willexoIX

They said to push those items, our store or district doesnt have a scoreboard. Battery grease is nothing but dielectric grease, as is the connection protector and bulb grease.

We get paid to explain what the stuff in the little packet is for, and why, but thats on the packaging, so what you said about that holds little merit.

The reason prices are so low on the WITTDRJR because we buy in bulk. Same applies everywhere. I recommend my customer buys the big *** tube of stuff so they dont have open packets laying about.

The difference is, and I will say it again, you get what you pay for.

FYI, the battery grease does the same thing as the felt washers, prevents corrosion. And yes it does work, thats exactly why it was invented. I put battery grease on mine years ago and have yet to see corrosion.

Yet the customers come in for a battery and they dont have that grease on their battery, its horribly corroded.

formula1LE

iTrader: (3)

I do think a customers attitude goes a long way-however, the bigger picture as I see it is cost of a part vs. quality over time. I think the writing is on the wall for the majority of brick/mortar stores. Not to say they'll end but it'll surely get cut drastically. Here's my reasoning:

Once a person buys a parts or several parts online and saves as much as 20-30% that would normally go to a stores profit margin AND the fact you can buy higher quality parts, there will be a bigger shift in how a customer decides to spend their money. Just like higher gas prices don't limit where you drive, moreover people adjust their spending habits because well, you have to have gas right? I can see where more and more DIY-ers will make the shift to evaluate when to change brake pads or do a tuneup once they realize they can save big money purchasing online, they realize they can buy even more for their money-AND have better quality parts.

The original meaning to my post is that parts stores must compete with online entities or they will fail, longterm IMO. Whether they themselves becomes big online players or not its a move they have to make.

formula1LE

iTrader: (3)

Yes, if you have the option of making 1.06 for every .03 you spend, I'd buy it in bulk at that price and make sure the stores sell the heck out of it-hence the scoreboard and its a regional "game" so don't tell me you guys down in Florida don't have one-where you fare overall among all the stores nationally is up to the individual store effort.

But besides the parts quality, the biggest issue I think with store employees is that corporate simply doesn't want to pay for knowledgeable sales people who know parts-hence the ridiculous wages-but, they are in a catch-22 because every store strives for the lowest price first, then quality. Well, with all the overhead, you can't offer highest quality parts, at a cheap price AND pay for good sales people. It just doesn't add up. So that's why something has to give...maybe I'm wrong-time will tell.

willexoIX

You are definitely correct there. I have been working on cars since 7yo, and know a lot about cars and the parts, and only get 9 an hour. It sucks to cause everyone comes to me; employees and customers.

Shoulda just played dumb when I got hired like everyone else, lol.

The issue with online vs physical stores well that will never really happen because 80-90% of our customer base doesnt use or doesnt know how to use a computer. So there will be a good customer base for both, until the older generation dies off and the new tech generation pro creates.

Either way there will always be a demand for both.

formula1LE

iTrader: (3)

What's also funny at least when I worked there 10 years ago was the managers and district managers were complete tools when it comes to actual automotive knowledge. They were good paper pushers....that's it. I joke about it but its true-you can hire and train an idiot to look up parts on a computer but you can't teach them how to look those same parts up in a paper catalog-for that reason alone I would go to O'Reillys before anybody else. But, you may be right in that the car guys are always going to be in the minority of in store sales-one example is a 1996 Impala SS alternator. At AZ it was iirc Duralast GOLD 139.99 (if they're 100% new, why a core charge?) with a 32.00 core and don't forget about tax... On Rockauto it was 94.00 for Delco Remy (legit 100% NEW) with 9.50 shipping and NO core required. The Duralast had a sticker "made in China" while the Remy said "made in Mexico with US parts" so okay...not US made per se, but aside from that, why should I pay that much more? Both have a lifetime warranty....so that's my point-hard to keep wasting money...

Scorpner

iTrader: (4)

Brick & mortar stores have been run out of business long before the internet was even around. Back in the 1980's small mom & pop places were closing due to catalog mail order sales. The simple reason is that they benefit from lower overhead and no taxes. It's simply not possible to compete with that unless you can provide some sort of in-person service that mail order cannot.

