I went to the Autozone located on 520 west street road today for some parts for my truck. The staff seemed too busy to help me as they were playing with their cell phones. After waiting for 15 minutes, I ask to speak with the Store Manager. The parts guy goes back and I waited for another 15 minutes.
Finally, the Store Manager comes out and he looks up the part for me. I tell him that I needed the economy part and he tries to sell me the most expensive thing out of my price range. I tell him that I cannot afford that and would like to purchase the lower priced part.
He says to me “Sir, it’s obvious that you don’t know what quality is and if you want junk, I can sell you junk”. I am confused now……so, everything they sell to a consumer is junk unless you buy the most expensive? He goes on talking about how he was a mechanic at Pep Boys for several years and knows what he is talking about so I give in and say yes to the higher priced part.
When I get home, I open up the box that the part was in and I find a part that looks like it was just pulled out of a vehicle. I called the store and spoke to the Store Manager who sold me this and demanded a refund as I paid for it in cash and he said to come back on Friday afternoon.
What kind of company is this????? I will NEVER go back there again!
Subscribe to anyone
Sir,
My name is Scott Koch and I work at the AutoZone Corporate office. One of my responsibilities is to monitor the internet for anything involving our company. I apologize for your experience in our store. I would like to further discuss this incident with you. You can contact me at scott.koch@autozone.com
Scott
scott koch on March 5th, 2008 at 10:10 am | Link
Hey Scott, that must be a cool gig you have… Monitoring the internet. I do the same thing, but I monitor it for porn (just kidding).
You really should reprimand these employees.
I have a complaint to add. When I’m talking to the parts guy and he is taking my info some times the phone rings. When this happens, they immediately stop looking for my part and talk to the guy on the phone about his part. This is BS. I was on line first. I should be helped first.
Zod has spoken
General, we all hate that.
Zod, I hear you .
scott koch on March 5th, 2008 at 2:33 pm | Link
Hey Zod i work for autozone ok. And you are right the whole phone thing is a funny situation. But we are trained that the phone is a top priority because iff you are in the store, its looked at we already have you so to speak, and were trying to get the customer on the phone also.
It might be stupid to the customer in the store but at the same time. percentage wise their making more money by doing this nine times outta 10 the customer in the store isnt gonna leave because the phone is answered you see where I’m coming.
If you dont believ me ask a manager at autozone. And you know what else they even have randon people call to see how long the phone ring
Rodsley on March 14th, 2008 at 11:02 pm | Link
Also notice this? Notice how many phones their are and how loud they are? Hard to even concentrate or look up a part with them ringing. that tells you right there.
Rodsley on March 14th, 2008 at 11:03 pm | Link
The phone ALWAYS rings when you have your ‘hands’ full…
…once I was up a ladder pulling down an axle (there’s only two of us on duty-a normality, and the other is outside at a customer’s vehicle) I almost fell running to the darn phone…it rang 5 times…and it was the DM!! I got yelled at for letting it ring more than 3 times, even thought I was panting from running to catch it
He may not be the DM anymore, but the cloud-of-fear is still there!
P. Bear on March 15th, 2008 at 8:43 am | Link
i work at autozone and we were having this mystery caller thing with the phones and who ever didnt follow the jackson 5 would fail the challenge, i got caught 3 times, but i didnt give a crap. I just answer the phone “autozone, this is *****, can i help you? who ever thought about that stupid mystery caller thing is a retard. ill say whatever i want when i answer the damn phone. screw that challenge.
adrian on May 3rd, 2008 at 12:42 am | Link
I just got back from your store at The Colony TX 75056. Prior to going to the store I called the rewards program and they told me that I had $6.48 in credit I believe. My question was so if I go buy 2 locking gas caps I need I would get this discount correct (answer yes sir). So I called again just to be safe because I have been down this road with the guys at the local store. I get same answer from the rewards people. Well I get to the store I get the caps and tell the store manager about the conversation with the rewards people he says no problem he yells out to the register guy. The man has a discount on his rewards card. They ring me up I pay the bill and go home. I get home check the bill a little further and it turns out I never got the discount. I go back to the store and the manager and the register guy both say I don’t have any points. I ask to use the store tele and call the rewards program they tell me I do have the points and that they need to call their help line. Do they no they said the data is the same no matter what and they show me some screen that say’s no points. So what gives? My card number is 9100 0000 1067 1519 and let me tell you when you go to this store in The Colony and want your discount they will not go the extra mile and call the help desk. They weren’t busy yet they act as if you’re a pain in the ass. Personally I would clean house top to bottom.
