I was feeling at bit cranky at work today.

Lager

Lager

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2017
Messages
2,178
Location
Corn Field, Eastern NC
Rating - 100%
4   0   0
I work at an Autozone store and today I wasn't in the Zone.
First Cust walked in the store and we are supposed to greet them with the usual bla bla.
I changed that up to " Welcome to Autozone where we sell cheap Chinese junk and give bad advise, How can I help you !"
Most folks laughed, some scattered into the store as they searched for car wash soap. The dumber ones asked me, which one is best.. " Lady, its car wash soap, what color bottle do you like? "
Manager tells me I need to be nicer,, Nope , not in the mood for dumb folks today.
Then I had some intelligent customers that actually need some help with their cars and were receptive to some advise and I steered them in the right direction. I've been in the auto repair business for the past 50 years and work at an AZ now, those customers are the reason why I actually show up at work . Since I only work part time, they have learned my hours and they are the only reason my local AZ keeps me employed.. Maybe tomorrow will be better?
 
Lager said:
" Welcome to Autozone where we sell cheap Chinese junk and give bad advise, How can I help you !"
Click to expand...
Man, I feel ya. I’m just sitting here thinking that EVERYTHING pisses me off these days, except taking my dogs to the woods. Everything I see on the news, everything I read (including some things on this forum), everything I bump into. You bust your ass trying to do things for people and they couldn’t care less. Everything going to hell in a hand basket. Pisses me off! I know it’s not a healthy place to be, and I’m trying to talk myself out of it, but damn, it’s not easy. How does one elevate oneself out of this?
1695772567211.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Red Marley said:
Man, I feel ya. I’m just sitting here thinking that EVERYTHING pisses me off these days, except taking my dogs to the woods. Everything I see on the news, everything I read (including some things on this forum), everything I bump into. You bust your ass trying to do things for people and they couldn’t care less. Everything going to hell in a hand basket. Pisses me off! I know it’s not a healthy place to be, and I’m trying to talk myself out of it, but damn, it’s not easy. How does one elevate oneself out of this?
View attachment 676372
Click to expand...
You need to get your knees in the breeze more often.
 
Red Marley said:
Man, I feel ya. I’m just sitting here thinking that EVERYTHING pisses me off these days, except taking my dogs to the woods. Everything I see on the news, everything I read (including some things on this forum), everything I bump into. You bust your ass trying to do things for people and they couldn’t care less. Everything going to hell in a hand basket. Pisses me off! I know it’s not a healthy place to be, and I’m trying to talk myself out of it, but damn, it’s not easy. How does one elevate oneself out of this?
Click to expand...
It is impossible for folks like us to not give a shit, but brother, I'm trying really hard not to. That is the only reason it bothers us so much....
 
Lager said:
I work at an Autozone store and today I wasn't in the Zone.
First Cust walked in the store and we are supposed to greet them with the usual bla bla.
I changed that up to " Welcome to Autozone where we sell cheap Chinese junk and give bad advise, How can I help you !"
Most folks laughed, some scattered into the store as they searched for car wash soap. The dumber ones asked me, which one is best.. " Lady, its car wash soap, what color bottle do you like? "
Manager tells me I need to be nicer,, Nope , not in the mood for dumb folks today.
Then I had some intelligent customers that actually need some help with their cars and were receptive to some advise and I steered them in the right direction. I've been in the auto repair business for the past 50 years and work at an AZ now, those customers are the reason why I actually show up at work . Since I only work part time, they have learned my hours and they are the only reason my local AZ keeps me employed.. Maybe tomorrow will be better?
Click to expand...

It brings great joy when I can bounce ideas/troubleshoot/debate an automotive issue with someone across the counter. It doesn’t happen often but it’s wonderful when it does.

Red Marley said:
Man, I feel ya. I’m just sitting here thinking that EVERYTHING pisses me off these days, except taking my dogs to the woods. Everything I see on the news, everything I read (including some things on this forum), everything I bump into. You bust your ass trying to do things for people and they couldn’t care less. Everything going to hell in a hand basket. Pisses me off! I know it’s not a healthy place to be, and I’m trying to talk myself out of it, but damn, it’s not easy. How does one elevate oneself out of this?
View attachment 676372
Click to expand...

