Is your FLAPS disappearing, ...or generally a waste of time Options

[914werke]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) I remember when there were multiple differing parts suppliers including 1 or 2 thriving hot rod shops. Now its down to 2 or 3 which ALL carry the same thing & are staffed with a revolving barrel of monkeys. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chair.gif)
The interweb & Amazon have killed your corner auto parts store.
I had a Worldpac account until even Redline weber started limiting the ACVW stuff they carried. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)

[914werke]

I’ve literally left stock on counters and walked out. If a store can’t be bothered to have staff to man a cash register for sales - hopefully later they can find the manpower to restock those items.

Funny this happened to me yesterday for a frigging fuel filter. ! Couldn't take it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

[bbrock]

I’ve literally left stock on counters and walked out. If a store can’t be bothered to have staff to man a cash register for sales - hopefully later they can find the manpower to restock those items.

Funny this happened to me yesterday for a frigging fuel filter. ! Couldn't take it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

I've done this at Lowe's and Home Depot too many times to count. Luckily, service at my three regular FLAPS (Napa, O'Reilly, and Autozone) is usually very good despite the lack of knowledge (worst at my Autozone).

I also think computerized inventory may be contributing to prioritizing profit to a point it becomes counter productive. Numerous times I've been told the stores don't have control over their regular stock inventory. Whatever arrives in their shipments is determined by computers. Any item that falls below some minimum volume sales threshold can easily be nixed to free shelf space for better profit makers. What gets lost in the algorithm is the customer frustration of not being able to find what should be a common item and choosing to permanently take their business elsewhere. It isn't just a problem with FLAPS of course. It is the world we live in now.

BTW, we do have an old fashioned hardware store in the middle of downtown with narrow aisles crammed full of stock which is great. They have been successful enough to open two additional locations but the new stores don't have the vibe or experienced staff of the original. Until recently, we had an old fashioned grocery just a few blocks away from the hardware store. Then they move to a new location out of downtown and quickly sold out to a local chain. It's all hipster now. A real shame.