Parts Store Rant, the other side of the story

-
dusterglenn

dusterglenn

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Messages
352
Reaction score
21
Location
Victoria BC
How many times have you seen somebody on a messageboard rant about the uselessness of their local parts store? Maybe I notice it more, because I'm one of those guys behind the counter. Not always, but sometimes I think it might actually be the customer. Here's my free advice.

Try to know what the vehicle is that you're working on. Don't guess at the year, they're not "all the same". Year/make/model is a good starting point. If you're working on drum brakes, measure the diameter at least(sometimes you can read the max diameter on the drum) there's almost always 2 choices. If you don't have the car with you, write down the VIN#, at the very least it can tell you the model year, and engine choice(on domestics). Don't get upset if we're not experts on your particular vehicle. We need to know a little bit about any year,make, model that rolls in the parking lot. Only the dealership guys can be specialists, in the aftermarket we need to be generalists. Most important, don't get bent out of shape over questions. What might seem like a stupid question, is what the catalog designer thought would be the easiest way to identify specific options. We're just trying to find you the right parts. Taking back returns, is a pain in the ***.
Years ago I remember a co-worker telling a customer
1- I've never seen your car before.
2- I don't know how your car was optioned.
3- The only clues I have, are what you've told me.
 
dusterglenn said:
How many times have you seen somebody on a messageboard rant about the uselessness of their local parts store? Maybe I notice it more, because I'm one of those guys behind the counter. Not always, but sometimes I think it might actually be the customer. Here's my free advice.

Try to know what the vehicle is that you're working on. Don't guess at the year, they're not "all the same". Year/make/model is a good starting point. If you're working on drum brakes, measure the diameter at least(sometimes you can read the max diameter on the drum) there's almost always 2 choices. If you don't have the car with you, write down the VIN#, at the very least it can tell you the model year, and engine choice(on domestics). Don't get upset if we're not experts on your particular vehicle. We need to know a little bit about any year,make, model that rolls in the parking lot. Only the dealership guys can be specialists, in the aftermarket we need to be generalists. Most important, don't get bent out of shape over questions. What might seem like a stupid question, is what the catalog designer thought would be the easiest way to identify specific options. We're just trying to find you the right parts. Taking back returns, is a pain in the ***.
Years ago I remember a co-worker telling a customer
1- I've never seen your car before.
2- I don't know how your car was optioned.
3- The only clues I have, are what you've told me.
Click to expand...

doesnt change thats it frustrating when they ask for engine size/cab configuration when you're asking for a light bulb or something small like that. :angry7:

And don't get me started when i go in and ask for 5 spark plugs(5cylinder daily driver truck). Not so much a problem now that they're common, but a few years ago it was a pita.
 
First, let me say that good parts guys are gold! That said, I think some of the problem is the computer systems they use. Some programmer who doesn't know which end of a screwdriver to hold on to, probably designed them. We all want to get the correct parts but it's frustrating sometimes when we have to answer a bunch of irrelavent questions (Model, 1/2, 3/4, 1 ton, 4x2, 4x4, A/C, P/S, 2bbl, 4bbl, automatic, etc. just to get a valve cover gasket. The best parts guys I deal with, know the part number without giving the 3rd degree but they are few and far between. I appologize in advance for my sighs on the phone......
Thanks, Mark
 
I understand your frustration, but I went to autozone a few months ago looking for a degree wheel, because I couldn't find mine. The three guys working there had no clue what I was talking about. Another time I went to buy new ball joints for my dart. The guy behind the counter wanted to know what part of the car the ball joint was on so he could look it up. I am sure that you work with people that know very little about cars. My biggest complaint is how do you get a job at a parts store and not know what part of a car a ball joint goes on?

Most of the time I shop at Napa, because they are a little better. Now when I plan on going to Autozone I will look up part numbers online and print them off for them so they just have to pull it from the shelf. Makes their job easier because then they are just cashiers.
 
I am a parts guy, but alas I'm a performance parts guy, Commonly what I will do is grab a part number head down to napa and give it to the guy. makes it easy. These days I avoid places that have the kids, Canadian Tire, Part Source, etc. I deal with Napa, and on the odd time Part Source if I can get the older guy who knows what he's talking about.
 
being a parts guy, yes you are right, I saw way to many people cycle through who were only cashiers and they were expected to do what we do. It got a lot better when I moved to a dealership and I was dealing with mechanics who knew what they were doing and expected us to know what we were doing.
 
I hate to say it but the cute girl alway's get's me the right part, every time and if she's given me the wrong part it's no big deal to back and try again....:cheers:
 
I grew up with a girl who was a squirrelly as they come. I hadn't seen her in a few years and while looking for parts one day at the local AZ she was working the counter. Suprisingly she new exactly what I needed and where to find it.
I have since moved and shop at the local CarQuest. They are good, know what I need and give me bubba pricing. :read2:
 
dusterglenn said:
How many times have you seen somebody on a messageboard rant about the uselessness of their local parts store? Maybe I notice it more, because I'm one of those guys behind the counter. Not always, but sometimes I think it might actually be the customer. Here's my free advice.

