Autozone Ignorant Customer Service Rep wouldnt refund a purchase nor sell me what i needed Bridgeport Connecticut
On July 5th I walked into an AutoZone in Stratford CT to purchase belts for my motor on my boat. This was an emergency and they had two brands a Value Craft and a Dura last both had part number 15435. When I got to the boat I put the Val craft belt on and then the dualist. Using the Alternator as the tensioner I realized that the Dura last belt was slightly bigger. No big deal, I ran the boat on one belt to get it back to my slip. Today was July 6th; I had just got out of a meeting and ran over to the AutoZone in Bridgeport CT on 300 North Ave. Not only is this place messy, but the staff is rude and takes forever to tender to the customers needs. I waited 20 minutes for service at 8:15 pm to 8:35 pm. Finally the kid on his cell phone came to help. I said I need to exchange this belt for the valucraft brand and will need an additional 4 belts so I can have a set of spares for each motor. The young man then backed off and a heavy set black male jumped in and asked what was the year and make of the car. I informed him it was not for a car but rather a boat motor. This guy then said where the old belts are, I didnt have them because I didnt need them. I knew what I needed! This guy then became ignorant and explained that he worked on boats and boat belts are different then car belts. I said dont worry about it this is what I need 5 Valucraft 15435. He went on to say he worked at Valentinos Garage in Stratford on the corner. I exclaimed back that I too work on boats, just because I had a shirt and tie this fool thought I was some sort of guy who had no clue how to change a belt let alone read the numbers off the belt. Unfortunately for him I am owner of Lobo Marine Products a company who specializes in refitting and repowering sport fishing boats. This guy refused to do the exchange and wouldnt sell me the belts I needed. He spoke loudly and down to me, dressed sloppy and finished by saying why dont you go to a boat store. This guy was beyond ignorant; I just cant believe AutoZone Hires and Tolerates people like this. AutoZone needs to hire educated individuals. I will no longer utilize AutoZone and will continue to keep my accounts with West Marine and Napa! Well in summary I went to AutoZone in Stratford CT and returned the product got the cash back and left!
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Steve
apache junction,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Belts are not rocket science
#4Consumer Comment
Tue, August 17, 2010
the "Boat belts are different from car belts" is BS... what does it matter as long as it works.
My washer broke years ago and I did not want to order the OEM washer belt, so I got one from Autozone, just matching the length and it worked out fine for many years until I got rid of that washer. Sometimes the belt squeaked because it was tighter than the original one, but what the heck...
Jim
Millbrook,Alabama,
U.S.A.
Master Mechanic Jim Here
#4General Comment
Wed, July 07, 2010
Long years ago I worked for AutoZone as a specialist, I was the one who ironed out just such troubles, I left when I finally realised they were Blaming me whenever a problem arose (non Mechanical) and I didn't "Fix" it (Not my job, I was a mechanic, not a "Schmoozer" to pacify the Ignorant Customers/Staff)
When you have a matching belt system you can't replace one belt, I see you know this, while the ignorant Clerk didn't, this is exactly what I ran into.
Wherever you go, just ask for the belts you need, and don't answer stupid questions, (It may be that they didn't stock 5 belts usually there's no need for that many at one time)
Good luck I gave up on them years ago, now when I need something either I get it off the shelf myself if I can (Belts are usually in back sometimes out on the shelves) and don't explain anything.
Robert
Ft Eustis,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Different belts
#4General Comment
Wed, July 07, 2010
Marine belts ARE different from automotive belts. He has to be able to warranty the belts when he sells them. If the belts are not being used for their intended purpose, he cannot sell them to you.
That's company policy, and it's a good one. You wanted automotive belts because they are CHEAPer.