Napa rant!

[Kixwy2]

Freaking Napa Auto Parts is a franchise here (maybe they all are, I don't know) but I am so right now...

The check engine light went on in my DD, so I hooked up the OBDII reader to it and discovered my speed sensor was bad. Pulled it off, did a diagnostic check, and it failed. Went online to check prices, and Napa came up the cheapest locally. So I went into the store to order it. The guy treated me like I was an idiot and didn't know what I was talking about, even after I GAVE him the part number. How much easier could I have made his job?

So he takes my credit card info and says it will take a week to ship. Ok. I wait a week, then 2, then 3. No part. Now they say it's on national backorder and no ETA. Of course the check engine light is still on in the car.

On a trip to LA, I walked into a dealership, bought the part off the shelf, and installed it in the parking lot. For LESS than what Napa charged me.

So now I'm disputing this "special order" that they obviously never ordered for me on my credit card, and blew me off every time I called. And then they have the nerve to call me and tell me I am "stealing their money" from them???

Seriously? Does this happen everywhere??? Or did I just get the "you're a chick" special?

#$%#@$%...

[CG]

Ive never had any problem with our NAPA's. They are usually the most trusted around here. I guess you can have deals go sour with anyone now and again....And...OMG, you're a chick...Woohooo!!!

LOL...just messing with ya. Its always nice to see the ladys interested in the trucks. I think in the 10 or 15 years or so Ive been messing with these trucks my wife has only ridden in mine two or three times tops.

[berencam]

Did you ever sign the credit card receipt? you may have a hard time getting it removed from your credit card if you have. looks as if you'll have fun with that one, did the corporate office call you and tell you that you where stealing from them or the local branch?

[Longhorn Man]

I would be asking for the store manager, and then the franchise owner.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by berencam

Did you ever sign the credit card receipt? you may have a hard time getting it removed from your credit card if you have.

Maybe so, maybe not. I've never had to do it, but isn't there some sort of fraud protection when using a credit card? 'Cause it sure sounds like he may have a good case of fraudulent activity involving that NAPA store.

[old Rusty C10]

i have never had a problem with my local napa theyve always bent over backwards to get me what i needed cheaper than most others and its a mom and pop store so id much rather shop there than the chain store

[Sillyoldman]

I have disputed charges and always won. It dont have to be fraudulent. They gave you a date and did not deliver. Contest it.

[abebummy26]

I refuse to go to the Napa where my parents live. They told me the brake retainer pins for my rear drums were not available for my 96 safari. They said they were also attached to the backing plates. I went down the road got everything I needed, and have not been back since!

[Kixwy2]

Originally Posted by CG

...OMG, you're a chick...Woohooo!!!

Yep, and I work on my cars, and I look pretty good in a skirt, too!

What pisses me off is how unprofessional this guy was - he basically lied to me about the timeframe, treated me like a second class or no class customer, and ignored me when I called him on the carpet. I think this was the owner, too, which is awesome.

I disputed the charges with the credit card company, and it was after they opened an investigation and reversed his charge that the SOB called and started yelling at me. That was this afternoon's excitement - and almost two months after the original transaction. Did I get the part yet? Nope.

I have the usual "you want to do what with this part?" everywhere, where no one can believe I know (ok try to know) what I'm talking about, but this was pretty extreme...

[Riveted1]

Originally Posted by Kixwy2

...and I look pretty good in a skirt, too!

I think we need proof!

Sounds to me like the owner is just a jackass that doesn't think a woman can figure out what part she needs much less work on her own car. Napa is the go to place here, but there are a few counter ppl there that I avoid like the plague!

[ETsC10]

I agree with CG, that the NAPA's in the PNW are highly regarded but, being a franchise, I can see that who owns the franchise and the type of folks they hire leave ample chance for bad blood. Hound their corp office, your CC company and your state's attorney general if you don't get some action. Good Luck!

Ellen
,
,
,

[Bnugg]

[QUOTE=Kixwy2;2898473]Yep, and I work on my cars, and I look pretty good in a skirt, too!

I want to see some pics.Prove how good you look in a skirt.

