Our Lowes latest Wood Pellet Shenanagans!!!

[forya]

Sorry I got mine in the spring

 

[Eatonpcat]

I realize that each person has a different view point. I for one could not sit back and let a person be screwed. Remember the next person a salesman like that screws could be you. If everyone sits back and allows it to happen we have things like enron and the last bank crisis. I think if we want to have a vibrant economy where we all prosper then it is our duty to not allow sleazy business practices to continue. Four tons is between 800 and 1000 dollars how would you like to taken for that amount and then have someone publicly state "I watched and did nothing, and then got good treatment for doing so". This is only my opinion, take it for what it worth.

I thought the same thing!!

 

[superchips]

I realize that each person has a different view point. I for one could not sit back and let a person be screwed. Remember the next person a salesman like that screws could be you. If everyone sits back and allows it to happen we have things like enron and the last bank crisis. I think if we want to have a vibrant economy where we all prosper then it is our duty to not allow sleazy business practices to continue. Four tons is between 800 and 1000 dollars how would you like to taken for that amount and then have someone publicly state "I watched and did nothing, and then got good treatment for doing so". This is only my opinion, take it for what it worth.

I thought the same thing!!

Hey, I've delt with this sales man many times. I have little doubt that they tried to offer what knowledge and assistance they could, but they can't refuse to sell it to him. Some horses you can lead to water...
I'm just glad it's not my job to handle a return of 3 1/2 tons of sawdust.

 

[Eatonpcat]

I realize that each person has a different view point. I for one could not sit back and let a person be screwed. Remember the next person a salesman like that screws could be you. If everyone sits back and allows it to happen we have things like enron and the last bank crisis. I think if we want to have a vibrant economy where we all prosper then it is our duty to not allow sleazy business practices to continue. Four tons is between 800 and 1000 dollars how would you like to taken for that amount and then have someone publicly state "I watched and did nothing, and then got good treatment for doing so". This is only my opinion, take it for what it worth.

I thought the same thing!!

Hey, I've delt with this sales man many times. I have little doubt that they tried to offer what knowledge and assistance they could, but they can't refuse to sell it to him. Some horses you can lead to water...
I'm just glad it's not my job to handle a return of 3 1/2 tons of sawdust.

I look before I buy, but admit that I keep my mouth shut when I see someone in line picking up a load of pellets that you can clearly see all the bags have expanded.

Just not my style...I would definetly say something to the person, then let them make the decision whether to heed my advice or not.

 

[mikeshapp]

I have a retired veteran's card and my wife has a dependent card. We both can get the 10% at either Lowes or HD in the Augusta Me market.

Go to your local Post Office and ask for a couple of moving kits; a small packet with the forms needed to change your address if you're moving. They come with a Lowes coupon that gives you 10% off any purchase of less than $5,000.00. I use them for all my Lowes purchases, including pellets.

 

[mr coffee]

Hello

They raised the price and now have a contractor pack of 50 bags! See pic of sign below Green Supreme by NEWP

Price $4.82 per bag

$4.32 per bag when you buy a minimum quantity of 50 bags

Contractor Pack??? -- Come on Lowes give us a real break

I just swung by our lowes and they are playing the same card but with north american mix, I bought a bag to run to see if it worth picking up vs this winters "contender" of hardwood heats

 

[smwilliamson]

I have inside information that BOTH Lowes and HD are selling the pellets BELOW their cost, which is about $224 a ton presently = $4.49 per bag

While buying the cheapest pellets around may save you a few bucks, ask what that does for your local economy...especially places that offer fuel and SERVICE. This is exactly why I do not attempt to sell fuel. They lose on the pellets to gain on the hammers, batteries and Christmas trinkets.

 

[DBCOOPER]

I have inside information that BOTH Lowes and HD are selling the pellets BELOW their cost, which is about $224 a ton presently = $4.49 per bag

Why would they do that?

 

[smwilliamson]

I have inside information that BOTH Lowes and HD are selling the pellets BELOW their cost, which is about $224 a ton presently = $4.49 per bag

Why would they do that?

So they can get foot traffic in the door. If they display pellets out front they can write off the loss as a marketing expense.

 

[mr coffee]

I have inside information that BOTH Lowes and HD are selling the pellets BELOW their cost, which is about $224 a ton presently = $4.49 per bag

While buying the cheapest pellets around may save you a few bucks, ask what that does for your local economy...especially places that offer fuel and SERVICE. This is exactly why I do not attempt to sell fuel. They lose on the pellets to gain on the hammers, batteries and Christmas trinkets.

i'd be curious how many ton's of product both lowes/HD consider "stock" for using these as a marketing loss leader. Personally my HD has a great sausage and pepper sandwich that gets me in the front door..
(broken image removed)

 

[tomandy]

Hello

They raised the price and now have a contractor pack of 50 bags! See pic of sign below Green Supreme by NEWP

Price $4.82 per bag

$4.32 per bag when you buy a minimum quantity of 50 bags

Contractor Pack??? -- Come on Lowes give us a real break

I just swung by our lowes and they are playing the same card but with north american mix, I bought a bag to run to see if it worth picking up vs this winters "contender" of hardwood heats

How did the North Americans work for you?

 

[mr coffee]

I bought one bag as a test, filled the hopper in the am and by 7:30 I have clunkers. I cleaned the firebox out so I'm watching and playing with my air adjustment.
as far as the marketing goes.. I like the clear bag and the smell is pleasing

 

[VTrider]

Since you mentioned North Americans.....

