Issue with the Parts Girl

302 LX Eric · 06-27-2002, 01:31 PM

I'm getting ready to install my new 331 motor this weekend. In preparation for this, I stopped by Advanced Auto Parts for some routine items. Here's just a small part of what I had to go through to get some 'routine' parts:

I'm at the parts counter speaking with the Parts Girl (Girl):

ME: I need eight spark plugs, Autolite #3924's, copper, please.

GIRL: What's that? (she's not paying any attention, even after asking what she could do for me)

ME: I need eight spark plugs, Autolite #3924's copper, please.

GIRL: Ok, let me see if we have any in stock. (shouldn't these always be in stock?)

So the Girl goes around the corner for a moment and then...

GIRL: How many did you say you needed?

ME: Eight, please.

GIRL: Ok, here they are. (She is holding one box of four plugs).

ME: I need eight please. Do you have another box back there?

GIRL: Oh, ok, I thought you said 4 (Goes gets another box).

GIRL: Here is another box. Are you sure you want Copper? You really should get the Platinum plugs.

ME: The copper's are just fine.

GIRL: Well the platinums are better. They are better for performance and make ALOT more horsepower.

ME: That's fine, but I just want the Copper's.

GIRL: Ok, but what kind of car are these for?

ME: (me hesitating) ...Well, it's for a Mustang, but it wont match up to what's in your computer because it has aftermarket heads.

GIRL: That doesn't matter! Let me look them up for you and make sure you're getting the right plugs.

ME: Really, you don't have to. I just need to purchase these and get back to work.

GIRL: Well, fine, but they probably wont fit.

ME: Ok, thanks for your help.

I love dealing with these people!

E

89 Cobra LX · 06-27-2002, 02:02 PM

Should've told her they were for a Festiva.

Coupe Devil · 06-27-2002, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 89 Cobra LX
Should've told her they were for a Festiva.

With a V8, thats one quick Festiva.......

Brad

mustanggt350 · 06-27-2002, 02:08 PM

Women like that give us a bad name!! Of course I have bumped into a dumb male auto parts work in my day too!!

At least she finally let you buy the parts and walk away, I thought maybe she was going to try and hold your hand across the street. LOL

302 LX Eric · 06-27-2002, 02:15 PM

mustanggt350 - yeah, I've had similar issues with male auto parts worker's too.

I just find it funny when you go into a store, ask for a specific part and they act like they know soooo much more than you do. Just give me my stupid parts already!

E

A V8 Festiva...that would be scary!

Mr 5 0 · 06-27-2002, 02:16 PM

All too typical story but then, I'm sure the parts people have their own 'dumb customer stories' too. In fact, I know they do, I've seen them.

I understand that 'looking it up' is what the parts people are trained to do and I have no problem with that concept, but when a customer asks for a part by brand name and part number they should have sense enough to trust that he/she knows what they are doing.

Pushing the platinums is probably just a standard 'upselling' technique that they are also instructed to do. No problem - as long as they know when to stop pushing.

I find that when I have to buy parts at the Ford dealer (which I avoid due to the obscene prices) they are a lot more knowledgable and respect you enought not to push anything and accept that if you have a PN, you already have 'looked it up' and know what you need.

The Deuce · 06-27-2002, 04:49 PM

That's bad man. The way I figure it, about half the people in any given parts store know what they are doing. This is the same for most work environments. When I worked at Home Depot, guys who came in looking for something specific didn't get sold anything else. That was pretty much the rule. People who just described what they wanted always got sold up. I think that was a pretty good rule.

I do have a question about the plugs. I have never noticed a power gain in the beginning from better plugs. Is this just because my cars lag? Or is the advantage of better plugs, longer plug life?

Mr 5 0 · 06-27-2002, 05:08 PM

Deuce:

You wrote:

I do have a question about the plugs. I have never noticed a power gain in the beginning from better plugs. Is this just because my cars lag? Or is the advantage of better plugs, longer plug life?

The copper-core plugs are all most cars really need.

Many tests have proven that there is little to no gain in HP from expensive plugs . Platinum plugs simply extend the plug life but offer no better performance.

For a car that makes changing plugs a nightmare due to inaccessability or for the lazy, platinum plugs may be a good idea. Otherwise, stick with a stock plug for a low price. Gap it right, install it and be happy.

The Deuce · 06-27-2002, 05:15 PM

Thanks Mr 5.0.

That is what I was thinking, and now I know.

PKRWUD · 06-27-2002, 07:03 PM

Next time tell them the spark plugs are for your diesel Rabbit, and watch her try to find a listing.

Take care,
-Chris

mustanggt350 · 06-27-2002, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PKRWUD
Next time tell them the spark plugs are for your diesel Rabbit, and watch her try to find a listing.

Take care,
-Chris

That's just cruel and unusual punishment!! LOL

Shelby

PKRWUD · 06-27-2002, 07:25 PM

Oh, but it works!

Take care,
-Chris

The Deuce · 06-27-2002, 07:56 PM

I can confuse them enough asking for parts for my 240. You'd be surprised how hard it is to find parts for that car.

WyldeBLS · 06-27-2002, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PKRWUD
Next time tell them the spark plugs are for your diesel Rabbit, and watch her try to find a listing.

Take care,
-Chris

LMFAO! Now thats a damn good one. I will try that one next time im in Pep Boys and i get a ******* behind the counter.

cad614 · 06-27-2002, 10:02 PM

After laughing at this thread, I remembered it was time to change out my plugs. When I got to the parts store I expected the guy there to at least be slightly more knowledgeable than the girl, but here's my transaction:

ME: "I need eight autolite 764 spark plugs, please."

HIM: "Ummm, ok. What year?"

ME: (I decide it's best to let him have his routine, hoping that will get me out of there faster) "'95, Ford, Mustang GT"

HIM: "What engine?"

ME: "302"

HIM: "V6?"

ME: "V8" (with a really discusted look on my face by this point)

HIM: "All I show here are the platinums, would that be ok?"

ME: "I'd prefer the copper ones, mind checking to see if you have any?"

HIM: (after finding the box directly behind the counter) "Do these look right?"

ME: "That's them."

HIM: "So, just four or do you need six?"

ME: "Eight"

Then he checked me out and I left wondering how I ever thought that those guys knew anything about cars.

06-27-2002, 01:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Issue with the Parts Girl I'm getting ready to install my new 331 motor this weekend. In preparation for this, I stopped by Advanced Auto Parts for some routine items. Here's just a small part of what I had to go through to get some 'routine' parts: I'm at the parts counter speaking with the Parts Girl (Girl): ME: I need eight spark plugs, Autolite #3924's, copper, please. GIRL: What's that? (she's not paying any attention, even after asking what she could do for me) ME: I need eight spark plugs, Autolite #3924's copper, please. GIRL: Ok, let me see if we have any in stock. (shouldn't these always be in stock?) So the Girl goes around the corner for a moment and then... GIRL: How many did you say you needed? ME: Eight, please. GIRL: Ok, here they are. (She is holding one box of four plugs). ME: I need eight please. Do you have another box back there? GIRL: Oh, ok, I thought you said 4 (Goes gets another box). GIRL: Here is another box. Are you sure you want Copper? You really should get the Platinum plugs. ME: The copper's are just fine. GIRL: Well the platinums are better. They are better for performance and make ALOT more horsepower. ME: That's fine, but I just want the Copper's. GIRL: Ok, but what kind of car are these for? ME: (me hesitating) ...Well, it's for a Mustang, but it wont match up to what's in your computer because it has aftermarket heads. GIRL: That doesn't matter! Let me look them up for you and make sure you're getting the right plugs. ME: Really, you don't have to. I just need to purchase these and get back to work. GIRL: Well, fine, but they probably wont fit. ME: Ok, thanks for your help. I love dealing with these people! E __________________ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60'

06-27-2002, 02:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
89 Cobra LX Don Corlione Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Omaha NE USA Posts: 491	Should've told her they were for a Festiva. __________________ Eric - 89 Mustang LX coupe 5 speed 302-Cobra Intake-GT40p heads-TFS stage 1 cam-FRPP 1.6 roller rockers-3:73 gears-KYB shocks and struts-Eibach Pro-kit-HPM Mega-bite upper and lower control arms-FRPP aluminum driveshaft-16x8 Chrome Cobra Rs R.H.C. #14

06-27-2002, 02:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
mustanggt350 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 173	Women like that give us a bad name!! Of course I have bumped into a dumb male auto parts work in my day too!! At least she finally let you buy the parts and walk away, I thought maybe she was going to try and hold your hand across the street. LOL __________________ Quiet women rarely make history!! 1991 Medium Red Mustang GT (Scarlet)

06-27-2002, 02:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	mustanggt350 - yeah, I've had similar issues with male auto parts worker's too. I just find it funny when you go into a store, ask for a specific part and they act like they know soooo much more than you do. Just give me my stupid parts already! E A V8 Festiva...that would be scary! __________________ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60'

06-27-2002, 02:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,486	Parts people All too typical story but then, I'm sure the parts people have their own 'dumb customer stories' too. In fact, I know they do, I've seen them. I understand that 'looking it up' is what the parts people are trained to do and I have no problem with that concept, but when a customer asks for a part by brand name and part number they should have sense enough to trust that he/she knows what they are doing. Pushing the platinums is probably just a standard 'upselling' technique that they are also instructed to do. No problem - as long as they know when to stop pushing. I find that when I have to buy parts at the Ford dealer (which I avoid due to the obscene prices) they are a lot more knowledgable and respect you enought not to push anything and accept that if you have a PN, you already have 'looked it up' and know what you need.

06-27-2002, 04:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
The Deuce Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,325	That's bad man. The way I figure it, about half the people in any given parts store know what they are doing. This is the same for most work environments. When I worked at Home Depot, guys who came in looking for something specific didn't get sold anything else. That was pretty much the rule. People who just described what they wanted always got sold up. I think that was a pretty good rule. I do have a question about the plugs. I have never noticed a power gain in the beginning from better plugs. Is this just because my cars lag? Or is the advantage of better plugs, longer plug life? __________________ 1997 Mustang GT "The Freak" - 13.80 @ 101.70, 2.07 60' 1995 Honda VFR750 - not much @ really fast (actual data pending.) 1964.5 Mustang 289 Rice Haters Club Member #13

06-27-2002, 05:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,486	Spark Plug differences Deuce: You wrote: I do have a question about the plugs. I have never noticed a power gain in the beginning from better plugs. Is this just because my cars lag? Or is the advantage of better plugs, longer plug life? The copper-core plugs are all most cars really need. Many tests have proven that there is little to no gain in HP from expensive plugs . Platinum plugs simply extend the plug life but offer no better performance. For a car that makes changing plugs a nightmare due to inaccessability or for the lazy, platinum plugs may be a good idea. Otherwise, stick with a stock plug for a low price. Gap it right, install it and be happy.

06-27-2002, 05:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
The Deuce Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,325	Thanks Mr 5.0. That is what I was thinking, and now I know. __________________ 1997 Mustang GT "The Freak" - 13.80 @ 101.70, 2.07 60' 1995 Honda VFR750 - not much @ really fast (actual data pending.) 1964.5 Mustang 289 Rice Haters Club Member #13

06-27-2002, 07:03 PM	#10 (permalink)
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Next time tell them the spark plugs are for your diesel Rabbit, and watch her try to find a listing. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

06-27-2002, 07:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Oh, but it works! Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

06-27-2002, 07:56 PM	#13 (permalink)
The Deuce Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,325	I can confuse them enough asking for parts for my 240. You'd be surprised how hard it is to find parts for that car. __________________ 1997 Mustang GT "The Freak" - 13.80 @ 101.70, 2.07 60' 1995 Honda VFR750 - not much @ really fast (actual data pending.) 1964.5 Mustang 289 Rice Haters Club Member #13

06-27-2002, 10:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
cad614 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: San Angelo, TX Posts: 377	deja vu? After laughing at this thread, I remembered it was time to change out my plugs. When I got to the parts store I expected the guy there to at least be slightly more knowledgeable than the girl, but here's my transaction: ME: "I need eight autolite 764 spark plugs, please." HIM: "Ummm, ok. What year?" ME: (I decide it's best to let him have his routine, hoping that will get me out of there faster) "'95, Ford, Mustang GT" HIM: "What engine?" ME: "302" HIM: "V6?" ME: "V8" (with a really discusted look on my face by this point) HIM: "All I show here are the platinums, would that be ok?" ME: "I'd prefer the copper ones, mind checking to see if you have any?" HIM: (after finding the box directly behind the counter) "Do these look right?" ME: "That's them." HIM: "So, just four or do you need six?" ME: "Eight" Then he checked me out and I left wondering how I ever thought that those guys knew anything about cars. __________________ Mike '95 GT Convertible

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