Carlos Meza on June 16th, 2008 at 10:24 am | Link
The highest priced, best quality part at Autozone is stiil way cheaper than the lowest priced, worst quality part at NAPA or Carquest. Next time think before you write. That way you won’t look like such an idiot.
Denise on July 30th, 2008 at 7:37 pm | Link
To Autozone’s store manager of Princeton Ky. Steve Cox
It is not known what junior college you received your education from, but it is obvious that you did not gain any schooling on people management. Your managerial skills are so poor that your employees and customers are surprised that you have survived this long in the corporate world. Sometimes they question the intelligence of this company for hiring such an incompetent and rude person such as yourself. You seem to be a disrespectfull boss and your employee does not know how long they can work for you if you don’t correct this problem. One easy recommendation is to read a book on communication and take a course in management skills.
Working with you is similar to being in a war zone. If I had not learned to avoid you as much as possible, your personality would have forced me to quit. It would be more humane to have us eternally listen to the sound of fingernails scratching against a chalkboard, than to have to work with you.
You seem to have a problem with harrasing your employees and customers. You may not know you have this problem, but others do and it’s affecting your relationships with people at your job.To help control or eliminate this problem, you should bring something to work to occupy your time anytime you have extended free time. You have caused your employees and customers not to like you, it’s just that the job can get a little hectic at times and you do not help the situation at all.
In life there are those that were not blessed with any social skills. You are one of those people. . . Working with you is one of the worst experiences in my life. Please think before you speak,You will please everyone if you would have let them work with you instead of for you. And practiced what you preach the rules was made for all including you.
This is my exaluation of the job your doing. From employees and all the customers you have lost.
autozoo on August 15th, 2008 at 3:48 pm | Link
My 1995 Saab needed some repair work done on the front driver’s side wheel. Upon examination of the vehicle, my mechanic let me know we were in need of a wheel barren. I called Auto Zone and ordered the part which came in on the same day. It was a holiday weekend, so I didn’t get back to the mechanic until Tuesday. He then told me I needed the hub assembly as well. I called Auto Zone and was informed it was going to take 2 days for the part to come in and I needed to pay for it up front. My mom was in that area, so she stopped in and paid for the part. As she was entering the store, the employee’s story changed and he informed me that the part would be in on the same day and there was no need to pay up front. She was already there, so she continued with paying for the product. I was then told I would be called by 1pm to pick up the part. At 2pm, I had not received a phone call and phoned the store again. The employee who answered the phone was very rude and told me not to “bother them because they will call me”. I was irritated and just went along to my 2nd shift job. At 430pm, I decided to phone the store again to find out what time the delivery would possibly be there in the morning for my part. I was placed on hold and found out my part had been there for most of the day waiting for me. Mr Dan Emery then informed me that the “wheel barren” I had ordered was there! He kept calling me “dear” and I asked him not to do so. I explained to him that I already possessed that part and it was not what I had ordered. He called me dear again and told me that I didn’t know what I was talking about because the part he had is what I want. I again told him I was offended at being called dear and asked him not to do so. I tried my hardest to explain to him the part I needed, but he was refusing to listen to me at all. After going back and forth with him calling me dear SIX times, I asked to speak to a manager or supervisor. He placed me on hold for 12 minutes and then picked the phone back up again! It seemed to become a game to him as he continued to put me down by calling me dear. I even explained to him that I’m a 38 year old U.S. Army soldier who takes that word very offensively. He didn’t seem to care at all as he just continued to call me dear and told me to wait for the manager. At this time, my mom had entered the store and wanted her money back for the part ordered in error. At first, they were trying to tell my mom that they didn’t have to give her money back for a part I had ordered.
