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My hardware shop

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katotter

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Apr 15, 2013
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410
Location
South Africa
Just to be clear, I am not the owner, I call it mine as I manage it.

Some people asked me to post some pictures of my shop, as they saw pics in the new tool arrival thread, so here goes:

We have 12 000 line items, so taking pictures of them all is next to impossible, I took a few and will explain as I post them. Bare with me please.

First part of receiving.


Second part of receiving and my power tool store.


The yard from my office door.



Untreated timber, pine.


Treated timber, pine CCA.


Forklift and Hyundai H100 trucks.


Plumbing shelves. Copper, Brass, PVC (2" and 4 1/2"), water traps etc...





Sheeting, window frames, bulk nails, inside cement store place...


Shelving boards.




Our fastener solutions stands.


Paint section, 95% consists of ICI Dulux.



Something from the States...


Nuts and bolts and some other fasteners.



And some power tools.


Random tools.





Few of the power tool accessories.
 
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katotter

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South Africa
Thanks guys, we are a one man case here, no big groups backing us like mass mart or alike, so we struggle some times but keep getting ahead, service is key.

And we are a build ware/hardware store, nothing like wall mart or those big *** shops.
 
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lilredex

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Toronto
That is a good store!!

Tell us more about the types of wood you have, like the framing and those windows. The shelving looks like a pine.... different from ours.

What about those Record vises? I see a weld on those front jaws, Are they fabricated from steel?

One more Q.......How much of that paint is oil based?
 
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katotter

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South Africa
lilredex said:
That is a good store!!

Tell us more about the types of wood you have, like the framing and those windows. The shelving looks like a pine.... different from ours.

What about those Record vises? I see a weld on those front jaws, Are they fabricated from steel?

One more Q.......How much of that paint is oil based?
Click to expand...
Thanks for the interest.

The shelving you see is devided up in three different categories, mainly we sell laminated pine, the ones on the floor and the right hand side shelf, the middle ones are chipboard (made from saw dust and cor cobs) and they have a layer of white Formica over it, cabinet makers normally use these as their carcasses as it is a cheaper way of manufacturing kitchens. The left ones are raw chipboard (we call it bison board, as it has a side of bison edge edging on one side).
The wood you see, construction timber is Pine, dunno what species but I do know its S5 graded, some are finger jointed but not always. The non treated ones are the same S5 but are Hazard 3 (H3) pressure treated with CCA (Chrome, Copper and Arsenic) for termites, water and UV protection. The window frames used to be manufactured out of Meranti (South Amarican) wood, but that has since gotten very scarce and the have started using Ocoume (spelling), laminated and engineered, no solid timber anymore :sad:.

That is a genuine Irwin Record vice. Imported from the UK, we call them Engineers Vices. They are made from high tensile steel and welded together, this makes it more affordable to import and resell in South Africa. The teeth are bolted on and also sold separately.

The paint you see there are 80% water based. We moved from the lead based solvent paints about eight years ago due to its VOC's. All the steel cans are solvent based, and the plastic containers are water based. The white 25L drums you see is a very good exterior sealer we use for decking and poles etc... it is a solvent based polymer that lasts up to 24 months on three coats n out climate (that is great btw).

jeffmoss26 said:
Very cool! Thanks for sharing, I like many others love hardware stores, and have since I was a kid.
Here are some pictures of the local store I go to most often, and worked part-time at when I was in school:
http://www.cedarcenterhardware.com/photos.html
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Thank you for sharing a link, I was looking and could not find this type online, only sears and wall mart and whatnot. I would kill to get sponsored to come and work in a shop like this, maybe even manage one.

I see a lot of similarities in the stock holding, so I cannot imagine that the day to day business should be any different. The 80% 20% rule applies in RSA, I am sure it works the same way over there in the States only on a slightly bigger scale?

I realized now I only took pictures of one side of the store, the tools and building supplies, not thew swimming pool, cement based paints, gardening etc... I will take some more pictures and post them a bit later or tomorrow.
 