Try to know what the vehicle is that you're working on. Don't guess at the year, they're not "all the same". Year/make/model is a good starting point. If you're working on drum brakes, measure the diameter at least(sometimes you can read the max diameter on the drum) there's almost always 2 choices. If you don't have the car with you, write down the VIN#, at the very least it can tell you the model year, and engine choice(on domestics). Don't get upset if we're not experts on your particular vehicle. We need to know a little bit about any year,make, model that rolls in the parking lot. Only the dealership guys can be specialists, in the aftermarket we need to be generalists. Most important, don't get bent out of shape over questions. What might seem like a stupid question, is what the catalog designer thought would be the easiest way to identify specific options. We're just trying to find you the right parts. Taking back returns, is a pain in the ***.
Years ago I remember a co-worker telling a customer
1- I've never seen your car before.
2- I don't know how your car was optioned.
3- The only clues I have, are what you've told me.
Click to expand...
100& true :cheers:
 
they can pass a drug test and get that job. the napa store is the only place i still see books for a back up, most are computors.i always like oh it,s that other option u did tell me. we have on line look up so if i order the wrong part it,s my fault. was a napa guy out of high school, use to have a card system to re order.way don,t they just make 3 brake set up small med and large. way less part,s .als
 
I believe part of the reason they ask so many questions is so as they are entering the information into the computer, it is tracking the exact vehicles they are selling parts for so they know what to stock.
That being said, my local AutoZone sucks. I tried about ten years ago to get a part time job there. I had worked as a parts/service writer/tire salesman at two different jobs for a few years, and had also been a GM dealership tech. I knew catalogs and computers. I turned in my application and took the computer based automotive quiz to see if I knew enough abut cars or not. The lady said it would take 45 minutes. Well, it didn't. It took about five it was so easy. They kept the hiring sign up and never hired me...
I figured I knew too much. This was the store tht ALWAYS gave me the wrong parts, and I was one of those guys who happened to know what it was I was working on.

To the o.p., don't get too bent out of shape, I'm sure your one of the good guys behind the counter. It's the other people that should be working flipping burgers that give you a bad rap.
 
alsdemon said:
they can pass a drug test and get that job. the napa store is the only place i still see books for a back up, most are computors.i always like oh it,s that other option u did tell me. we have on line look up so if i order the wrong part it,s my fault. was a napa guy out of high school, use to have a card system to re order.way don,t they just make 3 brake set up small med and large. way less part,s .als
Click to expand...

Man, card system! your showing your age! Most people won't know what your talking about, but i do. I've owned a couple of parts stores and a franchise of Don Garlits so I know what a card system is. The people that are hired now days are required to have computer skills not automotive knowledge. After all who is going to work at Autozone with knowledge for what they pay. At least for any length of time. You want to get a deer in the headlight look, ask someone for points and condenser for your 67 273 Dart! Then ask them for the Dwell setting.
 
This is an example of how people treat the parts guy.
A guy came in to the store I was working at and ordered those gay GTS smoked tail light covers for his S-10 pick-up. It took overnight to get them. When the part came in, we verified the part number and description on the box to be what he had ordered and called him. WHen he came in, he opened them on the counter and inside were a set of louvered covers. THis man blew a gasket and started ranting and raving and calling me all sorts of names. I stood there calmly and told him if he wanted to leave before I busted his tooth, he'd better get to it fast.
The manager re-ordered the part and kissed this guys ***. The next day I'm standing there when he comes into the store. THe other guys literally RAN to the counter to take care of him so I didn't hurt the *&^%$r. Man, what a tool.
I feel your pain.
 
Yes, I will agree that the VIN can help, especially if you're going to the dealership and they need to V-bomb it to know what color your interior is exactly to be able to order up a seatbelt receiver, etc.

But there are common things which should be known. Why is it that if I call some of the box chain parts stores and have someone on the front counter answer the phone (after hours or on a Sunday when the commercial desk is closed) and I'm looking for a P&A on balljoints for a Ford Taurus I'm always asked for upper or lowers? Why is it that when my brother-in-law called his local box store and asked for a halfshaft for his son's Subaru he was told "sorry, sir, we don't carry half-a-shafts, only whole ones." Or if I'm working on the rear brakes of a 8600# GVW Chevy Express van the commercial parts guy at big box chain sends me over front rotors for a 1/2 ton, six lug, when I've given him the GVW?

Don't rant at the guys looking for parts. Though you are right: come with as much information as you can. Here's my usual info over the phone to guys I've dealt with for years: "'02 such and such, blank liter V6, 4 speed auto, bucket seats, console, interior color gray, exterior color blue, 4 round rubber things holding it up off the ground, hubcaps, two wiper blades, takes windshield wash in the bottle and air in the tires." The good ones laugh because they know their computer system is going to ask for some crazy s*** before they can even get to the part I'm looking for. The idiots think I'm serious and start writing things down. You need to rant at the at the idiots.