Right there with you, born 40 years too late. 😂
 
Last edited:
Most autoparts store employees I come across are complete morons and if it's off script they are clueless.

I go to the next town over to get my auto parts. Older white dude and a black woman as primary and they have done me right.
 
Lager said:
I work at an Autozone store and today I wasn't in the Zone.
First Cust walked in the store and we are supposed to greet them with the usual bla bla.
I changed that up to " Welcome to Autozone where we sell cheap Chinese junk and give bad advise, How can I help you !"
Most folks laughed, some scattered into the store as they searched for car wash soap. The dumber ones asked me, which one is best.. " Lady, its car wash soap, what color bottle do you like? "
Manager tells me I need to be nicer,, Nope , not in the mood for dumb folks today.
Then I had some intelligent customers that actually need some help with their cars and were receptive to some advise and I steered them in the right direction. I've been in the auto repair business for the past 50 years and work at an AZ now, those customers are the reason why I actually show up at work . Since I only work part time, they have learned my hours and they are the only reason my local AZ keeps me employed.. Maybe tomorrow will be better?
Click to expand...

Can you teach the others behind the counter that when a customer comes in with an old battery they need replaced, the counter guy doesn't always need to know make, model, VIN, first cousins name to figure out the replacement?

Had to buy a replacement battery for my lawn mower, yes it takes an automotive battery, the other week. Dude insisted he needed the make model. He gave me the wrong battery. It was very apparent when he sat the new one next to the old one. Size was wrong and post were opposite. 🙄
 
Sp00ks said:
It is impossible for folks like us to not give a shit, but brother, I'm trying really hard not to.
Click to expand...
Every day my employer makes it easier to not give a shit.

I took this position because I thought I could maybe make a difference and help educate others. In less than 4 years, I've gotten to the point where what really matters is every other Friday. And that's not much to look forward to
 
I care about whether I am able to help people when they need it.How deep that runs depends on how they behave.If it weren't for the truly good people that come in my job I could easily be the asshole I am capable of. I am very fortunate in a lot of ways yet my boss can have me wishing to be elsewhere in a hurry.
 
cold1 said:
Can you teach the others behind the counter that when a customer comes in with an old battery they need replaced, the counter guy doesn't always need to know make, model, VIN, first cousins name to figure out the replacement?

Had to buy a replacement battery for my lawn mower, yes it takes an automotive battery, the other week. Dude insisted he needed the make model. He gave me the wrong battery. It was very apparent when he sat the new one next to the old one. Size was wrong and post were opposite. 🙄
Click to expand...


Somewhere on the interweb there is a story told by someone who called AZ to buy an axle bearing for his race car with a 9" Ford rear.

He was on the phone long enough with more than one person ( who all kept asking for the make / model ) that he literally drove to the store while alternating between being on hold and transferred around to sales people who could not help him. It is a very funny story, probably goes back 10 years.

.
 
Last edited:
Sometimes you just gotta be brutally honest and go dark. I drove 12 hours last week and checked into my hotel. I was tired and grumpy. The young lady at the front desk kinda air headedly asked me the reason for my stay. Probably a canned line she was taught. I said somebody died. She went white and STFU. I wanted to laugh and say don‘t ask if you don‘t want to know. But I refrained. She was young and dumb, but probably doing as she was told. Every once in a while I pull similar stunts at work. People are floored by truth and honesty. Sad.
 
Lager said:
I work at an Autozone store and today I wasn't in the Zone.
First Cust walked in the store and we are supposed to greet them with the usual bla bla.
I changed that up to " Welcome to Autozone where we sell cheap Chinese junk and give bad advise, How can I help you !"
Most folks laughed, some scattered into the store as they searched for car wash soap. The dumber ones asked me, which one is best.. " Lady, its car wash soap, what color bottle do you like? "
Manager tells me I need to be nicer,, Nope , not in the mood for dumb folks today.
Then I had some intelligent customers that actually need some help with their cars and were receptive to some advise and I steered them in the right direction. I've been in the auto repair business for the past 50 years and work at an AZ now, those customers are the reason why I actually show up at work . Since I only work part time, they have learned my hours and they are the only reason my local AZ keeps me employed.. Maybe tomorrow will be better?
Click to expand...

