Lowe’s vs Home Depot

[FROGMAN524]

What’s your preference between the two?

 

[hallett21]

I prefer the staff and shopping experience at Lowes.

However Home Depot carries products/manufactures that I prefer.

 

[Gelcoater]

Depends really.
Both suck.


Do I just need some stuff? Lowe’s

Do I need some labor? HD

 

[Taboma]

Preference depends on which product(s) I'm shopping for, essentially, both.
In general, most general hardware, or yard care items, Home Depot. Online hardware or yard equipment, Home Depot. For more specialty or stainless fasteners, or often items I'm unable to find on the shelves at HD, then Lowes.
Lowes is a nicer store, in general far fewer trades people and more Youtube trained handmen.

 

[EPL]

I prefer HD but go to Lowes sometimes for things HD doesn't have .

 

[angiebaby]

I see no difference. If we are in Kalispell, we go to Lowes. The HD is a terrible mess. Just disarray. In Missoula it's the opposite. Home Depot is awesome. Employees are extremely pleasant and helpful. Lowes is meh. Management quality shows at both locations. Both cities are about the same distance (an hour). Kalispell is a slightly prettier drive because it's along the lake most of the way.

In Havasu, I can't tell the difference at all. Whichever is closer, I don't know which one that is.

 

[Javajoe]

If I need general shit then it’s Depot. If I need something nice for the house Lowes has better decor selection

 

[500bbc]

Which is closer?

 

[rivermobster]

If I need general shit then it’s Depot. If I need something nice for the house Lowes has better decor selection

This.

If you are shopping for decorations, Lowes.

If you want to actually FIX something? HD all the way.

 

[NicPaus]

I could write a book on this Lol. And a review on majority of the employees. I shop at both sometimes 4 times a day.


Lowes lower level employees are way nicer and helpful. I am on first name basis with 90% of the employees at both local locations. ASM run the stores. Both managers suck and don't give a shit about sales both are rarely doing much. Had 1 manager tell me she was proud of her cashier trying to overcharge me and doesn't care that I had spent 60k on materials the previous month.

Home depot I am on first name basis with 3 employees at the local 3 stores. In there defense they deal with a lot more customers. But some i have dealt with for over 10 years weekly and they dont even recognize you. Most are usually rude and want nothing to do with helping except managers just seem unhappy. Usually never need help though. The ASM and managers care about sales and customer satisfaction. They are always working when I see them. The manager at Torrance gave Me his cell and says call anytime. I see him busting ass regularly and he is always busy. His store shows as it's always packed and does a million a day in sales.

Lowes parking is always easier. Way faster to get in n out. They have better rewards on my Lowes pro and I get 10% off majority of items plus 3% back. Much better deals on certain items due to discounts. I can text my orders for some items to employees personal cellphones. They will submit any purchase over 1500 and have gotten me up to 40% off on things like insulation, doors and windows.

Home depot has better prices on certain electrical and plumbing items. I have been using there paint exclusively for 20 years and get 20% off. Milwuakee tools.



I was going to Lowes 10 to 1 HD. DWC changed that and now I go about equal to both. Having the store manager appreciate your business goes along ways with the treatment you get. I dress like a construction worker and they treated me that way for along time. Didn't matter if I spent 500k there or $20 a year.

Most prices are to the penny. But certain things are not. I got them all memorized. HD supply smokes some of there prices along with Hirsch pipe and a few others I buy from. Just got to know what to buy where. I try and save $600 a month and sometimes I save a few thousand a month just knowing where to buy instead of 1 location for everything.

 

[NicPaus]

Which is closer?

Torrance they are across the street from each other. And Lowes has a second location in Torrance.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

When I started going to these warehouse stores, Lowes was air-conditioned, but Home Depot was not. So I preferred Lowes.

Also Lowes seemed geared more towards consumers while HD seemed more geared to contractors. At least in the beginning. Now it seems HD is on even footing.

 

[SoCalDave]

In general I go to HD but both are the same distance for me.
For some odd reason Lowe's just feels like I'm dealing with a liberal...

 

[Blue Oval]

Home Depot sucked when it first opened. My service manager’s daughter was a manager at Lowe’s appliances. They were great. They let all of her team go because they were making to much money. Home Depot kicks Lowe’s butt these day. Much more helpful. You’re lucky if you can find someone to help you at Lowe’s. Home Depot has more workers and can easily fine someone to help you.

 

[Mr. C]

Can only speak for our two in SCV.
I much prefer HD. On Newhall
The help is more attentive and they seem to usually have what I need.
Lowe’s on Bouquet seems to be more find it yourself. Don’t bother me. Jmho.

 

[Bpracing1127]

I support HD to support an RDP member, iykyk

 

[D19]

I prefer the staff and shopping experience at Lowes.

However Home Depot carries products/manufactures that I prefer.

