Quote:
Moly, moly, moly.............It's like focusing on the eggs in the mix, rather then how the cake tastes.
Don't tell Tall Paul that.
Auto Zone conversation with counter guy
- Thread starter Rob Taggs
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Don't tell Tall Paul that.
never listen to the autozone counter guys. I asked about a battery once and he went straight to the duralast gold. My penny pinching mind nipped that in the bud. Then he told me some ---- about if the battery didn't work properly after install I could return it.
Yeah, don't go to the counter guys. Heaven forbid they try to show you the strongest battery with the best free replacement period they have. If the battery didn't work properly after install, you can return it. If the battery is bad and you're within free replacement period, you'll get a new one. I fail to see how this counter guy did anything wrong.
One time, I bought a Ford and the water pump went bad. WHAT HORRIBLE CARS.
Yeah, I've had employees at AutoZone add packets of anti-sieze and anti-corrosion stuff for battery cables to my purchase without even asking me. "Oh you'll need this too"....No thanks, already have some. I didn't make it a big deal, but it was a bit pushy how they just picked it up and were quite ready to scan it.
I also had the counter guy steer me towards the Duralast Gold and said, of the Valucraft I ended up purchasing.. "I wouldn't put one of thoes in my lawnmower." That's great, but they start my SL1 and Windstar just fine. Oh well. They scan my codes for free whenver I have an issue; saves me from getting a code scanner...
I also had the counter guy steer me towards the Duralast Gold and said, of the Valucraft I ended up purchasing.. "I wouldn't put one of thoes in my lawnmower." That's great, but they start my SL1 and Windstar just fine. Oh well. They scan my codes for free whenver I have an issue; saves me from getting a code scanner...
I don't know a whole lot of auto parts store managers, so I agree with "Jaybird." Why on earth I would grant any particular credence to something a counterperson at AZ, AAP, or O'Reilly says is beyond me. Oh, I may bait one now and again, just to see if something really weird will come out of their pie hole, but it's strictly for laughs. These people aren't hired for their automotive knowledge, they're hired because they'll work for Wal-Mart wages and, likely, NO benefits. 'Nuff said.
Why on earth would you pay any credence to what a mechanic says, for that matter? Listen, did you ever happen to think that perhaps there are some people that are on this board that work at managers at some of these stores? I do, in my spare time. I don't need the medical or dental benefits, but they are offered to the full-time employees. Get this, I'm even paying into a 401K program they offer me as a PART-TIMER.
It's amazing the amount of pompousness and self-righteousness that comes from some people. I think it's amazingly ignorant when people act like they have the market cornered on intelligence or information. There ARE some uninformed people that work at parts stores but there are some that are very knowledgeable people out there too. Kind of like any job you run into...
Continue to "bait" people that are working for a living...that's very classy of you.
Autozone requires there employees to "sell" add on items, such as anti-seeze and other such junk, to help boost profit margins. I heard that they give employees a hand book with every add on for every sale. They don't see a penny for it, but I imagine if they don't they can lose their job depending on the manager. Plus you got the guys who are bucking to be shift manager or employee of the month pushing extra hard.
I'm not blaming the guy but it was total upsell the whole way. I walk in and look at the batteries and he never asks or tells you about the battery but picks the gold duralast battery for me to the register to buy without consulting me at all. I was insulted that he never asked. I picked the regular duralast battery. I've had it 7 years in my sunfire and still going! I really missed out the duralast gold eh?
I had the same thing happen, they tried selling me the Duralast gold and being in a pinch with a bad alternator that needed rebuilding, I just went with what they said. I had too many other things on my mind... anyways, a week later I put the battery in the car and it was dead. Took it back to the store and they charged it up, a week later again (with a brand new alternator) it died again. Something was definitely wrong with that battery. Replaced it with an interstate and never had another problem.
Quote:
I'm not blaming the guy but it was total upsell the whole way. I walk in and look at the batteries and he never asks or tells you about the battery but picks the gold duralast battery for me to the register to buy without consulting me at all. I was insulted that he never asked. I picked the regular duralast battery. I've had it 7 years in my sunfire and still going! I really missed out the duralast gold eh?
If he never offered, that's different. I apologize, but I didn't see that he didn't offer you another choice from your original post. The Duralast battery is a decent battery...I believe the 35 series and 65 series were CR Best Buys. Glad it has lasted you this long.
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Oh ...it's just a bunch of good old boys/old hands having fun with the youngsters. We were all ignorant about many things at one time. There's always a tendency to rib the plebes as we watch them struggle. I guess you sorta feel you've earned the right having run your own gauntlet in the past.
I don't have too much fun with my AA pals. One guy I showed my minivan setup and he came to me asking about what fittings he needed. He thinks that we're crazy here at BITOG (I sent him here).
