I just read Breaktime in the Sept 06 issue and I had to respond to “Lumberyard Blues”. I being a woman over 50 hate going to the local lumber place. I am a graphic designer and I have a brain. If there is one thing I can do its measure, in picas or points if you prefer.
My husband and I bought an older house about 7 yrs ago, and its always in the state of renovation. A couple of yrs ago I decided the closet in the master bedroom needed to be updated to OUR needs. I drew out what I wanted, wrote out the precise inches of what was needed. I went to our local lumber store and walked directly to the customer service window. I showed the clerk (a woman) what I wanted, and asked for an individual who could show me the correct wood, nails/screws and Not Laugh!!!
A young man arrived at the counter, I gave him my drawing and he said “follow me”. This person showed me what he thought would look good, advise on durability, and in my price range. I spent almost an hour with this young man and learned a great deal. He asked if I had an experience with a hand saw, and showed me what HE thought I would be safe with. I bought the jig saw and it was easy and efficient.
If men get this treatment from sales/clerks at lumberyards, consider how women are treated. I grew up around construction and I am not a dummy. I can stand my ground and I do at the lumberyard.
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Replies
you lost me.
Do you like the local yard?
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
yes.. lost me too .. not sure if there is a problem or .. wether his treatment of you was insulting or not...http://www.notsobigbuildingcompany.com
Great. You handled it well.
Post some pics of your renovations.
If having a low wage work force was good for a country's economy then why hasn't Mexico built a fence?
I dont see the point of the post either except your experience with an exellent salesman.
Ive never been a woman but Ive heard if this ,...
On the other hand we work for them mostly.
I really think a woman thinks they are hanging on a clift when they deal with a lumber yard.
The only thing that I see is different is lack of knowledge . Men can get sold a bunch of crap as easy as a woman. After all hes got lots less tools to use on a young man. If it had been a man the boy would have probably found a hidden isle to hide behind as thats the treatmemt we can get. They would rather smell a woman. So whats your point ?
Tim
Oh yea, welcome to breaktime .
Tim
I'm lost.
Was your experience a dream or a nightmare?
Insulting or honoring?
>> If men get this treatment from sales/clerks at lumberyards ...
My reading is that NG was reacting to the horror story printed in FHB, reporting that women are treated even worse than men, but offering hope that it is possible to avoid this kind of treatment by going in prepared and standing up for yourself.
OH, I havent read it .
I think what ever you are its best to be courteous and direct. As I said knowledge helps as you arent going to get a master teacher at a box store.
Besides , thats why we make the big money. <G>
Tim