The quality of a product, especially in the automotive industry is reflected in what people are willing to pay, and for many reasons people want to pay the least amount possible. Examples are: lack of knowledge, not having much money and/or not wanting to invest in a car they're planning on getting rid of. The only thing a business can do is provide the customer with what they are asking for AND what they actually purchase. Large companies typically invest a lot of time and money researching consumer behavior including researching past sales trends. So what they offer is often a direct reflection on actual purchases from customers, not what customer say what they would purchase.
So what has happened to quality due to people seeking lower prices? Say one place offers an inferior product that looks the same from the outside so people turn to that in droves. Then the company making quality parts goes out of business. The latest trend on quality vs. consumer prices has been termed “perceived value.” When “perceived value” became a trend, the prices of many things went up while actual quality became less of a factor. An artificial form of inflation along with erosion of quality or in better terms actual value for what you pay for.

Any business fighting to survive is going to try to get the widest margin possible. Yes, there are some companies that benefit from a huge margin which may seem like a disproportionate amount (to some?) but that is the reason they are in business in the first place. It's called capitalism. The little packets mentioned aren't going to make anyone wealthy, but are a simple marketing tool to increase the bottom line. They do that because, well it works. It's pretty much the same as candy bars and magazines at the checkout lines in a grocery store and I don't see anyone complaining about that. While some products carry a higher margin, many other products do not, and the only reason for carrying them is for customer access and local competition. As mentioned it is no longer possible for stores to have parts on hand for which there is not enough cash flow coming in to pay for it (especially when people opt for online vs. brick & mortar). It is then necessary to research options to improve the bottom line and small packets of grease and other higher margin products help to make up for the products they actually lose money on. Sometimes pushing these items is part of the marketing plan so they can stay profitable.

Customers attitudes... and also theft and abuse of return policies can sway a managers and/or corporate policies. Again, this is a reflection of customer (and trends), balanced against the bottom line. Say if you borrowed a tool to a friend but they kept damaging it you might decide not to borrow to that person any longer. However you run the risk of your friend going online and complaining about you. Whenever I see return complaints/reviews online, I always ask myself if it's from user error or even hidden motives.

Your reasoning of being able to get “higher quality” parts for less money is very similar to what is called a global economy. One thing that is now being realized is that the overall results has hurt our economy as a whole. Many American companies are now owned by foreign nations, and because of that our economy (including jobs) have suffered. More money is leaving our country than ever, and we have given away our competitive advantage -which is not easily recovered.
Speaking of competitive advantage, online stores already have the competitive advantage over brick and mortar. So what would happen if/when B&M's were run out completely? They way I see it is that when my car isn't running I can no longer get a ride to the store to grab what I need to get back on the road. (FWIW, I was once sold a bad part and was able to get them to deliver a new one to me in my driveway from my phone.)
I also see less competition for online companies and without that competition from the B&M's, online stores have little reason NOT to raise prices and would also do what they feel like with quality. You will no longer have access to a manager to negotiate in person and will be stuck with shipping costs. Services like turning rotors and free tool rentals will also be a thing of the past because it's simply not profitable to provide either service on its own. Online companies have their best interests in mind before yours. Companies are in business to make money and that's what they will do and hurting their competition in mass ("Parts store guys don't go to Autozone!") imo would only hurt you in the end. Consumers almost always benefit from competition, exclusivity is where you pay through the nose.

FWIW, when I consider buying a starter or alternator I know of a few local repair shops that will provide a quality repair service without worrying about them cheaping out on the internals because their business depends on the reputation of the local automotive community. Does it hurt the local retail stores? Yes, if the cost is comparable, but I'm supporting a local person or business and I feel the value/quality is worth the effort. Most larger cities have at least one around and imo it's something to think about. That to me is the type of competition needed to improve quality of the parts we buy.

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

I've been using autozone since it was auto palace back in the '90s. They have always been very respectable to me, price matched, took care of me no matter what on warranty issues, and have always given me a LEO discount.

Some of the parts suck, but typically they offer multiple brands and can order just about anything from any manufacturer.

I've been in the store and seen people get all cranky with the low-paid clerks over dumb stuff. It's all about attitude. I walk in, I smile, I say "Hey this is a few years old. It broke, think you can help?" and they always do.

