Walmarts Got Some Great Prices on Plumbing Supplies - Page 3 - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

neolitic · 09-15-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARI001

You either don't comprehend well, need to get glasses, or get your glasses adjusted, I never said I side with agenda driven organizations. I said the opposite with the reference being that a lot of the information being reported and used here as the basis for argument is from anti-Walmart agenda web sites. I have said repeatedly I am not defending Walmarts practices and furthermore any information that I used did not come from either pro-Walmart or anti-Walmart organizations.

Again to the innuendos huh? I guess if you have no logical stance on the subject it's easier to resort to name calling and accusations. I do not agree with all of Walmarts business practices and have said or implied as much. I do not agree that all of their products are infierior either. Before you throw any more accusations at me take a long look at your company and make sure all your T's are crossed and all your i's are dotted. I would reckon a guess that you practice some of the same negotiating practices on a smaller scale that Walmart and many other businesses do. You know that whole if I purchase xxx amount from y supply house what kind of discount does my company qualify for. If you don't practice this technique you are missing out on potential profits and not serving your customer or your business as well as you could be. Like it or not thats the cold hard truth.

You are completely over looking
and underestimating the sheer
SCALE of their business.
It is completely unprecedented.
No one here can possibly have any
business practices that in any way
relate to theirs.

Mike Finley · 09-15-2009, 12:19 PM

Sure you can man, you screw your employees, suppliers and subs over all in the name of supplying some person from craigslist some cheap home improvements!

ARI001 · 09-15-2009, 12:24 PM

Mike,
Think what you want it's no skin off my back. I'm guessing you're a little jealous you never thought to ask your suppliers how you could qualify for a discount. I guess you're also jealous you never thought about going straight to the source and finding out what their minimum order is and avoiding the middleman mark up when possible. I guess you jumped into business straight from working in the trades or sales or whatever and never bothered with that whole business class thing. If you had bothered with that you would know negotiating price breaks is a part of conducting business. Continue on your misguided ways, I don't really care what you do it's your life and your business. I wish you well in your endeavors and have no hard feelings towards you.

Neo,
No, not really, I get it they took a basic principle expanded it beyond its intended application and have abused the power they have garnered from doing so. You are absolutely correct in your statement it is unprecedented, which is why it is being watched by the legal professionals, manufactures and other supply outlets. If it continues to be successful then sadly it will become standard practice for those companies large enough to implement the same strategies.

The only comparison I was trying to make between those here and Walmart is the basic principle of buying in larger volumes to reduce per unit costs of materials or supplies purchased. This is not a new concept by any means, but according to Mike F this practice should be avoided at all costs as it will turn you from a legitimate GC into a corporate demon, holding hands with and defending the all powerful anti-Christ known as: Walmart.

Mike Finley · 09-15-2009, 12:37 PM

I'll give you a hint. I own a fork lift.

Do you?

Do you know what you do with forklifts? You move things around in your own warehouse. Big mass quantity things on pallets you buy in volume.

Again, I can read your posts from the start of the thread til now.

Again, you defend Walmart's horrible and predatory business practices and then at the end you try to turn it around by saying you are defending basic economic theories of buying in volume.

WTF dude? Can't you read what you have posted in your replies previous?

Yes, Walmart is world renowned for it's use of basic business practices that we can all learn from.

Like buy low sell high. Cheers to walmart! That was a good lesson!

We all know who you are. You're the GC who puts the screws to his subs and suppliers all in the name of lower prices to your cutomers (can we insert craigslist customers? I won't do it unless you say its okay) and then tries to justify it based on glorious Walmart's success at being the worst corporate citizen on the planet. Cheers to you!

Here's a lesson that you won't find from Walmart -- Just because you are in the power to do something to a supplier doesn't mean you are supposed to. Everyone is supposed to make a profit, not just you. Your supplier wants to feed his family just like you do.

ARI001 · 09-15-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

I'll give you a hint. I own a forklift

Quote:

Do you know what you do with forklifts?

No clue what so ever.

Quote:

Again, you defend Walmart's horrible and predatory business practices and then at the end you try to turn it around by saying you are defending basic economic theories of buying in volume.

No, I have maintained the same argument through out. They negotiate prices based on volume purchases. I have also stated several times I do not agree with all of their business practices. The rest of the posts you are referring to where based on unbiased information. It was not intended to justify or vilify Walmart or its tactics. You may read in to as you will and take from it what you see fit.

Quote:

We all know who you are. You're the GC who puts the screws to his subs and suppliers all in the name of lower prices to your cutomers (can we insert craigslist customers? I won't do it unless you say its okay) and then tries to justify it based on glorious Walmart's success at being the worst corporate citizen on the planet. Cheers to you!

You know nothing about me or my business practices. All my vendors are paid in full and have never been paid less then owed and agreed upon. How about you? All my subs are paid in full and always show up when I call them. Can you say the same? I have maintained very good relationships with my subs both on a professional and personal level. Again, can you say the same?