(visions of Jangofet, "I'm just a simple man trying to make my way through the universe.")
Just people trying to eek out a living
I've had dumb (not bad, just dumb) experiences with autozone, and told myself I wasnt going to go back there, but I did a little while ago (stupidly).
I walk in, tell the guy the parts I need, he's in the middle of a convo with his buddy, so he wants to wrap things up quick. I say "I need brake pads, ceramics if you've got them", he just grabs a random box, does not consult me on the price or brand, then when he puts the box down, goes "anything else?".
I got quite a few items, he never once told me what brand he was giving me, or how much it cost. He then put two packets of brake lube into my bad, I say "oh cool, are these free? Because if they're not, im not paying for them" and he then tells me that I need them to install my brake pads, "no thanks I have a bottle of this stuff". Luckily the total was more than I had, so I left with the intention of finding some more cash and coming back, told him to hold the stuff for me. Never did come back
I ordered everything I needed online, got a better price, I knew what brands I was getting (raybestos rotors and akebono ceramic pads), got it from the AAP website, took forever to ship and they didnt stuff the box (rotors and pads were just sitting there, the ends of the boxes were crushed too
), but all is well so far.
I walk in, tell the guy the parts I need, he's in the middle of a convo with his buddy, so he wants to wrap things up quick. I say "I need brake pads, ceramics if you've got them", he just grabs a random box, does not consult me on the price or brand, then when he puts the box down, goes "anything else?".
I got quite a few items, he never once told me what brand he was giving me, or how much it cost. He then put two packets of brake lube into my bad, I say "oh cool, are these free? Because if they're not, im not paying for them" and he then tells me that I need them to install my brake pads, "no thanks I have a bottle of this stuff". Luckily the total was more than I had, so I left with the intention of finding some more cash and coming back, told him to hold the stuff for me. Never did come back
I ordered everything I needed online, got a better price, I knew what brands I was getting (raybestos rotors and akebono ceramic pads), got it from the AAP website, took forever to ship and they didnt stuff the box (rotors and pads were just sitting there, the ends of the boxes were crushed too
Well, I certainly don't need it for a living. I've been active duty military for 17+ years now. I do it for some extra money to spend on my vehicle and to keep busy. I really enjoy it and I've learned that it's pretty challenging trying to deal with the different personalities that walk through the door.
I work with one guy that has been with the company for 17 years and he's got a ton of automotive knowledge. Another was a mechanic for 25 years until he was no longer able to turn wrenches due to his back. I have no problem taking a ribbing...I just have a problem with someone assuming because you work behind a counter that you have NO automotive knowledge. I work for "Wal-Mart" wages part time because I want to.
Enough about that, I suppose. I just got back from closing a store and I'm dead tired
Had one guy who purchased a FelPro rear main seal for his Ranger but he swore it was a different size and it was leaking. I took out the caliper to measure the ID and it was smaller than the OEM even though the ODs matched. Stuff like this happens when you're dealing with aftermarket parts and sometimes it can be a challenge keeping the customers happy and getting them the EXACT part they need.
I work with one guy that has been with the company for 17 years and he's got a ton of automotive knowledge. Another was a mechanic for 25 years until he was no longer able to turn wrenches due to his back. I have no problem taking a ribbing...I just have a problem with someone assuming because you work behind a counter that you have NO automotive knowledge. I work for "Wal-Mart" wages part time because I want to.
Enough about that, I suppose. I just got back from closing a store and I'm dead tired
Johnson Controls made his Duralast that failed and its replacement Interstate. Oh well.......
I've never had a problem with any duralast battery. Gold or Standard. IMO some of you guys do a lot of complaining about the counter guys trying to sell you something. I go in there with part #s, and say I want x amount of so and so on this list. I never have a problem with them trying to sell me stuff, but I guess that happens when you come in there everyday
Don't have to worry about Auto Zone guys in our area, cuz they got run outa town !
As I stated before, I usually avoid much technical conversation with counter persons.
But on occasion, I find that taking the time to talk with a counter person who actually appears to have some knowledge can be very beneficial. Especially when there is a special issue concerning a part or replacement procedure that is not commanly known by the general public, and that particular counter person has some first hand knowledge concerning the issue.
When I was privateer racing dirt cars, my partner and I used a NAPA store for most all of our parts dealings. The two guys who owned the store were some of the most knowledgable folks you could find. One of them was a former wrench who worked his way up and saved his money, and the other a builder of chopped and customized trucks. Show quality trucks.
These guys were hard to beat, as they both had extensive mechanical knowledge, as well as both being very passionate about the service and products they provided. Which was evident by their giving up their former careers and spending all their money on the parts house.
They had no employees.
But these guys are hard to find. And I am sure that most any parts house is going to have at least one guy that has his act together. But as is usually the case, the rest of the cadre are usually there for the money only, and that being the case, they are almost certainly not too overly interested or passionate about their jobs.
