Getting Permission: The Home Depot Saga

Before we could start filming, I had to get permission to shoot inside Home Depot. At first, I thought this would be simple, I’d just call and ask. So, I did. And they said no. 

I wasn’t ready to give up yet, so I tried Lowe’s instead. When I called, they told me I had to contact corporate. So I did. Corporate then told me to call the store manager. At that point, I felt like I was being sent in circles. 

This was me in class going in circles calling again and again.

Something about the email Home Depot sent me felt off, though. The way it was written just didn’t seem like a solid “no.” Not to mention how they messed up some sentences which I know happens and nobody's perfect but for such a big brand something fell off.

This is the reply I got which felt weird.

I had a feeling that if I went in person and actually talked to someone, I could get them to say yes. So, I did just that. I walked in, asked to speak to the manager, and explained my situation. And guess what? They said yes! 

Moral of the story: Sometimes, emails and phone calls won’t get you what you need. But showing up in person and asking confidently can make all the difference.