Anyone else have this experience?

[Ray]

You know when you walk into an auto parts store and the guy behind the counter asks you for the make/model/year...25776

Ray

[skullandbones]

Yes, I've gotten that look! But I've also gotten some very good reactions from the few experienced reps who really like their job and don't mind being creative. Not to disparage those who don't like to play but like in any job, some like to be in their comfort zone. It's easier. I like it when the person thinks outside the box and is good at leading you down the right pathway. It's frustrating to have to walk out of the store empty handed!

That is pretty funny though.

Thanks for the laugh,

WEK.

[Jeff Kleiner]

:)

Since I know that would be the response at the big box chain stores my usual M.O. when dealing with them is to look up the part on line then walk in and ask the counter guy for the exact number that I want. Sometimes they'll start with the "What's it for..." deal but I tell them "Trust me on this, you won't find it that way. Just plug the number into the computer and it will come up." I've got a longstanding relationship with a great NAPA store nearby where the guys know what I do. Sometimes they point me towards the back and say "If you find something that will work we'll write it up".

Cheers,
Jeff

[68GT500MAN]

I use Jeff's technique at one of the local NAPA stores. It saves a lot of time and frustration. I tried it at a AutoZone and the guy told me that he had to do it his way, so I left the store.
Doug

[j.miller]

Yep, I just go to one of two NAPA stores in my area. The "good o'l boys" can work with ya...da bat

[KeithBoden]

I have found more often than not that if you are friendly, tell them what you are looking for, assure them you won't tear open any boxes or make a mess, and ask if you can browse their selection, they will just give you the nod. Somehow I find browsing the lug nuts, studs, radiator hoses, CV axles, and hubs to be fun, especially when you walk out with what you want!

[OCCPete]

I was buying tune up parts for my roadster once and after asking for parts for '92 F-150, a '93 Mustang, a '86 Corvette, and an MG, the guy says "how many cars do you have?" I got a great look when I told him all the parts were for the same car!

[RM1SepEx]

I have built relationships with the local sources and have the same relationship with my local ACE Hardware, But I do have 11 cars and 10 motorcycles... I'm up to 125 pistons

[first time builder]

My daughter is a store manager for a big Avance store and I have been there when guys come in and see her and roll their eys , but when she helps them get what they need they say" hey your good". I guess her hanging out with me all these years has helped. She knows all things aren't what they seem. But it does help when you atleast know the part # or what it fits. Most of her staff are great, and go out of the way to help.
Kenny

[Gumball]

I've seen that look way too many times at the local Advance and Auto Zone. I try to do all my business with a small local place that still has a rack of books on the counter, but they have limited hours - the Advance a few miles away is a distribution store and open 24 hours, so sometimes I have no choice if I don't want to wait.

[myjones]

My daughter is a store manager for a big Avance store and I have been there when guys come in and see her and roll their eys , but when she helps them get what they need they say" hey your good". I guess her hanging out with me all these years has helped. She knows all things aren't what they seem. But it does help when you atleast know the part # or what it fits. Most of her staff are great, and go out of the way to help.
Kenny
I went to my local Advance and O'Reily's last week trying to buy the diff bushings for an 8.8<> back end of the upper 4 link bars. Neither store had anyone
that could find what I wanted on their computers. Too bad your kid doesn't work near me.
DB

[Greg G]

But I do have 11 cars and 10 motorcycles... I'm up to 125 pistons

I hate you....and also want to be you when I grow up!

[ruckus racing]

I have built relationships with the local sources and have the same relationship with my local ACE Hardware, But I do have 11 cars and 10 motorcycles... I'm up to 125 pistons

You own a small strip yard?