Counter Guy Story

[exranger06]

I normally don't like the threads that bash on auto parts counter guys since I am one, but man oh man I have got to tell you about my co-worker. I'm at work right now, slow day. A customer just came in looking for something you put on brake pads to reduce squealing. My fellow parts guy handed him a bottle of CRC Disc Brake Quiet

And said to apply it to the rotors (where the pads contact!)

He said he's done it several times to his mom's van and it works great!

I normally don't interfere when he gives bad advice as I don't want to embarass him and to have the customer listen to 2 totally contradictory pieces of advice, but I just couldn't let this one go. I said that that stuff goes on the back of the pads and to never put anything on the pad or rotor surface and left it at that. The guy left with a can of brake cleaner.

This is the same co-worker who gets dropped off every week, because his truck is undrivable, yet he never stops talking about, "my truck, this..." and "my truck, that..." and I've NEVER actually seen this truck! And "Royal Purple makes the BEST oil, that's all I use in my truck!" Ughh...

 

[abycat]

Ha ha! I love these stories. That guy should be fired immediately for giving very unsafe advice that could kill people. Im going to google more stories so I can laugh some more.

 

[zloveraz]

Bravo! It's good that you spoke up I could only imagine the possible safety implications that may have arisen out of your partners incorrect instructions!

 

[Kruse]

Thanks for doing the right thing, even if it made both of you look uninformed.
Maybe your co-worker and the guy who sold my mom a lawn mower should get together and compare notes. (The lawn mower salesman was so adamant about using non-detergent oil in her mower that it took me 30 minutes and highlighting the operator's manual to convince her otherwise)

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: exranger06
He said he's done it several times to his mom's van and it works great!


How old is this guy? Fifteen?

More seriously though - I hope his mom is not in any danger from his "learning experiences" on her van.

 

[exranger06]

Originally Posted By: css9450
Originally Posted By: exranger06
He said he's done it several times to his mom's van and it works great!


How old is this guy? Fifteen?

More seriously though - I hope his mom is not in any danger from his "learning experiences" on her van.

I'd say he's about 23.

Forgot to mention, a guy came in earlier asking for oil advice on his Porsche Boxster that he takes to the track. Thank freakin GOD he asked me for the advice. Usually it seems customers always ask the other guy about oil, and I have to stand there listening to him spewing ignorant misinformation while I bite my tongue.

 

[NHGUY]

I have the same situation,but they think Lucas products and Sea Foam are the answer to everybodys problems....and they think Cataclean really works.

 

[Warstud]

Originally Posted By: Kruse
The lawn mower salesman was so adamant about using non-detergent oil in her mower


The logic behind that is: In lawnmower engines without pressurized lubrication systems, the crankshaft is constantly splashing oil around in the crankcase in order to lubricate the rest of the engine. With detergents in the motor oil, this can lead to excessive frothing and consequently poor lubrication. Also because they have no oil filter, you do not want the dirt to suspend in the oil.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: Warstud
Originally Posted By: Kruse
The lawn mower salesman was so adamant about using non-detergent oil in her mower


The logic behind that is: In lawnmower engines without pressurized lubrication systems, the crankshaft is constantly splashing oil around in the crankcase in order to lubricate the rest of the engine. With detergents in the motor oil, this can lead to excessive frothing and consequently poor lubrication. Also because they have no oil filter, you do not want the dirt to suspend in the oil.


non detergent is a poor choice for any engine.

 

[The_Jeff]

Originally Posted By: spasm3
Originally Posted By: Warstud
Originally Posted By: Kruse
The lawn mower salesman was so adamant about using non-detergent oil in her mower


The logic behind that is: In lawnmower engines without pressurized lubrication systems, the crankshaft is constantly splashing oil around in the crankcase in order to lubricate the rest of the engine. With detergents in the motor oil, this can lead to excessive frothing and consequently poor lubrication. Also because they have no oil filter, you do not want the dirt to suspend in the oil.


non detergent is a poor choice for any engine.


I think his point is, you have to think like those who think it's a good choice to see where they're coming from to have a convincing counter argument. You'll notice he disclaimed with "the logic behind..."

A counter argument would be that nowadays finally they've invented an effective anti foaming agent that didn't previously exist.

 

[dailydriver]

There actuall IS a spray which goes on the rotors to supposedly stop; squeal/noise, grinding, etc., it is a silvery color, and I am SURE makes a MESS AND A HALF, IF it even works for a half hour of driving.

Maybe that is what your misinformed co-worker was thinking of (forgot if it is CRC, or someone else who makes this)??

 

[SuzukiGoat]

All counter guys are idiots until proven otherwise.

