Every local parts supplier tells me to stay away from Schucks/O'Reilly Autoparts because of their crappy parts and over priced "good" stuff. Honestly, I've never really had an issue with them aside from the reman fuel pumps I went through a year or two ago. Why did I keep getting a reman fuel pump? Because they honor the Lifetime warranty on the pump that was originally purchased twenty-three (23!!!) years ago by my dad, with no questions asked.
Their Lifetime warranty is one they truly stand by, I've never had a problem with them when it comes to that, and returns are the same, the only thing they won't take back is electrical stuff if it shows signs of being installed. Not usually a problem though.
The store I visit regularly is in Boise, I live 10 miles from that store. Granted I work on my car right around the corner from that store, but even when it's something I will be using at home on the car, I still drive all the way to Boise to get it. Why? Because their customer service/relations is beyond expectations and is truly exceptional! They are always more than happy to help out customers in a timely fashion, they are well trained in what they do, and 95% of the employees at that store have first hand experience working on cars! They are always willing to offer advice and ideas of where to obtain hard to find parts or things they don't carry, even if to the competition, just to help their customers out.
As a thank you to all of their help they have given me, and for all of their friendliness, advice and patience, I write out specialized holiday cards to them each year, I bring in milkshakes every so often, and they get to meet my family on occasion too!
This store knows me by name, all I have to do when I call is let them know it's "Pinto Dave" and they know exactly who they are talking to, even the new people are informed of who I am! I know each employee by name and almost have their schedules down to!
It's nice to be able to go somewhere to get parts for my cars, and the people are my friends and nearly family as well. People who I know won't make me feel stupid or degrade me for what I do or drive, people who treat me with respect and treat me more than just another person, like their own friends or family.
I know where your coming from Dave. A lot people knock Napa as well but the store here in Buckeye...I know every one of the guys there. Some of them have been there 20+ years!! So its always good to make good relationships with a parts house...whoever it may be. The Checker we have here has become way better now that it's O'reillys . Before it was kind of a joke to go in...seemed like they didn't know what they were doing and never had what I needed.
Hey, when you are stranded any parts store looks like an oasis in the desert.
Hey Dave:
I think that's a remarkable and unique way to establish a relationship with an outfit....nice work. Professional and personal relationships are something that have been so forgotten as time has gone by -I commend you for taking the time, it speaks well of you.
Chris
Dave, I completely understand what you're saying. For me it is that way with the Advance Auto Parts that is around the corner from my dad's house. They knew me for many years & then I worked for the company for about 3 years. I now go in there & there isn't a moment when someone asks about the Pinto, even though I haven't been going in as much as I used to. It's always important for a business to remember you & go the extra mile. I don't live near that store but still will go out of my way to go there, instead of the Advance Auto Parts that is just down the road.
Thanks Chris! It's also nice to hear others are in good standing with their parts suppliers!
Having a good relationship with the store makes me want to go in there to purchase something every week, doesn't matter what, just something. lol Every time I'm coming up to the store's crossroads, I think "is there anything I need at shcucks? there must be something...". :P
The Kragen- O'Reilly's near me is kind of like that. When I come in they know me as the "Pinto Girl" (sorry Kimmy! lol) and they ask which one needs the part(s)! lol. I grew up with Kragen and now that they're O'Reilly's I hope they continue the great service. The only gripe I have with them is they didn't have an air filter for Ruby (she has the 1600 Kent engine). Dave, that is so cool you have a great rapport with yours! ;D
I stopped buying at Schucks a long time ago. Where I live there is on on every corner, just like Walgreens. Most of the people who work there don't know and don't care. 90% of the time the parts were the wrong one or defective. NAPA is a little better but only the warehouse store in Renton. I prefer to do business with local stores like Centerline in Puyallup. When I was young I did almost all my buying at Pacific National until all the old guys retired and the new people coming in didn't care. The old guys knew me by name, most knew my voice on the phone when I called, and they always did something extra on my machine work without charging me.
P