-- Joe

hattmuber

Only beef I have against AZ is the phone thing.. I find really lame that I sit in line by my self with a single can of brakleen and cash in my hand for 15 minutes while they walk a librarian through how to use her heat ***** in her Cadillac.. to bad they don't have cords long Enuff to reach the registers and HAVE to up sell everytime they approach a register, otherwise they could walk to you, ring u up, and politely smile you off while never breaking stride of the phone call..as far as many of you degrading the employees, I find that low.. these people are people whom know enough about cars and possess the endurance to put up with know it alls all pissed of at them because they don't know much about the owners car that predates there birth.. look, im happy there's anyone out there even interested Enuff in cars now days to take a job there. Not everyone eats sleeps and breaths cars.. those that do, do NOT work at any parts store unless they are in between careers.. most Peeps now are into computers and social media.. I asked a 21 year old welder (an industrial kind of guy) at work what he drove into work one day, and he said "a blue one".. car people are a long dying breed, so, take it easy on them.. all of them... They just want to eat, feed there kids, and are glad they are doing it in a profession that's is in area that's cooler then flipping burgers.. its that, or those Peeps could be on face book and public assistance.. choice is yours.
As far as part quality goes,, if you all think there is 100 different plants, making 100 different ball joints for the same car,, you need to lay off the cool aid.. most is all the same crap,, in a different color box..an in some cases, even the factory parts are often made in same plant as the "crap" parts. I work in Mfg distribution, you really think Chevy makes all there parts?! If you bought a capa certified Fender,, you just bought from the same place Chevy buys them from, or will, if the Chevys fender plant burns down.. its all part of iso9000..this is the way of the world, so it all comes down to chance... And that said,, by chance and chance alone,, I have had far FAR MORE issues with NAPA parts then any other store brand parts. To be clear,, I don't defend AZ in this rant,, but ALL retail parts stores..

bbc632

My opinion of AZ and Advance totally crap!!! Just junk . Oil or rags and maybe some wax and that's a maybe! Rockauto is nice .

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Rock-auto is awesome! I was at Pepboys...they wanted to charge me $6.79 for a standard Ac Delco R45ts plug. I got the same AC delco plugs from Rockauto.com for like $1.37 per plug. Pep Boys wanted $35 for the same exact gaskets. Autozone and O'rielys werent any better as far as their online prices, I did not go into the store like I did with pepboys, as after that I just figured Rockauto.com was my best bet.

Here is a copy of my invoice from rockauto
Part Number Part Type Price EA Core EA Quantity Total
1988 CHEVROLET CAMARO 5.0L 305cid V8
ACDELCO R45TS Spark Plug $ 1.37 $ 0.00 8 $ 10.96
FEL-PRO VS50088R Valve Cover Gasket $ 12.98 $ 0.00 1 $ 12.98
Shipping Priority Mail $ 5.79
Order Total $ 29.73

willexoIX

You do realize that Autozone will price match Rockauto right?

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Well I do now...but will they do it online too? Or do you physically have to go to the store and have them check the prices? If so I'd just rather order from rockauto.com as they are the cheapest I can find for most things I need. And no need to go through all that price matching stuff.

willexoIX

It will differ by store, but most of the time they will price match on your word, unless there is an excessive price difference.

Also, only valid on comparable items. For example, rockauto has a cheapy alternator, they will not price match that to the most expensive alternator, only the cheapy one.

ledman66

iTrader: (2)

Well, it's still good to know, if there is something I need ASAP, I can go to autozone and have them price match it instead of waiting a few days for it to ship.

bird6750

If a customer comes in to any store with a warranty exchange it should be honored , regardless of their attitude. Part of being in sales or customer service is dealing with people who may be pissed off. If you dont like dealing with pissed off customers, you may be in the wrong line of work. Employees, whether they are managers or not, cannot or should not refuse the exchange just because a customer is upset.
Anyway, I dont get all the AZ bashing. I've been using them for years and never had a problem with their parts or service. Thats just my 2cents.

willexoIX

As was stated earlier, its not just that. People abuse the return policy, thats the biggest reason. Clearly YOU haven't been in customer service long enough to realize that.

GCrites80s

Customers can be really scammy at times.

jpearcy1

iTrader: (1)

Currently a manager at AZ I've had a guy try to return a rusty starter "only a few days old" as he said, 3 different times in a one day. Each time yelling that we were scams because he could not show a receipt or provide a phone number for his warranty history.

