good experience at oriellys

[sammuel]

So went into oriellys auto parts today to get the parts for a TFI upgrade the lady behind the counter knew what an eagle was and actually was previously the owner of one had a nice time chatting.

PS the TFI parts where not all there they are on order but they actually had all the parts in stock at the store if I had wanted an OEM replacement for the eagle that struck me as something that doesn't happen often

[mach1mustang351]

I have worked for O'Reilly for years and I love the company I work for.  I'm glad to hear you had a good experience. 

[shanebo]

Ive always had very good luck with them too...I wish I had one near me...all I got is autozone and car quest their descent but like you said O'Riellys/checker is by my favorite.

[mechanic80]

I had worked the counter at O'Reilly's for over two years and what I can assure you is that it's the personnel that make all the difference.  For the most part, finding a reliable worker regardless of knowledge or experience is foremost in this part of the country (NO work ethic whatsoever.)  I've been in the parts and service end of automobiles for almost 40 years now and I have a customer following that finds my ASE Certified butt wherever I go (currently CarQuest), and I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me.  Value your parts tech!

[mach1mustang351]

I had worked the counter at O'Reilly's for over two years and what I can assure you is that it's the personnel that make all the difference.  For the most part, finding a reliable worker regardless of knowledge or experience is foremost in this part of the country (NO work ethic whatsoever.)  I've been in the parts and service end of automobiles for almost 40 years now and I have a customer following that finds my ASE Certified butt wherever I go (currently CarQuest), and I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me.  Value your parts tech!

Well said on all counts.  You need to appreciate your parts people.  It seems like it is all to common for the parts guys to be judged before customers even interact with them.  If I had a nickel for every time I heard, "I know more than the guys at the parts house."  I too am ASE Certified, parts and Automotive.  I have been behind the counter for 8 years and in this management job for 3.  I got told by a retail customer today that I didn't know what I was talking about... *sigh*  It is a tough business because in the parts world your customers come in already upset because their car is broken.  It definitely takes a special type of person to stay in that industry... or a crazy person

[Sunny]

I have been behind the counter for 8 years and in this management job for 3.  I got told by a retail customer today that I didn't know what I was talking about... *sigh*  

I work in a shop, and occasionally I'll do a service advisor job for the day to fill in.. and what people 'think' they know, is insane.

I've had a lot of good luck with parts guys lately.. but I've also had some awful ones. The most ridiculous being a 'manager' telling me that my car didn't have a driveshaft, so he couldn't order me U-joint straps. I guess it ran on magic.  

For the GOOD parts people though, thank you.. and don't quit your job!

[mechanic80]

Yes, I'm crazy, and I have no intention of leaving this (frustrating sometimes) rewarding job!

[shaggimo]

Didn't know there were this many parts guys on here, lol. I've been at it for about 11 years now, it's definitly a love-hate type of job.

[Sunny]

Didn't know there were this many parts guys on here, lol. I've been at it for about 11 years now, it's definitly a love-hate type of job.

I've actually looked in to it here, but most 'chain' parts stores around here pay horribly. Not sure if private ones are any better.

[mechanic80]

Independent parts stores are being pushed out by the chains, and the chains are all about profit for their shareholders.  That being said, I left "the (cheap) green shamrock" last year for CarQuest,  a decent wage, reasonable hours and human treatment.  Of course, 35+ years experience and ASE Certification helps.

[shaggimo]

That's why I switched to dealerships as opposed to aftermarket, still not great pay (depends on the dealer), but not horrible.

[mach1mustang351]

Didn't know there were this many parts guys on here, lol. I've been at it for about 11 years now, it's definitly a love-hate type of job.

I've actually looked in to it here, but most 'chain' parts stores around here pay horribly. Not sure if private ones are any better.

I have changed parts jobs a couple times and I have found the same thing (at least in my area).  You always have to prove yourself.  My last store change I took a $4.00/hr pay cut to make the move and eventually earned it back after showing my skills.  Your previous credentials get you the job but the pay comes with knowledge, sales and customer service.  As we have said before good parts guys are hard to come by and if you show the right attitude, good service and parts knowledge a parts house WILL pay you.  

As far as independent parts houses, it all depends on the owner.  I worked for one for a while and it was awful.  I was there 2.5 years and every day was just bad.  I could write a book on it but if that's somethign you want to try interview the owner before you accept.  

[jim]

I usually have good luck at O'Reilly's.  They're my first choice.  However, the next to last time I  went there I left because they were short handed and it didn't look like I would get waited on.  Guess someone didn't come in to work that day.  It can happen to anyone - it happens where I work.
As in all the parts stores it depends on the individual behind the counter.  My main complaint with O'Reilly's is that I hardly ever see the same people in there a second time.  I once had a great experience with a helpful, knowledgeable black lady.  I've never seen her again.  At Advance and NAPA I usually see the same people.

[Sunny]

At Advance and NAPA I usually see the same people.

I was actually in the USA for 10 days, just came back a few days ago. I made a few trips to Advance and NAPA. I found NAPA a lot more helpful.

[HappyPappy]

  A good parts man will grab the book before  the computer!!