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jeffmoss26

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Cleveland, Ohio
katotter said:
Thank you for sharing a link, I was looking and could not find this type online, only sears and wall mart and whatnot. I would kill to get sponsored to come and work in a shop like this, maybe even manage one.

I see a lot of similarities in the stock holding, so I cannot imagine that the day to day business should be any different. The 80% 20% rule applies in RSA, I am sure it works the same way over there in the States only on a slightly bigger scale?

I realized now I only took pictures of one side of the store, the tools and building supplies, not thew swimming pool, cement based paints, gardening etc... I will take some more pictures and post them a bit later or tomorrow.
Click to expand...
From my experiences in the neighborhood store, most of the business is repeat customers. Once they find that someone will take care of that they need, they are going to come back. The majority of the customers live and work in the area close to the store.

In the Cleveland area itself, we are lucky to still have quite a few local hardware stores. Most of them buy from the Ace, True Value, or Do-it-Best wholesale/cooperatives, but all are independently owned. This gives the store advertising and branding power, but the freedom to stock the products that are best for their area. I've found that each of the stores tends to specialize in one or two main areas that they do really well, while still handling all of the main items a customer would expect. For example, one store I know of has more light bulbs than some of the electrical supply houses, and in fact, the supply houses will send the customers to the hardware store for certain items!

Service is probably the most important item for 'sale'. Whether it is finding an oddball key for someone, plumbing parts for an old house, fixing screens and windows, there is always SOMETHING that the big box stores can not and will not offer. I learned so much in my time working there, and met a lot of great people too.
 
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RbrtAWhyt

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Aug 25, 2008
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North East Georgia
That looks just like a local surplus building material place I shop at from time to time. I usually check them first when I need something they might have because they are always cheaper than Lowes or Home Depot...
 
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Higgins

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Shepheardsville, KY
Being retired, we spend some time making lots of road trips when the weather is good! It isn't uncommon for us to stop in the small towns and tour both the local hardware stores, and the antique stores.

It's been amazing on how many good tools I have found in the Antique stores across the years. Glad we don't have a trunk, otherwise we would have brought more stuff home! - LOL!!!!

AL
 
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mr48chev

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Jul 7, 2009
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Toppenish, wa
That is pretty much like the store in town where I buy a lot of my hardware and lumber. it started out 80 years or so ago as a feed mill that then started selling lumber and then hardware and over the past 25 years has developed into a first rate Ace hardware store that is owned and run by one extended family.

As a young boy I went there with my grandfather 60 years ago to have truck loads of grain milled for cattle feed. Now I go there for the things I need for my shop or my house.
 
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scaron

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ypsilanti, michigan
neat, thank you so much for taking the time out to post that, it was just like being there in person! always cool to see how it's done halfway around the world.
 
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HSpencer

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South Central US
Seeing this store was a real treat. This is a place that has things people need. This is a place you could count on to find your needs. The stocked shelves and available sizes are magnificent. This is a place that I would love to have access to shop at. Thank you for allowing us to view the store. This is what a hardware and building supply should be!!! My hat is off to the owners and employees who have built and maintained such a fine store. I wish they all were that way, or at least close to me so I could have access to shop in one like yours.

Best Regards
Herb Spencer
 
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katotter

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Apr 15, 2013
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South Africa
Higgins said:
Being retired, we spend some time making lots of road trips when the weather is good! It isn't uncommon for us to stop in the small towns and tour both the local hardware stores, and the antique stores.
It's been amazing on how many good tools I have found in the Antique stores across the years. Glad we don't have a trunk, otherwise we would have brought more stuff home! - LOL!!!!
AL
Click to expand...
We do not have that many antique dealers, so second hand bargain hunting is what I am all about.

