Carquest Auto Parts

Bottom Line:
Established location, helpful customer service until yesterday’s experience, reasonable prices.
Overview:
This location has served this area for as long as I can remember. The location sits in a strip mall and has convenient parking.
Customer Service:
In the past, I have been pleased with the customer service I received at this location. I do not frequent this store often, but only to get wiper blades and other minor auto parts. I like the fact that I do not have to buy the whole blade assembly, but just the blade itself. Maybe this is common, I am not 100% sure. I guess since I originally dealt with SouthCo Auto Parts in Affton, which was a CarQuest shop, I continue to patronize the chain.
On this particular occasion, I did need all of the wiper blade assembly. Unfortunately, things did not go smoothly. Here is what took place:
I called the store asking for a specific part number. It was for a wiper blade refill. Next, I asked if they had the whole assembly for that part, including the blade. The person on the phone starts asking me the year of my car, make and model, etc. Honestly, I gave the person the part number for the wiper blade refill. I am asking that they find the assembly that holds that specific blade.
In any case, I arrive at the store and there are three men with CarQuest shirts on. The one is on the phone at a computer, the other two are standing around. The one sees me come in and points to the man on the phone, «talk to him».
I wait for about 30 seconds and one of the men says, «What you need?». The man on the phone says, «Show him the Bosch». I know that Bosch is a more expensive part. In any case, the man directs me to the wiper blades and we discuss which blade is best. The man on the phone interrupts us by raising his voice, at this point, because we are far from the counter. Here is what took place after that:
Counter Man who was on phone: (yelling) «Did you get the Bosch?»
Me: (yelling) «I don’t want the Bosch.»
Counter Man who was on phone: (yelling) «That’s what fits your car. It’s $ 10.99.»
Me: (yelling) «That is too expensive! A penny saved is a penny earned, right?»
After locating the blade assemblies I needed, I check out with this man who is yelling. I decided to avoid further argument. I pay for my parts and leave.
I noticed that the man’s name tag said «Larry» on it.
I think what bothers me most is there were three able bodies, and I was waiting for only one to wait on me. And that person was occupied on the phone. Also, he was trying to push a more expensive part on me. I find that offensive.
Summary:
There are many choices for auto parts in this area. Hopefully, yesterday’s visit will be an exception rather than the typical for others. However, I am withholding my judgement for now.
As an aside, I sent this account above to CarQuest’s corporate customer feedback today (08.21.14). I am awaiting their reply. I will update my review with their response.