It's like the thread we had a while ago on rip off mechanics. It just makes the jobs of those of us who are honest that much more difficult because we have to work that much harder to gain the customers' trust.

Oh, and I agree with waggin. Some of the best parts guys I've ever dealt with aren't guys: they're women. Why is that?
 
Whatever you do, don't take me too seriously. My original post was late last night when I couldn't sleep.
I need to remember to put a "May contain Sarcasm" disclaimer on my posts.
 
I have a friend who owns a NAPA store. I was down there getting a part the other day. He was on the phone trying to find a part for a lady.
He kept asking her a simple question and not getting the answer he needed from her.
He finally told her she would have to bring it in so he could see it.
It was one of those thingys that hook do the dohicky by the watchamacall it.
needless to say he was getting real frustrated.
 
Was in Pep Boys looking for valve cover gaskets for my wifes 74 VW beetle. Counter person asked "what kind of VW?" I told her "beetle" and she says "the computer says there's no such thing"
 
I feel bad for the knowledgable people that work in these stores, but as a customer I have to say, a lot of the people they hire are absolutely worthless. Some of them are kids that have never held a wrench in their hand. No offense to our younger members that may be knowledgable, but I have never ran into anyone past their youth in these stores that couldn't get me what I needed or direct me towards somebody else that has what I need. My favorite parts store in the Omaha area had a kid in there that had no idea what a 1/4" drive torque wrench was. Same thing at the local Sears tools department. I called both places and both of them had young guys that tried to hand me a 3/8" drive torquewrench when I got there and then when I said no, they both tried to hand me 1/2" drive ones.

Harleys aren't any different. I called one of the local HD dealers parts departments looking for a battery for my bike. I usually won't deal with HD, but I'm somewhat new to the area and don't know any of the local chopper shops in Omaha. When I initially started talking to him he wanted the model of motorcycle. When I told him 50 Panhead Chopper he became clueless and said he wouldn't be able to sell me a battery becaue it was a custom build. I told him I would give him the exact measurements of what I needed and it had to be at least smaller than the measurements I was giving him. The kid told me he had one so I clarified the measurements one more time over the phone with him and then drove 30 minutes to get there. Guess what? You guessed it; it was bigger than the dimensions I gave him. So after I calmed myself down I taught the little ignorant fool how to read a tape measure.
 
Went into the NAPA store in Greensburg, PA., over Christmas and asked if they stocked rear suspension u-bolts for my Dart. Counter Guy went through the computer and found nothing matching what I needed, BUT suggested I go to GBG Machine and Drivetrain and believed they could make them for me. Drove over there and Mark was able to make/bend from stock he had on hand four new u-bolts, matching heavy duty nuts and washers to go on the Dart for $45.00 total in about ten minutes while I waited. I told him I went to Advance Auto and found them there, but the damn things were made in China so I didn't buy them. I just couldn't stand the thought of knowingly putting Chinese-made anything on the Dart.
Anyway, the NAPA Counter Guy did right by me and also threw a local shop some business as well, plus I got a new set of u-bolts for a good price.
 
Finding a good parts store is gold. I am lucky to have 3 NAPA's withing a few miles of me. All with old timers working there.

I wont go to Schucks or their other partners unless i am looking for a light bulb, or some other generic part.

Last time i went, i was looking for a brake caliper piston compressor.

First dude, didnt know at all what it was.

Second helper dude " For what kind of car" WTF??????

3rd Parts stocker guy, "do you have the old part with the part number"? WTF?? no. 2

I just happen to walk out the other way past the random tool spinning thing, and there one was.

"I will take this" "What do you do with this thing?" AAACCCKKKK
 
I used to work at Advance Auto Parts. The computer system is designed for people that have no clue about cars..They are not hired based on car knowledge but on other factors (wont get into that). It was very frustrating to me when I had to type 60 bits of useless info to get to what I needed.I also would get upset when I had to tell the customer in front of me to wait while I answer phones..The idea was the customer in front of you was already in the store...get the guy on the phone to come in..very rude in my opinion..The major parts stores care only about multiple sales and not that hard to find part..it all comes down to money..It is a sad commentary..I still will go to Advance when it is a small item but I shop NAPA for everything else..They always seem to look hard for your part and have more knowledge in general
 
64conv65hard said:
Was in Pep Boys looking for valve cover gaskets for my wifes 74 VW beetle. Counter person asked "what kind of VW?" I told her "beetle" and she says "the computer says there's no such thing"
Click to expand...

Should've told them it was a Type I VW. Some of these people have no clue.

I'm still amazed at the number of parts people & used car dealers who seem to think that the only kind of 6 cylinder engine made is a V6. If it has a 6 they call it a V6.
 
It doesn't help that the catalogs are getting worse, too. Raybestos used to have great listings with tons of info. Now they don't even tell you drum diameter, or cylinder bore sizes. Looking up some Monroe shocks the other day, two choices, and all the description told me was "71223 is a registered trademark of Tenneco Corp, and can not be used without permission". How exactly is that going to help me decide which shocks are for the station wagon?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top