Trip to the auto parts store just isn't the same

[landarts]

Went to the local auto parts store today to get a 1/8" compression fitting for the back of the gauge cluster for the oil pressure. I was at the door when they opened and I walked in and was greeted by "How can I help you". I handed him the old fitting and began to tell him what it was for and what it was off of. He had his cell phone in his front shirt pocket on speaker phone talking to his buddy about another project and trying to talk to me at the same time.

After he went to the desk to look up the part instead of walking a few more feet to the organized bin behind the counter that holds all the brass in the shop. He gets a phone call on the auto parts store phone and starts to not only take an order over the phone and then begins pulling parts for the individual on the phone, while the phone in his pocket is still on speaker phone and someone talking on the other line. So at this point I feel like why did I drive down here to try and support the local auto parts store when I had it pulled up on Summit Racing on my cell phone from earlier in the morning.

You guessed it I told the counter guy just forget it I will order online. He gave me a really funny look and and just went on doing what he was doing. Seems that most of the place I go to in person have seemed to have no respect or customer service for the customer that is standing in your store. Got back into the car and ordered the part along with four other items that I intended to purchase from the local store. When I got into work 30 minutes later I was notified on my phone with confirmation and tracking number, parts will be here tomorrow.

[toolboxchev]

I feel with ya brother! Unfortunately this is the M.O. for most of the box chain places.

He most likely would have ordered it online for you! I generally focus on how to outsmart those guys. They think they are the shizbits!

Over, around, under, to the left at 45 degrees until I have their attention.

[outfield]

It still cracks me up, just yesterday, asked for brake rotors for the '69 K20 "what size engine?" is the first question.
I need brake parts!
Not engine parts!

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by outfield

It still cracks me up, just yesterday, asked for brake rotors for the '69 K20 "what size engine?" is the first question.
I need brake parts!
Not engine parts!

Man that cracks me up. Its well known to get the guys goat when you walk into one of these places just ask for a set of valve cover gaskets for a Gen 1 Chevy.

You will know immediately if the individual has any smarts whatsoever!

[scott123]

Same here.

Sunday I stopped at our local gas station. I walked in the kid was sitting on a box behind the counter and playing with his phone. He looked up as I stepped to the register. He looked back to his phone and gave me the 'in a minute' signal. He stood up and in the two feet to the register his phone rung and he stopped again to talk on the phone.

I should have bailed.

S

[Steeveedee]

Yeah, it's like that everywhere, unfortunately. Back when I had a job (I'm retired) and somebody was in my office, if the phone rang I wouldn't answer it. I'd let it go to voice mail. When the person asks me why I didn't answer, I said that I consider it rude to take a phone call when someone took the effort to come to my office to talk to me. If it is important, the caller will either leave a message or call back later.

It's annoying to go to someone's office to discuss an important issue and they pick up the phone and jaw-jack for 15 to 20 minutes. I wouldn't do it. I've left stores when people have done that to me, as well.

[Artofdeath]

The actions you are talking about are social skills that are lacking in today's society. It's amazing how much it's changed in just a few short years. Makes me sad.

Doh, wait a sec, got to take a call brb...

[Killer Bee]

[GASoline71]

I went to the Local Auto Parts store yesterday for a new fan belt and power steering belt.

I walked in the door and was greeted with, "Hey Gary, how ya doin'. Still workin' on that old 72 GMC?"

My response, "Hi Chris. Yep, and as a matter of fact I need a fan belt and a power steering pump for it."

As he's lookin' up the part numbers (without me telling him any more info because he knows my truck) I told him I also needed a couple of 90 degree Zerk fittings. He said, "Go on in the back and look in the parts receiving area. We just got some more of those in. Grab what you need." So I do.

Come back out front and he has the belts laying on the counter. I toss 3 Zerks on the counter and he rings me up. As I poured a cup of coffee (free at the counter).

We BS'd for 10 more minutes until another customer came in and I bid my farewell to let him help the next cat.

I always enjoy going to the parts store here in this hick little town. It's not an AutoZone, O'Reiley's, Napa, or any other major chain. It's a local store that's been in business since the 1950's. Sure their prices are a tad higher than the Big Guys... but for the above described experience, I will continue to go back every time I need parts. I feel extremely lucky to have that available to me in this day and age.