As far as customers go; I don't really care where they come from as long as they screen well and can afford to have me do the work they need done. I am not the cheapest on the block by any means, however I don't try and rake people over the coals either. My rates are based on real figures and are not fabricated based on what I think my clients can afford.

You seem to feel the need to attack people from any angle whether you have proof or not. That says a lot about you and your insecurities. I hope you rectify whatever is making you so bitter and insecure so you can step back and enjoy life a little more.

You have no power over Walmart other than to not shop there. If others continue to shop there they will continue on with there practices. The courts have and will continue to deal with Walmart as far as employee rights violations. Interestingly they don't seem to find as many as are implied. Businesses will continue to make decisions on whether or not to get in bed with Walmart based on whether they decide it is ultimately in thier best interest or not. Those that are smaller may suffer, is it fair? No, but s**t happens. They maid their bed they'll lie in it. Nothing you, I or anyone else can do about it. Accept it and move on.

Quote:

Just because you are in the power to do something to a supplier doesn't mean you are supposed to. Everyone is supposed to make a profit, not just you. Your supplier wants to feed his family just like you do.

This last statement I agree completely with. However negotiating a discount with your supplier based on volume can be benificial to both parties. When you purchase a larger order they then can add that to thier standard order recieving discounts themselves and in turn the manufacture moves more product reducing overhead and inventory (inventory affects taxes at the end of the year in case you where unaware). Win win for all parties involved. Most supply house (I'm not talking about Home Depot & Lowes here) offer gradient scaled discounts to thier customers with out being asked to do so anyway. If you are set up to you can also purchase direct from the source. These are all ways to cut costs and run more profitiently. I hope this is not new information for you, if it is I can see why your so angry about everything.

WarriorWithWood · 09-15-2009, 03:37 PM

+ YouTube Video

Mike Finley · 09-15-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARI001

No clue what so ever.

No, I have maintained the same argument through out. They negotiate prices based on volume purchases. I have also stated several times I do not agree with all of their business practices. The rest of the posts you are referring to where based on unbiased information. It was not intended to justify or vilify Walmart or its tactics. You may read in to as you will and take from it what you see fit.

You know nothing about me or my business practices. All my vendors are paid in full and have never been paid less then owed and agreed upon. How about you? All my subs are paid in full and always show up when I call them. Can you say the same? I have maintained very good relationships with my subs both on a professional and personal level. Again, can you say the same?

As far as customers go; I don't really care where they come from as long as they screen well and can afford to have me do the work they need done. I am not the cheapest on the block by any means, however I don't try and rake people over the coals either. My rates are based on real figures and are not fabricated based on what I think my clients can afford.

You seem to feel the need to attack people from any angle whether you have proof or not. That says a lot about you and your insecurities. I hope you rectify whatever is making you so bitter and insecure so you can step back and enjoy life a little more.

You have no power over Walmart other than to not shop there. If others continue to shop there they will continue on with there practices. The courts have and will continue to deal with Walmart as far as employee rights violations. Interestingly they don't seem to find as many as are implied. Businesses will continue to make decisions on whether or not to get in bed with Walmart based on whether they decide it is ultimately in thier best interest or not. Those that are smaller may suffer, is it fair? No, but s**t happens. They maid their bed they'll lie in it. Nothing you, I or anyone else can do about it. Accept it and move on.

This last statement I agree completely with. However negotiating a discount with your supplier based on volume can be benificial to both parties. When you purchase a larger order they then can add that to thier standard order recieving discounts themselves and in turn the manufacture moves more product reducing overhead and inventory (inventory affects taxes at the end of the year in case you where unaware). Win win for all parties involved. Most supply house (I'm not talking about Home Depot & Lowes here) offer gradient scaled discounts to thier customers with out being asked to do so anyway. If you are set up to you can also purchase direct from the source. These are all ways to cut costs and run more profitiently. I hope this is not new information for you, if it is I can see why your so angry about everything.

I'll add the last sentence on for you that you fogot -

"And Walmart is a great company that all contractors should emulate. Their ethics are top notch toward suppliers, vendors and employees. I believe that if all contractors followed Walmart's top notch methods of doing business we would all be able to provide cheaper prices for our customers..."

There you go.

ARI001 · 09-15-2009, 08:25 PM

Mike,
Talking to you is like clapping with one hand.

HusqyPro · 09-15-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARI001

Mike,
Talking to you is like clapping with one hand.

...

DetailHandyman · 09-15-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARI001

Mike,
Talking to you is like clapping with one hand.

Anthrax!

Mike Finley · 09-15-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARI001

Mike,
Talking to you is like clapping with one hand.

Talking to me is a great eye openning experience of being called for your bullsh*t.

Who you want to defend next Osama Bin Laden's fantastic cave hiding abilities?

ARI001 · 09-15-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HusqyPro

...

Absolutely 100% no ifs, ands, or buts. I got no problem with being an asshole to those who deserve it. However being called an asshole from someone who is visiting child porn sites in the name of a research paper on pedophilia does offend me a little.