But isn’t it a great feeling to get to the point in life where you can tell people to kiss your ass with no adverse repercussion, because you earned it, not because you’re entitled to it? 😂
 
hp468 said:
It brings great joy when I can bounce ideas/troubleshoot/debate an automotive issue with someone across the counter. It doesn’t happen often but it’s wonderful when it does.



Right there with you, born 40 years too late. 😂
Click to expand...



Well if that's all you need I got you covered. Tell me why my 2007 silverado's HVAC system does the crazy stuff it does. Not that that is gonna help the OP any but he can join in if he likes. 😂
 
cold1 said:
Can you teach the others behind the counter that when a customer comes in with an old battery they need replaced, the counter guy doesn't always need to know make, model, VIN, first cousins name to figure out the replacement?

Had to buy a replacement battery for my lawn mower, yes it takes an automotive battery, the other week. Dude insisted he needed the make model. He gave me the wrong battery. It was very apparent when he sat the new one next to the old one. Size was wrong and post were opposite. 🙄
Click to expand...
Let me start by saying I spent 20 years fixing electronic systems on aircraft. One day at work (way back around 1990 or so) my battery on my 82 bronco died a friend took me to the Twin Bee auto store near Nas Oceana. i asked for the max cold cranking amps in that size HxLxW He had to ask what it was going in. then he told me that the bigger (CCA) battery would "burn up" my wiring. he then got mad at us for laughing at him
 
vaskeet said:
Let me start by saying I spent 20 years fixing electronic systems on aircraft. One day at work (way back around 1990 or so) my battery on my 82 bronco died a friend took me to the Twin Bee auto store near Nas Oceana. i asked for the max cold cranking amps in that size HxLxW He had to ask what it was going in. then he told me that the bigger (CCA) battery would "burn up" my wiring. he then got mad at us for laughing at him
Click to expand...

Yeah but was it 2wd or 4wd, auto or manual, bucket or bench seats, and did it have vanity mirrors??!! 🤣🤣
 
With or without A/C?

I know these guys have to go through what the computer prompts them to do. But, wiper blades for a 2005 Ford Explorer will be the same no matter what engine , 2WD or 4WD, or trim package.
 
Lol my parents opened their first auto parts store in 1974, before that they had a Shell station franchise. Other than 4 years in the Army I’ve been in the automotive aftermarket my whole life. People often ask why parts people are such jerks. Have you got a couple of hours? BTW most of the front counter drones have to ask those questions you all hate because that’s the way the software is written, might have to bear with them at least they show up for work, most days……
 
Last edited:
Being the guy behind the counter is easily just as annoying as being asked all the questions about your vehicle. If your asking them for help it's because you don't know which part you need. If you need their help you will have to answer the questions before the computer will give anybody the answer. That system almost always pisses off everybody involved.

I used to be merciless towards people who would just say the year and the manufacturer.

"ITS A 2012 NISSAN"

When you ask for more info like say, the model of car they just yell it in your face again.

"I SAID ITS A 2012 NISSAN!!!!"

I can't help you.
 
Last edited:
I don't mind the questions, because I understand most are following the software tree to get to wherever it is that says what part I need.

Also, I'm not an idiot. I pretty much have an idea what I'm in the store for in the first place. In most cases, the store's website has already coughed up the part numbers I need from my own searches. However, sometimes I do have problems locating what I need. And in most cases, the people behind the counter do me good on that.

Sometimes I get someone who doesn't really know what they're talking about. I'll generally politely ignore their contribution, perhaps even leave and go elsewhere.

But there have been plenty of times where the guy/gal behind the counter saved me a bit of time, money, and effort as well.
 
I try to remember they have to deal with the same people who will not list details when they write a for sale ad IE engine size /transmission. I have been looking at tool boxes you dont know how many ads just say tool box with a picture no size or even brand name. I emailed one and asked the dimensions I was told "I dont know but its big"
 
hp468 said:
It brings great joy when I can bounce ideas/troubleshoot/debate an automotive issue with someone across the counter. It doesn’t happen often but it’s wonderful when it does.