I agree! Lowes typically has better parking, especially for contractors and loading, and they also stage carts near the building materials, which I really appreciate.

 

[H20 Toie]

Use to go to Loews first but now that i'm a Milwaukee fan boy it HD
we have two local, one is way better than the other imo, i like the one on Newhall ranch rd

 

[PlanB]

Either one for me but HD caps the military discount on a yearly basis while Lowes has no cap. I am already maxed out at HD for the year so I go to Lowes as much as possible unless I need a Milwaukee tool or accessory.

 

[Singleton]

If I need general shit then it’s Depot. If I need something nice for the house Lowes has better decor selection

This

 

[Icky]

I don't go to Lowes because they charge for bags and they make you do self checkout. Only option is if the lumber section is open or go to garden.

Now that home depot has switch to this self checkout it doesn't matter to me. Pain in the ass to buy a tool because everything is locked up due to all the theft.

 

[Taboma]

Either one for me but HD caps the military discount on a yearly basis while Lowes has no cap. I am already maxed out at HD for the year so I go to Lowes as much as possible unless I need a Milwaukee tool or accessory.

Didn't realize there was a military discount cap at HD, but then I'm not buying high dollar items and most, like appliances, don't qualify for vet discounts.

 

[PlanB]

Didn't realize there was a military discount cap at HD, but then I'm not buying high dollar items and most, like appliances, don't qualify for vet discounts.

$400.00 a year max.

 

[Riley1]

I use both as a last resort. Both have no checkers, so you wait at the pro line or do self checkout. Home Depot employees make an effort to hide from you, so you’re not getting an help from them when you’re trying to find something.
Lowe’s seems to be better at customer service for the homeowner type.

The best thing you can do on my opinion, is shop at your local ACE or TrueValue or DoItBest hardware store. They carry a much more diverse product, are USA tailored to the local demand (ACE in Panguich sells chickens) and have real people to help you and check out.

I do my best to avoid Lowe’s and HD whenever possible and use the other previously mentioned options as much as possible. I want my community hardware store to be there when I need them.

 

[oldman]

Lowes for general stuff, But I have an old school Ace that's been in the community longer than me, for odd fasteners it's Ace, also I have a 100 year old house, and Ace carries a ton of unique stuff neither of the big box store carry.

 

[DWC]

I vote we go back to Ford/Chevy, DCB/MTI, Razor/CanAm/Speed, Ginger/MaryAnn..

 

[Heylam]

Lowes- Homeowner
Home Depot-Contractor.

 

[DLC]

Every time I go to Lowe’s ….

They are short 1 piece doesn’t matter what piece I’m looking for….

Then have to hit up depot….

I stopped going to Lowe’s on the regular when I met the cool Inmate that works at depot!

Although I hate the return policy at depot !!

 

[lbhsbz]

I prefer not to support either.

If McMaster carries what I need, I buy it there. For lumber, I use Ganahl....although the fuckers refused to quote me over the phone a few weeks ago for fence lumber (3 different dimensions of redwood) so I called Learned in Hermosa Beach and I'll buy everything from them...about a $6000 order, not huge, but evidently not worth 3 minutes for Ganahl.

Everything else I try to get at HD supply simply because there's never a line and stuff is normally organized while nothing is in the right spot at HD or Lowes.

I haven't spent more than $30 or so at HD in single visit in the last 5 years I don't think. I hate the place.

 

[angiebaby]

I use both as a last resort. Both have no checkers, so you wait at the pro line or do self checkout. Home Depot employees make an effort to hide from you, so you’re not getting an help from them when you’re trying to find something.
Lowe’s seems to be better at customer service for the homeowner type.

The best thing you can do on my opinion, is shop at your local ACE or TrueValue or DoItBest hardware store. They carry a much more diverse product, are USA tailored to the local demand (ACE in Panguich sells chickens) and have real people to help you and check out.

I do my best to avoid Lowe’s and HD whenever possible and use the other previously mentioned options as much as possible. I want my community hardware store to be there when I need them.

I refuse to do the self-checkout.

We usually go to Ace or the local building supply or ranch store in town. Ranch store is about 3 miles, Ace and building supply are about 5-6 miles. We often go to the Ace here in Havasu also. Two stores closer than either HD or Lowes. And they send my $5 and $10 coupons every month or so.

 

[Cooter01]

Home depot for contractor work
Lowes for home good work
ACE the helpful place for hardware

 

[Mr. C]

I vote we go back to Ford/Chevy, DCB/MTI, Razor/CanAm/Speed, Ginger/MaryAnn..

Mary Ann. sounds good.

 

[boatpi]

Anyone remember homebase?

 

[ArizonaKevin]

I wonder if the big orange sees this thread they'll finally let that friendly neighborhood inmate retire

 

[rivermobster]

Every time I go to Lowe’s ….

They are short 1 piece doesn’t matter what piece I’m looking for….

Then have to hit up depot….