HusqyPro · 09-15-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARI001

Absolutely 100% no ifs, ands, or buts. I got no problem with being an asshole to those who deserve it. However being called an asshole from someone who is visiting child porn sites in the name of a research paper on pedophilia does offend me a little.

That ain't the half of it. I'm also studying the International Fuel Gas Code for my heating class. I may visit websites about pipes, fittings, and such. The horror.

Your reading comprehension skills suck dude. I said you'd be surprised what comes up in Google. Doesn't mean I want that crap on my computer.

If you have to, read each post two or three times. Then call a friend to go over the post. Just to make sure you understand.

ARI001 · 09-15-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

Talking to me is a great eye openning experience of being called for your bullsh*t.

Who you want to defend next Osama Bin Laden's fantastic cave hiding abilities?

Talking to you is something I'll give you that. Eye opening, yes. Eye opening that you are incappable of comprehending what has been said. Eye opening that you run your company with a great deal of nievity that everything is fair and that good business men leave money on the table. I bet you buy into all of Obama's crap about spreading the wealth around to (income redistribution).

Now I'm a terrorist supporter? You really are a piece of work. Question my patriotism to try and get a rise out of me? Nice try, but you fell short. You might want to go get some professional help dealing with your issues before you have an anabolism. This isn't about Walmart for you, it's about your need to prove something to everyone because you are insecure about whatever. That's all fine and good for me I find this whole thread highly amusing so keep on going pal, I'll play as long as you want.

ARI001 · 09-15-2009, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HusqyPro

That ain't the half of it. I'm also studying the International Fuel Gas Code for my heating class. I may visit websites about pipes, fittings, and such. The horror.

Your reading comprehension skills suck dude. I said you'd be surprised what comes up in Google. Doesn't mean I want that crap on my computer.

If you have to, read each post two or three times. Then call a friend to go over the post. Just to make sure you understand.

Whatever, you I don't find amusing, interesting or anything else. Enjoy your google search for pedophilia, child porn, pipe fittings or what ever. You where the one that commented something about not wanting anyone to see what was on your computer after that and that you where going to jail for searching for the crap or something like that. I didn't bother re-reading the thread before my post and I'm not going to bother to do it now. Have a nice life.

Sincerely,
A-hole

Mike Finley · 09-15-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARI001

Eye opening that you run your company with a great deal of nievity that everything is fair and that good business men leave money on the table.

If you spent some time reading my past posts you'd realize you're 180 degrees off course about me. You'd probably drop your jaw and drawers what you would find out.

Thing is even though I'm a very profit minded business owner, I make my profits from my customer base, and have a very, very well publicized sense of fair play and ethics.

Thinking me an Obama supporter is also pretty funny, but you don't know me so you're not privvy to the joke.

mahlere · 09-15-2009, 11:11 PM

mahlere · 09-15-2009, 11:13 PM

Mike Finley · 09-15-2009, 11:51 PM

Feels more like this

+ YouTube Video

ARI001 · 09-16-2009, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

If you spent some time reading my past posts you'd realize you're 180 degrees off course about me. You'd probably drop your jaw and drawers what you would find out.

Thing is even though I'm a very profit minded business owner, I make my profits from my customer base, and have a very, very well publicized sense of fair play and ethics.

Thinking me an Obama supporter is also pretty funny, but you don't know me so you're not privvy to the joke.

Why would I want to spend time reading all your past posts? I said I find you amusing, I'm not infatuated with you. I don't need to know your posting and or personal history you're just not that important to me. Nothing personal, your just not. For the record I don't shock easily either, seen to much crazy stuff during my lifetime.

Thing is you should be a profit minded business owner, so I'm glad to hear that. The second part of that statement is broad and you know it. Sure to be successful we all need a customer base and all need to profit from it. The difference is that you seem to believe that standard business negotiations for product discounts is unethical behavior and only done by evil Walmart like organizations and terrorist supporters.

The more creative ways you can find to lower your costs the more successful you will be in the long run. I'm not talking about starting bid wars with subs, I don't care for that practice and have never engaged in it. I am talking about volume discounts on materials. You imply that you practice the same thing (re: warehouse & forklift) and then repeatedly crucify me for practicing it. Do you see what I'm getting at?

The original issue was Walmarts product line and whether or not it was inferior. I made statements based on unbiased information and you went on the attack. I stated several times I didn't agree with all their business tactics and restated their method of delivering lower prices. Somehow you decided that this meant I run a company that provides inferior customer service, forces my subs and suppliers to feed thier children three beans a night, and that I single handidly keep them from making a profit. Then you imply I am a terrorist supporter. Do you see how you are losing any credibilty you may have had?

So you're not an Obama supporter, congradulations. Based on where you where going with things I was waiting for the evil corporate America speech and how the evils of capitalism is the root of this countries problems. For the record my view point on all that is: accept responsibility for your own actions and or decisions and quit blaming everyone else for your problems and your decisions. I'm sure that will lump me farther into the evil Walmart empire in your mind but so be it.