I was at Lowes on Cox Creek Parkway Saturday...I was in the tool section, looking for a 7/16" drill bit. Somehow, I've acquired a number of 7/16" dowell rods, and to use them up on some home projects, I needed a bit the same size. Well, none of the sets of bits had a 7/16" bit in them, and a single high speed bit was $8.00...more than I've got invested in the dowell rods themselves, and more than I cared to put into a singe drill bit. Along comes a Lowes employee...he asks if I'm finding what I need. I mentioned essentially what is posted above....that the high speed bits were too expensive for me to justify their purchase, considering I only had a few dollars worth of dowell rods in this size. This employee then begins reviewing the stock on the shelves, and talking shop with me...how he does woodworking himself, and how the high price of materials and tools has slowed his hobby down too. Then, he asks a couple of other questions....and then finds an acceptable alternative bit (wood boring paddle bit instead of a high speed bit)that costs me $3.00 plus small change.
He made my shopping an enjoyable experience that day. I was ready to leave the store without purchasing a bit at all, but because of his manners and concern for me as a customer, his employer made a sale, and gained a customer who looks forward to going back.
A tip of the hat to ya pard, you did good.
Original Post