No, But they will start using them
MyLowes online
Lowe’s will be introducing the MyLowes online tool that will let you store owner’s manuals, warranties and paint formulas for future reference. I hate storing the thick manuals that come with tools (I can’t even find most of them anymore) and over the last few years I have just been using Google to find them. It’s great that Lowe’s will soon allow me to have a central repository for these manuals and I look forward to trying out that system.
We also paint quite a bit in our house and I like the idea of having the paint formulas stored in a central place too. It sounds like you will be able to have room-by-room profiles, which is a great feature. I would also love to have a storage place for receipts to make the return/exchange scenario easier because I tend to overbuy during visits so I don’t have to make multiple trips during larger projects.
iPhone implementation
Bloomberg reports that each Lowe’s store will initially get about 25 iPhones for employees to use for calling, email, text messaging, and processing credit card transactions. I hope that Lowe’s has more plans for using the iPhone and should also consider using iPads to help people plan simple projects and pick up the right materials for the job they want to do.
I understand that Home Depot also has a My HomeDepot.com account service that lets you save shopping lists and project lists so it is great to see these companies working hard in new technology to secure and retain customers.
I also use mobile technology during home improvement projects to take pictures of problems I am trying to fix to take to the store with me so I get the right supplies for the job. Just a couple weeks ago, my daughter emailed me some photos of a piping arrangement from my trailer as I was at the hardware store buying supplies and I ended up with the right parts to fix the plumbing without having to make multiple trips to the store. Have you used mobile technology to help you with home improvement projects?
[zdnet]
