Author
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Topic: The challenge of buying Canadian
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Lard Tunderin' Jeezus
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1275
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posted 25 October 2008 02:18 PM
So here's the thing: My better half wants a new screen door. Now we have a screen, one of those roll-across contraptions that she wanted a few years ago, when I wanted to buy a conventional door that provides some insulation in the winter. But now it's her idea, and I was sent out to buy one. So I checked out Home Depot and Rona. At the U.S. based Home Depot, I can buy nice doors - all made in Michigan. And if I want anything other than white, it can take up to a month for delivery. We have stained wood, so we need brown or black. So I drove farther across to Rona - a Canadian chain, where I thought I could find a Canadian-made door. Sure enough, they had them, and prices are similar - for the white doors in stock. They want a $100 premium to order a colour. And how long will it take? That's right, the full month, again. So I contact Rona to discuss this policy, but they don't return my call or e-mail. I'm getting ticked, so I e-mail the manufacturer, Aluminart. Their VP of Sales responds, but only to say that they're trying to get Rona to stock colours, but there's nothing he can do for now. I specifically ask whether dealers actually pay a premium for colours, but he chooses not to respond to this question on two separate e-mails. Does he really expect me to pay a 30% premium without justification? Why wouldn't both of these companies want to satisfy the demands of Canadians who care to Buy Canadian? I just don't get it. Anybody got an explanation for me? [ 25 October 2008: Message edited by: Lard Tunderin' Jeezus ]
From: ... | Registered: Aug 2001
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Tommy_Paine
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 214
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posted 25 October 2008 04:42 PM
It's simple, you can have your screen door any coulour you like, as long as it's white.I'm assuming it's an aluminium screen door. It could well be that the screen door company has to send it's product out to be top coated when people ask for a colour other than white, which is probably the colour used at the factory. We do this where I work, because we still have an antiquated "E-Coat" system for the most part, and our new Powder Coat system isn't large enough to handle the entire volume. Powder Coat allows efficient colour change. (besides being a better quality paint finish) Changing over an "E-Coat" process is cost prohibitive for small batches. Aluminart may change over an E-Coat line for a large customer, like the Polish Navy. I used to know what it cost us to send product out to be top coated, but I forget. I am certain it isn't a whopping 30% though. I'd get a wooden screen door, and some paint.
From: The Alley, Behind Montgomery's Tavern | Registered: Apr 2001
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George Victor
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 14683
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posted 25 October 2008 04:57 PM
quote: I'd get a wooden screen door, and some paint.
Right on. You might even find faux oak (I was usually too late to make reasonable recommendations out there in the energy conservation world too.
From: Cambridge, ON | Registered: Oct 2007
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Tommy_Paine
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 214
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posted 25 October 2008 04:57 PM
Actually, I think George makes a good point.Can you do something with the oak door? There's no shortage of foams, weather stripping, etc out there, and they are much, much cheaper and effective. Hard to say without seeing your place Lard. Ug, reminds me, I have two windows on my porch to attend to, now that the furnace is on.
From: The Alley, Behind Montgomery's Tavern | Registered: Apr 2001
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