I stopped going to Lowe’s on the regular when I met the cool Inmate that works at depot!

Although I hate the return policy at depot !!

I thought their return policy rocked!

You don't even need a receipt!!! Just hand em the item, and the CC you used...

And you're Done! How can it be any easier than that?

 

[Javajoe]

I love Ace but holy shit I noticed they are way more expensive on items generally for good reason as they don’t buy in such large bulk. I noticed this when I was buying some GFCI outlets

 

[rivermobster]

Anyone remember homebase?

Hell yeah. I bought a TON of underground romex from them, at 70 percent off, when the closed their doors!

Love those guys!

 

[NicPaus]

I thought their return policy rocked!

You don't even need a receipt!!! Just hand em the item, and the CC you used...

And you're Done! How can it be any easier than that?

30 days. It used to be no receipt store credit given. Both locations stopped that due to theft issues.

Lowes Pro is 90 days and if bought in my lowes card they will give me credit up to 180 if I ask one if the ASMs I deal with regularly.

 

[EmpirE231]

Home Depot unfortunately. It’s close to home. Lowe’s is about 3 more miles away. Once I get passed the lineup of laborers and their uninsured dump trucks…. I can usually find what I need… if I need help, that usually takes 15-20 more minutes to chase someone down. I dread going there now… ever since Covid that place has never been the same. Some people bring the whole family or their dogs now, and somehow there is always a line to check out.

 

[PlanB]

30 days. It used to be no receipt store credit given. Both locations stopped that due to theft issues.

Lowes Pro is 90 days and if bought in my lowes card they will give me credit up to 180 if I ask one if the ASMs I deal with regularly.

Damn, did not know HD was 30 days. I have a bunch of 4" PVC couplers from a drainage system I just finished on my mom's house. I guess I might be stuck with them.

 

[rivermobster]

30 days. It used to be no receipt store credit given. Both locations stopped that due to theft issues.

Lowes Pro is 90 days and if bought in my lowes card they will give me credit up to 180 if I ask one if the ASMs I deal with regularly.

In 30 days, I'll have forgotten what I WTF I was even buying something for!



But I don't do what you do. Like most peeps, I'm just fixing shit around the house. I'm sure it's a whole different program for you.

 

[NicPaus]

I am just now leaving lowes. This thread made me check my rewards. Got to use them by end of the month or they expire for the year. I just redeemed $600 on tools for black Friday deals last month.

Checked I had $186. And 3 of the free candies or drinks up to $3.88. So my reeses sticks were free. My total was $206. With 10% $185 and change plus tax. I spent $17 these blowers sold out quick before at $99 but found 1.

Cashier offered free bags. He is older dude that was a dick one night. Smelled like straight booze that night. I told another employer and now he is always nice. Let's me do my own thing at self check. I was going to cut the plastic tie on the alarm but saw one of the employees I know. He cut it. No time to search for that alarm removal tool. No escort to the front.

 

[rivermobster]

Damn, did not know HD was 30 days. I have a bunch of 4" PVC couplers from a drainage system I just finished on my mom's house. I guess I might be stuck with them.

It's not.

We we talking about if you have the receipt, or not.

If you have your receipt, you'll probably be fine. But past 30 days, they might give you store credit, and not a direct refund.

You shouldn't get Stuck with anything.

 

[PlanB]

It's not.

We we talking about if you have the receipt, or not.

If you have your receipt, you'll probably be fine. But past 30 days, they might give you store credit, and not a direct refund.

You shouldn't get Stuck with anything.

Okay, I can always use store credit. Thanks!

 

[oldman]

Lowes email receipt and Loews card 5% off, and never had a return issue, but watched a guy try and return 4 clearly hot Craftsman battery tools, No receipt no return, I offered him .50 on the dollar, He told me to get f*cked.

Checker said all that stuff walked out the door three days prior.

 

[DLC]

I thought their return policy rocked!

You don't even need a receipt!!! Just hand em the item, and the CC you used...

And you're Done! How can it be any easier than that?

I wait to long anything over 90 days sometimes

C- ya ! Not happening

 

[zhandfull]

When I was contracting. Always called Lowe’s the woman’s store. Preferred Home Depot.

During Covid Home Depot had F’ing lines outside because they would only let X amount of customer in at a time.

Starting using Lowe’s then and haven’t changed. Occasionally will hit up Depot but mostly Lowe’s. Less customers and in and out faster.

 

[DWC]

Anyone remember homebase?

Yep, spent a little time there.

 

[Orange Juice]

Yep, spent a little time there.

Angels hardware? Dad took me with him every Saturday morning for something.

 

[Melloyellovector]

30 days. It used to be no receipt store credit given. Both locations stopped that due to theft issues.

Lowes Pro is 90 days and if bought in my lowes card they will give me credit up to 180 if I ask one if the ASMs I deal with regularly.

Pretty sure my pro account, 1 year returns no questions asked