El Barto said:
Very nice. Your store is a lot better stocked and cleaner than some Home Depots I have come across.
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Thank you so much, we try and keep it clean and neat.

mr48chev said:
That is pretty much like the store in town where I buy a lot of my hardware and lumber. it started out 80 years or so ago as a feed mill that then started selling lumber and then hardware and over the past 25 years has developed into a first rate Ace hardware store that is owned and run by one extended family.
As a young boy I went there with my grandfather 60 years ago to have truck loads of grain milled for cattle feed. Now I go there for the things I need for my shop or my house.
Click to expand...
Our shop started out as a small mining supply out of a garage, 25 years later we have two stores in two towns and giving big companies a run for their money.

scaron said:
neat, thank you so much for taking the time out to post that, it was just like being there in person! always cool to see how it's done halfway around the world.
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Pleasure, glad you enjoyed it, I will post more pics in due time today.

chrisa7164 said:
Nice store. I noticed in one picture you still carry hand saw set tools. I wish the hardware stores around here did.
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We sell the saw and the blades, so we need to sell the setter too right?

7echo said:
Great post, thanks.

Love the little trucks you all have there. Are they diesels?
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We hate them, wish we could get the big truck at the price you pay in the States. They are 2.5L 4 pot N/A diesels yes. Great work horse, but zero power.

HSpencer said:
Seeing this store was a real treat. This is a place that has things people need. This is a place you could count on to find your needs. The stocked shelves and available sizes are magnificent. This is a place that I would love to have access to shop at. Thank you for allowing us to view the store. This is what a hardware and building supply should be!!! My hat is off to the owners and employees who have built and maintained such a fine store. I wish they all were that way, or at least close to me so I could have access to shop in one like yours.

Best Regards
Herb Spencer
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for all the kind words Herb, we obtain the standard that if you do not have it, how can you sell it? So we always have stock, and if so be it that we ran out by accident, its 24 hours and its back in store. Needless to say, there are some difficulties, being in a remote town and being a third world country.

Please pop in again for the rest of the picture I will be posting a bit later.
 
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katotter

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South Africa
Some more pictures, of the stuff I left out in my first post.

More abrasives.


Padlock, hinges, welders


General tools





Lots of hammers



Files


Screwdrivers, since I took this pic I have rearranged that shelf and tidied it up more.


Threaded bar, plated and mild steel.


Putty knives


Varnishes. poly's and stains


Metal primers and topcoats


Waterproofing


Wax based sealers


Electrical cables, we buy bulk for better prices.


Cleaning chemicals


Shower goodies


License disc holders


Towel rails, roll holders, shelves etc...


Curtain supplies


Big five cupboard hardware


Brackets


Lubes


Runners


Gardening section





Mower blades and castors


Swimming pool section




Batteries


Adhesives and sealants



New galv plumbing fittings


That's it, I hope you enjoy it.
 
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sloppy

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Mar 3, 2013
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481
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Ohio
Store looks great..

katotter said:
We hate them, wish we could get the big truck at the price you pay in the States. They are 2.5L 4 pot N/A diesels yes. Great work horse, but zero power.
Click to expand...

I kinda wish we could get those here for road use.. We have them at work for "offroad only" use, and most the guys do hate them.

Personally I like them you can work the balls off them they get good mileage, and I think their fun to drive.. Getting on one of our highways would be a little scary in one though.. :shocking:
 
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katotter

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South Africa
sloppy said:
Store looks great..
I kinda wish we could get those here for road use.. We have them at work for "offroad only" use, and most the guys do hate them.
Personally I like them you can work the balls off them they get good mileage, and I think their fun to drive.. Getting on one of our highways would be a little scary in one though.. :shocking:
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I do at minimum 600km per week in one, that is 375 miles, and I can tell you it *****, no power, no radio, no A/C, no boost, juts a boot load of soot and a bad back.
 
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Monte

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Germany
thanks for these nice pics !!
Do you sell many of the Gedore tools you offer or does the customer choose a cheaper brand ? Since some Gedore tools are made in South Africa i wonder how big the "local patriotism" is ? :) Same question for the Wera screwdrivers which are also available "made in South Africa".
 
