TSC, what a joke!

[Shetland Sheepdog]

I went into the local TSC store today in hopes of aquiring a couple of "1&1/2" sections for my JD #8! Just in the door and this guy says "May I help you?", "Uh yeah, I'm looking for sections for my sickle bar mower." says I. "Is that a lawn mower?" asks he. "No, it's a sickle bar mower on a tractor for cutting hay." says I. "We don't have anything like that, maybe the local NH dealer would have some!" says he. "Where are your parts?" asks I. So he shows me the aisle, and says "Down there." I found the sections, all singles, no doubles! Found the guy and told him that the sections were there, and described them! "Oh yeah, those are blades!" says he.

Next stop, NH dealer! "Got any double end sections for a sickle bar mower?" says I. "What model?" he asks. "They're generic!" says I. "Gotta have a make & model to look 'em up!" says he. "Try NH 451" says I. Found the sections, but no doubles! "Ya got a TISCO catalog?" says I. "Yup!" says he. Finally found them, but they gotta get them from their other store! I'ma tella you!!!

Parts man says "You shouldn't be wearing that JD hat, you should have a NH hat!" I told him "I got one, but I save it to wear when I go to the JD dealer's!"

 

[Anonymous-0]

the hat trick , thats great , i love it

 

[Anonymous-0]

Well, 1st their name is a joke. It may not have been when they started out but it is now. Mostly they are a pet supply store. They do have few generic parts for some old equipment but never expect to find anything the least out of the ordinary.
I try to never go there..........

 

[rbuckel]

Down here in western KY. we have Falders. Take your old part for your sickle mower with you and they can match it!

 

[Brian Jasper co. Ia]

Well, if you're working on an 8N Ford, you might be in business. Anything else? Well, you know the drill...

 

[Deere Scotty]

Problems not just TSC! Rural King, Walmart, & the list goes on!!!

Scotty

 

[RayP(MI)]

I've found them at two TSC stores nearby. Few years back, thet were running short on common generic gards tho. The green ones with 700 cast on the nose. For a while I bought a bunch every time I fund them on the shelves. I f the weren't going to stock them regularly, I was going to see that they ran short! Now they have a drawer full regularly.

 

[730d se]

Like most places, it depends on the hired help and the managers more than the store itself. Some of the places would not know a tractor if you drove up on it. They are just there to make their hours and go home.

 

[Gary from Muleshoe]

TSC employees are like Lowe's employees. They are just there to stock the shelves. Most don't have a clue what it is they are putting on the shelf. Some don't know the difference between a 2x4 and a sheet of plywood.

 

[KSTractor]

A walmart gril told me to look for moustraps in sporting goods. Ever notice the more metal on their faces the dumber they are? Fish hook in the lip staple in the eye brow 11 earrings and one in the tongue tho they canth thalk and just about all their brains are sucked out.

 

[buickanddeere]

You can thank the education system. And the
court system plus society that makes it easy for
divorced and single women to raise boys without a
Father.
Nobody to teach them anything about tools, work,
hunting camping etc. The kids sit on their butts
on computers and video games.
My old highschool and others tore out the shops
in the 1980's because "nobody needed tech grads
anymore". The whole world was going computers
which required academics in medical, legal, health
and engineering.
I toured the local highschools when my son was
choosing a school.The existing shops were a few
salvaged machines and parts from the old shops. I
was appalled. Then tours of other schools were
worse.
His school is now being torn down in stages and
rebuilt with new large state of art dedicated
separate shops. For welding, machine shops,
electrical, wood work, auto and electronics.
The local nuclear plant can't find skilled
trades people with tickets. Plenty of university
and college grad applicants with arts, languages,
history,advanced math, economics, politics degrees
for desk jobs.
Bruce Power has actually set up apprenticeship
programs with the local highschools to obtain tech
grades.

 

[J.Wondergem]

I like KSTractor's answer.

 

[Tx Jim]

(quoted from post at 07:38:01 09/11/10) A walmart gril told me to look for moustraps in sporting goods. Ever notice the more metal on their faces the dumber they are? Fish hook in the lip staple in the eye brow 11 earrings and one in the tongue tho they canth thalk and just about all their brains are sucked out.

And then there's the ones with the UGLY tattoos!!!!!!!!!

 

[Anonymous-0]

Somewhere along the path, TSC changed their target customer from farmers to Ranchette owners. What few real tractor parts they have (or can order) are mostly for antiques and very small equipment. There are a few things in a TSC that can get the average farmer out of a weekend jam, but those items are very limited. Then there's the matter of product quality (or lack there of)

I've found out it's in my best interest, as well as the store employee's best interest, for me to act like I don't need any help, then go looking until I find what I need. In the end, it doesn't take me any longer, and I'm less likely to get arrested for bouncing a hydraulic cylinder off the forehead of a nitwit store clerk.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I like these answer from shetland sheepdog and buickandeere and kstractor. That's good points. I had seen the similar comments when I went to these stores. What's wrong with some people these day.

