| SESD FARMER10 - 6/23/2025 21:32
I did parts a few years ago now. My favorite customer service story was dealing with a guy on reel bushings on a 900 series flex head. He goes “I got 6 rods and 6 arms…. I need 66 total bushings!” I go “ahhhh sir, do you mean 36 bushings?” I yelled at me and said NO 66! Ok then. Sent him with 66 and he brought back 30 of them a week later.
The worst conversation to have (and i have had this on both sides of the counter) is “well, the computer says we have it, but it is not on the shelf”. Soooo, how long do
I let you look for it before I drive to the next town to get me going???
My advice for all parts people, keep your bin counts accurate and organized. It looks bad if you got parts everywhere and nobody can find anything.
Also, have processes and follow them. If I call parts person A and they get a bag for me, parts person B should be able to hand it to me if parts guy A is on lunch break. I had a co-worker once in this situation put a part in his own desk drawer. After looking for 5 minutes, i had to call him on his lunch break to ask where it was.
Finally, get a headset so you can talk on the phone hands free. Makes you a lot more efficient. Also, keep a box cutter and sharpie in your pocket every day.
Parts orders go onto a shelf if its spoken for. Name is written on the bag or box. When someone leaves for lunch or whatever we do our best to tell the others that so and so is coming in for them and to direct them to the shelf where everything is ready for pickup. |
Things I've learned since becoming a parts counter man.
