Are you familiar with the term Lingo???? Lingo could be defined as special terms or vocabulary of a particular group, or field. Or simply Jargon.

How strong are your lingo language skills???? Are you proficient in many lingo languages???

Do you speak or have the capability to decipher social media lingo??? IG, DM, Messenger, blog, insights, algorithm, stories, FB Marketplace, Tik Tok… shall I go on???

Every profession has lingo or vocabulary that only those who work there become proficient in the lingo, case in point, IEP, PDP, 504, EC, AIG, Canvas, weebly, wiki… shall I continue???

The teacher vocabulary was rich in lingo terms. Richard’s eyes used to roll back in his head when teacher talk began with another teaching professional, preferring a quick exit out of the conversation and he would just leave us to talk.

I’m sure that as you are reading this your mind is reviewing all the lingo terms you use in your profession. 🧐🧐🧐🧐

Hardware store work is no exception, hardware terminology/lingo seems to be as vast as our Midwest Fastener aisles… no kidding!!! 😂😂😂😂

The terminology is immense and no specific area of the hardware store seems to be immune to the lingo… fasteners… grade 8, metric, carriage bolts, wood screws, finish nails,toggle bolts, washers, taps, nuts, & hex bolts. I must say the terminology seems to never end in this section…

Plumbing- pvc, cpvc, pex, faucet stems, flange bolts, flapper… don’t even get me started on pipe threading terms… 🙄

Lawn and Garden: Diatomaceous Earth, pre- emergents, male & female garden hose adapters, spade,D-handle shovels…

Needless to say, each area of our store is strong in hardware lingo language and it has been an amazing journey to learn this new hardware store language.

In order to communicate effectively with our customers, you must be able to fully interpret what their hardware store needs are when they are shopping inside your store.

Sometimes hardware lingo terms are used to fully describe the need. But not always is it clear what they are seeking, it might be an exploration mission to piece together a puzzle in order to find a solution. Regardless, our task is to use the language we are given and find a solution to the current problem at hand.

Interpret the lingo and find solutions… communication is key. If communication is not clear, or confusing then it is much harder to have a relationship with the customer.

Ultimately, that is why we are here doing business… to serve our community with our hardware store knowledge and skills. Our talents do not lie all in the same area, Richard, myself & Wayne’s skill base are all different.

We try to pair our customers each time they enter our doors with the right staff person that “fits” the current hardware store need.

Building relationships is a huge part of what we do each and everyday. Working to build that strong foundation of returning customers who can trust our knowledge (hardware lingo language included) and giving assistance in finding what they need.