My local parts guys do a good job of asking questions before they give out parts. I've never had any problem with them. I'm having my first service with them on Thursday, we'll see how that goes. They have always cross checked the master catalog in my dealings with them.

 

I've noticed that the kids that run the counter at the local HD are more interested in giving you their opinion about parts, than looking up the parts Iam interested in.[sm=WTFsgign.gif]

 

I worked in an auto parts store for 20 years before I became a fireman.

Low paying, thank less job. Get blamed for anything that goes wrong with a repair job. Wrong part, defective or too much money are the most common gripes.

Folks want to "borrow" an electrical part to see if that is what is wrong. Then bring it back if it does't fix his problem. You are supposed to know the number of cams and carbs and gears of every Harley that was ever made for better than 50 years.

When a counterman asks for more info, the customer says, "They're all the same." You give the guy your best educated guess and then you are an incompetent SOB because they are NOT all the same. When he brings your part back in the greasy, mangled box and the part is scarred from the gorilla trying to make it fit, he has the needed info to get the right part.

It takes about 5 years experience for a parts man to be well rounded in the business. It takes a certain personality to be able to work well with customers, mechanics, do it yourselfers and the suppliers.

I salute the good parts men out there. If you find a good one, take care of him and he will take care of you.

Got to love your customers and take care of them, they pay your salary.