[special-K]

I think the problem with your skirt...oops,sorry...I mean your Napa store is Mr.Napaman is a jerk!How can anyone anywhere get upset because they got paid for something they didn`t do and had to give the money back?He prolly does have a gender issue and it prolly begins with how he feels about himself as a man(or whatever you call things like that one).I have a pieve with the general big business attitude these days and this shows what I feel.Back in the day everyone pretty much provided everything for themselves:shelter,food...everything they needed they did for themselves just like an animal does.Then we started gathering into groups and co-habitation began along with tribal/village life.One person could do more of one thing while others could do what that one didn`t.
When businesses started it was to provide a "service" or "product" and in exchange you`d give that person something in return,such as "money".The business felt obligated to it`s customer to provide a good "service" or "product" at a reasonable cost.We all have seen how "service" and quality of many "products" has faded while "money" has increased.Now,it`s gone so far downhill that it seems a business is there to take your "money" and whether or not the customer gets a "product" or "service" is optional.The only gaurantee is they get your "money".I can`t tell you how many things I`ve paid good money for only to have it break in no time or never do what it was designed to do.I say it`s as if the "product" or "service" is just an illusion to create the impression you are getting something so that the business can get your "money".And,that`s just how this guy is acting.He`s gotten so used to collecting "money" with "service" an option that he can`t grasp the concept that he isn`t entitled to your "money".....and that`s my rant.

As far as Napa not able to get the part and the dealership can goes,they are from different sources,manufacturers,etc.So,while one can`t get their hands on a part the other can slap it on the counter.I know the GM dealerships can either get the part from another better stocked dealership in the area,pull it from the regional distibution,or if all else fails they`ll get it from Flint,MI.The mother of all suppliers.They can also locate the part nationally at another dealership if Flint`s supply is depleated.
My local Napa is one store in a group of about 5 owned by someone(franchise) with the one big main store.Mine is a satelite and most parts can come from the mothership (I`ve had Sprint use this terminology ) within hours by their parts runners.If they don`t have it,Napa hs regional warehouses.If they don`t have it,it has to be ordered from the manufacturer.Each step takes longer than the prior.
I use Napa alot.But,my local store has a nit wit for a manager.I try to deal with someone else if at all possible.Usually,if everyone else is busy and he waits on me we end up asking for one of the other`s help.Or,I go home with the wrong stuff.I`m always cool when he sells me the wrong stuff or can`t find what I know they supply.I`m just matter of fact about it.Yet,he acts like he has an attitude like,"Oh no,here comes that PIA that always brings back parts that don`t go on his truck and always wants the right one in return.Sheesh...some people".

[LONGHAIR]

The local NAPA stores around here are pretty good, one in particular, but I have dealt with some of the guys there for more than 25 years.

In my neighborhood there seems to be a competition about building franchised auto parts stores, just like there was a few years ago with pharmacys. There is an Advance Auto with-in half a mile of an AutoZone....so what are they building between them? O'Reilly's of course.


Though it is usually last in people's minds, for some unknown reason, a LOT of these kinds of parts are best purchased at the GM dealer.

[chevyboy55]

Kixwy2
Here's a link you might want to fill out & send off to NAPA to let them know about your experience,there's also a phone number on there. I did something like that when I had a problem with our local Pontiac dealer & VERY fast got a call from the service manager.He sounded like he was fresh off a good ole butt chewing http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...lform=customer
If you choose to do that & it gets results keep us informed.

[Sillyoldman]

I work on my stuff wearing a skirt too....... Wait. scratch that.

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

I work on my stuff wearing a skirt too....... Wait. scratch that.

oh you sillyoldman! wear short-shorts...cuts down on the laundry bill and no stockings required!

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

I work on my stuff wearing a skirt too....... Wait. scratch that.

Some mental pictures are better off not picturing.
And, thanks to that, my lunch almost hit the back of my teeth.

[Stocker]

Well I just got around to checking the board this morning, and was gonna put this up for Kixwy2



But after seeing a few other posts, I better not...

[chevyboy55]

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

I work on my stuff wearing a skirt too....... Wait. scratch that.

Thanks, now I have pictures in my head that are REALLY bothering me.

[Riveted1]

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

I work on my stuff wearing a skirt too....... Wait. scratch that.

I just had flashbacks of the "Old Man" from Jackass. If you haven't seen it, it's still up on YouTube. Funniest part is the dog. OMG!

[larry may]

Start a new club Want to see Kixwy2 in a skirt

WTSKIAS

[1tonblaze]

Napa = never any parts avalible . I work for a shop and we are a napa perferd auto center so we have to deal with the suck butt service and crappy parts all day long .

[thirdstreettito]

The guy at our local NAPA loves me and my dad. We get a 60% discount. We only go there.

[caminokid]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Some mental pictures are better off not picturing.
And, thanks to that, my lunch almost hit the back of my teeth.

with Andy here. Do you think SOM might be wearing a kilt? Better have some shorts on under there!