Stupid parts people...WTF???

I called Toyotapartsoutlet.com today to order a simple 6 dollar part...the console net.

I figured what the heck, for 6 bucks and free shipping...I'll give it a try, even though I assume it was supposed to come with the truck.

The young man I spoke with was clueless. Had zero clue what I wanted. I believe he would be better working at McDonald's..."you want fries with that?"

After having to walk the guy on the phone through his own website...he was still unable to find the part or part number.

So he takes my phone number and will call me back.

UN-B-LEVIABLE.

 

I feel your frustrations because I've lived them...all I can say is to calm down. I've come to the realization that not everyone knows these trucks as well as most members here. You would think that dealership employees would know their own products, but I'm sure we all have a story of when this was not true.

 

It's a shame that they put people that are untrained and clueless at the counter. I guess they don't make much money either so they don't care

 

How many vehicles does Toyota produce?

ok, Now ask yourself, how many parts are on each vehicle?

Now give the guy a little slack.

 

Agreed.

Same as sales folks not knowing their own vehicles.

I guess it's too much to ask for for them to spend a little time on their own websites...especially dealership sales folks. But then, that would cut into their cigarette time.

And God forbid they actually did a little educating themselves at home during their free time.

Fortunately, the man who sold me my Tacoma was pretty knowledgeable about the truck. The only thing I had to educate him (and the sales manager) on was the flashlight holder behind the rear seat on the DC. I got this info here in a matter of minutes.

Bottom line...The bar has been lowered in America.

 

x2

 

Part number: 58299-AD020 for those who are interested.

 

I respectfully disagree. I guess you are from the "grade on a curve generation" LOL

He has a computer in front of him. All one needs is a general working knowledge of cars...and the ability to know how to use the computer parts system.

It's not brain surgery.

 

Not to mention all the previous models and years that they would deal with in parts...

 

Cool

I'll give them a call and help the boy out with the part number. LOL

 

Sir, I found that net thingy, that will be 50 dollars.


There was a member on here selling his net for free, maybe you can still find the thread, but it most likely got picked up by someone else.

 

The problem there is "computer" I learned on Micro-fiche and good old fashioned catalogs.

Edit: To elaborate a little. In a lot of cases with computer parts look up programs some parts can be lost in translation from hard copy to programing code for the program.

But yes it does take more than the average 4th grader to be able to look up parts on a computer.

 

Part ordered online.

They couldn't take my order over the phone.

So...it appears I didn't need his help anyway.

Although, when I called back...they were cool and directed me properly on how to place my order on line.

 

I remember the days when a parts guy was usually a retired mechanic and knew every damned part in the store. Knew where it was, what it would and wouldn't fit. I remember taking a fuel pump in to a parts store and before I even put it on the counter the guy named the make, model and year of the vehicle it fit. I was in and out of the store in about 5 minutes. I knew those days were over about 15 years ago when I took an old Rochester 4 Barrel carb in to get a rebuild kit and some young dumbass said "Can I help you?" I said sure I need a rebuild kit for a Rochester 4 Barrel. He didn't have a damned clue what a carb was let alone who made them for what cars. If I'd asked him where the wax was or what stickers would look best on my truck he'd "help" me. I had to find some old guy in the back that knew what I was even talking about.

 

Correct. And you are showing your age.

And the guy at the lumber yard or hardware store was a retired carpenter and builder.

Now...the guy at Home Depot or Ace usually doesn't know the difference between a Phillips #2 screwdriver...a 20 amp square D circuit breaker...or a 3/4" boiler valve. But he'll show you where you can buy the Chinese made 15 piece socket set that's on sale for $19.95 after mail in rebate.

We are screwed. LOL

 

I believe that in both scenarios, we're getting what is paid for........over the last decade or longer, most hardware/parts stores have shrunk their budget on paying for experienced help -- the good guys have moved on to management or other walks of life.......I've been in the truck/equipment business for almost 15 years, and even there the parts folk are usually less than knowledgeable........but they're only making $13/hr. so what's expected, right? Best way is to look for gray hair when you're approaching a parts counter!! Haha!!

 

Now...the guy at Home Depot or Ace usually doesn't know the difference between a Phillips #2 screwdriver...a 20 amp square D circuit breaker...or a 3/4" boiler valve. But he'll show you where you can buy the Chinese made 15 piece socket set that's on sale for $19.95 after mail in rebate.

We are screwed. LOL

That reminds me that I have to find that receipt for my rebate...

Hilarious!

 

Yeah, I cringe everytime someone starts a conversation with "The guy at Home Depot said" or "the guy at Autozone said". It means 4 or 5 hours of me un-fucking whatever damage was done by really bad advice. I'm lucky that there is a Napa store in town that is half decent but the old Ma and Pa parts places are long gone. Those folks knew parts, cars and just about everything that took a spark plug.

 

You Can't fix stupid

 

Unless the stupid one is a woman...then a boob job can.