Gary

[landarts]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I went to the Local Auto Parts store yesterday for a new fan belt and power steering belt.

I walked in the door and was greeted with, "Hey Gary, how ya doin'. Still workin' on that old 72 GMC?"

My response, "Hi Chris. Yep, and as a matter of fact I need a fan belt and a power steering pump for it."

As he's lookin' up the part numbers (without me telling him any more info because he knows my truck) I told him I also needed a couple of 90 degree Zerk fittings. He said, "Go on in the back and look in the parts receiving area. We just got some more of those in. Grab what you need." So I do.

Come back out front and he has the belts laying on the counter. I toss 3 Zerks on the counter and he rings me up. As I poured a cup of coffee (free at the counter).

We BS'd for 10 more minutes until another customer came in and I bid my farewell to let him help the next cat.

I always enjoy going to the parts store here in this hick little town. It's not an AutoZone, O'Reiley's, Napa, or any other major chain. It's a local store that's been in business since the 1950's. Sure their prices are a tad higher than the Big Guys... but for the above described experience, I will continue to go back every time I need parts. I feel extremely lucky to have that available to me in this day and age.

Gary

Yes that is the way it used to be. Hold on to the treasure of a place. Yes it is a social skills problem. It is also a problem of how some business are run, kinda hands off and the attention to detail does not matter anymore.

[68Gold/white]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I went to the Local Auto Parts store yesterday for a new fan belt and power steering belt.

I walked in the door and was greeted with, "Hey Gary, how ya doin'. Still workin' on that old 72 GMC?"

My response, "Hi Chris. Yep, and as a matter of fact I need a fan belt and a power steering pump for it."

As he's lookin' up the part numbers (without me telling him any more info because he knows my truck) I told him I also needed a couple of 90 degree Zerk fittings. He said, "Go on in the back and look in the parts receiving area. We just got some more of those in. Grab what you need." So I do.

Come back out front and he has the belts laying on the counter. I toss 3 Zerks on the counter and he rings me up. As I poured a cup of coffee (free at the counter).

We BS'd for 10 more minutes until another customer came in and I bid my farewell to let him help the next cat.

I always enjoy going to the parts store here in this hick little town. It's not an AutoZone, O'Reiley's, Napa, or any other major chain. It's a local store that's been in business since the 1950's. Sure their prices are a tad higher than the Big Guys... but for the above described experience, I will continue to go back every time I need parts. I feel extremely lucky to have that available to me in this day and age.

Gary

I worked at one of those from 1985-1998. Completely different deal now. The young man or woman could have been making slurpies at the 7-11 across the street, the day before. They got hired because they show up and can navigate a keyboard, not much else.

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I went to the Local Auto Parts store yesterday for a new fan belt and power steering belt.

I walked in the door and was greeted with, "Hey Gary, how ya doin'. Still workin' on that old 72 GMC?"

My response, "Hi Chris. Yep, and as a matter of fact I need a fan belt and a power steering pump for it."

As he's lookin' up the part numbers (without me telling him any more info because he knows my truck) I told him I also needed a couple of 90 degree Zerk fittings. He said, "Go on in the back and look in the parts receiving area. We just got some more of those in. Grab what you need." So I do.

Come back out front and he has the belts laying on the counter. I toss 3 Zerks on the counter and he rings me up. As I poured a cup of coffee (free at the counter).

We BS'd for 10 more minutes until another customer came in and I bid my farewell to let him help the next cat.

I always enjoy going to the parts store here in this hick little town. It's not an AutoZone, O'Reiley's, Napa, or any other major chain. It's a local store that's been in business since the 1950's. Sure their prices are a tad higher than the Big Guys... but for the above described experience, I will continue to go back every time I need parts. I feel extremely lucky to have that available to me in this day and age.

Gary

Darn straight, that's how it is here, I don't care if it is ten bucks more per part, many times I have taken two styles of the same item not knowing wicth one the customer had never charged me a penny until I come back with the one I didn't use, been like that for 20yrs . Know everybody there including owner on a first name basis. Also If I need a part and running late and not get there in time they have a hiding spot for me to pick up behind the store, now that's small town business,, we need more of it.

