Masters Vs Bunnings

[EvilDaifu]

Corner of Collins and King? Used to go there alot several years ago (before you managed it) - hope you have picked up the game there (sounds like you would have). Back then I complained there was no queuing system and when it got busy - it was everyone for themselves But thanks mate - learnt alot about OfficeWorks in this thread and glad you shared as a forum member

[ms700]

if his avatar pic is anything like him, im not going anywhere near him.....

[AirStrike]

No way in hell are they good for the Australian market.

Its good for the multi conglomerate alone the way they price gouge, blanket operate and screw the Aus industry over.

I have always worked in the paint industry and I can tell you, we love places like Bunnings and Masters, they drive customers to us with how useless they are. We can be competitive on price with the big box stores by organising good agreements with our suppliers, and even when we can't be as competitive we still have a ton of business since the staff at the big box stores offer pathetic customer service and have 0% technical knowledge (especially about anything aside from what's in front of them).

You can win against the big boxes, it's how you go about it. Take the Mitre 10 near my work, rather then try and drive up more business to generate a greater revenue they have simply tried to make more money of the customers they already have..........never going to work.

[Wingnut]

The knowledge of someone from a Big Box retailer is far from pathetic and so is the service. You cant compare someone from a paint shop as a paint specialist to someone who needs to have a basic knowledge of over 45,000 different lines which the average Bunnings stores stocks. The training they receive is predominantly onsite with a little Dulux sanctioned support so they do a pretty good job IMO. Its like expecting the person in the deli at the supermarket to give you comparable advice to what you would get at your local butcher. If you want quality meat and advice you go to Donati's not Coles but that doesn't mean Coles have a sh*t offer they simply dont specialize in any one area.

You could always know more and if I was after specialist advice I would go to the specialists like yourself. But with over 250 stores and counting, most trusted brand having recently pipped vegemite for the title, I would suggest the product, knowledge and service they are offering is FAR from useless.

[AirStrike]

Mate I worked there for 8 years, trust me majority are useless. I worked with an ex sign writer, an ex plasterer and a guy who owned his own hardware store and I learned a ton more from them than any Bunnings online course (which by the way unless it has changed the paint one was full of inaccuracies). Sadly rather then pay an attractive wage to employ people like this the big box stores would rather save the money so everything looks rosey on paper and fill the stores with young kids and soccer mums.

As for needing to know 45,000 lines I think you're walking around with rose coloured glasses on if you think the staff help out in any other areas of the store bar where they are rostered.

You just pointed out my exact issue. The staff need a general, overall knowledge of the industry, not just about what's on the shelf in front of them. I help countless people who have been to big box stores for help only to be told what they are looking for doesn't exist purely because it's not on their shelves.

Honestly the big box retails only do well for two reasons;

convenience, are located everywhere and open extensive hours (easy when you pay kids $10 an hour, lol)

price, cheaper than smaller retails or at the very least happy to drop a ton on advertising/marketing telling everyone they are cheaper.

What were the Bunnings 3 pillars to service;

(I can only speak on behalf of the decorator area extensively)

Range: They only stock two brands now, Dulux and Taubmans (along with their respective sub divisions)

Price: How can a little paint store like us be cheaper then Bunnings all the time?

Service: For every person you show me that had a positive experience the service I can show you 100 that will say otherwise.

Edited 30/12/12 06:07 AM by AirStrike

[tab]

I can't believe you guys are all glossing over the most important issue...who does the best sausage sizzle.

Based on my experience I do think Bunnings is the clear winner there.

[ms700]

maybe officeworks should do sausage sizzles.....

[tab]

Yes, brilliant. I hope I can use work's charge-card for the snags too.

[AirStrike]

Don't get me wrong, they were a great company to work for in the begining, otherwise I wouldn't of lasted as long as I did. No chance I could work for them now though.

[Wingnut]

A lot of what you said is very incorrect mate so I dont know how long ago you worked for the business. Over the 4 years I was with them the standards had risen quite dramatically as they had to due to expectation. Well I guess I can only speak for the stores that I managed but it was essential for all TMs to be able to assist in all areas of the store.

Anyway, that's your opinion and Im sure a lot of people share it. But with the level of success they have had over the last 15 years I honestly doubt its 100-1. But obviously like you I left for a reason and I wouldnt go back either.

p.s Officeworks do sausages in some of their stores..... I f*cking hate sausage sizzles...

Edited 30/12/12 07:16 AM by Wingnut