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katotter

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South Africa
Monte said:
thanks for these nice pics !!
Do you sell many of the Gedore tools you offer or does the customer choose a cheaper brand ? Since some Gedore tools are made in South Africa i wonder how big the "local patriotism" is ? :) Same question for the Wera screwdrivers which are also available "made in South Africa".
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I am not aware of any of these tools is made in RSA, afaik it is all imported. The line I am in, mostly builders, prefer the cheaper brands, as the staff either steal, brake or loose it anyway. I have the saying, "I do not have enough money to buy cheap tools" thus I stick to name brands that has the after sale service. We do have several items that comes from China, and as the price states, it's cheap ****, and I promote it that way, you get what you pay for.

As for the volume, I do not sell a helluva lot of Gedore tools, only the combination spanners you see I posted. We have a very good quality imported brand called Raco, dunno where they originate from tbh, but fro the price I am sure they can hold their own to Gedore, Snap-On and alike. We sell more Raco tools than Gedore.
 
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Monte

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Germany
katotter said:
I am not aware of any of these tools is made in RSA, afaik it is all imported. The line I am in, mostly builders, prefer the cheaper brands, as the staff either steal, brake or loose it anyway. I have the saying, "I do not have enough money to buy cheap tools" thus I stick to name brands that has the after sale service. We do have several items that comes from China, and as the price states, it's cheap ****, and I promote it that way, you get what you pay for.

As for the volume, I do not sell a helluva lot of Gedore tools, only the combination spanners you see I posted. We have a very good quality imported brand called Raco, dunno where they originate from tbh, but fro the price I am sure they can hold their own to Gedore, Snap-On and alike. We sell more Raco tools than Gedore.
Click to expand...

thanks for your insight ! Gedore produces spanners, pipe wrenches and socketry as well as tool boxes in Durban/South Africa. Here are some videos of their production: http://gedoreweblifetv.webhouse.co.za/site/default.asp

Some Wera products are also made in South Africa: www.wera.co.za
 
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bobemmerich

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Middletown, Ct.
Now THAT is a Hardware store! There used to be several around here, but because of the big box stores, all but a few closed. Would be nice to go to a place like that. I'd spend hours just looking at stuff.
 
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katotter

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South Africa
NUTTSGT said:
LOL, those things are cool as heck. :thumbup:
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They are super popular.

Hornman said:
"License disc holders"?
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Our annual vehicle license is a round disc and must be shown in the windshiels, we sell those to use, they are reusable and good looking.

Monte said:
thanks for your insight ! Gedore produces spanners, pipe wrenches and socketry as well as tool boxes in Durban/South Africa. Here are some videos of their production: http://gedoreweblifetv.webhouse.co.za/site/default.asp

Some Wera products are also made in South Africa: www.wera.co.za
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Thank you for this info, might be worth while to look into buying bulk directly from the manufacturer.

captain14 said:
Maybe a field trip should be arranged to view the sites here.
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I am keen, anyone wanna sponsor me?

1/2 Cup said:
That's an impressive range.:thumbup:
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Thank you so much.

bobemmerich said:
Now THAT is a Hardware store! There used to be several around here, but because of the big box stores, all but a few closed. Would be nice to go to a place like that. I'd spend hours just looking at stuff.
Click to expand...
Looking < Buying lol.
 
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TireTracks

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Nov 11, 2009
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Location
Yakima,Washington.
Thats a really nice store you have. Interesting how many things I see, that are the same brand as my local store.

mr48chev said:
That is pretty much like the store in town where I buy a lot of my hardware and lumber. it started out 80 years or so ago as a feed mill that then started selling lumber and then hardware and over the past 25 years has developed into a first rate Ace hardware store that is owned and run by one extended family.

As a young boy I went there with my grandfather 60 years ago to have truck loads of grain milled for cattle feed. Now I go there for the things I need for my shop or my house.
Click to expand...


Holy ****, small world. My great Grandpa started the Lumber yard your talking about, he sold it in the late 20's.
 
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