 

[Will Herring]

I ordered a PTO Lever Knob from TSC a few months back because they apparently don't stock them (they are common across tons of tractors, not just my WD). Anyway, the guy tells me it should be in within 3 days.

Two weeks later, I stumble back in, and the guy there says "did we call you?" and I said "no". So he begrudgingly checks on my order which did not come in, telling me that "they'll call me when it comes in" repeatedly. I shrug and leave.

Two weeks after that I come back in, same guy is there. He says "did we call you?" and I said "no". And he says "we'll call you when it comes in" and I stopped him and said "No, that's why I'm here. You haven't called me in nearly a damn month for a part that should've been in within a week. I'd have driven to Iowa to get it myself if I knew you were so incompetent."

So he's tired of dealing with me already so he passes me off to one of the girl's working in the store. She checks the computer for me and finds that - *GASP* THEY NEVER ORDERED MY PART! She says this is actually a common occurence for said employee, and I was pretty ------ at this point.

Anyway, I was there for almost an hour as she and I combed through parts catalogues while she tried to manage other stuff at the store (thanks to other incompetent employees) and finally we found a book with the knob and she ordered it right there on the spot for me. And within 3 business days of that, I had my new knob.

In fact, I showed up the next week to get it, and I said "I'm here about a PTO lever knob" and the guy goes "Excellent, it just came in on the truck yesterday!" and couldn't have been nicer. So, I'm 50/50 on them. Half of their employees know their parts and are pains in the arse, and the other 50 don't really know tractor parts but are willing to help.

I much prefer the latter, honestly. They actually did call me when it came in, except if I hadn't been so persistent how many weeks or months could have gone by with NOTHING.

 

[Animal]

For generations I know this has been said, that they just do not know how this younger set is going to make it! I am almost 60 and have always been aware of this and always taken pride in being open minded. That being said, I truely believe that between calculators and text messaging if our society continues down this path that in ten years, the parents of the future will not be able to read a book and sure as heck can not figure out a pay check! I am with buick and deere on this one, is this really the path we want to take when it comes to education for our off spring?

 

[Lew Best]

I'll have to say that our TSC store must not be "typical." It seems to have quite a bit of "useful stuff" from bolts by the pound to chain & sprockets to belts to baling twine & the list goes on & on. As an example of "hard to find" stuff virtually everyone aroubd here round bales & the few folks that do square bale virtually all use wire. TSC is the only local place I found square baler twine (I called JD, NH & CaseIH, several feed stores also) and none of them carried nor planned to carry square baler twine.

There are 2 employees at our store that are virtually always at or near the service desk & are VERY knowledgable about what they have & where it is.

Lew

 

[Dean Olson]

Either I/we are getting more critical or these kids are getting dumber. Having lunch yesterday and a cafeteria line type place. My Dad and I. I'm 1st in line then Dad, the kid puts Dad's plate 1st and mine second and started out ok and then got confused. I suggested that he put the plate in our order and he promptly got an attitude. Next went to Academy to pick up some shells & bug spray for the our opening morning Teal hunt. I pay and move up a little to get my stuff and the young lady hands my change to the guy in back of me. I stood their looking at her the guy behind me stood their looking at me/her and with a good natured grin say he likes this place. Young lady is confused and I finally had to tell her that I need my change. She then realized what she had done and promptly gets an attitude. I have lot's of patience for a simple mistake, what's bad about both these scenario's is the attitudes. I did such things when I was young and dumb but was embarassed, apologized, and made it right quick. Both these kids got defiant. I did call the manager over and told the story in front of the employee and expressed the opinion that I had no problem with the mistake that it was the attitude that I had an issue with. Manager was a professional. Employee stayed defiant the whole time and never did apologize.

 

[730d se]

Could it be that both mom and dad were at work and other activities all of the time during the growing up years so that they could "keep up with the Jones"? Many kids today did not get the foundation that we got because their parents had to make enough money to have all of the "important" things in life that they feel they deserve.
Once they get to a certain age, it is almost impossible to pull them around the corner.

 

[Gun guru]

My local TSC has buffoons in it too.

