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Rant: Auto parts store employees can really be useless sometimes

A

AlexUSMC0311

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As I was getting my 2012 Mopar Miller lite #2 nascar ready to show, i needed new spark plugs and a new bleed screw for the hydraulic clutch as the old one was stripped, so off i went to 7 different stores, O'Reillys Autozone, Napa, Advance, all of them, more than one each of some and each time the clueless teenager at the computer and Myself's conversation went like this:

Me:"Hi there I need 8 spark plugs for a Mopar 360 Smallblock, iridium if you got it, and a new brake bleed screw thats 3/8-24 x 1 3/16 inches"
Clerk: "Um... sir let me put it in the computer what make model year is it?"
Me: "Its not in the system its a custom purpose built setup, do you have a rack with packets of different bleed screws you can point me to please by chance?"
Clerk:"Um... sir I need to get a part number from the computer to make sure I know what to get you, are you sure we cant try that?"
Me: "Ok have it your way, it's the 2012 #2 Miller Lite Nascar, original engine is on display in my garage so its got a 360 in it now, the screw actually isn't for a brake bleeder, its for a clutch, but its the same deal, same part"
Clerk: "Sir I don't really know too much about engines all i can do is look up the car and get the part number"
repeat conversation about it not being in the system...
Every time these idiots look dumbfounded that their computer system has been beat, but I bet the parts are within all the stores somewhere, they just don't know how to find them without their computer. If you don't even attempt to learn at least a little bit about these things as you go along, then maybe you shouldn't work at a car parts store.

Anyone else have to go through the Autozone Odyssey for Parts? Also nigh impossible to get plugs for my 69 charger's 440 cause the computer didn't know.

IMG_5313.jpeg
 
AlexUSMC0311 said:
As I was getting my 2012 Mopar Miller lite #2 nascar ready to show, i needed new spark plugs and a new bleed screw for the hydraulic clutch as the old one was stripped, so off i went to 7 different stores, O'Reillys Autozone, Napa, Advance, all of them, more than one each of some and each time the clueless teenager at the computer and Myself's conversation went like this:

Me:"Hi there I need 8 spark plugs for a Mopar 360 Smallblock, iridium if you got it, and a new brake bleed screw thats 3/8-24 x 1 3/16 inches"
Clerk: "Um... sir let me put it in the computer what make model year is it?"
Me: "Its not in the system its a custom purpose built setup, do you have a rack with packets of different bleed screws you can point me to please by chance?"
Clerk:"Um... sir I need to get a part number from the computer to make sure I know what to get you, are you sure we cant try that?"
Me: "Ok have it your way, it's the 2012 #2 Miller Lite Nascar, original engine is on display in my garage so its got a 360 in it now, the screw actually isn't for a brake bleeder, its for a clutch, but its the same deal, same part"
Clerk: "Sir I don't really know too much about engines all i can do is look up the car and get the part number"
repeat conversation about it not being in the system...
Every time these idiots look dumbfounded that their computer system has been beat, but I bet the parts are within all the stores somewhere, they just don't know how to find them without their computer. If you don't even attempt to learn at least a little bit about these things as you go along, then maybe you shouldn't work at a car parts store.

Anyone else have to go through the Autozone Odyssey for Parts? Also nigh impossible to get plugs for my 69 charger's 440 cause the computer didn't know.

View attachment 1075580
Click to expand...
I only deal with Napa, as they sell car and heavy truck parts. Fortunately, my local Napa is 2 miles away and the staff is very knowledgeable. You couldn't pay me to go to Autozone, OReilly, etc.
 
I've had the same 3 guys on our NAPA counter for some 35 years.. and even they have to use the "what year and computer now", just the way life has evolved. Give the kid a break, he's just trying to pay his bills..
 
AlexUSMC0311 said:
As I was getting my 2012 Mopar Miller lite #2 nascar ready to show, i needed new spark plugs and a new bleed screw for the hydraulic clutch as the old one was stripped, so off i went to 7 different stores, O'Reillys Autozone, Napa, Advance, all of them, more than one each of some and each time the clueless teenager at the computer and Myself's conversation went like this:

Me:"Hi there I need 8 spark plugs for a Mopar 360 Smallblock, iridium if you got it, and a new brake bleed screw thats 3/8-24 x 1 3/16 inches"
Clerk: "Um... sir let me put it in the computer what make model year is it?"
Me: "Its not in the system its a custom purpose built setup, do you have a rack with packets of different bleed screws you can point me to please by chance?"
Clerk:"Um... sir I need to get a part number from the computer to make sure I know what to get you, are you sure we cant try that?"
Me: "Ok have it your way, it's the 2012 #2 Miller Lite Nascar, original engine is on display in my garage so its got a 360 in it now, the screw actually isn't for a brake bleeder, its for a clutch, but its the same deal, same part"
Clerk: "Sir I don't really know too much about engines all i can do is look up the car and get the part number"
repeat conversation about it not being in the system...
Every time these idiots look dumbfounded that their computer system has been beat, but I bet the parts are within all the stores somewhere, they just don't know how to find them without their computer. If you don't even attempt to learn at least a little bit about these things as you go along, then maybe you shouldn't work at a car parts store.

