Home Depot stops doing business with federal government (even cash!)

Saint Louis Today ^ | June 16, 2002

[John Jorsett]

Home Depot Inc., the nation's largest hardware and home-improvement chain, has told its 1,400 stores not to do business with the U.S. government or its representatives.

The Post-Dispatch checked with managers at 38 stores in 11 states. All but two said they had received instructions from Home Depot's corporate headquarters this month not to take government credit cards, purchase orders or even cash if the items are being used by the federal government.

[Tacis]

It almost certainly has something to do with status as "a government contractor." By rejecting this business in a formal way, they seem to be defining themselves as "not a government contractor." Why, who knows. The employment limitations that are a function of EOs jump to mind, but Home Depot hires anyone, so that shouldn't be a concern. Unless, there is some obscure issue like not wanting to hire folks in wheelchairs (not a good example because it is covered by ADA) or something like that.

The only other thing I can think of is an issue of petty personal concern. The daughter of an HD VP drives a delivery truck for the store in West Cupcake and when she tried to deliver to the army base, she got frisked/fondled and the truck was searched etc.And, after no local satisfaction, HD feels that the only way to get a response is to make a big deal out of it.

BTW, I have been going to Home Depot lately. The estalished Lowes, visible right down the block, is always crowded so if you go to the new HD, there is seldom anyone there and the employees can actually be found and asked questions.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

"You want to buy our stuff, you send a check like everybody else. If not, go pound sand and stuff your forms."

You, sir, are my hero. I am at attention, rendering a snappy salute in your direction.

[KirklandJunction]

Federal Contracting Officer?

So you do what you are told to do, like it or not, to satisfy your bosses, for money.

Chose any name for that profession.

[Retiredforever]

Good for Home Depot. They apparently want to run their business without any government interference. I think this is the way our forefathers intended the system to work. It is called "free enterprise".

[Barbara14]

Years ago, the feds tried to buy some products made by a company which I co-owned. Before giving us a purchase order, they sent me a 16-page "qualification" form to fill out - all kinds of bureaucratic gibberish and PC nonsense about how we'd grab our ankles to meet all the government standards to be Good Approved Citizens. I sent it back after a pass through our shredder, with a note saying, in effect, "You want to buy our stuff, you send a check like everybody else. If not, go pound sand and stuff your forms." Our product was absolutely unique . . . . they sent a check. Always, everywhere, at every opportunity - tell Big Stupid Government to jam it.

Thats what Im talking about. If you do a certain amount of business with the feds, they will impose on you rules that you must live by.

It is Home Depots obligation to explain to the public why they feel this way about doing business with the feds. They need to highlight some of the crap they've been put through that averge joe sixpack would never know of. Joe would only think that HD is "unpatriotic" when in fact, the company is very patriotic but most likely very anti government red tape BS.

Tell the feds to take a hike if they are forcing you to comply with their demands! BULL!

[Lloyd227]

The fact that they are so vague in their statements is very odd to me

I didn't find their statement the least bit vague or even slightly odd.

They listed three specific laws which certain businesses voluntarily place themselves under the jurisdiction of by doing business with the Feds. Home Depot very specifically stated that they will sell no products or do any business which will make them subject to those three particular laws.

Finding it odd that a major corporation would refuse to participate in the government's heavy handed practices and politically correct demands?

I think it's pretty refreshing and rather enjoy seeing these government leaches take a slap in the face.

Cheers!

[Hank Rearden]

Thank you, but I'm no hero - I'm just a pissed-off citizen who respects the founding principles of our country.

If we had a few million more pissed-off citizens, we'd have a much smaller government, doing what it's supposed to do: secure the individual liberties of a free, self-governing citizenry.

Instead, what we have are just cheap politicians.

That's how I see it.

[azsportsterman]

The concerns cited by Home Depot refer to single purchases and contracts, not total yearly purchases. Loew's understands this; that's why they have no problem selling to the government. The Home Depot policy may be discriminatory, since they are refusing to sell to individuals based on their affiliation to the government. Military commanders are required by law to place all establishments that discriminate against their personnel off-limits. Maybe after the loss of a few dollars Home Depot will get the point. I'm going to make an educated guess based on more than 20 years of military service that many members of the military will voluntarily boycott the company when they learn of this policy. We support our own.

[Redleg Duke]

From the experience I have had with the Government, and remember, I am a retired Vet, I would not want to do business with them. They delay payment as long as possible, explaining it aways as, "a snafu". Also, their business comes with tons of "feel-good" qualifications and other bravo sierra.

Dispite the "sinister" wording of the article, I have found HD to be a good source of product and advice. I will continue to do business with them. Just because they refuse to "grab their ankles" to acceed to the Fed's demands doesn't make them bad guys.

[sinclair]

Damn, Wish I could do that!!!

[John Jorsett]

So you do what you are told to do, like it or not, to satisfy your bosses, for money.

Chose any name for that profession.

Employee?

[Wonder Warthog]

"Let's see, the United States is at war. Home Depot's response is to refuse service to uniformed military personnel? How patriotic. Here's one veteran that will be shopping at Lowe's today."

READING COMPREHENSION ALERT!!!!! The article says NOTHING about refusing service to "uniformed military personnel". It says it will refuse PURCHASES BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, which is a whole 'nother thing. I am sure that if the guy in uniform was buying something for his/her own use, Home Depot would happily sell it to him/her.

Choosing not to sell to a government agency (or any or all of them) is in no wise either illegal or unpatriotic. Its called FREEDOM, which, although we are rapidly losing same, we still have SOME few vestiges of.

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

has a work force of 250,000 people. Last year, it had sales of $53.6 billion.

Not much longer its a shame too good place to shop

[KirklandJunction]

Yeah, "employee". That's a bit more generic than what I had in mind, but it does fit. In so many ways.

[eno_]

Blame elected officials - not the government workers that have sworn to carry out these laws. quote a block of text

Sorry, but I urge everyone here to do exactly the opposite: DO blame the narc, the EPA weasel, the bureucrat. Make their existence miserable. Why? Because government employees, especially those in enforcement functions, have a strong influence over laws. Police and corrections officers' unions have a lot to say about the WoD. If these people are made paraiahs - if their families become outcast in the community - they will add powerful voices for reform.

[Paulus Invictus]

I stopped buying at Home Depot immediately after visiting the new Lowe's here. Lowe's is so much better in quality, prices and service, not to mention appearance.

[Inspector Harry Callahan]

FYI

[John Jorsett]

If these people are made paraiahs - if their families become outcast in the community - they will add powerful voices for reform.

Very true. I know IRS people won't admit to working there at cocktail parties.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Thank you, but I'm no hero - I'm just a pissed-off citizen who respects the founding principles of our country.

I too have hadenuf!

[TheCPA]

If enough businesses cease to do business with the federal governemnt because of stupid laws passed by Congress and idiotic regulations promulgated by executive agencies, then Congress and the agencies should get the message and change their ways. I wish the states would also tell the federal government to shove it and decide inter alia what the speed limit and the legal blood alcohol content for driving should be.