of 1000.

[Bytemrk]

You are right Paul, I'm doing the same.

As for Bunnings / Masters, it's just supermarket wars with hardware.

Bunnings > Westfamers > Coles

Masters > Woolworths

And judging by the losses Masters are making, Woolies are having a hard time breaking into this one....

Masters keeps hammering Woolworths as losses widen (http://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/masters-keeps-hammering-woolworths-as-losses-widen-20141120-11qrcu.html)

[LandyAndy]

Bunnings? Product Knowledge? Hahahahaha, you are kidding right?
Most would not have a clue apart from maybe telling you what aisle it may be in. Last week I bought a couple of items in white plumbing fittings and black garden fittings. The black poly item did not have a tag, the woman at the check out suggested I just pay the same as the white item. I nearly choked and said not likely as the white plumbing versions are twice the price.
Masters has just opened up near us so hopefully they will give Bunnings a wake up call. Over the last 12 months Bunnings have gone to complete Crap. I am in there frequently and can guarantee on at least every visit they do not have at least one item on the self. Very common to see empty spots now. Then they seem to think it is ok to block aisles with cages of stock and EWPs or whiz around without looking and expect you to move. Then there is their latest trick of closing whole aisles for days with no access to products until they decide to reopen and not even the courtesy of them getting you the product.
You are going to love Masters if you dont like Bunnings:p:p:p:p:p.
I must say I have always found Bunnings staff very reasonable and if they dont know they say so and seek help.
Masters are more expensive and employ supercrapp cast offs,never got any good help at either brand:p:p:p:p.
ENJOY
Andrew

[Basil135]

I have easy access to 3 or 4 Bunnings stores, and Masters by the airport.

For normal, every day stuff, I will go to Bunnings. However, I have found a lot of products at Masters that are better and cheaper at Masters.

For example, I buy woodworking glue by the 4l bottle. Bunnings don't stock what I want, and Carbatec, where I used to get it, is twice the price of Masters.

The first Masters I walked into was in Canberra. Managed to get in & out in a little under 3 hours. :D

I can walk into almost any Bunnings store, and walk to the item I want. The full-time staff are great, and yes, many are ex-tradies. I have gone to them with a problem, and told them what I need to do, and they have pulled bits & pieces off the shelf, and put it all together for me.

SWMBO doesnt bother asking how long I will be when I go to a hardware store. :angel:

Oh, and I carry a bag of sawdust in the car to cover the "new" tools, "that I have had for ages, darling. You just haven't seen it before" :twisted:

[Roverlord off road spares]

I have easy access to 4 Bunnings where we are. One of them I won't bother with at all because I can never find anything. The others it depends on what I want. Sometimes you can get lucky with the staff being ex-tradie and actually having some knowledge.

We have 1 Masters I go there if I'm after automotive type nuts and bolts or anything that is out of the ordinary as I'm more likely to get it there.
Master does have a good range of specialty fasteners for cars in their pull our drawers and cheaper than the auto stores "Revolving tree stands"

[d2dave]

I find Bunnings in Shepparton to be ok. Staff are usually helpful and as been mentioned previously, they employ some tradies.

We don't have a Masters.

[bob10]

I use Jeays Sandgate [ Mitre 10] , family business, long term staff, tradies at the desk. Not much turn over of staff, some of the faces have been there since 1985. Good service, good advice. Can't help thinking if some of the cheap charlies complaining about the large warehouse outlets had supported their local hardware store, things may be different. As for nuts & bolts, " bolts & industrial supplies " Virginia , get my business. No Chinese crap there. Bob