Being 21 and a manager he keep fussing about me not knowing anything and asking for a real manger.

I hate dealing with scams.

Boxxx

I only buy from RockAuto, Amazon, and eBay. Mainly for the fact the prices are better 99% of the time and it limits my contact with human exposure.

zz3irocz

I really like O reillly's for aftermarket stuff, they stock tons of parts and electrical things that anyone who modifies a car would need, you can even buy edelbrock carbs right off the shelf. Napa is fine for replacement parts but they are totally lost if you try to buy something that isn't factory to your vehicle. I also use rock auto for replacement parts, much cheaper than buying from a parts store.

Ron U.S.M.C.

Its strange when I walked into the new Autozone that just opened about a month ago. They greeted me with a hello and can I help you.
One of the guys even drives a Third Gen Camaro and helped me locate a very elusive coolant leak in about one minute of opening the hood. I actually went there to look around and sure enough the store is catering to the TUNER class of car. That and bling, bling for the younger guys driving them.
I did buy a starter from them about 6 years ago, wrapped it in high temp insulation cloth and its still kicking to day. Other Auto Zones I have been to have been different.


When I rebuilt my front brakes I skipped both O'reillys and them and went to Napa and bought the best stock replacements they had.
I don't give either of them that kind of business.

ROCFATHER

I'm a pretty big fan of AZ! I got the whole rewards card and all. A major bonus for me is they have locations all over So. California so you can return a part if needbe with ease. Also their warranty on most parts is great which I rarely have to return anything once its purchased anyway.

3rdgenmaro

iTrader: (9)

This is a very comical thread.

I figure there are only a few key points when buying a part, regardless of where that part comes from. Price, Availability, and Quality.

Quality comes from getting the right brand. Not the cheapest part a store carries.

I get most of my stuff from Rockauto due to the price and selection. However, there are some things I get from whichever store I can, either due to needing it that day, warranty/replacement, or core charges/discount codes.

It is hard to buy a part online that has a core charge. The cost of shipping the core negates any savings you would have had. Same goes for any real large or heavy part. Shipping can be a killer.

Warranty/replacement. Well, some things Id rather be able to swap at a chain parts store if needed, then wait on a replacement by mail. Alternator go out on a vaction, battery die, etc....

And a $50 off coupon on $100 or $125 in store pickup at Advance is hard to beat, especially to have that part that day.

Its all in weighing your options.

As far as technical expertise, that varies from store to store, town to town.

Of course I have pushed the rules at times in my favor. I couldnt get a local advance to price match rockauto on a fuel pump. So I went ahead and bought the pump. I also ordered the exact same pump from Rockauto. Installed the advance pump that day, took the rockauto pump back to advance for a full refund 3 days later. Im terrible, I know, but for $80, it was worth it.

willexoIX

Again, autozone pricematches and you normally don't have to wait unless its a VDP item. If its a hub store item they can get it in hours.

willexoIX

And you are the reason they deny some returns. Thanks for screwing the return system for the rest of us. Autozone would have pricematched rockauto and you would have saved money in the first place.

willexoIX

And you can buy the same edlebrock carb off the shelf from autozone.

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

Openly admitting to, and putting fraud in writing. Might want to re-think that..


-- Joe

89iroc89

I am pretty sure the police aren't gonna kick down his door with a warrant lol.

As long as it's the same product advance sells, they all get sent back the same. They mark it as damage and usually send them back to the manufactures for a refund.

Source - Friend is Advance auto manager and has told me it's no big deal to return a part you didn't buy from advanced as long as you have an advanced auto receipt for the same item you did buy from advance. If that makes sense?

Scorpner

iTrader: (4)

It may not even be the same part. Some brands outsource from different places and/or require different manufacturing specifications. This was the case with front suspension parts a while back. The same principle applies to retail where discount stores can sell the same brand items far lower than their competition.
There is also the issue with counterfeit parts as well and different companies have different ways of dealing with that.

Boxxx

I don't have an AutoZone nearby, so even if they would price match I'm out fuel and time. That and I just really despise going out shopping, self-checkout at Hell-Mart is a godsend.

Boxxx

It's no different than them drop shipping their customers.

Phenom-1

This ^^^ LOL every single time. They have 2 pack bottles on the counter, Would you like to buy some fuel injector cleaner? We have it on special right now.

