Parts Guys Are Assholes
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 376
Likes: 1
From: NC
Type A! When it comes to dealing with people 1/2 of it is in your court.I was once a parts person in an auto parts store.
Have built,and restored machines all my adult life,knowing a little bit about a lot of things.Some of the people that walked through the doors could never be pleased no matter what you knew or had on the shelves.Guess what,everytime they walked through the doors after that they got exactly what they expected.Parts people are humans and are doing the best job they possibly can under the circumstances,and their pay scale.
Have built,and restored machines all my adult life,knowing a little bit about a lot of things.Some of the people that walked through the doors could never be pleased no matter what you knew or had on the shelves.Guess what,everytime they walked through the doors after that they got exactly what they expected.Parts people are humans and are doing the best job they possibly can under the circumstances,and their pay scale.
You are paid to do a job, earn your $$$ or find one at your pay scale that allows you to do a days work.
I have had several run-ins with my local dealers parts counter and now I have to drive 60 miles to get stuff when I need it, The straw that broke the camels back with me was over a clutch cable for a 95 Sporster. I walk in the place with the cable in my hands knowing they were not going to have the specific # for that bike but all I needed was something close, Its a clutch cable. I can see all of the cables hanging up from where I am standing (probably about 50 of them) and the parts guy refused to hold it up next to his stock and find something that would work because his computer said he did not have that particular part # in stock. I tried to get him to let me look if he did not want to put the time into it and he replied that he would call the law on me if I stepped behind the counter and dismissed me. ******* if I have ever met one!!!!
I drive 60 miles to the other dealer and I walk in and the guy say's "I see you have your cable with you, that makes it so much easier on us parts guys" and he proceeded to hold it up alongside the other ones and pulled several out and we laid them flat on the counter and the perfect fit was labeled for a newer Road King. He never even looked it up and I was on my way happy in less than two minutes.
By the way I sent an e-mail to the Manager of Manatee- River Harley Davidson telling him of my negative experience that day and never heard anything back even though I told him I would never set foot in his business again. The Manager of Brandon Harley- Davidson responded to his e-mail on the very same day.
I drive 60 miles to the other dealer and I walk in and the guy say's "I see you have your cable with you, that makes it so much easier on us parts guys" and he proceeded to hold it up alongside the other ones and pulled several out and we laid them flat on the counter and the perfect fit was labeled for a newer Road King. He never even looked it up and I was on my way happy in less than two minutes.
By the way I sent an e-mail to the Manager of Manatee- River Harley Davidson telling him of my negative experience that day and never heard anything back even though I told him I would never set foot in his business again. The Manager of Brandon Harley- Davidson responded to his e-mail on the very same day.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
parts guy at HD. Hamburg guy at MickyD's. Computer guy at Best Buy.
You have that job because you want it or because its the only one you can find for now.
arsehole customers go with that kinda job. Venting is a good thing. But if you keep bitchin, then leave the job.
If all customers were smart like you want them to be, then they would look up all the info they need, and go get the part and your job would no longer be needed.
You have that job because you want it or because its the only one you can find for now.
arsehole customers go with that kinda job. Venting is a good thing. But if you keep bitchin, then leave the job.
If all customers were smart like you want them to be, then they would look up all the info they need, and go get the part and your job would no longer be needed.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,682
Likes: 9,162
From: Snow Hill, NC
I used to be an *******, took a break...worked at a auto parts store...Excuse me do y'all have the thingy that has 3 wires sticking out of it... it sits besides the or brounn thingy by the fuel line...
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 1
From: LI, NY
I have had several run-ins with my local dealers parts counter and now I have to drive 60 miles to get stuff when I need it, The straw that broke the camels back with me was over a clutch cable for a 95 Sporster. I walk in the place with the cable in my hands knowing they were not going to have the specific # for that bike but all I needed was something close, Its a clutch cable. I can see all of the cables hanging up from where I am standing (probably about 50 of them) and the parts guy refused to hold it up next to his stock and find something that would work because his computer said he did not have that particular part # in stock. I tried to get him to let me look if he did not want to put the time into it and he replied that he would call the law on me if I stepped behind the counter and dismissed me. ******* if I have ever met one!!!!
I drive 60 miles to the other dealer and I walk in and the guy say's "I see you have your cable with you, that makes it so much easier on us parts guys" and he proceeded to hold it up alongside the other ones and pulled several out and we laid them flat on the counter and the perfect fit was labeled for a newer Road King. He never even looked it up and I was on my way happy in less than two minutes.
By the way I sent an e-mail to the Manager of Manatee- River Harley Davidson telling him of my negative experience that day and never heard anything back even though I told him I would never set foot in his business again. The Manager of Brandon Harley- Davidson responded to his e-mail on the very same day.
I drive 60 miles to the other dealer and I walk in and the guy say's "I see you have your cable with you, that makes it so much easier on us parts guys" and he proceeded to hold it up alongside the other ones and pulled several out and we laid them flat on the counter and the perfect fit was labeled for a newer Road King. He never even looked it up and I was on my way happy in less than two minutes.
By the way I sent an e-mail to the Manager of Manatee- River Harley Davidson telling him of my negative experience that day and never heard anything back even though I told him I would never set foot in his business again. The Manager of Brandon Harley- Davidson responded to his e-mail on the very same day.
I think some of these dealers instruct their employees not to work on or sell parks for the older bikes. Their sick idea is then the public will be forced to buy new bikes. What else can the reason/motivation for that partsboy, because he didn't act like a man and for the owner not to respond back to?
Last edited by 32vld; Aug 14, 2010 at 01:17 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 3
From: Eastern KY
When I know what I need or am able to do the homework, I come in with part #'s and whatever else I need.
Sometimes, though, I need some help, and I've rarely had a problem with my parts guy. He knows if I'm asking questions, it's because I'm at my limits of research.
What my parts guy hates is when someone comes in, wastes and hour of his time doing homework, then goes home and orders the parts themselves. My guy knows I'm loyal...he earns his check from me, and when time comes I'll buy from him rather than save 5% buying from someone else.
Sometimes, though, I need some help, and I've rarely had a problem with my parts guy. He knows if I'm asking questions, it's because I'm at my limits of research.
What my parts guy hates is when someone comes in, wastes and hour of his time doing homework, then goes home and orders the parts themselves. My guy knows I'm loyal...he earns his check from me, and when time comes I'll buy from him rather than save 5% buying from someone else.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
I've had a clue since I was a teen and helped my father put an olds 88 into his dune buggy.
Today things are a lot different, a lot more parts, a lot more computerized engines. I can tell an H-D parts person exactly what I want because I can get on the computer and read. Not because I know the bike from top to bottom that's for sure. And I appreciate anyone - HD parts guy, and my mechanic helping me with what I don't know. I would hope they didn't call me an idiot on my way out...but who knows. Thats ok, we all deal with people.
Today things are a lot different, a lot more parts, a lot more computerized engines. I can tell an H-D parts person exactly what I want because I can get on the computer and read. Not because I know the bike from top to bottom that's for sure. And I appreciate anyone - HD parts guy, and my mechanic helping me with what I don't know. I would hope they didn't call me an idiot on my way out...but who knows. Thats ok, we all deal with people.
