Parts Guys Are Assholes
#11
02-02-2010 | 06:02 AM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
I attended a seminar where the speaker asked if we'd had a difficult customer that day. Every hand shot up. Then he asked how many of us had been difficult. The result laid the path for the rest of the day. Hands went up but more slowly and with furtive glances.
The point? Parts guys are ********. The customers who approach them are ******** too, except that parts guys are expected to be professional ********. I like to think that I'm a professional *******. I've been able to help thousands of customers over the years and yes, I called the cops on a guy. He was deranged, probably wacked out on something (yes, I'll serve you if you're drunk or high but this was waaaay different) or just plain wacked out.
Anyway, the vast majority of concerns on hdforums seems to be your bike and the **** that attaches to it. Parts. This is where my inner ******* gets to run around. Forgive me while he plays, I'll get him to sit down in a minute.
Get a catalog. The part number is in it. Actually, there are thousands of part numbers in it. In fact, considering that I have every parts catalog back to 1993, there are 10's of thousands of part numbers. That's just accessories. What about the stock parts? Collision repairs bring in hundreds of different painted parts from different vendors and under different lead times. Why take it out on your parts guy because YOU wrecked your bike in May and your tourpak won't be painted until July? We don't weild any power. We order parts. Suck it up Cupcake. Take it out on a bottle of JD like the rest of us.
Discounts. Nothing pisses a parts guy off more than spending time with a needy ***** who can't be bothered to flip catalog pages by himself who then asks for a discount. Want a discount? Show up with a prepared list. At our shop you'll get 10% for your effort.
We aren't elitists. Heh, all things considered, some of you really do have to deal with kids who have no idea what a condensor is because of the rise and fall of seasonality at your dealership. Winters suck. We aren't elitists, we're just looking to be met half-way for an intelligent conversation. It's your bike for the love of God. If you come to us and ask us if an FLSTF is a Fatboy do you really want our respect? It's an honest question and yes, that's our job and that's what we're there for but on what grounds do you want to meet us?
Not to discredit parts guys everywhere but I can assure you that the vast majority of counters being covered by seasonal help are being paid minimum wage. Would you memorize an 800 page catalog for $7/hr? Listen to the old ****s talk about modifications? Remember gaskets for a cam change?
I hate to be the kid who says the emperor has no clothes but... WAKE THE **** UP! SHOVELHEADS AND EVOS ARE GONE! Nothing fits anything anymore and I'm sick of being blamed for it.
Have a nice night.
-Art
The point? Parts guys are ********. The customers who approach them are ******** too, except that parts guys are expected to be professional ********. I like to think that I'm a professional *******. I've been able to help thousands of customers over the years and yes, I called the cops on a guy. He was deranged, probably wacked out on something (yes, I'll serve you if you're drunk or high but this was waaaay different) or just plain wacked out.
Anyway, the vast majority of concerns on hdforums seems to be your bike and the **** that attaches to it. Parts. This is where my inner ******* gets to run around. Forgive me while he plays, I'll get him to sit down in a minute.
Get a catalog. The part number is in it. Actually, there are thousands of part numbers in it. In fact, considering that I have every parts catalog back to 1993, there are 10's of thousands of part numbers. That's just accessories. What about the stock parts? Collision repairs bring in hundreds of different painted parts from different vendors and under different lead times. Why take it out on your parts guy because YOU wrecked your bike in May and your tourpak won't be painted until July? We don't weild any power. We order parts. Suck it up Cupcake. Take it out on a bottle of JD like the rest of us.
Discounts. Nothing pisses a parts guy off more than spending time with a needy ***** who can't be bothered to flip catalog pages by himself who then asks for a discount. Want a discount? Show up with a prepared list. At our shop you'll get 10% for your effort.
We aren't elitists. Heh, all things considered, some of you really do have to deal with kids who have no idea what a condensor is because of the rise and fall of seasonality at your dealership. Winters suck. We aren't elitists, we're just looking to be met half-way for an intelligent conversation. It's your bike for the love of God. If you come to us and ask us if an FLSTF is a Fatboy do you really want our respect? It's an honest question and yes, that's our job and that's what we're there for but on what grounds do you want to meet us?
Not to discredit parts guys everywhere but I can assure you that the vast majority of counters being covered by seasonal help are being paid minimum wage. Would you memorize an 800 page catalog for $7/hr? Listen to the old ****s talk about modifications? Remember gaskets for a cam change?
I hate to be the kid who says the emperor has no clothes but... WAKE THE **** UP! SHOVELHEADS AND EVOS ARE GONE! Nothing fits anything anymore and I'm sick of being blamed for it.
Have a nice night.
-Art
Any you call yourself a professional? Ever hear of the word tact? One of the most important and powerful tools in the retail business.
Charlie D.
#12
02-02-2010 | 06:11 AM
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 127
From: SW OREGON
In looking at your photo, it appears that the left side is in the rear.
#13
02-02-2010 | 06:32 AM
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 102
From: Mississippi
The left side of your bike would be the driver's side...Just like a car...
The following users liked this post:
Georgia DailyRider (09-29-2022)
#15
02-02-2010 | 07:03 AM
If I knew the part number for everything I've needed I'd just order it online...I'm sure there are many many people that would do the same. It's easy to get the best price when you can shop over the entire web.
Seems like you should be happy with the people that don't know the part number. $7/hr is better than nothing when you're no longer needed.
I've never once had an ounce of trouble getting help from the counter guys anywhere. Most of the time it's THEM that keep me there talking about whatever it is I'm doing.
Seems like you should be happy with the people that don't know the part number. $7/hr is better than nothing when you're no longer needed.
I've never once had an ounce of trouble getting help from the counter guys anywhere. Most of the time it's THEM that keep me there talking about whatever it is I'm doing.
#16
02-02-2010 | 07:35 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
Mine aren't....great guys. Sometimes I know exactly what the number is (pre-searched) and sometimes they have to look in catalog. Always good natured and willing to help, look, dig if needed.
#17
02-02-2010 | 07:46 AM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 38
From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
Having your own parts catalog for your ride makes a big difference. 
I hand them a list of what I need with all the info, IE part number and description, When I get the list and my parts back they even write the updated parts number on my list so I can update my manual.
I hand them a list of what I need with all the info, IE part number and description, When I get the list and my parts back they even write the updated parts number on my list so I can update my manual.
Last edited by xFreebirdx; 02-02-2010 at 07:49 AM.
#18
02-02-2010 | 07:58 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 55,909
Likes: 77,181
From: Western South Dakota
I attended a seminar where the speaker asked if we'd had a difficult customer that day. Every hand shot up. Then he asked how many of us had been difficult. The result laid the path for the rest of the day. Hands went up but more slowly and with furtive glances.
The point? Parts guys are ********. The customers who approach them are ******** too, except that parts guys are expected to be professional ********. I like to think that I'm a professional *******. I've been able to help thousands of customers over the years and yes, I called the cops on a guy. He was deranged, probably wacked out on something (yes, I'll serve you if you're drunk or high but this was waaaay different) or just plain wacked out.
Anyway, the vast majority of concerns on hdforums seems to be your bike and the **** that attaches to it. Parts. This is where my inner ******* gets to run around. Forgive me while he plays, I'll get him to sit down in a minute.
Get a catalog. The part number is in it. Actually, there are thousands of part numbers in it. In fact, considering that I have every parts catalog back to 1993, there are 10's of thousands of part numbers. That's just accessories. What about the stock parts? Collision repairs bring in hundreds of different painted parts from different vendors and under different lead times. Why take it out on your parts guy because YOU wrecked your bike in May and your tourpak won't be painted until July? We don't weild any power. We order parts. Suck it up Cupcake. Take it out on a bottle of JD like the rest of us.
Discounts. Nothing pisses a parts guy off more than spending time with a needy ***** who can't be bothered to flip catalog pages by himself who then asks for a discount. Want a discount? Show up with a prepared list. At our shop you'll get 10% for your effort.
