Home Depot employees don't receive discounts. Instead, all employees that work an average of 20hrs a week are eligible for benefits (dental/drug). All employees have stock shares and receive quarterly bonuses (assuming your store has reached Plan).

However, many times when a product is on clearance, employees are the first to hear about it. We are the first to hear when BBQ models are on sale, when cull lumber is available or when there's a decent colour with the mistinted paint. If there's overstock that goes on manager special, employees are the first in line to buy it. No insider information — just the advantage of being there before/after hours. If you know the business well enough, you'll become familiar with profit margins and know where you can receive a decent discount if you ask a supervisor. (FYI, profit margins in lumber are less than 10% so it's the hardest department to receive discounts unless the lumber is in terrible shape)

Home Depot empowers their employees and allows them to discount specific items up to $50, no questions ing to buy a $30 can of paint and it's sold out, a Home Depot employee can give you a better quality can of paint for the same price or knock off $10 on a cheaper can of paint. You can use this to your advantage if you don't abuse it.