Just a thought.
In my area, the bigger rental place went out of business (United), leaving we DIYers with no place to go for short term use of otherwise expensive tools and machines. Our Ace Hardware stepped up and filled the void, and I was able to rent a stapler for flooring underlayment, a compressor, and a hose for $20 for the four hours I used them. They even bought back the sticks I didn’t use. No liability sweat, either.
This is the same place where ten years ago, when I was just learning what was what about home maintenance, that I took two old faucet stems into them, looking for gaskets, and they took the stems out of my hand, found the right gaskets, installed them, and then said, “That’ll be forty cents, please.”
Later, I went to buy a breaker, cabling, and such to install an electric dryer where there had only been gas before. The sales guy pulled out an old notebook from his pocket, studied it a bit, and then actually grilled me on how I had intended to do this installation. I really felt that if my answers weren’t correct, he wasn’t going to sell me the supplies — maybe recommend an electrician instead.
In the big box era, I really have come to appreciate my Ace Hardware. Okay, the drill bits may cost a little more, but I can buy four screws whan that’s all I need instead of a blister pack of twenty from the big box. Plus, my Ace has an extensive hunting and fishing supply, including a nightcrawler dispensing machine outside for when I get up before they do. God is good.
Replies
there ya go!
they are soon becoming the "old time hardware store" ...
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I like the smaller stores in my town too. Same thing. The service is just what you want to see. I wish they rented tools too.If my house wasn't a 100 years old... there would go a really fine hobby.
In a capitalist society all other values will compete with the bottom line. In our continued and ever increasing frequent genuflection to the almighty dollar and idolization of those with money a lot of values and benefits, what economists call 'intangibles', have been and will get lost.
We may end up with the very inexpensive washers but no one to tell us which one we need and how to install it. Something way more than $.40. To get it installed correctly you will need to hire a professional. To make things worse, once the large organizations put the small shops out of business, your going to hire someone from Lowe's or HD's inside stable.
At one time virtually all trades were controlled by guilds, a distinct and not nearly as beneficial entity as unions as guilds are run by the owner for the profit of the business by controlling services. The practice went out in the 1800s. Look forward to guilds becoming a large part of modern life. The doctors and lawyers have done it.
Soon the carpenters, roofers and washer contractors will do the same. Likely they will be given non-competitive territories and be organized by the accountants of multi-national corporations. You think getting HD to install your water heater is a pain now you haven't seen anything yet.
You ever see the Saturday Night Live skit with "Debbie Downer"?
You oughta.
Diesel,Perfect, just perfect...
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com
I call them like I see them. Tell me it isn't so. Your stock broker, a not entirely unironic term, will say it isn't so. The guy foisting the real estate course and the speculative builder will agree. Bush and Co will chime in with smiles, grins and happy faces. They will tell its all going to work out beautifully. Of course they are right. For them it will. Bush has a pention, lifetime secret service protection and the cash cow of being able to speak for an hour at $30,000 a pop. Carlton has made million selling his version of real estate speculation and has it stashed off shore. Likely your broker and/or banker is playing the same game with stocks and mutual funds as the vehicle. Used to be a common adage that when playing poker: 'If you can't spot the pigeon ... it's you'. A lot of the people leading the parade of good times ahead and cheering the loudest have funds socked away off-shore. America is becoming an oligarchy. Once the small number of seats has been filled the remaining 95% of the people will be forced by monopolistic pricing to give up any remaining wealth. Remember that it is perfectly legal to sell at different prices to different people. If you have influence the costs will be low. If you do not you pay through the nose. Remember that capitalism depends on the willingness of organizations to compete. Adam Smith pointed out that businessmen meet at the risk of the consumed and are willing to collude. Tacit agreement is nearly impossible to prosecute. Especially if the government, those charged with maintaining competition and limiting anti-competitive practices, is dependent on contributions from the oligarchy to remain in power. Capitalism, outside of tight controls and constant observation, always ends the same way: A small group owning everything while the balance of the people eat dirt. Tell me it isn't so Pollyanna.
Uh...... I wasn't saying you're wrong dude. Just that you were a bit of a buzz-kill back there. We had a nice little "feel good" story going on and you kinda squashed it unnecessarily. Don't you think?
The guy is just happy with the service he got from his local Ace Hardware. That's it. It seems good service is becoming such a rarity that we feel the need to celebrate it. The simple things still go a long way for some of us. Yer probably right.... we're all going to he11 in a bucket.... but some of us are trying to enjoy the ride.
Lighten up a bit. It's good for you.
Wooooooooooo..for a second I thought i was in the tavern, had to check the folder to make sure... should we put a new title on this "RENTAL TOOLS (POL)" ?
james
Your a real drag some times.
Shout out to Andy C. Namaste my friend.
http://www.hay98.com/
A lot of the people leading the parade of good times ahead and cheering the loudest have funds socked away off-shore. America is becoming an oligarchy. Once the small number of seats has been filled the remaining 95% of the people will be forced by monopolistic pricing to give up any remaining wealth.
Boy, the liberals (losers) are really testy around here. While your anti-business socialist rant is utterly absurd, yet amusing - at least in an Oligarchy the 5% of people get to have something - in the liberal/socialist/commie world nobody does. Well, except for the "leaders," because, as they will tell you, THEY know how to spend your money better than you do.
Isn't this crap supposed to be in the Tavern?
Wooooooooooo..for a second I thought i was in the tavern, had to check the folder to make sure... should we put a new title on this "RENTAL TOOLS (POL)" ?
Isn't this crap supposed to be in the Tavern?
yes it is, as well as most of your reply.
james
We have one that really sucks. Over priced a s s holes. But I know where you are going with this and there is one up in the highlands that is really good. Keiths hardware. Brad R probably knows it well.
Shout out to Andy C. Namaste my friend.
http://www.hay98.com/