Hero or hothead? Controversial move by tradie at Bunnings sparks debate on social media

It's a story that's gained plenty of attention on social media recently, with hundreds expressing their opinion on a Sydney tradie's weekend stunt at Bunnings Warehouse.

The unsung hero of DIY enthusiasts and home renovators is James Aikten, who took a rather bold stand against a common problem at the home improvement store: customers who take advantage of the 'load and go' trade entry.



The head-turning move took place at the Bunnings in Artarmon on the lower North Shore of Sydney.

Sharing a funny photo of the saga online, a clearly fed up Mr Aikten vented his frustration at shoppers who misuse the trade entry and slow down his own purchases.

'This one's for every tradie that's been held up during the week at Bunnings by people that use the trade entry as easy access, taking their sweet time and looking through the nursery,' he wrote.


Screen Shot 2023-03-15 at 9.25.16 AM.png
A row of cars parked inside the Bunnings store was holding tradies up. Credit: Facebook.



Then he went one step further – he double-parked his vehicle, blocking all the other cars in the undercover area.

'I double parked, blocking them all in at Artarmon Bunnings last Sunday,' he wrote, adding that all the calls made over the loudspeaker to move his ute only made him take longer.

'That just made me take my time and let them know that's how we feel during the week when we're trying to get work done and are held up by them,' he continued.



He also extended a shout-out to the person who helped him out in the caper – a fellow builder.

'Big thanks to the builder in the black ute,' he said. 'He saw what I did and just sat in his ute, keeping the mayhem boiling along, enjoying every minute.'


Screen Shot 2023-03-15 at 9.25.22 AM.png
A tradie decided to double-park at a loading area in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up by using 'the trade entry as easy access'. Credit: Facebook.



As is often the case with social media, the comments on Mr Aikten's post were all over the place. Some people saw his double parking as a hilarious and brilliant move and were quick to express their support and admiration.

'Love this. I'll remember to do this next week,' one user commented, while another added, 'Not all heroes wear capes! Keep fighting the good fight, brave knight!'

Others, however, felt that his actions were immature and inappropriate. Some pointed out that the loading area isn't just for tradies and that anyone who needs to load bulky goods or timber can use it.

'Suck it up, princess. It’s not just for tradies,' someone commented.



Despite the mixed reactions, it's clear that the bold move struck a chord with many people. Some praised him as a hero, while others commended him for speaking out against a common problem at Bunnings.

Whatever your opinion on the matter is, it can't be denied this is a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed.

Key Takeaways

  • A tradie pulled a stunt in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up.
  • He double-parked his ute, blocking customers in the loading area and taking his 'sweet time'.
  • The post quickly garnered a mix of reactions, with some approving of the tradie's actions and others thinking it was inappropriate.

What can we do to help? We can use the regular entry and car park instead.

Members, what do you think? Have you ever been frustrated because of individuals taking up space in the load-and-go area? Share your stories below, and let's start a conversation.
 
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It's a story that's gained plenty of attention on social media recently, with hundreds expressing their opinion on a Sydney tradie's weekend stunt at Bunnings Warehouse.

The unsung hero of DIY enthusiasts and home renovators is James Aikten, who took a rather bold stand against a common problem at the home improvement store: customers who take advantage of the 'load and go' trade entry.



The head-turning move took place at the Bunnings in Artarmon on the lower North Shore of Sydney.

Sharing a funny photo of the saga online, a clearly fed up Mr Aikten vented his frustration at shoppers who misuse the trade entry and slow down his own purchases.

'This one's for every tradie that's been held up during the week at Bunnings by people that use the trade entry as easy access, taking their sweet time and looking through the nursery,' he wrote.


View attachment 15624
A row of cars parked inside the Bunnings store was holding tradies up. Credit: Facebook.



Then he went one step further – he double-parked his vehicle, blocking all the other cars in the undercover area.

'I double parked, blocking them all in at Artarmon Bunnings last Sunday,' he wrote, adding that all the calls made over the loudspeaker to move his ute only made him take longer.