And of course there are exceptions. Like the retired mechanic, or a professional simply seeking additional income. They often times bring a wealth of knowledge to the table as a bonus. But again, these folks are , in my estimation, few and far between.
...Since I am on a roll with this diatribe, I will continue with an anecdote of my own, that happened last week.
I had a damaged tire and needed a new one mounted.
I already knew the tire was not going to be found at any tire store in stock. I had already been through the full schmear concerning this issue with maybe half a dozen different tire stores, including WM and PBoys.
Since the tire was an order only item, I decided to just have the dealer where I purchased the truck do the work.
With a very busy schedule, I decided to ask my wife to help by calling the dealer, ordering the tire, and scheduling the work for after the tire arrives.
(I will save my "ask the wife to do something even remotely relating to anything mechanical" stories for later...)
OK, all I gave the wife was the tire size, which was a 255-R65-17.
Simple enough, yes?
Well, the parts guy told her he needed more info. So she calls me...
I told her that there is indeed a "P" in front of the 255, which I have always assumed meant "passanger type" tire. I instructed her that they may indeed have two different tread variations of that particular size tire, one being passanger and the other off-road.
She calls me back and said the guy told her that the particular brand and model of tire I wanted came in 4 different tires, and that he needed to actually see the tire to know which one to order.
Well...
I was a bit mifed with this, as I know that something is wrong with the guys info...remember, I had already been through the wringer on finding out about this tire at several places.
Anywho, married folks can imagine the tension between my wife and myself at this juncture.
I decided to take time out of my day to actually drive downtown to the dealer andhave a one-on-one with the parts guys. Heck, if he needs to see the tire, then maybe there is something he knows that I...and half dozen other tire stores, don't. After all, this was a new dealership.
Upon arriving, the guy smiled and stated he had the tire ordered and would be in tomorrow.
I asked how he figured out which one to order, and he just sat there for a few seconds. Really, he just sat there, smiled, and then said "it's all taken care of".
Well, I explained to him that it was not taken care of, because I had taken the time to change my schedule to bring the truck down to him, as he told my wife I needed to do.
So, to satisfy me, I wanted to see just how he accomplished ordering the tire.
His next words were; "Look, buddy...I'm not a tire guy".
I replied; "No &#%^...could I speak to the tire guy, please?"
He discustingly wheeled his screen around to me and showed me that there were indeed four different tires by that mfg in that size.
I again asked how he managed to chose from the list without the tire being here? Again, a blank stare.
In comes the "other" parts guy...
"This guy needs a P255-R65-17 for his F150" as he wheels the screen around to the new guy.
The other guy grabbed the mouse, and clicked. "That's the number to use".
"But what about the other tires?"
The other guy replied, "Those are just former and discontinued model numbers from the mfg. They only make two treads in that tire...he needs the highway tire"
"By the way, what is his VIN number?"
Why didn't I think of that!
I knew that with the VIN they could see just exactly what tire I had, even down to particular tire runs.
But more importantly, why didn't the first parts guy realize this? Why must I be run around town and change my day, just because some bafoon has no idea what he is doing?
"Wait...didn't we just order in 5 of those tires?"
"yeah...one is for this guy"
Well, I now know how the missing toothed ogar managed to order in the tire. It was his pal that did it.
Great job of calling the wife back and letting her know he found his mistake and took care of the issue...NOT.
Great job of actually having half a clue about the issue even after it's been discussed indepth...NOT.
Great job of supplying fantastic customer service, using a wealth of knowledge...NOT!
I am usually one to simply shake my head about such situations and move on...but I felt I needed to alert management as to just how inept this guy was.
He is more than likely the owners cousin, or has someones naked pictures, or something...as he just didn't "fit" in with the professional and curteous service the rest of the facility has always offered me.
OK...rant over.
But on occasion, I find that taking the time to talk with a counter person who actually appears to have some knowledge can be very beneficial. Especially when there is a special issue concerning a part or replacement procedure that is not commanly known by the general public, and that particular counter person has some first hand knowledge concerning the issue.
When I was privateer racing dirt cars, my partner and I used a NAPA store for most all of our parts dealings. The two guys who owned the store were some of the most knowledgable folks you could find. One of them was a former wrench who worked his way up and saved his money, and the other a builder of chopped and customized trucks. Show quality trucks.
These guys were hard to beat, as they both had extensive mechanical knowledge, as well as both being very passionate about the service and products they provided. Which was evident by their giving up their former careers and spending all their money on the parts house.
They had no employees.
But these guys are hard to find. And I am sure that most any parts house is going to have at least one guy that has his act together. But as is usually the case, the rest of the cadre are usually there for the money only, and that being the case, they are almost certainly not too overly interested or passionate about their jobs.