I'm like biting my lip wanting to bust out in a hysterical laugh and give her a smart remark like, yeah you've had that on for about a month, is that special ever gonna end?

I'm in Los Angeles, so AutoZone is more common than O'reilly and Napa is rare here, there is only 1 napa store locally in L.A. But about 20 more outside of L.A. but they are around 30 miles away, into Orange County or back the other way to Ventura county and such, so too far a trip just for oil and such.

I go to Autozone just for basic minor things, like car wash shampoo, some wax, shop towels, steering wheel cover, armor all, bottle or 2 of F.I. cleaner, Duralast Gold Battery, engine Oil & Filters, and I always get the K&N, I don't recommend cheaping out with the fram or stp because imo it's junk quality and not worth any headaches that may arise in the future over a $10 dollar savings.

stp is $4. Bosch is $7. Fram is $10. Mobil 1 is $14. K&N is $18.



Haven't bought anything in a while, I'll tell you a not so happy to help out the customer story, I needed a new battery for my dads '01 Dodge Grand Caravan so I went to AZ to inquire about it with core exchange, and their prices were $140, and I've changed my cell phone number but my old one is still on my AZ card so I asked them if they could run my card and change the old number to my new one.

Dude said, yes we can do that but only when you buy the Battery.

WTF?! I paused, stunned, told them thanks I'd come back. Left and instead bought the Battery at Walmart for $110 after exchange.

3rdgenmaro

iTrader: (9)

Yeah, Im not worried about that. Exact same part, exact same box, everything was returned unopened. Deceitful? Yes. Fraudulent? Not at all. Nothing different then a normal return. Oh and autozone wont price match if they dont carry the part. And people like me, those that return brand new unopened items, are the problem?? What a joke!

willexoIX

Uh yea. Did you buy the product from Advance? No? Then thats an abuse of the return policy regardless of if its the exact same item. Why do you think they have a return POLICY? To try to prevent dumb ****s like you from making a buck off of them.

3rdgenmaro

iTrader: (9)

Ok. Not lost any sleep over it, and im not going to regardless of how anyone else on the internet may feel about it. But feel free to let me be the bashing point for everyone in this thread. I posted it with a flamesuit on, knowing it would get some.

Off topic sidenote, I like your build thread. Nice to see something different.

willexoIX

Not flaming you, just stating that it being the same product doesnt matter. Its still an abuse of the return policy.

Thanks for the compliment

89iroc89

"To try to prevent dumb ****s like you from making a buck off of them"

You pretty much throttled him.

GXP

I recently applied for a job at Advance. Being 19 and really only working on cars for a year or two, I wouldn't know a vast amount about cars. With that said, even the AZ guys make me look like a professional.

I asked for a gas cap for my 87 bird and they asked me for the trim and engine size for it! Also they always seem pissed off when you have to answer a question. You're better off Googling your question and going in there knowing what parts to get.

I haven't gotten anything from these places besides PB blaster, brake fluid, oil, etc. Basic stuff; Summit is 45 minutes from me so I'd take the extra drive and pay the extra money for much higher quality.

I DO think that for younger employees who are engaged enough in the job, it can be a positive learning experience to get your feet wet in the automotive world. I'm hoping I get hired so I can see how much it helps and hopefully be able to give better service than a lot of people on here have experienced.

GXP

This is why I don't even bother looking at batteries at places like this. I just bought an Optima red top from Summit. They're usually $175, but thanks to a price match I got it to $143 plus the $20 off they email me regularly. I know you wouldn't need something that extreme for a Caravan lol, but $123 for a battery like that with free shipping can't beat the Walmart batteries or AZ crap for slightly less.

It'll be bittersweet to get a job with Advance. I'll know the customers can do much better, but it'll be my job to sell them these products whether I know they're decent or not.

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

If he was local to me I'd prosecute just to teach him a lesson.

We all try to save a buck in life, but certain lines shouldn't be crossed. Perhaps I live by higher moral standards than most people, but that's just how I am.

-- Joe

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

That's because you are young and don't quite understand the purpose of these types of retail jobs. At my local Autozone for example, there is a young girl - late twenties. She knows a little about cars, enough to sell parts. She's just finishing law school. Autozone is where she has worked to help pay for schooling. Not her career. I guarantee you when she's making $200,000+ in a few years arguing cases in court she's not going to care that she's not an expert mechanic.

I know another man, an older gentleman, about 70 who is a retired machinest. He again, knows enough about cars to sell parts. He works part time because his wife is dead and he doesn't want to sit at home all day getting fat watching tv.

This type of retail store, much like fast food, is for students and retired folks to make a little money. It's not a career thing, unless we're talking management. And most of the management I've known are ASE certified. I'm sure exceptions exist.

That is because the computer system requires you to answer those questions before it will display part numbers. Don't get frustrated because you don't understand how an inventory control system works.

This is the smartest thing you've said in the whole thread. You are right, young people, that need experience. I suspect after a few months a person would get a pretty good understanding of the different types of parts and systems used on various manufacturers.

One thing you have to understand about forums like this, is that members come from diverse backgrounds. I worked as a mechanic when I was young and in school until I became an engineer. later in life I owned 50% of two shops/garages, while working 40 hours a week in a lab, while studying law nights and weekend. Being a "mechanic" would bore me to tears. Yet I still have a minor interest in building hot rods because I get to fabricate things and try new ideas.

Some of the other guys on this forum have been doing this stuff for 50-60 years. You'd be amazed at some of the talent within our members ranks.

-- Joe

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

Joe,
Back in post 23 I explained a lot of what people were complaining/arguing about yet it did no good. Lots of members are not putting two and two together about how capitalism works and these (counter parts store clerks) being entry level jobs or just jobs for small additional income. Sometimes I think some people actually enjoy going so they can show off that they know more about cars than a college kid or 20 something girl.
-Mark

GXP

I understand how inventory works. The engine size/ trim should not be relevant when ordering a part like this though. I'm double majoring Computer Science/Psychology (weird combination I know) and working with cars will most definitely not be my career. With that being said though, these people who do get temporary jobs in this field should know enough already to be able to adequately serve and display the products they are selling. Just like a temporary landscaper for example should know how to use tools, be in shape, etc. I understand that the majority of knowledge is acquired on the job, but it seems like a lot of these people I encounter are not interested in even learning. That's okay, but why not just get another job? It's minimum wage most of the time, so it isn't like it's all someone has.

willexoIX

Doesnt matter what it should or shouldnt do; its how the system is designed. I have heard the same argument via a customer and proved my point when I showed him 2 different trims had completely different parts. Gas cap included.

formula1LE

iTrader: (3)

Being an ex-parts guy for quite a few years at a performance retail parts store (and in NO WAY can be compared to the crappy parts stores now) and the thing that bugs me the most is when I am asked several times the same question-it makes the counter guy appear dumb. We used to have small pads of paper about every 4 feet along the counter-you as an employee would be required to grab some paper and your pen before greeting a customer or answering the phone. You jot down the info as the customer gives it to you, and then proceed to look the part up....oh, and we used a huge catalog rack and inlynused the computer to ring parts up. So you had to be catalog smart to be efficient and we all took it as a contest.

As for returns, since I've worked as a manager and as a supervisor, every parts store is allows "x" number of items to be damaged as determined by the supplying vendor....and usually the vendors reimburses the parts company quarterly. If the "damaged" returns are found to have a high percentage not be actually damaged, they notify the parts company to either change how their employees determine if a part is bad or else they would further limit the % of "damaged" parts they would accept and issue credit for. So either way, it comes down to employee training. There was no way a customer could bring us a bunk starter or alternator claiming it was bought a year ago and it bad so they want a refund or exchange....the companies we dealt with used new housings and casings so we were trained to look for OEM casting numbers (always a dead giveaway) or Chrysler/Ford/AC Delco logos, etc. stamped into the body somewhere. So yep, we kept carb cleaner handy for our own "damaged" part inspections.....lol.

And AZ only price matches in stock parts, they DO NOT honor rockauto price matches (district manager informed me of that), they also do not price match performance items either like intakes, carbs, MSD, etc. because those parts have to be paid for in advance so they have little room to move on price. Virtually everything behind the parts counter AZ only pays for AFTER the part sells-they deal primarily with vendors who allow them to stock parts for free until it sells. That is why they have the employees spend too much damn time "flexing" in new parts and sending crap back to the DC's if it doesn't sell often enough within 3 months.