'That just made me take my time and let them know that's how we feel during the week when we're trying to get work done and are held up by them,' he continued.



He also extended a shout-out to the person who helped him out in the caper – a fellow builder.

'Big thanks to the builder in the black ute,' he said. 'He saw what I did and just sat in his ute, keeping the mayhem boiling along, enjoying every minute.'


View attachment 15623
A tradie decided to double-park at a loading area in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up by using 'the trade entry as easy access'. Credit: Facebook.



As is often the case with social media, the comments on Mr Aikten's post were all over the place. Some people saw his double parking as a hilarious and brilliant move and were quick to express their support and admiration.

'Love this. I'll remember to do this next week,' one user commented, while another added, 'Not all heroes wear capes! Keep fighting the good fight, brave knight!'

Others, however, felt that his actions were immature and inappropriate. Some pointed out that the loading area isn't just for tradies and that anyone who needs to load bulky goods or timber can use it.

'Suck it up, princess. It’s not just for tradies,' someone commented.



Despite the mixed reactions, it's clear that the bold move struck a chord with many people. Some praised him as a hero, while others commended him for speaking out against a common problem at Bunnings.

Whatever your opinion on the matter is, it can't be denied this is a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed.

Key Takeaways

  • A tradie pulled a stunt in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up.
  • He double-parked his ute, blocking customers in the loading area and taking his 'sweet time'.
  • The post quickly garnered a mix of reactions, with some approving of the tradie's actions and others thinking it was inappropriate.

What can we do to help? We can use the regular entry and car park instead.

Members, what do you think? Have you ever been frustrated because of individuals taking up space in the load-and-go area? Share your stories below, and let's start a conversation.
Bunnings management problem. Looks like they are weak. Two wrongs. Don't make it right.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bellclare and Ricci
It's a story that's gained plenty of attention on social media recently, with hundreds expressing their opinion on a Sydney tradie's weekend stunt at Bunnings Warehouse.

The unsung hero of DIY enthusiasts and home renovators is James Aikten, who took a rather bold stand against a common problem at the home improvement store: customers who take advantage of the 'load and go' trade entry.



The head-turning move took place at the Bunnings in Artarmon on the lower North Shore of Sydney.

Sharing a funny photo of the saga online, a clearly fed up Mr Aikten vented his frustration at shoppers who misuse the trade entry and slow down his own purchases.

'This one's for every tradie that's been held up during the week at Bunnings by people that use the trade entry as easy access, taking their sweet time and looking through the nursery,' he wrote.


View attachment 15624
A row of cars parked inside the Bunnings store was holding tradies up. Credit: Facebook.



Then he went one step further – he double-parked his vehicle, blocking all the other cars in the undercover area.

'I double parked, blocking them all in at Artarmon Bunnings last Sunday,' he wrote, adding that all the calls made over the loudspeaker to move his ute only made him take longer.

'That just made me take my time and let them know that's how we feel during the week when we're trying to get work done and are held up by them,' he continued.



He also extended a shout-out to the person who helped him out in the caper – a fellow builder.

'Big thanks to the builder in the black ute,' he said. 'He saw what I did and just sat in his ute, keeping the mayhem boiling along, enjoying every minute.'


View attachment 15623
A tradie decided to double-park at a loading area in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up by using 'the trade entry as easy access'. Credit: Facebook.



As is often the case with social media, the comments on Mr Aikten's post were all over the place. Some people saw his double parking as a hilarious and brilliant move and were quick to express their support and admiration.

'Love this. I'll remember to do this next week,' one user commented, while another added, 'Not all heroes wear capes! Keep fighting the good fight, brave knight!'

Others, however, felt that his actions were immature and inappropriate. Some pointed out that the loading area isn't just for tradies and that anyone who needs to load bulky goods or timber can use it.

'Suck it up, princess. It’s not just for tradies,' someone commented.



Despite the mixed reactions, it's clear that the bold move struck a chord with many people. Some praised him as a hero, while others commended him for speaking out against a common problem at Bunnings.

Whatever your opinion on the matter is, it can't be denied this is a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed.

Key Takeaways

  • A tradie pulled a stunt in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up.
  • He double-parked his ute, blocking customers in the loading area and taking his 'sweet time'.
  • The post quickly garnered a mix of reactions, with some approving of the tradie's actions and others thinking it was inappropriate.

What can we do to help? We can use the regular entry and car park instead.

Members, what do you think? Have you ever been frustrated because of individuals taking up space in the load-and-go area? Share your stories below, and let's start a conversation.
Personal shoppers should use the regular carpark.

Bunnings has huge trolleys for larger items.

If/when an item purchased is too large, ask staff for help.

We did this last week at Bunnings Burleigh. The staff member was just great, he:

1. Got a trolley;

2. Lifted the large box containing a laundry tub on to the trolley;

3. Pushed the trolley with us through the checkout; and

4. Pushed the trolley and loaded the item in to our vehicle.

Thanks to the staff member who was so nice and kind.
 
No where at Bunnings have I ever seen a sign saying "tradies only" so why does he think it is exclusively for them. There are many home DIYers who also need to pick up heavy items, timber, cement, doors, etc.
I do believe Bunnings should have a sign making it quite clear that this is a pick up area only and not a parking bay. All this cretin did was make a bad situation worse .
 
Recently I went to Bunnings and bought 24 besser blocks plus 12 'cappers' for them.

According to the "only for tradies" theory I should have carted them through the store to the main carpark. Don't think so!

Simple fix if people are going browsing elsewhere in the store while parked in back area would be to put a checkout in there and make access to the main section "staff only".
 
It's a story that's gained plenty of attention on social media recently, with hundreds expressing their opinion on a Sydney tradie's weekend stunt at Bunnings Warehouse.

The unsung hero of DIY enthusiasts and home renovators is James Aikten, who took a rather bold stand against a common problem at the home improvement store: customers who take advantage of the 'load and go' trade entry.



The head-turning move took place at the Bunnings in Artarmon on the lower North Shore of Sydney.

Sharing a funny photo of the saga online, a clearly fed up Mr Aikten vented his frustration at shoppers who misuse the trade entry and slow down his own purchases.

'This one's for every tradie that's been held up during the week at Bunnings by people that use the trade entry as easy access, taking their sweet time and looking through the nursery,' he wrote.


View attachment 15624
A row of cars parked inside the Bunnings store was holding tradies up. Credit: Facebook.



Then he went one step further – he double-parked his vehicle, blocking all the other cars in the undercover area.

'I double parked, blocking them all in at Artarmon Bunnings last Sunday,' he wrote, adding that all the calls made over the loudspeaker to move his ute only made him take longer.

'That just made me take my time and let them know that's how we feel during the week when we're trying to get work done and are held up by them,' he continued.



He also extended a shout-out to the person who helped him out in the caper – a fellow builder.

'Big thanks to the builder in the black ute,' he said. 'He saw what I did and just sat in his ute, keeping the mayhem boiling along, enjoying every minute.'


View attachment 15623
A tradie decided to double-park at a loading area in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up by using 'the trade entry as easy access'. Credit: Facebook.



As is often the case with social media, the comments on Mr Aikten's post were all over the place. Some people saw his double parking as a hilarious and brilliant move and were quick to express their support and admiration.

'Love this. I'll remember to do this next week,' one user commented, while another added, 'Not all heroes wear capes! Keep fighting the good fight, brave knight!'

Others, however, felt that his actions were immature and inappropriate. Some pointed out that the loading area isn't just for tradies and that anyone who needs to load bulky goods or timber can use it.

'Suck it up, princess. It’s not just for tradies,' someone commented.



Despite the mixed reactions, it's clear that the bold move struck a chord with many people. Some praised him as a hero, while others commended him for speaking out against a common problem at Bunnings.

Whatever your opinion on the matter is, it can't be denied this is a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed.

Key Takeaways

  • A tradie pulled a stunt in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up.
  • He double-parked his ute, blocking customers in the loading area and taking his 'sweet time'.
  • The post quickly garnered a mix of reactions, with some approving of the tradie's actions and others thinking it was inappropriate.

What can we do to help? We can use the regular entry and car park instead.

Members, what do you think? Have you ever been frustrated because of individuals taking up space in the load-and-go area? Share your stories below, and let's start a conversation.
Some Bunnings stores in Brisbane area have covered car parks or under the building car parks which is what everyone wants, instead of a stinking hot interior of the vehicle. This is probably why some folk decided to use the Tradie entrance - because its all under cover :)
 
Personal shoppers should use the regular carpark.

Bunnings has huge trolleys for larger items.

If/when an item purchased is too large, ask staff for help.

We did this last week at Bunnings Burleigh. The staff member was just great, he:

1. Got a trolley;

2. Lifted the large box containing a laundry tub on to the trolley;

3. Pushed the trolley with us through the checkout; and

4. Pushed the trolley and loaded the item in to our vehicle.

Thanks to the staff member who was so nice and kind.
This might be fine in your scenario, but if you need timber, flooring, hardiflex, etc etc, these items are stored in this area, and the tradies would be equally "p*"*ed off" if people were wandering around this area with a big trolley, most of which are no where near big enough for these types of items and need to be loaded directly onto a ute, trailer, etc.
If you do happen to do this and then go through the general area then people complain about you being in their way, how long you take at the general check out, etc etc.
No the park and load area is for this type of products and is not, in my humble opinion, exclusively for tradies, some of whom have an over inflated idea of their own importance.
Yes, they have busy days, but surprise, surprise, so do we all.
 
Although in one aspect I can understand the frustration of this tradie and agree that if you are there to browse then park in the huge car park that is available. However my husband and I have been in the "so called Trade entrance" to pick up some wood and have found that one man came in couldn't park on the side because others were there picking up what they needed and decided to park next to the first car completely blocking off anyone who might be finished and ready to leave. I would have to assume as it was a weekend it was someone like ourselves who were there to pick up what they needed for their DYI project. This is where the staff at Bunnings need to step up and stop the man from walking off leaving the area blocked. In that area there are always staff, not like the rest of the store where it is at times hard to find anyone to assist you.
 
This might be fine in your scenario, but if you need timber, flooring, hardiflex, etc etc, these items are stored in this area, and the tradies would be equally "p*"*ed off" if people were wandering around this area with a big trolley, most of which are no where near big enough for these types of items and need to be loaded directly onto a ute, trailer, etc.
If you do happen to do this and then go through the general area then people complain about you being in their way, how long you take at the general check out, etc etc.
No the park and load area is for this type of products and is not, in my humble opinion, exclusively for tradies, some of whom have an over inflated idea of their own importance.
Yes, they have busy days, but surprise, surprise, so do we all.
Shop online. Home delivery. It's 2023.
 
It's a story that's gained plenty of attention on social media recently, with hundreds expressing their opinion on a Sydney tradie's weekend stunt at Bunnings Warehouse.

The unsung hero of DIY enthusiasts and home renovators is James Aikten, who took a rather bold stand against a common problem at the home improvement store: customers who take advantage of the 'load and go' trade entry.



The head-turning move took place at the Bunnings in Artarmon on the lower North Shore of Sydney.

Sharing a funny photo of the saga online, a clearly fed up Mr Aikten vented his frustration at shoppers who misuse the trade entry and slow down his own purchases.

'This one's for every tradie that's been held up during the week at Bunnings by people that use the trade entry as easy access, taking their sweet time and looking through the nursery,' he wrote.


View attachment 15624
A row of cars parked inside the Bunnings store was holding tradies up. Credit: Facebook.



Then he went one step further – he double-parked his vehicle, blocking all the other cars in the undercover area.

'I double parked, blocking them all in at Artarmon Bunnings last Sunday,' he wrote, adding that all the calls made over the loudspeaker to move his ute only made him take longer.

'That just made me take my time and let them know that's how we feel during the week when we're trying to get work done and are held up by them,' he continued.



He also extended a shout-out to the person who helped him out in the caper – a fellow builder.

'Big thanks to the builder in the black ute,' he said. 'He saw what I did and just sat in his ute, keeping the mayhem boiling along, enjoying every minute.'


View attachment 15623
A tradie decided to double-park at a loading area in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up by using 'the trade entry as easy access'. Credit: Facebook.



As is often the case with social media, the comments on Mr Aikten's post were all over the place. Some people saw his double parking as a hilarious and brilliant move and were quick to express their support and admiration.

'Love this. I'll remember to do this next week,' one user commented, while another added, 'Not all heroes wear capes! Keep fighting the good fight, brave knight!'

Others, however, felt that his actions were immature and inappropriate. Some pointed out that the loading area isn't just for tradies and that anyone who needs to load bulky goods or timber can use it.

'Suck it up, princess. It’s not just for tradies,' someone commented.



Despite the mixed reactions, it's clear that the bold move struck a chord with many people. Some praised him as a hero, while others commended him for speaking out against a common problem at Bunnings.

Whatever your opinion on the matter is, it can't be denied this is a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed.

Key Takeaways

  • A tradie pulled a stunt in Bunnings to get back at customers who he claims held him up.
  • He double-parked his ute, blocking customers in the loading area and taking his 'sweet time'.
  • The post quickly garnered a mix of reactions, with some approving of the tradie's actions and others thinking it was inappropriate.

What can we do to help? We can use the regular entry and car park instead.

Members, what do you think? Have you ever been frustrated because of individuals taking up space in the load-and-go area? Share your stories below, and let's start a conversation.
Whenever I have to use these spaces,I'm in and out like a honeymooners Johnson? as I know how essential they can be?
 
This might be fine in your scenario, but if you need timber, flooring, hardiflex, etc etc, these items are stored in this area, and the tradies would be equally "p*"*ed off" if people were wandering around this area with a big trolley, most of which are no where near big enough for these types of items and need to be loaded directly onto a ute, trailer, etc.
If you do happen to do this and then go through the general area then people complain about you being in their way, how long you take at the general check out, etc etc.
No the park and load area is for this type of products and is not, in my humble opinion, exclusively for tradies, some of whom have an over inflated idea of their own importance.
Yes, they have busy days, but surprise, surprise, so do we all.
I don't think tradies object to utes or trailers obviously getting heavy stuff, but so many are just light cars or hatchbacks. You don't load flooring, hardiflex or lengths of timber into a car!
 
Bunnings has marked out designated parking spaces, with a time limit, in the heavy load area. It doesn't exist only for tradies.
I've been frustrated while waiting for a bay, seeing people treat it like any other car park and saunter off to shop.
Poles and multiple bags of cement can't go through the normal checkout.
Park, load and go should be on a big, bold sign.
Bunnings staff should slap a very sticky sticker on offenders windscreens. for those who outstay their time.
 
I only use this area if I have already paid for large bulky items in the store and just use the drive through for a quick pick up, like fencing timber, doors etc, things that are just too awkward to take through the front checkouts. Maybe they should have two lanes one for Tradies & another for other customers. I must admit though, I've been held up behind a Tradie as well in the pick up area, unfortunately it works both ways, patience is needed.
 
I didn't know you were allowed to park there. I assumed it was just an area to pick bigger things up and keep it moving.
 
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Reactions: TheBear
Obviously I realise this, but the same area also stores all the bags of cement, brickies sand, etc and people can and we have put these things in our sedan and use our ute for larger items.
The point I was making is that this area is not exclusively for tradies and the people you think are just floating around are probably trying to find what they are looking for.
Unlike myself and my husband, who seem to spend a life time in Bunnings and know just about where everything is, many people do not and we are often asked by people where they can find items in this so called "tradies area" not.
Bunnings employees should obviously move on anybody who is just browsing, if you don't know what you are looking for you should park in the carpark, go in on foot, find what you need, return and get your car and go back and pick it up.


I don't think tradies object to utes or trailers obviously getting heavy stuff, but so many are just light cars or hatchbacks. You don't load flooring, hardiflex or lengths of timber into a car!
 

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