[dsy1]

I usually look up the part I need online and have the part number in hand when I walk in. Then the young parts guy or gal doesn't need to look it up, and I know what the price should be beforehand.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by dsy1

I usually look up the part I need online and have the part number in hand when I walk in. Then the young parts guy or gal doesn't need to look it up, and I know what the price should be beforehand.

Yup. That way, when you go in to pick up a wiper arm for a '70 Chevy truck, they won't tell you it is a "dealer only" part.

I was a parts counterman back in the late '70s; all we had were books, because Al Gore hadn't invented the internet yet. Our store was next to a Harley-Davidson dealer. One gnarly old biker came in and asked if we could match up his points. I broke out the ignition catalog, and went through it until I found matching parts. They were the same as 4- and 6-cylinder Chevy points! He got away for a few dollars (a lot in the late '70s, when gas was just approaching 50¢ a gallon) less than the dealership charged; he was mighty happy. He started sending all his friends there for parts.

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I was a parts counterman back in the late '70s; all we had were books,

That's what I grew up with. A good counter guy/gal would spin that book rack around and ask you if that's the part you need. I miss those days.

[RustyBucket]

Originally Posted by dsy1

I usually look up the part I need online and have the part number in hand when I walk in. Then the young parts guy or gal doesn't need to look it up, and I know what the price should be beforehand.

I do this too, and hafta praise my local Oreilly a little. A visit is usually a pretty pleasant experience. The Mgr. is a member of our car club and most of his employees are friendly and helpful. They may or may not be knowledgeable but try hard and don't argue. He gives us a break on some parts and is real good on ordering same day from their warehouse in Orlando. Will order parts over the phone and has delivered to my house. Had one young counter guy that bailed me out several times diagnosing & repairing my my kids Hondas. Typing this got me thinkin, been hanging around auto parts counters 50yrs. I do miss the good ones I used over the years but between online parts catalogs and YOUTUBE (and this site) I'm pretty satisfied.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by dsy1

I usually look up the part I need online and have the part number in hand when I walk in. Then the young parts guy or gal doesn't need to look it up, and I know what the price should be beforehand.

This^^^

[weq92f]

I used to work a parts counter during my college days back before the use of computers took over for the standard catalog bank. Back then, you pretty much had to know what you were doing in order to help out a customer. Not only did you need to have an understanding of basic car stuff ( how stuff works, what parts go where, diagnostic and troubleshooting skills, etc. ) but you also needed to have solid knowledge of the parts catalogs and how to use them.

90% of parts counter "agents" today wouldn't be able to look up a part using the old system. Even less would be able to give reasonable automotive repair advice to someone seeking it.

These days, I get most of my parts online. Occasionally I'll head over to the local parts house for something, but I try to avoid it.

-klb

[silverstreak]

Back in the day guys at the parts stores weren't there just for a job but enjoyed messing with cars in general. Most had their own hot rods or drag raced on weekends etc.. You could toss a auto trans pan on the counter and ask for a gasket and they would say it's a C4 or turbo 350 then grab one off the shelf without even checking the catalog. It was a simpler time back then. Now think of the thousands of models that have been made since the Chevelle and Nova roamed the streets. Gives me a headache just to think about it. I've gotten to the point of looking up my own parts online before going into the store. I give them the part number and they still ask me the year, make and model. Think it has to do with the warranty and proof of the part being the correct application.
The rudeness however is unexcuseable and unfortunately a sign of the times these days. I grit my teeth and bite my tongue just driving to work in the morning because of how people act. A lot of the guys I work with are on the smart phone all day then hold their hand out for a check at the end of the week.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by hjewell2

Darn straight, that's how it is here, I don't care if it is ten bucks more per part, many times I have taken two styles of the same item not knowing wicth one the customer had never charged me a penny until I come back with the one I didn't use, been like that for 20yrs . Know everybody there including owner on a first name basis. Also If I need a part and running late and not get there in time they have a hiding spot for me to pick up behind the store, now that's small town business,, we need more of it.

There are also 3 ladies that work at this parts store I frequent. They are awesome and know a lot parts by memory instead of digging through stuff. This place still has racks of parts books near the computers in case they need to reference anything.

