Doing a couple of updates on our house this summer…nothing huge, just little things here and there. In my journey to get the most for my money, I've spent a lot of time searching different big box hardware stores, as well as online hardware stores. I've learned a couple things in the midst of this.
First, it doesn't hurt to shop around, even at the same store in different locations. One Lowe's might have completely different prices than not only another business, but another Lowe's! I saved about $10 a door through a random visit to the Lowe's on the north side of Elkhart b/c they stocked the door I wanted, and the Dunlap Lowe's didn't. Nice…
Second, and maybe most importantly, environment does make a difference. My father in law is helping me out with the installation of new interior doors. When it comes to door knobs, I think local home improvement store Menards' advert slogan is correct, "You save big money at Menards." You just can't beat the price of a Menards door knobs and hardware my friends.
But beyond price, my latest north Elkhart Menards experience was noteworthy! I walked in, placed my return on the desk, and the lady had my item returned and my cash in hand in no time flat. I then proceeded to do my growing favorite hobby at these stores, gawking at things that I probably will never need, but it's good to know where I could get one if needed. Such as a space-age looking ceiling fan, or an electric fireplace. This is the thing that got me though – from the time I stepped into the store, to the time I left (was there for about 10 minutes total), five Menards employee's greeted me. Two of them were actually in the midst of doing something halfway down an aisle, but when they saw me, you would have thought I was Norm walking into Cheers (other than the fact that he has a few more pounds on me, and I'm much better looking). When I went to check out (at their odd checkout lanes…still trying to figure them out), a Menards manager beat me to the bagging area and had my stuff all bagged before I even got my receipt (which is something I've never experienced at any Menards).
Saving money is important, but you tell me which store I'll start with the next time I have a need for something? The store that ran us out of an aisle b/c they needed to get their forklift in there to reach something on the upper shelf (will save that story for later)? Or the one where I got 5 greets and a bagger?
I can't help it…I've got to go here…you tell me, what church am I going to continue to attend? The church that greets me at the door, and even non-greeters welcome me? Helps me get my kids to class where the teacher/volunteer is ready to roll? Or the church that seems to care less about me being here or not? And when I go to drop my kid off in the nursery/class, there's nobody there on time?
Environment does make a difference in buying home stuff…but how much more of a difference does it make in our attempt to bring the greatest news of all to a family via our local church?
Environment does make a difference in buying home stuff...but how much more of a difference does it make in our attempt to bring the greatest news of all to a family via our local church?
For the overwhelming majority of you who are serving 100% at Pathway, a sincere thanks! Keep it up! You are making a difference! For those of you who are dragging your feet, step it up! This is serious stuff! Let's create an environment where people love to come and feel welcome! It will pay off in the Kingdom being advanced, let's go!
Comments