I then spoke to manager Rhoda Forsythe. I feel that it was a waste of my time because the only thing she wanted to do was to defend her employee. She went on telling me how he is a “sweet” man and she stood by him. I’m glad that my mom got her money back, but I will never again visit Auto Zone. I also plan on notifying any females I know not to go there because they obviously have prejudice against women and enjoy offending them when the chance arrives.
SPC Lemire
Theresa A. Lemire (a.k.a. SPC Lemire) on September 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm | Link
SPC Lemire I have read your post and I assure you that it will be passed on to the correct upper management for that store. I would like to apologize on behalf of AutoZone for the treatment you received at that store. AutoZone is a company built on having the highest form of customer service of any retail store, If you do not receive a response feel free to contact me at scott.koch@autozone.com
Sincerly
Scott Koch
AutoZone Memphis, TN
Scott on September 3rd, 2008 at 8:51 am | Link
Finally, I found a place to make a complaint about my favorite auto store, “NOT”.
The sales clerk kept dropping my items all over the counter and tossed them back in the bag. When I paid with my credit card, he tossed it back to me like it was ****. The store I’m talking about is the one in Stockton, California; on the corner of Hammer Lane and Don Avenue.
Your company has a policy of hiring disrespectful punks that have no custumer skill, much less people skills, and are totally unprofessional.
I would suggest that customers who have been treated badly, simply go to craigslist.org. Go to the “Rants and Raves” section, and post their experiences there.
With a sagging economy and people strapped for cash, it would only benefit the company to treat customers like they were gold.
Well, I’m off to craigslist.org.
LEE on September 20th, 2008 at 5:16 pm | Link
Lee, I have read the issue you had in the store in Stockton, CA. First I want you to know that is absolutely not the type of Customer Service AutoZone wants taking place, and for the customer service or lack of, I apologize. I have made upper management aware of the incident and I assure you it will be corrected. I am sure that they will contact you for further information concerning the actual individual that was involved. Please contact me if you do not hear anything from an AutoZone upper management from your area. You can contact me at scott.koch@autozone.com Again, I apologize for the way you were treated in our store.
Scott
Scott on September 22nd, 2008 at 7:03 am | Link
I have had the same huge problem with autozone. I am in the process of trying to get information to sue them. They cost me almost $5.000. I was trying to put a motor in a truck and the extremly rude girl at the counter sold me all the wrong parts more then once! They refuse to refund the money they owe me saying the motar was already in the truck thats funny sense this type of motar wont fit in the truck!!! If your smart dont go to the Auto zone in Hyannis Ma if you need info or you dont wont to spend twice the money to fix what they screwed up.
What a joke!
Stanley on September 30th, 2008 at 7:53 am | Link
Oh Ya Does any one know the corp. office address or phone # to Auto Zone I live in MA
Thanks
Stanley on September 30th, 2008 at 7:56 am | Link
Stanley I work at the AutoZone Corporate Office in Memphis, TN. I am forwarding your issue to the appropriate people here at the office. Feel free to contact me for any follow-up, I am not the person who handles this type of issue, but I can sure follow-up to see that it is handled.
scott.koch@autozone.com
Corporate office number 901-495-6500
Thank you Scott Koch
Scott on September 30th, 2008 at 8:04 am | Link
I go to ft apache and w saharah store to get a part in las vegas nv.
they tell me by phone its in then when i get there its not…i see this phillip coogan super fat guy and he directs me to this dead looking bald headed old man named ken who tells me he is sorry and that he is the manager. and that his employees make misktakes and that autozone does not take care of their employees well too train them right. I DO NOT GIVE A CRAP ABOUT INTERNAL PROBLEMS I JUST WANT MY PART….So the part was reordered and now i have to await another 3 days…Can’t Autozone hire better educated less obese and less old people who can get it right ?? And get my part in!!
james on October 1st, 2008 at 11:56 am | Link
I am an Asst. Store Mgr. at Autozone… my biggest beef there is why do we (as a team) have to push the WITT, and get nothing for it ??? Not one incentive… The Store Manager gets a bonus after the quarterly report… why can’t we ??? Are we pushing this crap just to get him/her a bonus ??? I just don’t get it!!!!