The bulk of my stash are Currans (hard/soft mix), they come from next state over in Massena, NY. The North American Pellets are from what I hear 'rebadged' Currans, since they are from the same mill (Massena). Local HD sells them for $4.82/bag also, so I picked up a few bags just to see if there was any difference - I wasn't expecting any, but found that they throw a little more heat than my Currans. They are also slightly smaller and a just a tad different shade/color. You often hear that many manufacturers sell the same pellet under different names, but I wonder just how 'same' they really are?

Also, I've never experienced any clinkers yet with either the Currans or North Americans in my .

 

[Xena]

They must be tuning in to how the pellet houses do it
cuz most of them charge the same way.

 

[IHATEPROPANE]

Looks like lowes and hd now charge more per bag than per ton. Also lowes charges more for greene team. I don't even look at the box stores anymore...I used to check what they had a couple times a week. Looks like the local shops will be getting all my business next year.

 

[tjnamtiw]

The east coast just had a heavy rain. Some pellets where in transit. Some wrapping is going to leak. And some don't know yet what happens to pellets that are like a sponge.
Some big stores don't have covered storage space for pellets.
Someone has to buy these pellets. I look before I buy, but admit that I keep my mouth shut when I see someone in line picking up a load of pellets that you can clearly see all the bags have expanded.
Last year I was in the big store and talked to someone buying a stove and 4 tons of pellets. I comented that i wish i had storage for 4 tons. The newby told me that he was just going to put them in his back yard and pull the bags out as he needed them. At that point the salesman gave me a stren look. I kept my mouth shut.
That same salesman gives me great service.

I, like a lot of others here, am appalled that you would just stand there and let a fellow pellet user get screwed like that. I sure wouldn't! I'd tell the new buyer about the problems of storing outside and the swelling of the bags. At that point, if he didn't take my advice, it's on him, but at least I tried to be a friend. I do the same thing now with anything I have experience with. For example, when I'm in Lowes or HD and I see someone considering a tiling project, I'll give them my opinion of the different tools, grout, and cement. I've gotten dirty looks from the sales people but that's tough.

 

[fmsm]

I always give my 2 cents worth at my local HD, some people appreciate it and some do not. The store manager appreciates it to the point where he offered me a job!

2 weeks ago I noticed a pallet in front of the store had been ripped open, when I said something to the cashier she said "I wondered where that guy found just one bag from out there". When I made it a point to grab the store manager he thanked me for "saving" the ton as a rainstorm was approaching.

That being said he also understands why I will not buy any pellets from him.

 

[Don2222]

I have inside information that BOTH Lowes and HD are selling the pellets BELOW their cost, which is about $224 a ton presently = $4.49 per bag

While buying the cheapest pellets around may save you a few bucks, ask what that does for your local economy...especially places that offer fuel and SERVICE. This is exactly why I do not attempt to sell fuel. They lose on the pellets to gain on the hammers, batteries and Christmas trinkets.

Hi Scott

I know someone that has an 18 wheeler around here. He went up to NEWP in Jaffrey NH and picked up 44 tons for $170.00 per ton.

Now I know Lowes has to pay freight on each ton, but it may cost more to go to southern Mass than to southern NH and that is why the price may vary from store to store.

 

[jtakeman]

Since you mentioned North Americans.....

The bulk of my stash are Currans (hard/soft mix), they come from next state over in Massena, NY. The North American Pellets are from what I hear 'rebadged' Currans, since they are from the same mill (Massena). Local HD sells them for $4.82/bag also, so I picked up a few bags just to see if there was any difference - I wasn't expecting any, but found that they throw a little more heat than my Currans. They are also slightly smaller and a just a tad different shade/color. You often hear that many manufacturers sell the same pellet under different names, but I wonder just how 'same' they really are?

Also, I've never experienced any clinkers yet with either the Currans or North Americans in my .

Lots of variables in pellets. Batch to batch you can see different fiber, Bulk density and size. If the manufacturer excepts fiber from the open market you'll see more variance than if they had a steady inhouse source. Some of the most consistent are pellets like Turmans(just one of many) which uses fiber from its in house scrapes from flooring production.

The slightly smaller size you saw with the NA can explain the higher heat. A smaller pellet will fill the burnpot with more fuel than a larger/longer fuel. Has to due with the volume feed in to the burnpot.

Just trying to explain some variances and hopefully it helps. Just the tip as far as what can vary in pellet fuel.

 

[catmas]

At least for me this is not true when you Buy the contractor pack. I bought my Green Supreme's for $3.05 or $3.15 (contractor price). They would not give me the 5% discount for using my Lowe's card. I argued a little, but the price was so cheap that I did not get too upset. Side note, I wouldn't buy another ton of Green Supreme's if they were $2.00/bag and I got 50% off if I used my card.[/quote]

why did you not like the green supremes? i thought they were ok.

 

[Eatonpcat]

At least for me this is not true when you Buy the contractor pack. I bought my Green Supreme's for $3.05 or $3.15 (contractor price). They would not give me the 5% discount for using my Lowe's card. I argued a little, but the price was so cheap that I did not get too upset. Side note, I wouldn't buy another ton of Green Supreme's if they were $2.00/bag and I got 50% off if I used my card.

why did you not like the green supremes? i thought they were ok.[/quote]

They did not burn well for me...Low heat output and loads of ash. Luckily I still have 45 bags left, so you will probably be hearing me gripe some more!! Glad they worked for you...I have heard others say they are a decent pellet!!