A year ago I went to my TSC and asked if they sold the front suitcase weights (you know the 42 lb hang on the front frame type) It would be nice if it were green but any color will work. Anyway, this guy behind the counter says....Ummmm let me check if we sell those, after he looks in the store and then thumbs threw a book he says....Ummmm I would have to order that. I didnt want to go through the crap of waiting. I said no I dont want to order it. So after being in the store 15 minutes I figured, screw these yahoos I will think of my own rigger nigged set up.
I then remembered 2 days later I have plate weights in my garage for a weight bench. I have had these for over 20 years. I got 60 pounds together and a long 1/2" carriage bolt and nut and I was good to go.

 

[greenbeanman in Kansas]

"Somewhere along the path, TSC changed their target customer from farmers to Ranchette owners."

Here the main change came when they sold their old location across from the livestock sale barn and moved not far from the Mall. That basically cut their customer base of Amish as they're not willing to drive so far out of their way and through so much traffic.

Didn't help any either that the decades old manage retired right after getting the new store opened. He probably saw the writing on the wall and simply baled.

Pretty nice employees working there now and do have fair knowledge base.

What I don't get is why they and Orscheln stock the same items (brand and all) in the same kind of aisle display. Of course the items are from China.

I used to go into TSC to look for bargains and now since I don't need inferior junk I only go in for specific needs and rarely get them even then.

 

[Billy Shafer]

I don't think they even know what they sell. Standing by two generators at our local TSC store. Kid ask me what I am looking for. Told him I am looking for an AC generator. Tells me we don't sell anything like that.

 

[Lew Best]

(quoted from post at 14:24:24 09/11/10)<<snip>>What I don't get is why they and Orscheln stock the same items (brand and all) in the same kind of aisle display. <<snip>>

I wonder if there's a connection? Here in TX we don't have Orscheln but lotsa TSC stores. I go to an auction in north TX once a month that's bout 20 miles or so from the Durant, OK Orscheln store. I always pre-order my stove pellets (Orscheln has a big pre-season sale; order in July or August & pay when they come in & you pick them up). TSC regular price is usually about 80-90 bux a ton higher; never has the pre-seson sale. Orscheln called yesterday that mine are in; auction about a week away so that's when I'll pick them up

Lew

 

[Gun guru]

My local TSC store has them for $200 per ton. Not a bad price.

I paid $637 for 3 tons delivered to my house in July.

 

[Lew Best]

Not bad at all! last yeart tsc here was iirc 239 or 249; these pre-order were 169. of course I hafta pick them up but since I'll be nearby it's no big deal. I have a forklift I can get them off the trailer & into the garage with.

Lew

 

[RayP(MI)]

Walmart"s mousetraps are in the grocery department, along with cleaning supplies, bug sprays, etc. Ask how I know!

 

[Jg20601]

Its not only the younger generation...

In 1990 went to Hechingers (bought by Lowes) to pickup 3 4x4s... the first 2 were no problem, but the third 14 feet long had no number.

They checked the stack of lumber - no number & someone had thrown away the cardboard sign. They looked in the book, had 8,12 and 16 feet, no 14.
Pointed out the obvious that both number & price ascended evenly... 12 ft sku ended in 912, 16 ft ended in 916.. 8 ft 908 and so on with the price as well
They said it could not be that simple....set up a conference call with upper maagemet & the lumberyard.
Offered to pay for a 16 ft one - they refused saying it would confuse things.
Dropped the other 2 at work, picked up a 16ft one at Home Depot (I think) got back in time for the conference call.
The lumberyard was confused - someone had ordered a pallet of 14 footers so they sent it.
Upper management was going to study the issue and call back in a week.

For fun - stopped in occaisionaly to check - they were still working it. Then they lost it, offered to order me a new one, which I declined.

When they tore down that part of the building to put up a church.. the pallet of lumber minus the piece I moved was STILL THERE... lol

The church contractor finally moved it, ending the long story....

 

[Anonymous-0]

I think it got a lot of momentum about 20 years ago when some management baboon heralded the idea that a good manager supports his people
NO MATTER WHAT...so if they burn the building due to their stupidity ... you support them?

If they talk on the cell phone,ignore customers, park right in front of the store, can't make change, laugh and giggle and tell jokes instead of doing their job....be sure to support them. Give them a hug.

We deserve what we are becoming, an nation of useless idiots...mostly unemployed.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have seen tsc change from a farm based store to an urban horse owners store. A few years ago they built a new store in Sioux Falls and it went down from there.

 

[sammydwm]

we have one about an hour away. Stopped in while on a hunt for a lawn mower cab....
Over priced was what jumped out at me.
Just browsing the feed aisle I figured I'd never bother coming back.

 

[William Fissell]

Yep.


Accountability means saying "I take full responsibility" while continuing in job at full pay and getting a promotion...

Where is "my" country?