Anyone else have to go through the Autozone Odyssey for Parts? Also nigh impossible to get plugs for my 69 charger's 440 cause the computer didn't know.

View attachment 1075580
Click to expand...
If you don't know what plugs a 69 440 takes, maybe you should buy a Cheby!! :poke:
 
I look everything up on my phone and store it in the app's shopping cart.

If it's in stock at my local store, I go there and show them the item on my phone and they direct me to it on the shelf. easy peasy.
 
This is when you need to do your own research on what parts work on your car and will be the same as other newer cars that should be in their system. Or better yet have the part numbers. They can look part numbers up. And to take it one step further, I'll look up the part number on their website to see if they carry it and if it's in stock at their store. It's how you beat the system now days.

Oh, I just realized your 23. You should have had to live through what we have from when these cars were new. :rolleyes:
 
How many times have we heard this story? That kid is just doing what he was trained to do.

If you own anything out of the ordinary YOU better do your own research, don’t show up and expect any service. It’s the way of this world now.
 
Last edited:
Haha, We’ve all had similar experiences.

My last one was buying some spark plugs on a Friday night. I wanted RC12YC, but one step colder. I told the kid I don’t care about brand, heat range more important, just wanted to get the car going....*blank stare*...”what year and make of the car sir?” Won’t matter kid, it’s got aftermarket aluminum heads...I need a 14mm thread with a 3/4” reach, gasket not taper seat.

*blank stare*....ok kid it’s a 69 383 Dodge...

At that moment a “boomer” with his arms full of new parts rounds the corner as he’s stocking shelves; thank god! I yell, “hey you guys got a champion RC12YC, but one step colder”. He says “be with you in a minute”. I look at the kid behind the counter and tell the kid “pay attention, you’re about to learn something.”

Boomer reaches underneath the counter and drags out a master spark plug cross reference book. Bingo!!! “You’re looking for an RC9YC...I don’t have that in stock, but I have it in Autolite.” Thanks, I’ll take 8

I’d like to think the kid learned something...but I doubt it. Always look for the oldest dude behind the counter. Let freckle face sell wax and car wash.
 
As stated above give the kid a break...
The culprit is management who want cheap labor
 
Did you want a Coke and fries with that water pump? Oh wait. It was last week I worked at McDonalds.
So what is a carburetor?
Ya give the kid a break. He is a product if the system.
I too look up a lot of the part numbers on line first. Also I been buying from my local Napa for years. Actually I've had an account there since the 70's. A few old timers there that will know what I need but NAPA's quality has really gone to **** over the last few years. Just won't buy some things such as brakes, sending units and A/C stuff there anymore.
 
I'm thinking this thread wasn't started primarily about kids working at parts stores
(because Lord knows, THAT subject has been beat to death!) - and if you're sharp,
you'll see that also I'm betting.
Anyways...
we've managed to raise a couple generations that can't even operate a
washing machine without an app or a PC, so we've only ourselves to blame in a way.

My work-around is a lot like other folks - when I'm buying something from a local
parts store (and not online, which I usually do), I do the homework and at least have
the part number with me - or more preferably, I've already bought and paid for it
and merely have to walk in the door and present the receipt to retrieve the parts.

In a world of imports and hoopties, those of us with old rides have to become the
parts counter guys out of simple necessity.
 
When I need something odd or cross referenced, I go to napa. They still have books when the computer is no help. The guys there aren't kids and actually have older cars. They know the struggles.

First time I went this local napa when I moved here, getting something for the roadrunner. Was there over an hour talking cars because they'd seen my car around town but never got a chance to talk to me.

I try to have a part number when I need something odd. I help my neighbor with her cars after her husband passed (newer engines in 40s cars and truck, mustang front ends, camaro brake setup on ranchero.) Gotta have part numbers or know what parts came from which cars.
 
I to look up stuff on my phone to see if it is in stock before I drive there. Most things are looked up my Year, make and model. Why would you ask for plugs for a 360 (out of production for 30 years) and then tell them its from a 2012. I have parts on my power wagon from 1958 to 2005. It has a 70's 360 with the earlier cast iron water pump, due to the front engine mount.
When the water pump went out, a look on my phone told me, a Napa 20 miles away was the only one that had a 50 year old part. I when there and told them I needed a water pump for a 69 Fury with a 318. They looked it up and I got my pump with no issues.
 
You can keep beating your head against the wall or be smart and start playing the game. It's not going to get any better.

Need 360 plugs? Make up a car so the kid can look it up.
 
In the world of the internet, there is no reason to visit your local parts store unless it's urgent. Anybody that can post on FBBO can order the parts they need, delivered to their door, without giving the DUMB generation a hard time.
 
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