Unqualified parts people.....

gunbunny good factual statement, also in the boxes it has gone from rebuilding to replacing from technicians to part changers. 95% of the time the idiot behind the counter can get it right.

After 37 years in automotive 20+ as a tech. I wonder the opposite how are these guys able repair automobiles? Drivability and diagnosis? in more cases than not, is throwing parts at the problem... 20% of the time the Professional technicians guess on what they are working on! And expect to get the correct part?

sometimes you need to pay for what you need knowledge, but most of the time you do not. It is a numbers game low payroll lower prices, high payroll high prices. again 95+% of the time low payroll will get it right. Or do you pay 95+% more of the time for the few % that you need that knowledge? You guys have your 1st 2nd 3rd calls and know who to call. But MOSTLY the calls are for PRICE not knowledge.
If NAPA/ CarQuest are your first calls you could be a much more profitable business in no time going a different route.