 

[Anonymous-0]

In a few years, our Chinese overlords will take over!

 

[Anonymous-0]

I'm with Buickanddeere about our education system. We need to go back to basics. First students must learn to read, write, do arithmetic and basic history. If you ever learn that, if if if....then you will get to go to class to learn about diversity, multicultural studies, and how to save the planet. But first you must learn how to save yourself from a lifetime of stupidity, poverty, and welfare.

 

[CMMC]

Gentlemen,

I understand where everyone is coming from on this issue. As a unfortunate member of this "new generation" I will be the first to say that my fellow members really leave much to be desired!

Due to economic reasons my family and I wound up in the desert of New Mexico. That said, it is absolutely horse country down here. Out of an area of roughly 8000 there are three main farmers that all own less than 750 acres.

What does this have to do with Tractor Supply you may ask? I feel fortunate that there is one two hours from us! Someone actually stocks some AG equipment! The manager at this store is great at the customer service thing! I have experienced much of the "uh.. I don't know" but everyone has TRIED to be really helpful! I wish I could say the same for the "farm and ranch" stores (read: equine professionals who spend five times what they should on crap ONLY) down here.

If you are ever in the area, check out the Roswell TSC

 

[BobH in NH]

Cousin Dave,

TSC in Milford had them last year at this time. I went in and bought entire set (3 packs of sections plus the double end section (Actually got 3 of those), plus a proper set of rivets for the 7ft knives in the old 477. TSC was the only place that did have the rivet sets with the longer rivets included for the wobblebox/bushing end.

TSC in Merrimack stocks more farmer oriented stuff than Milford. Also has a great guy there as Assistant Manager (Mike C)who is a personal friend and farmer. When I can"t find what I need in Milford, I drive the 8 or so miles to Merrimack and they have it. Milford will also call the Merrimack store to check.

Or you can drive the 2 miles to IMS in Wilton and Dickie will have it or get it for you. Surprisingly his prices are very competetive with TSC, he is very knowlegable, and he is very helpful. I buy a lot more parts and hardware from IMS than TSC.

 

[mkirsch]

If you guys haven't noticed, the number of farms has been going down, and the number of suburban horse owners with more money than brains has gone up.

TSC is simply following the money. They're playing the capitalism game. They are trying to stay in business and make as much money as possible.

If you don't like it find a different store. That's capitalism at work too.

 

[Erik Ks farmer]

The wife and I went to see my sister in law in Overland Park near Kansas City. I saw a TSC in the middle of town. On 119th and something arother. That seals the deal for me, they've gone to the dogs.

 

[Shetland Sheepdog]

Cousin Bob,

Good points! Don't know why, but I just never think of IMC! Bro John said that they had the double end sections in the Merrimack TSC. I ended up getting long rivets as well as sections for the JD #8 from Padula Bros.
My original rant was more about uneducated sales people than about TSC, but I guess the whole situation is just a sign of the times!

Dave

 

[Flewster]

(quoted from post at 23:23:15 09/13/10) The wife and I went to see my sister in law in Overland Park near Kansas City. I saw a TSC in the middle of town. On 119th and something arother. That seals the deal for me, they've gone to the dogs.

119th and Quivera.........not a bad store really as I found a couple bearings there that another store did not have......but mostly it is for the equine owners in kansas city........the best part of that store is the Baskin Robbins near by.........

 

[Poncho Villa]

If you had just went to a JD dealer first ....

 

[Shetland Sheepdog]

Yer prolly right, but my JD dealer is an hour away!

 

[36 Coupe]

Stores tend to stock what sells best.Sales of items are easy to track with a computer.I find many items I need at TSC.I wear overalls and find TSC is the only store that that sells them with a zipper bib pocket and a second pocket with a snap down flap. This keeps dirt, sawdust and hay out of the pockets.This gives me a secure place for my cell phone, glasses and cash.TSC stores are new in this area.I havent been able to buy studded steel fence posts for many years here years here.TSC had them at half the usual price.Ive bought 2 small air compressors, an engine hoist and a floor type drill press. Just bought a steel fence post driver to put in 31 steel posts on a boundry fence line.I do not expect a store to carry every thing I need.The store that has the best grain price will skin me on 16p galvanized nails.I saved 124 bucks on carriage bolts this summer just by buying in the right place.As for store help TSC would like to hire retired farmers but that wont happen.

 

[36 Coupe]

Negative ravings will keep new customers from going to TSC and checking them out.I bought garden fertilizer for 10 bucks per bag less at TSC last year.Going today to buy a big window welding helmet from TSC.Ive used the small window type since the mid 50s.Plenty of welding supplies there.