I was in there a couple years ago for a master cylinder. The the parts girl Ashley pulled it out of the box to check it (which they do for every part they sell to ensure it matches what you're looking for), it was missing the cover gasket. It was the last unit they had on the shelf and I needed it that day. She went to their aftermarket parts and grabbed a chrome m/c cover that had a gasket with it, and threw it in the box with the m/c. "On the house" She said. I thanked her and paid for the m/c only and left happy as a clam. How often does that happen?

I will cherish this place as long as they remain open. I will also continue to support them by sending new customers their way whenever I can.

Gary

[cardude]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

There are also 3 ladies that work at this parts store I frequent. They are awesome and know a lot parts by memory instead of digging through stuff. This place still has racks of parts books near the computers in case they need to reference anything.

I was in there a couple years ago for a master cylinder. The the parts girl Ashley pulled it out of the box to check it (which they do for every part they sell to ensure it matches what you're looking for), it was missing the cover gasket. It was the last unit they had on the shelf and I needed it that day. She went to their aftermarket parts and grabbed a chrome m/c cover that had a gasket with it, and threw it in the box with the m/c. "On the house" She said. I thanked her and paid for the m/c only and left happy as a clam. How often does that happen?

I will cherish this place as long as they remain open. I will also continue to support them by sending new customers their way whenever I can.

Gary

Dang! What's the name of that parts house there on Whidbey Island?!
Next time I go north to visit the kids in Seattle, I'm gonna make a side trip out there with a parts list just to help 'um stay in business!

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by cardude

Dang! What's the name of that parts house there on Whidbey Island?!
Next time I go north to visit the kids in Seattle, I'm gonna make a side trip out there with a parts list just to help 'um stay in business!

Oak Harbor Auto Parts. They share the same parking lot as Les Schwab Tires on HWY20. Tell 'em Gary Strassburg sent you.

If there are couple of girls behind the counter... don't worry. Gal named Lee-lee is the owner and Ashley or Kathy will take care of ya. Great place to go for parts.

Gary

[68C15]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I went to the Local Auto Parts store yesterday for a new fan belt and power steering belt.

I walked in the door and was greeted with, "Hey Gary, how ya doin'. Still workin' on that old 72 GMC?"

My response, "Hi Chris. Yep, and as a matter of fact I need a fan belt and a power steering pump for it."

As he's lookin' up the part numbers (without me telling him any more info because he knows my truck) I told him I also needed a couple of 90 degree Zerk fittings. He said, "Go on in the back and look in the parts receiving area. We just got some more of those in. Grab what you need." So I do.

Come back out front and he has the belts laying on the counter. I toss 3 Zerks on the counter and he rings me up. As I poured a cup of coffee (free at the counter).

We BS'd for 10 more minutes until another customer came in and I bid my farewell to let him help the next cat.

I always enjoy going to the parts store here in this hick little town. It's not an AutoZone, O'Reiley's, Napa, or any other major chain. It's a local store that's been in business since the 1950's. Sure their prices are a tad higher than the Big Guys... but for the above described experience, I will continue to go back every time I need parts. I feel extremely lucky to have that available to me in this day and age.

Gary

I get a similar treatment. Except I walk in, greetbthe guys and look up the parts myself. Sometimes I just walk back and grab them myself. Of course I let them do the register thing.

[palallin]

To be fair to the kids behind the counter, it's not really their fault that they have to ask for engine type and size. Virtually ALL of the electronic catalogs/parts books/stock lists are designed to go through the same ritual no matter what the part look being sought is. Further, especially the newer the vehicle, it is possible that engine size DOES determine specific, seemingly unconnected parts (Battery size, for example).

But, yeah: it's mighty irritating, a little silly, and something of a put-off to guys who know their stuff.

The pacifier--uh, phone--on the other hand, is enough to drive me out of a store in a classic heartbeat.

[jfnar]

I went into O'Reilly's a couple years ago and there was a little girl behind the counter that looked to be all of 14 but I guess she was an adult because she worked there full time. I asked for a part for my '57 3800 and she just gave me a blank stare. After a short pause she said "that's too old to be in the computer." I said "Is that a problem? I've bought parts for that truck here before." She said "No, but I'll have to get one of the old guys to help you. They'll have to look it up in a book and I don't know how to use the books." Ever since then I always look for an "old guy" when I need help in any parts store.