And of course there are exceptions. Like the retired mechanic, or a professional simply seeking additional income. They often times bring a wealth of knowledge to the table as a bonus. But again, these folks are , in my estimation, few and far between.
...Since I am on a roll with this diatribe, I will continue with an anecdote of my own, that happened last week.
I had a damaged tire and needed a new one mounted.
I already knew the tire was not going to be found at any tire store in stock. I had already been through the full schmear concerning this issue with maybe half a dozen different tire stores, including WM and PBoys.
Since the tire was an order only item, I decided to just have the dealer where I purchased the truck do the work.
With a very busy schedule, I decided to ask my wife to help by calling the dealer, ordering the tire, and scheduling the work for after the tire arrives.
(I will save my "ask the wife to do something even remotely relating to anything mechanical" stories for later...)
OK, all I gave the wife was the tire size, which was a 255-R65-17.
Simple enough, yes?
Well, the parts guy told her he needed more info. So she calls me...
I told her that there is indeed a "P" in front of the 255, which I have always assumed meant "passanger type" tire. I instructed her that they may indeed have two different tread variations of that particular size tire, one being passanger and the other off-road.
She calls me back and said the guy told her that the particular brand and model of tire I wanted came in 4 different tires, and that he needed to actually see the tire to know which one to order.
Well...
I was a bit mifed with this, as I know that something is wrong with the guys info...remember, I had already been through the wringer on finding out about this tire at several places.
Anywho, married folks can imagine the tension between my wife and myself at this juncture.
I decided to take time out of my day to actually drive downtown to the dealer andhave a one-on-one with the parts guys. Heck, if he needs to see the tire, then maybe there is something he knows that I...and half dozen other tire stores, don't. After all, this was a new dealership.
Upon arriving, the guy smiled and stated he had the tire ordered and would be in tomorrow.
I asked how he figured out which one to order, and he just sat there for a few seconds. Really, he just sat there, smiled, and then said "it's all taken care of".
Well, I explained to him that it was not taken care of, because I had taken the time to change my schedule to bring the truck down to him, as he told my wife I needed to do.
So, to satisfy me, I wanted to see just how he accomplished ordering the tire.
His next words were; "Look, buddy...I'm not a tire guy".
I replied; "No &#%^...could I speak to the tire guy, please?"
He discustingly wheeled his screen around to me and showed me that there were indeed four different tires by that mfg in that size.
I again asked how he managed to chose from the list without the tire being here? Again, a blank stare.
In comes the "other" parts guy...
"This guy needs a P255-R65-17 for his F150" as he wheels the screen around to the new guy.
The other guy grabbed the mouse, and clicked. "That's the number to use".
"But what about the other tires?"
The other guy replied, "Those are just former and discontinued model numbers from the mfg. They only make two treads in that tire...he needs the highway tire"
"By the way, what is his VIN number?"
Why didn't I think of that!
I knew that with the VIN they could see just exactly what tire I had, even down to particular tire runs.
But more importantly, why didn't the first parts guy realize this? Why must I be run around town and change my day, just because some bafoon has no idea what he is doing?
"Wait...didn't we just order in 5 of those tires?"
"yeah...one is for this guy"
Well, I now know how the missing toothed ogar managed to order in the tire. It was his pal that did it.
Great job of calling the wife back and letting her know he found his mistake and took care of the issue...NOT.
Great job of actually having half a clue about the issue even after it's been discussed indepth...NOT.
Great job of supplying fantastic customer service, using a wealth of knowledge...NOT!
I am usually one to simply shake my head about such situations and move on...but I felt I needed to alert management as to just how inept this guy was.
He is more than likely the owners cousin, or has someones naked pictures, or something...as he just didn't "fit" in with the professional and curteous service the rest of the facility has always offered me.
OK...rant over.
Your tire problem is one good reason for using the online tire sellers. At least you can select exactly what you need, and find out whether you can expect it next day or not. Of course, you still need to find someone competent to mount the tire.
Indeed, it is exactly this type of incompetence that is driving ever more of us to buy parts online.
My favorite indie foreign car parts store recently closed. The owner could find anything, charged reasonable prices, and knew what brands would work well in service. He would also direct you to another source if he could not give you a reasonable price on an item. I really don't expect this kind of knowledege and customer service from the average guy at AA or AZ. Even some of the dealer parts people are pretty clueless. I guess I'll now have to buy parts for my cars online.
Indeed, it is exactly this type of incompetence that is driving ever more of us to buy parts online.
My favorite indie foreign car parts store recently closed. The owner could find anything, charged reasonable prices, and knew what brands would work well in service. He would also direct you to another source if he could not give you a reasonable price on an item. I really don't expect this kind of knowledege and customer service from the average guy at AA or AZ. Even some of the dealer parts people are pretty clueless. I guess I'll now have to buy parts for my cars online.
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