We aren't elitists. Heh, all things considered, some of you really do have to deal with kids who have no idea what a condensor is because of the rise and fall of seasonality at your dealership. Winters suck. We aren't elitists, we're just looking to be met half-way for an intelligent conversation. It's your bike for the love of God. If you come to us and ask us if an FLSTF is a Fatboy do you really want our respect? It's an honest question and yes, that's our job and that's what we're there for but on what grounds do you want to meet us?
Not to discredit parts guys everywhere but I can assure you that the vast majority of counters being covered by seasonal help are being paid minimum wage. Would you memorize an 800 page catalog for $7/hr? Listen to the old ****s talk about modifications? Remember gaskets for a cam change?
I hate to be the kid who says the emperor has no clothes but... WAKE THE **** UP! SHOVELHEADS AND EVOS ARE GONE! Nothing fits anything anymore and I'm sick of being blamed for it.
Have a nice night.
-Art
The point? Parts guys are ********. The customers who approach them are ******** too, except that parts guys are expected to be professional ********. I like to think that I'm a professional *******. I've been able to help thousands of customers over the years and yes, I called the cops on a guy. He was deranged, probably wacked out on something (yes, I'll serve you if you're drunk or high but this was waaaay different) or just plain wacked out.
Anyway, the vast majority of concerns on hdforums seems to be your bike and the **** that attaches to it. Parts. This is where my inner ******* gets to run around. Forgive me while he plays, I'll get him to sit down in a minute.
Get a catalog. The part number is in it. Actually, there are thousands of part numbers in it. In fact, considering that I have every parts catalog back to 1993, there are 10's of thousands of part numbers. That's just accessories. What about the stock parts? Collision repairs bring in hundreds of different painted parts from different vendors and under different lead times. Why take it out on your parts guy because YOU wrecked your bike in May and your tourpak won't be painted until July? We don't weild any power. We order parts. Suck it up Cupcake. Take it out on a bottle of JD like the rest of us.
Discounts. Nothing pisses a parts guy off more than spending time with a needy ***** who can't be bothered to flip catalog pages by himself who then asks for a discount. Want a discount? Show up with a prepared list. At our shop you'll get 10% for your effort.
We aren't elitists. Heh, all things considered, some of you really do have to deal with kids who have no idea what a condensor is because of the rise and fall of seasonality at your dealership. Winters suck. We aren't elitists, we're just looking to be met half-way for an intelligent conversation. It's your bike for the love of God. If you come to us and ask us if an FLSTF is a Fatboy do you really want our respect? It's an honest question and yes, that's our job and that's what we're there for but on what grounds do you want to meet us?
Not to discredit parts guys everywhere but I can assure you that the vast majority of counters being covered by seasonal help are being paid minimum wage. Would you memorize an 800 page catalog for $7/hr? Listen to the old ****s talk about modifications? Remember gaskets for a cam change?
I hate to be the kid who says the emperor has no clothes but... WAKE THE **** UP! SHOVELHEADS AND EVOS ARE GONE! Nothing fits anything anymore and I'm sick of being blamed for it.
Have a nice night.
-Art
FYI; the evo engine is still being built, and still running strong.
They are not gone even to HD.
What would you do if everyone started doing all their buying on ebay, or the on line dealerships. You defintely should lose the attitude though it really doesn't put you in a very good light.
#19
02-02-2010 | 08:09 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,868
Likes: 793
From: South La.
I rarely go to the dealer for parts but, when I do I usually have numbers in hand. I usually go to an indy for certian things. He helps me A LOT and I give him the business because of it. Yea, it cost me a little more from time to time but, what would I do if he shut his doors. There were things in the past he helped me figure out and he even told me to order online. I order from him and throw him some work when he's slow.