I got into an argument with a DM once when he told me to pay more attention to phone customers than store customers.....his reasoning was that "people in the store are already here to spend money-its the person on the phone we have to bring in...." and that clowns name was Jason Overturf. This was after I simultaneously was helping the customer on the phone while taking info from the guy standing in front of me. Where I came from (performance retail parts company) our terminals had flip screens so I could easily help two people at once-people who are actually "in the store" are usually in some kind of a bind so they get my attention first.

GCrites80s

^ Man people calling lose their minds if you don't answer the phone though. They think you're running a call center in addition to working in the store. Even customers in the store can get pissed if you don't get it because they have some Pavlovian response to phones ringing and get antsy if it doesn't stop.

Ron U.S.M.C.

If a car savvy person is determined to use AutoZone or any other chain auto parts store then going online and getting a part # or two is the way to go.
Call and give them the part # to make sure its in stock and have them set it behind the counter.
It even tells you online what the return policy is on a warranted item if.


If guys can jump through the hoops at Rockauto to find a part then that should be a breeze .
As far as customer service and knowledgeable employees when you go in blind is a roll of the dice.


Side note =I made the mistake of going into a Napa Auto Parts here expecting a decently knowable employee and I asked one of them that had been working there for years about the brake rotors and he actually said " I don't know anything about brakes" you should talk to so in so. Blew my mind. So if you can find employees like that even at a Napa it has just confirmed one more reason for me to scourer the web to get the answers I need, including this site before I walk in

Boxxx

Parts houses are like Guitar Center, most of the time the person at the sales counter couldn't tell you how to tune a guitar much less the intricacies of tube amps vs solid state amps or single coils vs humbuckers. It's just a job for them and they don't care, once in a blue moon you find someone that knows their stuff and can play. They're also probably the one with the full size van with a dragon and naked lady on the side of it parked up front, but that's beside the point. I've learned it's best to do the research yourself and only use them for their sales service and nothing else, because at the end of the day that's their real job.

willexoIX

@formula- Our AZ matches rockauto prices on equivlent parts, your DM musta just been a dick cause ours encorages it to bring the customer to us instead of rockauto.

@Ron- you are 100% right. If you dont wanna deal with a parts store employee who doesnt know their *** from a hole in the ground, get the part number BEFORE you go to the store.

FWIW, I have been working at AZ since December, already customers ask for me, and employees ask me for help since I am the only one besides the store manager that knows cars. I enjoy the job. Its still retail but beats the **** out of working in foodservice. I would work at a garage but with what goes on where im at I dont want to be associated with crooked mechanics.

I do auto repairs on the side for people, word of mouth is the way things work where im at. The only reason I got the job at AZ is cause my buddy works there.

And I am also the only person working here with a modded car. People come in just to ask about the car and wind up leaving with more knowledge than they came in the door with. And are also more willing to come back.

I also agree that the phone "rule" is bs. Customer service is taking care of the person in front of you, instead of pissing them off by doing what AZ wants and answering the phone in the middle of the conversation with the instore customer.

Thats another reason they ask for me, I let the other employees handle the phone instead if im with a customer, and my boss understands my way of thinking so its not a problem. If the phone is ringing off the hook, I'll ask the customer I'm working with if they mind if I grab the phone, then write down what the phone caller needs along with their number and offer to call them back because its busy. Its all about balancing everything together.

As said this isnt a career for most, and those using it as an entry level job are doing so to learn retail and possibly parts; so dont assume that since they havent learned EVERYTHING, that they dont care about the job.

Ron U.S.M.C.

There's a learning curve for everything. When I joined this club I new really nothing about a Third Gen Camaro. 9 years later and I believe I know a thing or two by taking a "strong" interest in it.



An employee at any auto parts store that's as new to cars as I was will need time to reach the level that we would call actable. But he must apply him self strongly to clime the curve. If he does not want to do that then he's in the wrong job.
Maybe they should where "apprentice" on there name tags until they graduate to sales person,and then manager so you know who your talking to and what to expect each one.


Then again that's going in and attempting to use them as a "knowledge" base, that I did not recommend in my post above.


The auto parts store called OReilles down the street actually has classes they teach in order to preform there job better and must take to climb that latter..
That also is the store I have friends working at and two of them I do trust because they have hands on experience .