Sandy on October 8th, 2008 at 3:15 am | Link
Sandy Please contact me at your ealiest time scott.koch@autozone.com. thanks Scott
Scott on October 9th, 2008 at 6:27 am | Link
Scott,
I am complaining the service in AUTO ZONE which is located 609 N Mattis Ave, Champaign, IL 61821. the store phone number is (217) 356-7068.
Last night, exactly 8:50pm I went to the store to check my battery since I could not start around 8:20pm (One of my friend jump started it and told my to check the battery). 2 senior employee were chatting. I told them the situation I had, one of them unhappily looked up the computer and find one battery for me. I told him that before I buy it I need to check if my current one is a bad one. He seemed angry and told me that they are not supposed to go out to do this type of work at dark. they I went to Advanced auto part around 8:58 pm, the guy working there right away helped me check the battery and told me that I have a bad one.
I have been a faithful supporter for last 10 plus years. you can check my record from your database. Please investigate this issue, if I don’e receive any answer from you, I am not going back any more.
min li on October 16th, 2008 at 9:42 pm | Link
Morning min li, I apologize for the behavior of the store employee concerning your battery issue. I will be contacting the Regional Manager Donald Lacey and I am sure that he will contact you and discuss the Customer Service or “lack of” that you have described. I appreciate the time you have taken to let me know of the situation, as I assure you this is not the type of Customer Service we want going on in our store… Please feel free to contact me if you do not receive follow-up on this situation.
Sincerely, Scott Koch scott.koch@autozone.com
Scott on October 17th, 2008 at 6:59 am | Link
every time i go into the autozone in bremum tx,the manager argues with me telling me that i’m not hooking things up right,this is the 3rd time in as many months this has happened to me,I WILL NOT EVER GO BACK TO THE STORE IN BRENHUM TX AGAIN
phillip stanley on October 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm | Link
Mr. Stanley,
I have read the entry in mybiggestcomplaint and while we are here to give you any help we can, it doesn’t sound like we are giving you friendly advise, more like telling you what to do, and I know that is not how I would want to be treated. If you can recall the managers name, (not everyone in the Grey shirt is the actual store manager) I will pass this information on to the correct people to look into the matter. While I understand your frustration I want to assure you that this is not the way we want our customers treated and I do apologize on behalf of Autozone for that. Please let me know the persons name that is arguing with you (scott.koch@autozone.com)
Sincerely Scott
Scott on October 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm | Link
good company,bull,made mistake,cost a job,they knew the truth,he got kept and then was arrested later,no remorse,
kajunhammer on November 8th, 2008 at 3:10 pm | Link
Well it seems Mr Scoot Koch has a lot of irate customers to deal with.
Good Luck Scoot. I’ll be shopping somewhere else. Sounds like your store’s upper management are too cheap to pay and / or train people properly so that they actually care, Gotta love capitalism …
Their is a thieving Twit named Jonathan Bedwell at the south Yarmouth store who would rob his friends in his automotive dealings and then gutlessly blame it on his wife. Hungry for money to say the very least! I want to warn the personnel dept of this company to be wary of him…and you folks who have to deal with this slimeball to be wary and make sure the A-Hole gives you a receipt for every transaction you carry out at Autozone with him!
Len on November 12th, 2008 at 9:46 am | Link
Len, Read your post and I would certainly like to find out more about this employee. please conatct me at scott.koch@autozone.com. I would like to discuss any specific incidents you may know about.
thank you Scott
Scott on November 12th, 2008 at 10:39 am | Link
Scott I am sorry you feel this way regarding your company policies on dropping the guy with money in hand for one that isn’t there.
I have had to change to 98 percent using Oerileys here in owensboro ky because of rudeness and the fact the kids think it is playtime behind the counter.Oh yes I still have to go to your store at least once a month seeing how mine might be out and yours has it but I must say the last time I visited the parish ave branch in owensboro that one finished me off. The counter is now turned to customer side and I am sorry but this lay out makes me feel as I am on the wrong side. The mngr was there and he gave one of those company rehearsed reason you have all through these answers you leave Scott. I just love talking to the back of someones head at a buisness.Now I never use your store for that is the final straw. The rudest store you have in owensboro ky is on Hwy 54. That store is the one that kids hangout,oh not the customers but the kids behind the counter,or are they on my side?I don’t want to know. Really look at how you are handling these problems because remember Kmart used to be top dog ,think oerileys is going to take the lead if you dont take better care of customers..Little inside info, I have three buisnesses in town and I spend close to 5000.00 on parts a month think that numbered by 10 guys like me who give up on so many out of control part houses and leave for good.
