I hate going to parts stores

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DamHoodlum

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Went to orilleys to get plugs, wires, cap, and rotor for my c2500. No big deal right?....right?
I go in there and the guy standing behind the counter asks what I need, so I tell him "I have a 1995 chevy c2500 with the treefiddy. I need a dizzy cap, rotor, plug wires, and acdelco cr43ts plugs or the ngk equivalent."
The guy says cool I can do that. "Great." I think.
Guy comes from the back with everything and shows me some e3 spark plugs. "These plugs would be better for that old 350 engine, they will let you get better fuel milage and will increase horsepower and low end torque. I use them in my astro."
I say "no thanks I want normal plugs like the cr43ts that's what works for me."
Then he fires back and says "but those copper plugs won't last as long. You're wasting your money."
I walked off and said " at least I'm not wasting time pretending to be a damn spark plug salesman!"
I ordered off of rockauto and got acdelco everything for about what I would've paid at the store.
Anyone else have thoughts on this or array parts store story to tell?
Did he ask "Does it have A/C?"
 

HotWheelsBurban

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Sometimes having the VIN number will help with parts purchases. I learned this on our square body Burbs, particularly the 90 where the regular '90 GMC is a 400 and not a square body. I have the same thing on the 99 Burbs because the regular C1500 is an 800 series. There, 5.7 vs. 5.3/6.0 helps.
Rock Auto is great if you can wait for the part/s, or it's a planned job or project. The savings are well worth it. But if ya gotta have it now, gotta deal with the parts store.
 

TreeGeared

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Like others have mentioned I tend to order parts online if I have the time to wait for them to ship. I like to comparison shop brand and price. Normally only go into parts stores for consumables or if I need something to get it running for tomorrow.

I have had the best luck with some of the Advance stores that used to be Carquest. Years ago before I moved I was on a first name basis on at a local Carquest and the guys were quite good. Times change and so seemingly do the people behind the parts counters. Seems like turnover at all the local stores is a common trend.

Best advice can give you is look up the part that you want and go in with it written down. Start of with "Hi I have a part number I would like to see if you have in stock." All the part stores have the ability to look up their stock by their own number or a cross reference.

I have had parts guys try to tell me what to put on or sell me an upgrade. If I feel like messing with them I start questioning them about why one is better. Usually I can question them until they get a blank look on their face. Otherwise just tell them that you know what you want to use on your vehicle and if they do not have it wish them a good day and tell them you will check another store.
 

thinger2

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Just keep in mind that customer service is a horrible job.
For every one person who comes in the door with a reasonable request.
25 idiots come in the door and want that round looking thing on the engine.
What year, what make, what model.
Well Its a Dodge. I think its a 93 or maybe a 97 .
My uncles brothers cousins step sister told me it was rebuilt last year and I drove it fir two months and now it sounds like rattling poop.
And the guy at oriellys is just gonna fix you right up based on that ********.
Every time us car guys go to the parts store we have an opportunity to interact with people who may be just getting into our crazy nutty hobby and life.
Dont go all crazy because they dont know what you are looking for.
Look it up yourself, go in with a part number.
Take the time to answer their qeustions.
Pass on a bit of knowledge
Most of the part guys I deal with are eager to learn.
Take your time, treat them with respect.
Dont be a rotten old fart.
Remember, when you were young, you didnt know a damn thing either.
Dont burn people out of your hobby and expect that hobby to continue.
Be the guy that treats them with respect after a day of dealing with assholes.
You just might make a freind
 

GMCTruck

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I live in a fairly small town. (<5000). There are two auto parts stores in town and I use them both. Both stores have good people behind the counter. One store typically gives me better prices. The other is run by a retired mechanic who has come out to my home several times to help me fix something as long as I bought the parts from him. I bought a part from Rockauto for the first time about one month ago and everything went well. There was a minor scare because, for some reason, DHL prefers "ST" instead of "Street" in the address. Thankfully some genius was able to figure out that "street" does in fact mean "street" and so it was delivered to the street that my business in on. Would I buy from them again? Yes, if I needed too. I support my local auto parts stores and they support my business. Makes the world go 'round. They have employees to pay and property taxes and electric bills and gas bills and insurance premiums to pay, just like I do. We have a drawing area of about 10,000 potential customers. Internet companies have what, 300 million potential customers. Of course their bulk purchases/sales will result in lower prices. One thing is certain though, NO Rockauto CEO or employee will EVER buy anything from MY business. I'll support the people that support me. That's my old school way of thinking.
 

thinger2

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The most idiotic experiance involved calling Lowes.
One of our rooftop air handlers broke a belt.
It got pretty hot real quick inside.
This is a problem because most of what we manufactured was for the military.
So by contract all parts need to be stabilzed at 68 degrees and all inspection equipment needs to be stabilized at 68 degrees.
You cant certify the parts without that.
No big deal, we have spare belts.
They were too big.
Its after 5 on a Friday so the local HVAC supplier is closed.
So I called Blows on the off chance that I could find a belt.
Hi! Thanks for calling Lowes! How may I direct your call?
The commercial desk, I have an account.
On hold. The soothing sounds of Keeny G playing.
Lawn and garden!
No. Commercial desk.
On hold again.
Plumbing!
No
This went on over and over.
Finally somebody answers the friggen phone.
I asked this guy if the sold vee belts.
And this where I screwed up.
He asked me what it was for.
It is for a trane air handler.
TRANE one of the largest manufacturers of HVAC equipment in the world TRANE!
T.R.A.N.E.
Write it down
Back on hold. This time it was I believe Joan Beaz asking if I knew the way to San Jose.
I didnt and I didnt care.
As god is my witness this chucklehead got back on the phone and told me all snarky like that they didnt sell TRAIN parts and I needed to call the railroad.
He suggested Burlington Northern.
And then hung up on me.
Have you ever had a conversation that was so absurd that you pull the phone off of your ear and look at it?
Just to see if it agrees with you?
 
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