Retail hacks
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Be wary of work-from-home job scams that ask employees to cash checks to buy equipment from specific suppliers.
This is a common check fraud scheme where the check bounces after the employee sends money.
- Legitimate companies mail equipment directly or reimburse expenses without upfront payments.
one person who lived it
Compare prices at local quarries against big-box hardware stores before buying gravel.
Local quarries may be cheaper per ton than large retailers.
one person who lived it
Pick up discarded appliances from curbsides if you have transport access.
They are free and can be used for parts or scrap metal to generate income.
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Set click-type torque wrenches back to zero when not in use.
to maintain accuracy and spring tension
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Link your veteran status to a free MyLowes rewards card to receive a daily discount.
The discount applies every day regardless of disability status and does not require showing ID at checkout.
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Search for hardware stores in industrial areas or 'hardware districts' for lower prices.
Prices can be lower than big-box retailers.
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Seek out freight team workers, who are often dirtier or sweatier, for accurate inventory knowledge.
They handle incoming stock and know where everything is.
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Choose Whirlpool-made direct-drive washers and standard dryers with removable backs and top-right lint screens.
These specific features help with easier maintenance.
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Check if local builders donate leftover materials to the ReStore instead of paying landfill fees.
Builders may prefer donating to avoid tipping fees.
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Invest in quality electrical supplies and insulation rather than buying cheap options.
Cheap options lead to higher utility bills, expensive repairs, or fire hazards.
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Be aware that some ReStores focus on holding materials for their own construction projects over selling inventory.
Selling inventory may be a secondary objective.
- This is a suspicion about a specific local store.
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Sign up for the QVC employee discount immediately upon starting employment.
It provides significant discounts on most items and 'as is' merchandise.
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Select refrigerators that do not use a main control board for all functions.
Units without main boards controlling everything are generally inexpensive to repair, whereas fancy gadgets often lead to high costs.
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Avoid GE appliances and Magic Chef-branded Maytags.
GE units fall apart faster than their cleaning performance suggests, and some Maytag-branded appliances are actually lower-quality sister brand products.
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Visit Habitat for Humanity ReStores early and frequently to find the best deals.
Many shoppers know about these stores and compete for good items.
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Do your own research on home projects rather than relying on general retail employees for technical advice.
Retail hires focus on customer service over product knowledge; their expertise is often limited to reading packaging.
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Check Menards or Tractor Supply as alternatives to Home Depot for potentially lower prices.
Depending on the item, they may be cheaper.
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Compare prices across different Ace Hardware locations, including smaller partner shops.
Prices can vary between locations.
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Check the Facebook pages of local ReStores for photos of incoming inventory and pricing.
Photos can show if the inventory looks good and prices seem reasonable before visiting.
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Investigate how active your local ReStore chapter and board are in making connections with local businesses.
Support depends on the activity level of the chapter, the board's networking efforts, and business support.
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