Right there with you, born 40 years too late. 😂
Click to expand...
I enjoy conversing with guys like you and I enjoy the debate also because even tho I've been working on cars for a real long time, I'm still learning and I'm very receptive to new ways of doing things or rethinking diag procedures. I've learned that the more I know the more I realize that there is more to learn. When I was, you know the lead tech , shop forman yadda yadda, the techs that irritated me the most were what I call teen age mechanics. Those were the guys that have been working on cars professionally for a 12-16 years and received their master tech certs and think they know everything, just like your teen age son living at home. They are quick on the diag and deal with absolutes,Guess what skippy? You shot from the hip on that car and got it wrong because you thought you knew everything. Now my AZ customers, I already know your skill level 3 min into the convo. The bone heads, I walk away from cause I'm just wasting my time and breath.
 
cold1 said:
Can you teach the others behind the counter that when a customer comes in with an old battery they need replaced, the counter guy doesn't always need to know make, model, VIN, first cousins name to figure out the replacement?

Had to buy a replacement battery for my lawn mower, yes it takes an automotive battery, the other week. Dude insisted he needed the make model. He gave me the wrong battery. It was very apparent when he sat the new one next to the old one. Size was wrong and post were opposite. 🙄
Click to expand...
Nope, cant.. Your dealing with corp rules and the managers listen and watch. Year make and model and does it have A/C? ;)
 
I was confused as heck when they asked me what engine I had to buy windscreen wiper blades when I first started driving here.

Then I realised it was a kid following a little checklist thing on his computer. I however had no idea what engine it was lol
 
Last edited:
Friday said:
Are you going to be around people?
Click to expand...
Now thats pretty darn funny !!!! yeah today was actually pretty good. 25 year old boss man asked me today if I could give him 100 %, told him yep.. Monday and Tuesday you get 25%. Wednesday and Thursday 20% and your not going to like Friday. LOL No not you ,, I like you , your funny !!
 
Last edited:
GoWolfpack said:
I'll call you and you can come give me advice next time I'm wrenching on something. I promise not to ask which is the best soap.
Click to expand...
You?? You don't need help with nothing. But I will on the other hand sit back with a cold one or two with Chief and make fun of you . 😁
 
Lager said:
You?? You don't need help with nothing. But I will on the other hand sit back with a cold one or two with Chief and make fun of you . 😁
Click to expand...
If you do that to the right person, you learn how to dodge a wrench. Which means you can then dodge a ball.
 
30+ years ago I had a repair shop. My major customer has a lot of oddball and one of military prototypes. The advance auto/AutoZone type stores were right out. “I need piston rings and a gasket set for a xx cu/in Continental.” “Make and model?”, “You don’t want to know”, “I need to know”, “OK, a 1944 Weasel”, “what?”, “Give me the manual.”
A young gal, Penny, ran the Wake Forest CarQuest, and she was the best parts person I’d found. Some guys would come in and ask for help, then inform her that women don’t understand, they wanted to talk to a man. So she’d send the new hire kid to get confused and sell them the wrong part. Absolutely hilarious to watch.
I was happy to pay more for a part of I was dealing with someone that got me the right past the first time.
 
There was a young lady at my local AZ that knew her shit. I think I stopped going there when I noticed she wasn't there anymore.

Knew a girl in high school who never studied and aced every test, said she was going to be a neurosurgeon. She would come to class, hands dirty. She had a 69 Mach I that she restored herself.

I often wonder if she made it to neurosurgeon. I hope so. Impressive young lady. A pistol, as was her older sister. Dad was a drunk and professor at Shaw University.
 
Lager said:
Nope, cant.. Your dealing with corp rules and the managers listen and watch. Year make and model and does it have A/C? ;)
Click to expand...
I get the Corporate part, its when the used part and the new part are side by side and they don't look like I've each other. Then the counter guy insists that it is the correct part cause the computer says so.

I'm also a little jaded, when I was teenager playing shade tree mechanic our local Napa had counter guys that were car guys also. The town was small enough that they probably knew who you had bought the car from and they probably knew what had already been done to the car too. Our car quest had a full engine machine shop in the back with full time machinists.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom