Originally posted by dalesmitsu
pros/cons was it hard to get hired.

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
Where you certified 2yrs parts sales or DIY person like.

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
Which store would you prefer to work at the most

Originally posted by slowmitsu
Shade tree mechanics will talk down to you. A lot. Get used to it.

Originally posted by bullettdsm
Haha Quoted for TRUTH! I got that as an engine assembler. It was like each time you talked to some people they were giving you a test. Learned to let them think they knew it all. Easiest avenue. Never hurt my pride.

Originally posted by freelancefool
The only time I get irritated is whenever I have to repeat year/make/model three or four times.

Originally posted by slowmitsu
These were my favorite: (Please note that our part look up systems work like this: Year -> Make -> Model -> Engine Size/Type -> Part. There's no way around it. It's a perfectly capable system for the general public and a retail enviornment.) Customer: I need an alternator for a 350. Employee: Ok, cool. What's the year, make and model? Customer: There isn't one. It's just a 350. Employee: Alright, can you give me an example vehicle equipped with a 350? I can only look up parts in this fashion. Customer: Is there someone else I can talk to? Employee: Nope, just me. Customer: I can't believe you don't know what alternator I need. Employee: Nope, I sure don't. My computer does though and if you could just give me an example vehicle I can get you that alternator with the quickness! Customer: *groan* Fine. A Nova. Employee: What year? Customer: *groan* It doesn't matter. Employee: Ok....*type type type* It would seem I can't find a Chevrolet Nova made in 1998. Do you have an example year? Customer: Holy shit! 1971! Employee: Awesome! I found your alternator. I'll be right back. It still amazes me that customers treat helpful retail employees like shit. For whatever reason they think we're all Master Technicians that have worked for every vehicle manufacturer known to man. Um, no but I'll do my damnedest to find an answer but don't be surprised when I return the favor and be just as condescending. Lets just make this as efficient as possible and get on with our lives. That was a great benefit to being hired on as a manager, telling customers to subtly fuck right hell off. Oh, you're pissed and threatening to go to a competitor? Awesome, here's their cross streets and phone number. Would you like to use a phone? At the end of the counter. Dial 9 to get out. Or the repeat customers that call the store a MILLION fucking times for asinine shit and with an attitude problem. Yes, we have caller ID. Yes, if I see your number I will transfer it to an extension that doesn't have have a handset. I'll do it all night too. Edit: On a complete side note I got way more phone numbers from women when working at AutoZone than I knew what to do with. If you can help it work at one near a college campus. Sure you'll get the moron frat fucks but the "Oh wont you help me pretty pretty please" women make up for it. For the comedy factor the boyfriends that refuse your help with their women in tow is fucking hilarious. Watching Alpha Kappa Meat Head fight with wiper blades for 20 minutes in the parking lot is worth an unpaid break with a smoke and beverage in hand.

Originally posted by slowmitsu
I worked at an AutoZone part time for 4ish months as a PSM (Parts Sales Manager or Parts & Customer Satisfaction Manager...can't remember). I would have stayed longer but I got a decent promotion at my primary job that included being on call. No. I took an online aptitude test that was retardedly long asking me over and over and over again if I drank at work and liked to steal things. The store manager interviewed me and asked me stupid questions regarding basic tune up parts like plugs and wires. DIY. The cool thing about AutoZone is that they will reimburse you for any ASE cert tests you want to take. The bitch part was that all the ASE testing places want a "provable" 2 years of automotive repair experience. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to get around that with a few good contacts. After working there and shopping the competition I would rather work at AutoZone, at least when it comes to the larger chains. If you live in a larger city then the AutoZone's with a Commercial Department are the place to be. Those guys can get their hands on ANYTHING. The Commercial Dept sells AutoZone parts to other major retailers including competition stores. It wasn't uncommon for PepBoys or Checkers to call up asking for a not so common parts. Employee's get 20% off any IN stock item that isn't oil, coolant or refrigerant. The oil thing is kind of a bummer but AutoZone's monthly sale usually includes a synthetic oil change plus filter for 25 bucks. If the brand isn't something you normally use then hit up bobistheoilguy.com forums and look around. Those guys are crazy about oil and filters and you'll be surprised to see what cheaper oils go toe to toe with everyone's favorite Royal Purple or M1. It's retail so you'll have to deal with some up-selling depending on how anal your store manager is. Shade tree mechanics will talk down to you. A lot. Get used to it. Get the lifetime warranty stuff and recommend it. AutoZone replaces anything with a lifetime with no questions asked. This includes the lifetime brake pads worn completely down to the backing plate. Hell, I had one guy bring me a rotor that had pieces of fused AutoZone brake pad pieces in it for a free replacement (His excuse was the wifey drove it too long on low pads). As long as it's something I can put in a box and ship back I'll give you the free replacement part in question. I haven't actually bought a set of plug wires or brake pads in years. AutoZone parts aren't super top shelf products but they get the job done and from what I could tell the failure rate on major components (like starters or alternators) was pretty damn low. All in all it was a cake job with the occasional cool customer. They started me at 12/hr to play retail monkey and install batteries / wiper blades.

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
Wow, thats alot of info. Thanks man Manager I talked to the other day told me Autozone does hire Diy people but mostly they prefer someone with 2yrs exp. parts sales. then told me a few places looking to hire part time help. My app is pending, I did tell the manager I know whats recommended for a basic tune-up. Did you end up getting your ASE thru Autozone, they tell you get to one after hired within two months.

Originally posted by slowmitsu
He must be pretty full staffed if he's turning you down. Parts Retail isn't anything special and you pick up information really fast especially if it's a hobby of yours. Retail is retail is retail whether it be for KMart or AutoZone. AutoZone is just more fun. I only worked there 4 months but did have my name in the books for the next round of testing. I fudged my 2 years of experience on the ASE testing application. Unfortunately I had to quit since going On Call at my primary job. My district manager highly encouraged getting cert'ed but by no means was it a job requirement.

Originally posted by dalesmitsu
Well, I've done two-three yrs inventory at walmart, I see it as retail is retail only diff. is auto parts. I agree it would much more rewarding and fun, getting some numbers on the sid like you said. Yes I would catch on, basic computer skills and plus I know about the RF hand held inventory scanners for stock on hands etc.. I've around engines and cars pretty much my whole life, my pops would have me hand him wrenches and help him with his brakes etc. when I very younger. It was more of a everyday thing instead of hobby, but my hobby is playing guitar and can't pay my bills doing that, well I could but its a side thing. I should've had my ASE yrs ago its one thing I regret.

Originally posted by Dualgen2
I never sold parts but I sell service. I started in the business washing cars and moved up a couple positions to eventually be a service advisor. Other people at my dealership in parts also started at lower positions washer cars or doing inventory. I think one of the best ways to get any job is starting from the bottom. I can definately relate to that story about the alternator. I get people almost EVERYDAY with a check engine light, low coolant light, etc that want to know what's wrong with their car, how much it cost and when it will be ready before they even bring it in. This are Jaguar customers to. This boggles my mind because I want to know how these people make so much $ to afford these cars, yet they are stupid and think I'm some sort of wizard. I now have "diagnostic dice" on my desk though and have used it before. Most customers think it's funny but a couple didn't appreciate my humor.