Stories from the Sales Frontlines

jipster

Martha Stewart has nothing on this discussion. How about snow/ice melting products??? We got about 4 inches of snow today in Louisville. What's your opinion of salt versus the meltaway products (magnesium chloride). Salt doesn't work in the lower temps as well, but seems to hang around longer so you don't have to reapply. The meltaway stuff will burn thru ice and snow like red hot magma, but you have to apply it pretty heavily... and it is more expensive.

sterlingdog

That's a deal. I actually could have had another watch plus the T-shirt for free. I forgot to fill out the little box asking for it! The free watch was valued up to $150. Dumb move on my part. :sick:

Richard

sterlingdog

They don't like for us to use salt here in our village. Our homes are built around 8 large lakes. The salt run-off isn't good for the lakes. I've never used the meltaway products but, if it burns like red hot magma as you say, what would it do to the surface of our driveways?

The village office just called (recorded message) and wants us to put our trash at the curb in the morning because the driveways are so slick. In other words, it is ok to slip and break our necks, as long as we protect the trash guys. What a hoot! We're the old people. What are they thinking? Our house is at the top of a hill. Fat chance that I'm going to follow that request!

Richard

fezo

Richard - I finally found the car you can get for me!

Here it is!





As you can see the price is fairly modest.......

jipster

I've never used the meltaway products but, if it burns like red hot magma as you say, what would it do to the surface of our driveways?

It's suppose to be safe for driveways and plants ... "if used as instructed". :surprise:

I've used both in the past and haven't had a problem with either.

Kirstie_H

There's the flaw - use as instructed. This would require reading the instructions, which men traditionally avoid due to the potential injury it does to their carefully-constructed he-man reputations. Can't risk undoing years of work!

jmonroe

What's your opinion of salt versus the meltaway products (magnesium chloride).

The meltaway stuff will burn thru ice and snow like red hot magma, but you have to apply it pretty heavily... and it is more expensive.

I don’t know about the “magnesium chloride” but the calcium chloride is pretty potent.

I have a friend whose brother works as mid level manager of a very large truck supply company and the truckers are screaming bloody murder about the use of calcium chloride. He said that it has eaten brake lines, gas lines, gas tank straps, destroyed brake rotors and everything else that is under the trucks in a little over a year where some states use the hell out of this stuff.

This may increase the cost of the oranges that I’m about to start mashing so I’m going to join in on the screaming. :mad:

jmonroe

michaellno

Colorado or not, there is a Southern boy in there some where.

Did I not mention that my mother is a Tennessee native? She moved to California when she was 9 and never left, but every time she went back home to visit family she'd start saying stuff like "fixin' to" and "y'all".

OTOH, my dad was born in NY, so I've got some Yankee in me as well, I suppose.

And, you guys with your stories of heart attacks while shoveling snow, have me worried! I actually own a small snowblower, but it never really worked all that well so I've semi-retired it and went back to the shovel.

fezo

You mean like I'm a man. I can fix that!

fezo

More I'm a man.

jmonroe

This would require reading the instructions, which men traditionally avoid due to the potential injury it does to their carefully-constructed he-man reputations. Can't risk undoing years of work!

HUH? Since when is it acceptable to do this male bashing thing? Just for that, we’re going to take our dues and go home. No more off topic posts for this place. :mad: :mad:

jmonroe

roadburner

You know how some people buy one car, buy exactly what they want, and keep it until it dies? That is how my Dad is with his snowblower.

My Dixon Estate ZTR mower was purchased in 1999- my Dad bought his Stihl chainsaw(which I still use) back in the mid '80s. Both perform like new- which is pretty good, especially considering how hard I run the mower.

stickguy

we use the old fashioned snow melter. Called the sun. Thankfully we live on the side of th estreet tht gets the sun, so anything light on our driveway melts off while across the street it stays.

never had a snow blower. Even when we have gotten the 1-2 feet dumps, it is shovel time. Mostly me, but thankfully my son is home from school at the moment, and will be pressed into duty to help.

driver100

A handful of fresh spinach
Half dozen brussel sprouts
Two small tomatos
Two celery sticks

Didn't taste as bad as you might think and I am charged with energy!

Snow coming tonight...ugh!

I think you got us mixed up with your twitter account.

sterlingdog

Love those images---especially the one of the car sound system!

Richard

sterlingdog

Houdini thanks you; I thank you; my dog thanks you;...

If you could print the story that went with the pictures, we would ALL thank you.

Richard

fezo

You mean like this?

"This is the car that in 1954 could have "killed" the Corvette so Chevrolet, being GM's big sales and profit division, campaigned to GM to "kill" this car. When Chevy was coming out with its 6-cyl. sports car with its 2-speed "Powerglide" transmission and side curtains here was a sports car from Olds with a big old V-8 and power windows.

So, GM said no to Oldsmobile on building this car.

The world's rarest automobile. A 1954 concept Oldsmobile Rocket F88 - the only one in existence. (Read the story below.) John S. Hendricks, (Discovery Communications founder) paid in excess of 3 million to acquire this car.

1954 Oldsmobile F-88 Convertible Concept Car.

After spending decades as a collection of parts stuffed into wooden crates – the F-88 was reassembled. In 1954 – the F-88 was a Motorama “Dream Car” and was one of only two – or an unconfirmed possible three ever created. The F-88 seen here is literally the only car left of its kind – and was sold to John and Maureen Hendricks at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale , Arizona for an unbelievable $3,240,000. This acquisition made automotive history and is the “cornerstone” of the Gateway Colorado Automobile Museum in its own special room in a rotating display worthy of the F-88!"

houdini1

The story is there Richard, just click on the link "Here it is" in fezo's post. Yes, thanks for helping us out fezo. You are a prince !!

No reaction to those pics yet. The forum now ignores cars and has turned to Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey, etc.

explorerx4

Fez, Hopefully your neighbor knows about spraying down the blower with silicone.
It has to be done a while before using it, so it has time to dry.
The need for it also depends on the type of snow.
It really helps with the heavy wet stuff.
We are 'expecting' to get 10 to 16 inches of snow, starting tonight.
I am kind of excited.
The snowblower (a 1995 Honda) is ready to go.
Also, I can't wait to go to work tomorrow morning.
It's a point of personal pride that I always make it to work.
The Explorer is also ready to go too, although I am going to bring a metal shovel, just in case.
I'm more worried about others getting stuck on the hills, than I am for myself.
There won't be a message about being closed until 6:30 am, but I expect to be there before then, as usual. :shades:

Kirstie_H

Fezo, I LOVE those! Some are freakin' hilarious.

jmonroe - come now. I have to have some way to fend off the the testosterone fumes. If you can recruit another female (preferably a female car salesperson) in here, I promise we'll just balance it out naturally. I like men. I have some male offspring of my own, and I even live with one. (None of whom read instructions.)

fezo

Read instructions? Wow. An alien....

explorer - you are getting the sweet spot of the storm that's just started up down here.

I like that you pride yourself on getting in. They used to never close here for weather - told us we could leave and use vacation or personal time. the heck with that! As long as we opened I was there. Nowadays they wimp out long before I even think about it.

sterlingdog

As Houdini said, you are a prince. Thanks so much.

Richard

explorerx4

Just struck a great deal.
One of my BIL's is not working tomorrow and has a big Chevy 4x4 and snowblower.
For pizza and beer he is going to clear my neighbor's driveway.
They went on a cruise and I said I would watch their house while they are away.
Plus, for $20 he is going to clear my mom's driveway and deck.
I was on the hook for those 2, plus my own driveway/sidewalk.
He's been clubbed like a baby seal.

kyfdx

My teenager was home sick from school, today.. So, instead of coming home to a nice clean driveway, I've got three inches...

I usually back my car in the garage, as I have to maneuver around his car parked in the driveway, and it's easier in reverse (sort of parallel parking). But, it's uphill to the garage, and every time I got to the point where I had to cut the wheels, the rear end starting sliding towards his car... So, turned around and pulled in..

So.. reading all these wonderful stories about shoveling/heart attacks, not really looking forward to shoveling that drive.. Knock on the door, and two strapping teenage boys with shovels are standing there... $20 for the driveway and the sidewalk to the front door...

SOLD!

driver100

I usually back my car in the garage, as I have to maneuver around his car parked in the driveway, and it's easier in reverse (sort of parallel parking).

We have to do that too. The driveway curves around...if you went in front way you would never get out. They should plan better.

We have a friend whos house is built on a circle on a dead end street. To get into her garage she has to swing on to the neighbors driveway....she hasn't used her garage since she moved into the house 5 years ago.

Builders often don't think it through very well.

jmonroe

You would have thought that I destroyed the entire electrical system in the house.

I just remembered this. I heard of a partial electrical grid failure that affected parts of the Carolina’s in December. They thought it was weather related. When was that again when you were doing your monitor upgrade? :confuse:

jmonroe

snakeweasel

One thing about using a shovel to remove snow. It is one of the biggest causes of heart attacks

I would think that the majority of those are people who live pretty sedate lifestyles and the only heavy exersize they get is shoveling their driveway. Those who excersize regularly and/or have active lifestyles and have a health heart shouldn't have any issues shoveling snow.

jmonroe

I would think that the majority of those are people who live pretty sedate lifestyles and the only heavy exersize they get is shoveling their driveway. Those who excersize regularly and/or have active lifestyles and have a health heart shouldn't have any issues shoveling snow.

That’s not entirely correct. I have a doctor friend and we were discussing this at dinner before we went to the movies on New Year’s Eve. Mrs. Jmonroe said she was so glad that we have a snow thrower but she still watches from the window sometimes when I do the driveway (I don’t need watched, I need help ). He said, “snow throwers are great but people who aren’t in shape (I think I’m OK here) should still be careful because even though you might think you’re OK, just being out in the cold and working under those conditions is still something that you have to be careful about”.

He went on to say that it is the ones who think they are in shape because they jog, ride bike, go to the gym regularly are the ones who show up most at the emergency rooms. The ones who are out of shape usually know it and have someone else do the snow shoveling/throwing.

I still think Mrs. jmonroe should do this work but she uses the excuse that she can’t start the thing (same excuse with the lawn mower). I have a fix for that; the next snow blower is going to be battery started or at least extension cord assisted start.

jmonroe

mako1a

After adding a snow blower to our home grid, we get the latest electric bill.

It was enough to make a Florida Dealer Fee pale by comparison ($723).

driver100

majority of those are people who live pretty sedate lifestyles

Agree, but it can still happen to pretty healthy people, especially if you raise a big heavy shovel full of snow over your shoulders. This puts a lot of strain on the heart to pump the blood up to that level.

I have a business associate who died just a few weeks ago from shoveling snow. He was 60 and was in pretty good shape, still plays hockey which is pretty intense.

I agree, those who live a sedate lifestyle or who have had problems should be most careful. But even football players and hockey players have died from too much stress on the heart.

jwilliams2

Be careful. It's not like aerobic exercise. It's more like heavy lifting and it creates stress on the heart while it raises blood pressure. Plus the cold just makes it worse. The body constricts blood flow to the skin to conserve heat, which also raises blood pressure. So one could think they are in great shape, and still have a problem. Best thing if you have any doubt is to hire someone.

driver100

the ones who think they are in shape because they jog, ride bike, go to the gym regularly are the ones who show up most at the emergency rooms.

Well said...I am going to make you an honorary member of the safety club. What you said is so true though, and I forgot about the cold weather factor.

Every year people die in the Jan 1st Polar Bear Club swim because of the shock of the cold air. The cold weather coupled with the heavy lifting is a recipe for a heart attack....and it just isn't wise to push the limits. Also, if you do collapse it might be awhile before any one knows it.

sterlingdog

At least they were kind enough not to print my name in the newspapers. :shades:

Richard

sterlingdog

"...I need help."

No one here will dispute that. :P

Richard

oldfarmer50

"...I have a clever plan for getting the 6-8" off my driveway..."

I think I've mentioned before how when I was a teen my father offered use of the family station wagon if I could shovel a path down to the street. It's amazing how much snow a bunch of young fools can move when properly motivated.

It's also amazing how well a Dodge Polara handled in the snow weighted down with 8 sweaty kids. :shades:

oldfarmer50

"...their carefully-constructed he-man reputations..."

Reading instructions or asking directions are strictly forbidden in the he-man rulebook...or so I've heard, I've never read it myself. :P

isellhondas

I don't have a Twitter account nor do I have any interest in one.

I was just trying to use as few words as possible.

Two inches of snow landed last night followed by rain so now, we have slush. Temps are above freezing so no problem...yet!

imidazol97

>kind enough not to print my name in the newspaper

I thought about your "experience" with the computer a few weeks back. The hinge on my son's flip phone was coming apart. I had picked up a few old phones, identical, on Ebay so I could have parts. I was taking his apart to put his body into a new plastic housing. I'd never done this before. But it worked.

I was hoping I wouldn't have a bad experience like Richard64 had with his computer. No static electricity to ruin the phone circuits. I made the switch. I worked on top of a damp kitchen towel to handle the static. No wrist strap to ground like I should have used.

jmonroe

After adding a snow blower to our home grid, we get the latest electric bill.

It was enough to make a Florida Dealer Fee pale by comparison ($723).

Another reason why I wouldn’t consider an electric snow blower.

About your concern with the longevity of a snow blower engine having to operate with some ethanol mixed with the gas, you are way over the top with that concern. I’ve been running with gas that I get at the gas station with no problem (see below). I would be way more concerned about mixing snow with an extension cord. I never could understand that one. :confuse:

A little tale about the gas thing:

When I moved back to the Burgh I bought the snow blower than I now have. Don’t ask me about the one I left for my sons to do my Mothers driveway when I moved to SC in 1992. :mad: :mad: When I first used it in 1997, I noticed that it didn’t run as smooth as the one I left behind. :mad: It was not revving right. It surged and slowed but it didn’t stall. The following summer when I went to the local private home center to get some stuff, I went over to their small engine repair area and asked the guy about that. I said, “where is the idle mixture screw on that thing. I’ve looked all over that engine and I can’t find it. Where is it hidden”?. He said, “don’t waste your time looking for it. There ain’t one. They did away with that for pollution reasons and I get engines in here all the time because of that. If you want to correct that surging problem put in the highest octane gas you can get. That otta fix it”. I’ve done that and it’s much better than when I fed it regular but not quite like the old engines when you could make the adjustment and it would be near perfect. Thanks boys. :mad:

jmonroe

sterlingdog

You're a smart guy to be able to fix that flip phone. I should never have touched my computer. I've learned over the years that I am the most technically challenged human who ever walked the Earth. Now and then I tend to forget that fact. A friend gave me some advice once: If it's broken, don't go and make it worse. It will cost you even more. How true!

Richard

isellhondas

Back long ago, when I bought a well used 1964 Volkswagen, an old German VW mechanic told me to never use regular gas in it so I took his advice and used premimum.

One night coming home from work I pulled into a gas station only to find out they were out of premimum. I put in regular and noticed a HUGE difference in the way that little car ran.

m6vx

http://www.snowscoop.com/index_files/Page728.htm

This is similar to what I've been using for the last 15 years (I've never owned a snowblower).

If you live in snow country, these are a must. It takes me roughly the same amount of time to clear the drive as my neighbor with his snowblower. There's no lifting - just pushing and moving. Moving.... as in moving the pile that the snowplow leaves in front of the driveway. Slide the shovel under a section of the pile, backup, turn, lift the front edge a little and push onto the grass, dump. Repeat.

Bought mine at Canadian Tire because I couldn't find one in Michigan. Customs agent: "you're bringing back what?"

tjc78

About your concern with the longevity of a snow blower engine having to operate with some ethanol mixed with the gas, you are way over the top with that concern

Use StaBil in those smaller engines. It keeps the fuel fresh and you will have much less chance of the fuel "gelling" in the carb.

verdugo

I read "The Haggler" on NYTimes.com. It is a consumer advocate column. The last two dealt with a horrible dealership experience.

Original:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/your-money/26haggler.html

Follow up:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/your-money/09haggler.html

Cliff notes version:
Guy bought a car and the price was thousands more than what he thought he was buying. He cancelled a $3k service contract, but the dealership never refunded him the money. Lots of excuses from dealership, but no resolution.

It's amazing that dealers like this stay in business! :lemon: :sick: :mad:

fezo

Bought mine at Canadian Tire because I couldn't find one in Michigan. Customs agent: "you're bringing back what?"

That made my day!

We really don't have anything that compares to Canadian Tire here in the states. It's a bit of a trip for us.... as in a whole day each way.

My neighbor is having his first adventure with his electric snowblower. I'm at work (they delayed opening for 4 hours which was perfect) so I'll have to check in with him when I get home.

jmonroe

I made the switch. I worked on top of a damp kitchen towel to handle the static. No wrist strap to ground like I should have used.

Ah…natures way of eliminating static, huh?

Years ago when I was in a lab and I mentioned doing that to a tech that was doing something for me, who couldn’t find his strap, he looked at me like I had two heads. I said, “OK, then go get a strap”. Rather than search longer for his strap that someone had “barrowed”, he said, “OK, but if this doesn’t work I’m gonna be pi$$ed”.

You can’t do this with voltage applied but for what you and I were doing it works just fine.

jmonroe

mako1a

much less chance of the fuel "gelling" in the carb.

Fuel gel doesn't bother me as much as the drying property of alcohol.
I had a float stick in my quad. Fortunately, a light tap on the carb with a screwdriver handle made the float clunk as it fell back into position.

Now I go to the non-ethanol place 25 miles away for small engine fuel.
I agree with premium fuel for small engines as it just works better.

houdini1

Interesting reading. Thank goodness most dealers are honest. If they were all like that I would never buy a car.

isellhondas

Bad story for sure.

I worked for a good store that went well beyond the call of duty whenever it was necessary.

jmonroe

This is similar to what I've been using for the last 15 years (I've never owned a snowblower).

I’m not arguing with you about this but I’ve seen that contraption before and while it may be a good “shovel eliminator” for some snow removal applications, it’s still no match for a bonified snow blower; even the puny 20 inch job that I have.

jmonroe