Having worked at a parts counter at a powersports dealership, all customers are also idiots until proven otherwise.

Go in and ask for gl-4 lube or gl-5 that is yellow metals safe... watch their brain melt.



Or the constant calls about waterpumps for aircooled engines. Part #ID10T.... price 20$ cash installed.

 

[cmorr]

Originally Posted By: SuzukiGoat
All counter guys are idiots until proven otherwise.

Having worked at a parts counter at a powersports dealership, all customers are also idiots until proven otherwise.



I see you just reinforced your first point

 

[EricF]

It's usually the new guys on the counter who're trying to prove something and just spew out anything that'll sound convincing be it right or wrong.

I have almost everybody where I'm at convinced to not sell anything lucas. I downloaded and printed the complete MSDS's on all the lucas products we sell as well as the definitions of the ingrediants, to prove that lucas products are not what they're claim is. I've [censored] off more customers by proving it's not a product that does what the actual claim is. Moreso, it's not that they're [censored] at me, but that they've been duped.
I had one guy who was going to put a gallon of the oil sludge in his dodge cummins. After I showed him the msds, pointed out the definition of residual oil was, he didn't buy the stuff, and I suggested if he had to put something in the oil, put synthetic or the Lubegard bio/tech engine protectant.
I have a feeling he went elsewhere for the lucas, some people just can't accept facts.
Showing people the UCL is the best.. 10% addtive, the rest oil.
A lot of people get that let down look, but I sell them SI-1 and for only $2 more, they get a true complete fuel cleaner.
This guy comes in, has a diesel truck, tells me the lucas ucl is so great and I say, it does nothing for you. you're essentially adding more oil to your diesel fuel, which is an oil in itself.
He actually called me a few unfriendly words. Then I sold him on the redline diesel fuel catalyst. He said he notices a difference, I can't say for sure, I've never used it, but I know it's popular among diesel owners.

all my co-workers also get to read the coolant confusion article from Motor magazine. They also get quizzed on it.
We also carry the whole line of beck/arnley antifreezes too.
This actually causes some issues, mainly due to coloring.
People go by color, it's hard to convince someone otherwise, I have a chart from B/A and it's ok. But we try and avoid the b/a antifreezes, they cost more than the factory bottles we have.
But if you want the G12 for your VW, we have it in the Pentosin ++ pint, or the b/a gallon.

 

[Kruse]

Originally Posted By: EricF

all my co-workers also get to read the coolant confusion article from Motor magazine. They also get quizzed on it.


I wish you worked in my area.
The last time I went to O'Reillys looking for antifreeze, I asked them for a gallon of G-05. There were five pairs of "deer in the headlights" eyeballs looking at me. There was a few seconds of silence before the manager said "I'm not sure what that is, but I know we don't carry it. We recommend the All Makes, All Models type of coolant". I had to go out of my way and get it at NAPA.

 

[SuzukiGoat]

Originally Posted By: cmorr
Originally Posted By: SuzukiGoat
All counter guys are idiots until proven otherwise.

Having worked at a parts counter at a powersports dealership, all customers are also idiots until proven otherwise.



I see you just reinforced your first point


More focusing on the secondary definition of the word rather than first.. I always assumed every customer was working in a counterproductive fashion toward their intended goal. Doing so allowed me to be spared the verbal abuse my colleagues received for merely giving the customer what they asked for.

Highest sales #s and repeat customers because of that fact. I say never assume anyone is more knowledgeable than yourself...more often than not it's merely intellectual posturing.

 

[JethroBodine]

Originally Posted By: cmorr
Originally Posted By: SuzukiGoat
All counter guys are idiots until proven otherwise.

Having worked at a parts counter at a powersports dealership, all customers are also idiots until proven otherwise.



I see you just reinforced your first point


LOL.....

 

[JethroBodine]

Originally Posted By: exranger06

And said to apply it to the rotors (where the pads contact!)


Just soak the whole wheel assembly with it....

 

[antiqueshell]

I agree that that coworker that recommended using the CRC product ON THE SURFACE of the rotors and pads should be FIRED. I can't believe that the company wants a lawsuit on their hands if the customer follows his stupid instructions.

This is what gets me as well.

I have applied many times for parts counter work at various places. I have a very good knowledge of cars in general and have a talent for tracking down the correct part for the application even if the suggestions from the mfrs and internal system are incorrect or conflict, I have a pleasant personality, am reliable (show up for work) and know how to use the PC as well.

I have never been asked back for even an interview. Yet I go back to these places for parts and see all manner of idiots staffing the places, that have NONE of the traits or abilities I do. Duh. I guess these places WANT STUPID.

 

[05LGTLtd]

Not many managers are willing to hire someone who will be a better employee then they are...