$10 Ryobi Caulk Gun
Since this thread has taken a power tool path, I'll relate my TLDR experience at HD. I've been helping my nephew finish out his new house. Along the way, my sister commented how a lighter drill (than my BILs Makita) would be nice. I saw a black Friday ad for the Ryobi compact drill with 2 batteries and charger for $89. I owed my sister a small battery, so I decided to get the kit.
I've learned that the HD website is easier to use than finding an employee, so I went to Aisle x Bay y and . . . nowhere. So I asked the checkout lady to page somebody. A young woman shows up, puts the SKU in her phone and says, " they're over here". And they were. Q1: why would HD apparently use a different database for their customers and employees?
So while I have her out of hiding, I ask about the new cordless Ryobi die grinder. About a week ago, I saw an introductory offer for $89 as I recall. After the 'whats a die grinder?, 'whats it used for?', it turns out they're still not available but the price now is $149. So I'm passing on that.
As I'm perusing the display, I notice the caulk gun is marked down from $59 to $39. Well, we're finishing a house and have a bunch of caulking to do, so what better time? I turn to ask the young lady to get me one, but she's gone, vanished! So I turn to the trusty website and see, sure enough, none in stock. Check two more stores within my range and zero. Aha, they've discontinued it and this is it. So I take it up to the service desk (it was the only tool not strapped or screwed down) and ask if they'll sell the display model.
shortened... Yes, at $39. After mulling, maybe stewing, a minute I say ok. But I better put a battery in it and make sure it works. By then, there's a guy at the window on the phone. He's lost his credit card and is trying to get the number and security code from somebody who is less than cooperative. While waiting, I start fiddling and find a broken weld. Something I could easily fix, but not at full, marked-down price. He's still yapping and I'm about to blow a fuse, so I lay it on the closest box, pay for my drill and leave.
The next day, I decide to stop in on the way out of town. I'm curious what they're going to do with a broken, shop-worn, discontinued caulk gun. I go to the display, it's there, I take it and the price card to the service desk, prepared to pay half, $20. She starts punching keys and voila! $10 plus tax.
I must have made an impression the day before. While walking out with my trophy, three employees, including the garden center guy who just happened to be helping out in power tools that day, recognized me with 'you got it!', and 'you came back!'.
The End