I didn't say capitalism was "evil". I was simply making a wry comment that sometimes the most "successful" businesses, from a capitalist point of view, that is, are not always the "best" ones from a human point of view. I would imagine B&Q got as big and ubiquitous as they are by using economies of scale and low wages and minimal training to drive down costs to such an extent that they (under)priced their smaller competitors out of business. Regrettably economies of scale mean they'll stock lots of products that sell in volume but won't bother with ones that are more specialist, and low wages mean poor quality, demotivated employees and a high staff turnover, meaning nobody is there long enough to learn their job properly or to pass that knowledge on. But you're right - it's "our" fault because otherwise they wouldn't be in business and we would all be shopping in Alf's Hardware and Haberdashery on the High St instead (and probably moaning that he shuts at half five, he's closed half day on Wednesdays and doesn't open at all on Sundays)
It's not your fault that you don't know the B&Q lingo, next time ask for a sash clamp Alternatively if you want a micrometer it's a G clamp
I agree strongly with this I remember all the moans about half day closing and Sunday closing hence the spring up of all day opening for big companies who liked these moaners People cut of their noses to spite their faces and still moan
Tbh, having thought about it, I'm not sure smaller shops do necessarily give better service. I was only moaning recently about my local bike shop and how every single time I go in there to buy something their response is "We haven't got it in stock but we can order one in for you". Now, I'm not talking about trying to buy a set of MotoGP pistons or a Faberge egg - I was after such simple and everyday stuff as an alarmed disc lock, an anti-fog visor insert for my Arai and some D30 shoulder armour. We can order it in for you???? Yeah? really? I can do that myself using this wonderful thing on the Internet called eBay. And it'll be delivered to my house and not to a shop 2 miles away which is never open when I'm around, and I'll get a no quibble 14 day return/refund, and I won't add 30% profit to the price. :Meh:
