Auto part store idiots
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
As a former auto parts store manager I can tell you that there is a lack of qualified applicants for parts store salespersons. However, I could fill volumes of encylopedia size books of memories about customers "shortcomings" when they are repairing their own vehicles. Vehicle year, make, model, engine size, transmission type, do matter. i used to always get a kick out of the "they are all the same" comment. Do the parts guy a favor by writing down all the proper information on a recipie card. include your VIN# and all the build date information from your door post sticker. This is especially important when you are being an a-h*le by sending your wife in without this information.
BTW - Thanks, I managed a NAPA for 7+ yrs + 2 other chain stores since 1982.
Go to the jobber/supplier stores for the repair shops in your area. They pay their people better and usually hire only ASE certified / experienced staff.
I always gave prefered applications to farm kids. Good work ethics and afraid of a "boot in the ***" if the screwed-up.
BTW - Thanks, I managed a NAPA for 7+ yrs + 2 other chain stores since 1982.
Go to the jobber/supplier stores for the repair shops in your area. They pay their people better and usually hire only ASE certified / experienced staff.
I always gave prefered applications to farm kids. Good work ethics and afraid of a "boot in the ***" if the screwed-up.
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,811
Likes: 1
I work behind the counter in an automotive store,
sometimes I'm called a genius sometimes I'm called much more.
I claim I'm no mechanic, yet when the job goes sick,
the mechanic comes and ask me what makes this damn thing tic?
I'm an engineer and machinist and whatnot O' my lord,
I'm suppose to be an Edison combined with Henry Ford.
But my day would be a pleasure and I'd grin from ear to ear,
If the customer could only tell me the model the make and the year.
author unknown
Ed
sometimes I'm called a genius sometimes I'm called much more.
I claim I'm no mechanic, yet when the job goes sick,
the mechanic comes and ask me what makes this damn thing tic?
I'm an engineer and machinist and whatnot O' my lord,
I'm suppose to be an Edison combined with Henry Ford.
But my day would be a pleasure and I'd grin from ear to ear,
If the customer could only tell me the model the make and the year.
author unknown
Ed
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
In todays day and age, if you think you know what you are doing getting parts, then get online and pre-buy at the company websites. Cuz if you cannot tell via the description from the electronic catalog, then likely neither can the sales person.
High traffic parts like brake pads may have millions of re-badged makers, but the more obscure stuff has 1-2 makers and the part numbers are valid at all chains.
NAPA is in a bad place right now - the big boss decided they were going to FelPro gaskets (owner: federal mogul) and Dana (owner of old supplied victor reinz) threw a hissy fit and cut off all parts access thru the preferred buyer outlet.
as a result - napa is currently about useless. add to the fact they dont have a decent online presence....
High traffic parts like brake pads may have millions of re-badged makers, but the more obscure stuff has 1-2 makers and the part numbers are valid at all chains.
NAPA is in a bad place right now - the big boss decided they were going to FelPro gaskets (owner: federal mogul) and Dana (owner of old supplied victor reinz) threw a hissy fit and cut off all parts access thru the preferred buyer outlet.
as a result - napa is currently about useless. add to the fact they dont have a decent online presence....
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
Go to the jobber/supplier stores for the repair shops in your area. They pay their people better and usually hire only ASE certified / experienced staff.
I always gave prefered applications to farm kids. Good work ethics and afraid of a "boot in the ***" if the screwed-up.
I always gave prefered applications to farm kids. Good work ethics and afraid of a "boot in the ***" if the screwed-up.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 33,908
Likes: 244
From: Johnstown, PA
I do a fair share of business with AutoZone or Advance, but it's for small stuff - wipers, lights, miscellaneous little things, some cleaning/waxing supplies...or if I need it NOW and can't wait for an order. I do have 2 better stores and a good Ford dealership parts department, all of whom supply the repair shops in the area, that I deal with for the more serious work. Of course I order from a variety of reputable online suppliers as well.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
I always gave prefered applications to farm kids. Good work ethics and afraid of a "boot in the ***" if the screwed-up.[/quote]
That comes from a good upbringing, my kids still say yes sir and yes ma'am. Around here unfortunately, you get the looks, the lazy attitude, the pants being worn down around thier *** and all that good stuff.
If younger employees took the tome to show some appreciation for being hired and being given a chance to earn a paycheck, businesses like parts stores wouldn't have the bad rep that they have today.
Sorry to hyjack.
Tim
That comes from a good upbringing, my kids still say yes sir and yes ma'am. Around here unfortunately, you get the looks, the lazy attitude, the pants being worn down around thier *** and all that good stuff.
If younger employees took the tome to show some appreciation for being hired and being given a chance to earn a paycheck, businesses like parts stores wouldn't have the bad rep that they have today.
Sorry to hyjack.
Tim
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,507
Likes: 5,563
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
we have 7 different auto parts stores in a 15 mile radius.
national, d&d, pep boys, r&s strauss, wallyworld, k-mart, and napa.
all the gas stations, body shops, repair shops, trucking companys, bus companys, and people that know buy from napa.
everyone else buys from the others.
one guy actually came into the napa the other day complaining about pep boys not knowing what spark plug wires his car used. when asked what kind of car, he said toyoda.
what kind of toyoda?
green.
what engine??
little one.
engine size?
i told you, it's a little one.
where is the car, so i can see what it is?
oh it's home. it don't run, that is why i need spark plug wires.
well, than i can't sell you plug wires, cause i don't know what it uses either.
the guy left saying he could not understand why WE were so stupid.
national, d&d, pep boys, r&s strauss, wallyworld, k-mart, and napa.
all the gas stations, body shops, repair shops, trucking companys, bus companys, and people that know buy from napa.
everyone else buys from the others.
one guy actually came into the napa the other day complaining about pep boys not knowing what spark plug wires his car used. when asked what kind of car, he said toyoda.
what kind of toyoda?
green.
what engine??
little one.
engine size?
i told you, it's a little one.
where is the car, so i can see what it is?
oh it's home. it don't run, that is why i need spark plug wires.
well, than i can't sell you plug wires, cause i don't know what it uses either.
the guy left saying he could not understand why WE were so stupid.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 33,908
Likes: 244
From: Johnstown, PA
we have 7 different auto parts stores in a 15 mile radius.
national, d&d, pep boys, r&s strauss, wallyworld, k-mart, and napa.
all the gas stations, body shops, repair shops, trucking companys, bus companys, and people that know buy from napa.
everyone else buys from the others.
one guy actually came into the napa the other day complaining about pep boys not knowing what spark plug wires his car used. when asked what kind of car, he said toyoda.
what kind of toyoda?
green.
what engine??
little one.
engine size?
i told you, it's a little one.
where is the car, so i can see what it is?
oh it's home. it don't run, that is why i need spark plug wires.
well, than i can't sell you plug wires, cause i don't know what it uses either.
the guy left saying he could not understand why WE were so stupid.
national, d&d, pep boys, r&s strauss, wallyworld, k-mart, and napa.
all the gas stations, body shops, repair shops, trucking companys, bus companys, and people that know buy from napa.
everyone else buys from the others.
one guy actually came into the napa the other day complaining about pep boys not knowing what spark plug wires his car used. when asked what kind of car, he said toyoda.
what kind of toyoda?
green.
what engine??
little one.
engine size?
i told you, it's a little one.
where is the car, so i can see what it is?
oh it's home. it don't run, that is why i need spark plug wires.
well, than i can't sell you plug wires, cause i don't know what it uses either.
the guy left saying he could not understand why WE were so stupid.
? It helps if you know your car so that the guy at the parts counter - and I mean ANY parts counter - can have a shot at helping you.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
I have encounterd the stupidity factor at numerous parts places (Advanced, AUto Zone, Pep Boys, National Auto) I run demo derby cars and when I need simple parts like oil filters and oil wire, connectors, I go to one of those chain stores. Even when I need all that plus wax, wiperblades, fuel filters I tend to go to those as well. But I have 2 stores where I get to talk to people that know what they are talking about. One is a NAPA store where the owner also built his own street rod. Another is a family owner store. I have walked into that family owned store, and have been able to just say I have a 90's 302 that needs plugs or something else like that, he goes to the back and brings it up. Doesnt even need to look it up, and it is right everytime. Only reason I dont get everything there is because he doesnt deal with Castrol oil or Pureolater filters.
At the NAPA, I asked the guy for a mini spool for a 9 inch rear. All I needed was the spline count for him.
At the NAPA, I asked the guy for a mini spool for a 9 inch rear. All I needed was the spline count for him.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,956
Likes: 10
From: MD
Shop online at FTE sponsor Auto Parts Fast at RockAuto is what I do. I also research parts numbers...because today, you have to! I'm getting pretty good at older part numbers. Newer...hell, screw it.
I asked my local dealer a mile from my home if they had any '60s or '70s parts catalogs or microfiche/viewers. They look at me with deer in the headlights. Ok, that's one dealer I will never use.
I only go in NAPA if I have to. And there, there's a guy who knows me very well. Whenever I come in, he always ask me if I need to order anything. I haven't been treated like that in oh....well, it's been THAT long.
And yes, you do need a car to begin with. Year, make, model, engine, and transmission sir?
I asked my local dealer a mile from my home if they had any '60s or '70s parts catalogs or microfiche/viewers. They look at me with deer in the headlights. Ok, that's one dealer I will never use.
I only go in NAPA if I have to. And there, there's a guy who knows me very well. Whenever I come in, he always ask me if I need to order anything. I haven't been treated like that in oh....well, it's been THAT long.
And yes, you do need a car to begin with. Year, make, model, engine, and transmission sir?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
I work behind the counter in an automotive store,
Sometimes I'm called a genius, sometimes I'm called much more.
I'm supposed to know the numbers, of bolts, nut and gears,
for every vehicle that was ever made for over 60 years.
I claim I'm no mechanic, yet when the job goes sick,
the mechanic comes and ask me what makes this damn thing tic?
I'm an engineer and machinist and whatnot O' my lord,
I'm suppose to be an Edison, combined with Henry Ford.
But life would be a pleasure and I'd grin from ear to ear,
If the customer would only tell me the make, model and year!
Sometimes I'm called a genius, sometimes I'm called much more.
I'm supposed to know the numbers, of bolts, nut and gears,
for every vehicle that was ever made for over 60 years.
I claim I'm no mechanic, yet when the job goes sick,
the mechanic comes and ask me what makes this damn thing tic?
I'm an engineer and machinist and whatnot O' my lord,
I'm suppose to be an Edison, combined with Henry Ford.
But life would be a pleasure and I'd grin from ear to ear,
If the customer would only tell me the make, model and year!
People ask questions everyday here on FTE without giving one SHRED OF EVIDENCE on what the hell they are working on.
And...then they wonder why no one responds.
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 5
From: Northern Arizona
Yep, managed a retail pool supply store for 8 years. Lotsa wacky customer stories!
Ya know, with most cell phones having built in digital cameras, you would think people would at least take a picture of the vehicle, engine, or whatever to show and help out the parts guy. Guess that's asking too much though.
Ya know, with most cell phones having built in digital cameras, you would think people would at least take a picture of the vehicle, engine, or whatever to show and help out the parts guy. Guess that's asking too much though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 20
From: Nixa
Back in 1985 I worked at Grand Auto in California. One day A guy came in needing axle bearings for a 1968 Jeep I/2 pick up. So I looked it up gave him the parts, and he walks home to put them in. Well he came back says they are too small, Ok you must have a 3/4 ton. I again look up the parts, give them to him and he walks home again. And again he comes back, they are wrong too, and he's all pissy at me. There's no other part numbers, so I was about to get off work for the day. I tell him I'll drive him home and see what he's got. As soon as I see what he's got, I tell him what the problem was. He had a Ford Dana 60 in the front and a Chevy 14 bolt in the rear. If he had bothered getting the numbers off the axle in the first place, he would have gotten the right parts the first time. I drove him back to the store, looked up the parts gave them too him and drove him home again, and helped him put them in. Wouldn't you know it, they were right.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
I could write a book on all the idiots I waited on at the Ford parts counters that had absolutely no clue.
Here's one: Around 1977, a guy comes in to Crenshaw Motors Ford, says he needs a roof emblem for an LTD.
I ask him what year it is, he says..."they're all the same." (Uh huh-yeah right)
So instead of arguing, I sell him one for a 1971 LTD, the next day he's back..."You sold me the wrong part!"
I said..."I sold you EXACTLY what you asked for...I asked you what year it was, you said they were all the same."
He stood there like a rock...then sheepishly admitted that they prolly were NOT all the same.
Here's one: Around 1977, a guy comes in to Crenshaw Motors Ford, says he needs a roof emblem for an LTD.
I ask him what year it is, he says..."they're all the same." (Uh huh-yeah right)
So instead of arguing, I sell him one for a 1971 LTD, the next day he's back..."You sold me the wrong part!"
I said..."I sold you EXACTLY what you asked for...I asked you what year it was, you said they were all the same."
He stood there like a rock...then sheepishly admitted that they prolly were NOT all the same.