I had My final Straw Last Night at work..and I said to [censored] with this job.had the Old Johnny paycheck song playing in my head. and said [censored] with this. I clocked Out and left,I was Done! I Started part time to have some income while im collage,and started loving what I did,gone so far to even Getting my ASE for part's Specialist P2 and studying to be AIA Certified.I feel Like I wasted over a year and a half of my life. Always hearing the old timer's talk about the good old days being a Countermen, realizing it's a dead Art. All these Auto Part's place's now just hire yes men and place body's in store's.I figured just Finish My last semester of community collage and Get on with Mechanic school.Lucky enough I made smart investment decision's and a good saving's,That I don't have to worry about working.(for a few month's) I Just felt Like having a Good Rant... has Anybody else ever worked in part's on the fourm?
So I quit my job! as a countermen
- Thread starter JohnathanDm
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I work at advance.
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I worked as a parts person at a Ford dealer for a few months, then a truck shop for another few months, then I was a service advisor for a few hellish years at the same Ford dealer, than GM and then the Saturn counterpart of the same dealership. It was bad.
Then I got out of automotive for a few years, then back into it at a Goodyear dealership as a service advisor. I'm going to college for an unrelated field now, but I still work part time for the same people. It's not too bad there.
Then I got out of automotive for a few years, then back into it at a Goodyear dealership as a service advisor. I'm going to college for an unrelated field now, but I still work part time for the same people. It's not too bad there.
Yes,and the customers make it a very difficult job.The walk ins arent too bad,but the phone callers expect miracles with no information(VIN,year,engine...etc),and want an answer in 30 seconds,and the part had better be on hand and cheap.Then when they dont get what they want to hear,they "squeal" to the company ownership that they had been mistreated...overcharged...or not given due dilligence.Think of those who take those calls people...we arent Supermen,we arent machines,we take what we are told and go from there.Have your wife call,and feed her info from the couch,and when she doesnt get the answer you want,dont blame us.Blame yourself for not being man enough to make the call yourself,and for not doing your homework before calling.Been doing this job for 27 years...and it hasnt gotten any easier or "better" in that time.People are cheaper than ever,cars are more expensive than ever,and those wanting to get someone else in trouble over "anything" is running wild.
I work at Advance a few days a month as well.
I worked at a local NAPA for ten years. Started part time, then went full time but changed jobs and stayed on part time.
You will always have somebody that you can't please no-matter-what. Lucky, didn't have that many.
The best part was earning people's trust. I only sold parts that they needed, not what somebody said they needed. And that got alot of loyal customers that would only buy from us. Was great place to work, no rules, just do and treat people how you would want to treated.
When I turned 50, I said "no more two jobs". I miss the customers and working with the local garages, but now have lots more time for my family.
You will always have somebody that you can't please no-matter-what. Lucky, didn't have that many.
The best part was earning people's trust. I only sold parts that they needed, not what somebody said they needed. And that got alot of loyal customers that would only buy from us. Was great place to work, no rules, just do and treat people how you would want to treated.
When I turned 50, I said "no more two jobs". I miss the customers and working with the local garages, but now have lots more time for my family.
collage?
He said Community Collage.
Working retail sucks but its only a job until you get an education and get into your chosen profession.
Working retail sucks but its only a job until you get an education and get into your chosen profession.
Originally Posted By: NHGUY
Yes,and the customers make it a very difficult job.The walk ins arent too bad,but the phone callers expect miracles with no information(VIN,year,engine...etc),and want an answer in 30 seconds,and the part had better be on hand and cheap.Then when they dont get what they want to hear,they "squeal" to the company ownership that they had been mistreated...overcharged...or not given due dilligence.Think of those who take those calls people...we arent Supermen,we arent machines,we take what we are told and go from there.Have your wife call,and feed her info from the couch,and when she doesnt get the answer you want,dont blame us.Blame yourself for not being man enough to make the call yourself,and for not doing your homework before calling.Been doing this job for 27 years...and it hasnt gotten any easier or "better" in that time.People are cheaper than ever,cars are more expensive than ever,and those wanting to get someone else in trouble over "anything" is running wild.
Not ME.
I usually do some research for the part I need before making phone call(s).
The last time I need battery, I tried to buy Motorcraft and had part number and price from 4 local Ford dealers online.
The lowest price was from a dealer about 20 miles away, I called Ford dealers closer asking nicely if they price match, all 3 dealers refused price match the battery, all said the battery I need isn't in stock and no price match for special order. The battery I need was Motocraft BXT27F, it may not be a popular size but it isn't a special battery either.
I ended up bought battery from Amazon with $20 off coupon, the final price was about $5-10 lower than the lowest Motocraft price.
Yes,and the customers make it a very difficult job.The walk ins arent too bad,but the phone callers expect miracles with no information(VIN,year,engine...etc),and want an answer in 30 seconds,and the part had better be on hand and cheap.Then when they dont get what they want to hear,they "squeal" to the company ownership that they had been mistreated...overcharged...or not given due dilligence.Think of those who take those calls people...we arent Supermen,we arent machines,we take what we are told and go from there.Have your wife call,and feed her info from the couch,and when she doesnt get the answer you want,dont blame us.Blame yourself for not being man enough to make the call yourself,and for not doing your homework before calling.Been doing this job for 27 years...and it hasnt gotten any easier or "better" in that time.People are cheaper than ever,cars are more expensive than ever,and those wanting to get someone else in trouble over "anything" is running wild.
Not ME.
I usually do some research for the part I need before making phone call(s).
The last time I need battery, I tried to buy Motorcraft and had part number and price from 4 local Ford dealers online.
The lowest price was from a dealer about 20 miles away, I called Ford dealers closer asking nicely if they price match, all 3 dealers refused price match the battery, all said the battery I need isn't in stock and no price match for special order. The battery I need was Motocraft BXT27F, it may not be a popular size but it isn't a special battery either.
I ended up bought battery from Amazon with $20 off coupon, the final price was about $5-10 lower than the lowest Motocraft price.
I am the parts manager at a small Ford dealership. This Friday, it was unclear if management would be able to meet payroll. I gave notice last week. I will be going to sell cars again at the Chevrolet dealership. I was with them for three years and left. They offered a guaranteed salary plus commission. Manager at the Ford dealership said we might make payroll this week, but next payday was uncertain. I really should just quit now, but they've been good to me and I owe them the two weeks notice. Even, if there is a chance I won't get paid.
Lots of customers expect something for nothing. When a part fails, "it should have been covered for xxxx miles" (insert a number that is a couple thousand miles more than they have on the part, regardless of how many miles that is).
Lots of customers expect something for nothing. When a part fails, "it should have been covered for xxxx miles" (insert a number that is a couple thousand miles more than they have on the part, regardless of how many miles that is).
JHZR2
Staff member
This country has turned into a mess or retail wage slaves and quota hires without much knowledge. We've done it to ourselves though, unfortunately...
Sounds like youve got your head on straight, OP. Good luck to ya!
Sounds like youve got your head on straight, OP. Good luck to ya!
Originally Posted By: oldhp
I worked at a local NAPA for ten years. Started part time, then went full time but changed jobs and stayed on part time.
You will always have somebody that you can't please no-matter-what. Lucky, didn't have that many.
The best part was earning people's trust. I only sold parts that they needed, not what somebody said they needed. And that got alot of loyal customers that would only buy from us. Was great place to work, no rules, just do and treat people how you would want to treated.
When I turned 50, I said "no more two jobs". I miss the customers and working with the local garages, but now have lots more time for my family.
how does napa evaluate chinese companies who want to sell to them?
I worked at a local NAPA for ten years. Started part time, then went full time but changed jobs and stayed on part time.
You will always have somebody that you can't please no-matter-what. Lucky, didn't have that many.
The best part was earning people's trust. I only sold parts that they needed, not what somebody said they needed. And that got alot of loyal customers that would only buy from us. Was great place to work, no rules, just do and treat people how you would want to treated.
When I turned 50, I said "no more two jobs". I miss the customers and working with the local garages, but now have lots more time for my family.
how does napa evaluate chinese companies who want to sell to them?
i started driving and working on cars since 1965. i have seen all kinds of parts guys. right now i have what i call a real parts house and chain stores. i have some good counter guys ad advanced auto. but even my real parts house cant get MMO in the 5 gal size.
Or maybe he was just confused as to how someone who would scribble out something like this:
Originally Posted By: JohnathanDm
I had My final Straw Last Night at work..and I said to [censored] with this job.had the Old Johnny paycheck song playing in my head. and said [censored] with this. I clocked Out and left,I was Done! I Started part time to have some income while im collage,and started loving what I did,gone so far to even Getting my ASE for part's Specialist P2 and studying to be AIA Certified.I feel Like I wasted over a year and a half of my life. Always hearing the old timer's talk about the good old days being a Countermen, realizing it's a dead Art. All these Auto Part's place's now just hire yes men and place body's in store's.I figured just Finish My last semester of community collage and Get on with Mechanic school.Lucky enough I made smart investment decision's and a good saving's,That I don't have to worry about working.(for a few month's) I Just felt Like having a Good Shat... has Anybody else ever worked in part's on the fourm?
...could gat unto a cottage. Bist port is hoopinq it gist a simple matter of bing a 4Runner-hose used to mostly offer lingwedge`s.
Originally Posted By: JohnathanDm
I had My final Straw Last Night at work..and I said to [censored] with this job.had the Old Johnny paycheck song playing in my head. and said [censored] with this. I clocked Out and left,I was Done! I Started part time to have some income while im collage,and started loving what I did,gone so far to even Getting my ASE for part's Specialist P2 and studying to be AIA Certified.I feel Like I wasted over a year and a half of my life. Always hearing the old timer's talk about the good old days being a Countermen, realizing it's a dead Art. All these Auto Part's place's now just hire yes men and place body's in store's.I figured just Finish My last semester of community collage and Get on with Mechanic school.Lucky enough I made smart investment decision's and a good saving's,That I don't have to worry about working.(for a few month's) I Just felt Like having a Good Shat... has Anybody else ever worked in part's on the fourm?
...could gat unto a cottage. Bist port is hoopinq it gist a simple matter of bing a 4Runner-hose used to mostly offer lingwedge`s.
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sorry late replay and spelling I only quit because of management not Customer's The one big thing I love about my job was helping people get the right part's and even going as far as to help them pick the correct fluid's for there car's.
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