Jeff in owensboro
jeff on November 30th, 2008 at 7:45 am | Link
I was at the Autozone on 5023 Park ave and i was there to check on my battery, which is only 2 year old and it has warranty on it. I was there already and they said it needed to be charged, and charged it, and after that it worked fine, until today when it got cold. So i go to same Autozone again and talk with Jim, a store manager by the way, a jerk i may say. I ask him to check my battery or alternator, and he says no need to, you need a new battery. Since i am a woman and naive i guess, i say ok, so he looks up at the parts section, and there is no battery of the same kind, and he told me to go to a different store. I am about ready to go and ask him to check it again, but he says no, they may check it at the other store. It will probably take him 2 minutes to check it….. So i ask him to check how much it will be, and after checking my warranty he tells me that i already got battery 2 days ago? WTF! Anyway i make him go to my car, and he tells me that i don’t have battery i purchased 2 years and the one i bought 2 days ago. Anyway he calls the store manager from the store i apparently purchased battery from and the manager Hugh says that i was indeed there! And i really wasn’t there, in fact i was in a meeting with a lot of people that can prove i was there. Now who is crazy here. I will pay the whole price in the end, but this is such a crappy crappy attitude from Jim guy. I guess i am still mad, but i had to empty my thoughts somewhere
Thanks Aleks
Aleksandra Maguire on December 5th, 2008 at 5:37 pm | Link
Oh and this was in Memphis Tn 5023 park Avenue 901-683-9943
Aleksandra Maguire on December 5th, 2008 at 5:39 pm | Link
Hello everyone. Im a current employee of autozone, aka: one of the worst companies to work for. Theres a reason why the employees are so rude and could care less, they work for a company that only cares about profits. Every time i go into work im told what our sales goal is and that i have to do everything i can to meet it. Whether that means selling somebody “related” parts they dont need or deny perfectly legit high dollar returns. If that sales goal is not met, I wont hear the end of it the next day. Underpaid employees will always be unhappy employees, getting paid $7.50 while at the same being expected to know everything about cars. Come on people be realistic, you cant expect reliable advise from employees who probably opened their first hood to install the cheap valuecraft battery you just bought. Those FREE SERVICES that are offered are only meant to get you into the store and sell you a part whether its the problem or not. But if you ever have a problem getting a refund or part replaced the best bet is to go in the morning when the store manager is there since they only work bankers hours in a retail environment, which has never made sense to me. Anyways, 9 times out 10 you’ll get your way because store managers dont like to deal with irrate customers. They prefer to sit on their ass in the back not doing anything while the rest of us bust our behinds trying to help crowds of people. A perfect example of how this company could give a rats ass for their employees is what happened at a store in my region. This particular store was robbed 4 times within the first 6 months it was opened. Every time the employees were held at gun point and had their lives threatened. You would think that would have been enough to get some sort of armed security into the store, but it wasnt the case. Employees had to beg to the company several times that they feared for their lives everytime they went into work for them to finally get some an armed security guard in there. Apperently a few thousand dollars were worth more than their employees lives, shame on you autozone. I still work for this hell hole because it pays the few bills i have for the moment but never once would i ever consider making it a career. i also like the fact that all the parts i need for my vehicles and friends vehicles have LIFETIME WARRANTIES HAHAHAHA!!!!!! SCREW AUTOZONE!!!!! oh yea, people whenever they offer you that pack of “grease” for whatever you buy tell them no!!! instead of the battery witt pack for corrosion use some vaseline, instead brake witt pack use wheel bearing grease you might have left over. that di-electric grease for plug wire guess what, the wires already come greased with that stuff. bulb grease??? again use some vaseline. but the best advise i can offer to everyone is stay away from this evil company, take your business elsewhere. try ADVANCED AUTO PARTS, OREILLYS, PEP BOYS, NAPA, CARQUEST, any of these places are better than twilight zone LMAO!!!!!!!!