The following users liked this post:
Georgia DailyRider (09-29-2022)
#20
02-02-2010 | 08:18 AM
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 1
$60.00 for a service manual plus another $45 for the police suppliment. I know the name of parts when I come to the counter. Most of the 'parts guys' don't have a clue what I'm talking about. Then they want to act indignant because I didn't purchase the parts catalog and give them the number?
Hell, if I had the part number, I'd most likely know that I can buy the part online MUCH cheaper than from the *** hole behind the counter that doesn't think he makes enough money to waste his time looking the part number up.
Forget about that for a moment, I went in to purchase a cam sprocket spacer kit. Had done my research online. If I hadn't, the guy behind the counter wouldn't have known to tell me I needed the extra kit to install the other kit, so I give him the part number also. This kit has five or six different spacers included in the kit. It comes in a plastic bag, all different sized spacers to allow the installer to determine which spacer is needed. The ******* behind the counter went in the back, picked up the plastic bag which had all six spacers in it. Looked to him that they were all the same size. He opened the bag and took one spacer out, tried to sell me that. Had I not known what I was purchasing, I would have gone home thinking my parts guy should know what he's doing. In fact, I had to argue with the guy, then another parts guy came over to see if he could help. No help. I did go out the door and get into my car without the spacer kit, when the second guy came running out to tell me they figured out what the problem was. I was greatful they had admitted to their error. Well, the second guy did, the first moron was acting like he had been insulted.
Ok, now I live almost 26 miles from my closest dealer. So, I usually call before WITH THE PART NUMBER to see if they have the item in stock. "Yes, I have it in stock. I'm holding one in my hand and will put it on the counter for you, just tell them to look there when you come in." THANKS, very helpful parts guy! Yep, get there, pick up the part, go back home. Open the engine up to replace the part I just purchased. Does NOT FIT! Yep, wrong part totally! Look on bag, part number is not correct! 26 miles back to the dealer. Another day wasted.
I agree, parts guys ARE ********! But, if you have a job you are VERY lucky. Min wage or not, YOU HAVE A JOB! Please know that I DO EXPECT YOU TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING! If you don't you may expect ME to be the ******* SINCE IT IS REQUIRED...
Have a nice day, and do come again!
Hell, if I had the part number, I'd most likely know that I can buy the part online MUCH cheaper than from the *** hole behind the counter that doesn't think he makes enough money to waste his time looking the part number up.
Forget about that for a moment, I went in to purchase a cam sprocket spacer kit. Had done my research online. If I hadn't, the guy behind the counter wouldn't have known to tell me I needed the extra kit to install the other kit, so I give him the part number also. This kit has five or six different spacers included in the kit. It comes in a plastic bag, all different sized spacers to allow the installer to determine which spacer is needed. The ******* behind the counter went in the back, picked up the plastic bag which had all six spacers in it. Looked to him that they were all the same size. He opened the bag and took one spacer out, tried to sell me that. Had I not known what I was purchasing, I would have gone home thinking my parts guy should know what he's doing. In fact, I had to argue with the guy, then another parts guy came over to see if he could help. No help. I did go out the door and get into my car without the spacer kit, when the second guy came running out to tell me they figured out what the problem was. I was greatful they had admitted to their error. Well, the second guy did, the first moron was acting like he had been insulted.
Ok, now I live almost 26 miles from my closest dealer. So, I usually call before WITH THE PART NUMBER to see if they have the item in stock. "Yes, I have it in stock. I'm holding one in my hand and will put it on the counter for you, just tell them to look there when you come in." THANKS, very helpful parts guy! Yep, get there, pick up the part, go back home. Open the engine up to replace the part I just purchased. Does NOT FIT! Yep, wrong part totally! Look on bag, part number is not correct! 26 miles back to the dealer. Another day wasted.
I agree, parts guys ARE ********! But, if you have a job you are VERY lucky. Min wage or not, YOU HAVE A JOB! Please know that I DO EXPECT YOU TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING! If you don't you may expect ME to be the ******* SINCE IT IS REQUIRED...
Have a nice day, and do come again!
Last edited by CroK; 02-02-2010 at 08:23 AM.