part-sales manager on December 5th, 2008 at 10:26 pm | Link
Ms. Maguire I have read your complaint and I will make sure it is passed along to the appropriate people. I apologize for the treatment you received concerning your battery. Please e-mail me at scott.koch@autozone.com if you are not contacted by a district or regional manager in a timely manner. Again, I apologize for the incident. Scott
Scott on December 8th, 2008 at 8:41 am | Link
to this day i have never had any problems with autozone i drive old veh so i am always buying parts i shop at two different stores and to be honest the staff there at both stores are great
bob on December 12th, 2008 at 9:39 am | Link
Bob, I am glad to hear that. AutoZone places a big emphisis on giving great Customer Service, sometimes we may fall short, but I believe we have Great People giving Great Service for the most part and we do deliver great service and sound advice. Again thank you for your comment.
Scott
Scott on December 12th, 2008 at 10:32 am | Link
Store #1345 in denton, tx need a new set of managers
went to this store and asked for a set of front brake pads my a car i had just gotten, after i get home and tear everything apart I see that they had given me rear pads. I had 4 wheel disk brakes and just got the car so I had no idea as to what they looked like. so the next day I pull the part number off the net I need and since my wife was heading that way for shopping I let her return and pick up the new ones, the new pad are 15 more than the old pads so I tell her to pay with a pre-paid mastercard gift card we recived for x-mas. she calls about 20 min befor shes home and tells me she got them so i go and re-tear everything down only to find out they gave her REAR PADS AGAIN, I mean come on I even pulled the damn part number off and everthing, but the box she came home with and the part number I gave her didnt match. I put everything back on and head back up there today for a refund, but im told they cant give cash back that they can only refund it to the card i used to pay. well the card was used up and was at home in the trash, then im explained to by a peon up there how they are re-chargeable and I should have kept it. well I end up going back home geting the card and heading abck up there, i give them the card and the refund ticket sign the approval slip get home and check the balance online to find its 0.00…..they didnt even refund it back right, there are no pending credits on the card nothing. this chain of stores is horse****. I have email scott lets hope he can do something, non the less i will NEVER shop at autozone again.
Randy on January 2nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm | Link
Scott,
Having read the reviews, it appears you could use a good Regional Trainer to cover Best Practices.
Resume available upon request.
Happy New year!
Bob
North West Arkansas
Bob on January 4th, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Link
If you believe the customers come first at Auto Zone just because “Scott” says so, It has been my expierence that this is not what happens. Employees, also, are not treated with respect.
This company is very aware of it’s internal problems. They refuse to hold their management responsible for unethical and illegal business practices.
As a parts manager in a store in Wisconsin, we were asked to participate in unethical & illegal practices. I thought it was a local store & our district managers covering up the wrong doings. So I contacted “Corporate”, and they said they would look in to it.
In direct results, they thought the best course of action was to oil the squeaky wheel. Within weeks after filing a report with them, they determined “I” was the problem for reporting the wrong doings.
Unfortunately, I was fired for not co-operating in an investigation that I opened and was told that they no longer had confidence in me. Meanwhile, I have never been asked to give my complete detailed explaination of the decieved customers, or illegal activity.
Auto Zone’s attempt of PR, in my expierience, is BULL. I know of at least 3 managers that are no longer working for them that were involved in this incident. There are still people working for them that have committed wrong doing. This is a very secretive company that unknowingly records you to keep things quiet.
Please check out the listed web-sites, and make your own determinations.
Thank You for Taking the time to read this!
If anybody has had similar experiences with AutoZone, Post a comment
robert van deloo on January 10th, 2009 at 7:18 am | Link
Above correction for complaint about auto zone go under google auto zone compliance
robert van deloo on January 11th, 2009 at 3:56 am | Link
I realize this is company policy, but it is a sure way to lose business. I needed a part for my car, and as a longtime customer of Autozone, I called for the part. I was told if I came in “Right Now” and paid for it, I could pick it up at 5 P.M. The problem I had was no way to get there [16 miles one way]. I had transportation available that evening, so I offered my credit card so it could be picked up. Ah, we don’t take cards over the phone, sorry. I called a store up the street, they had it that evening. I drove up and paid for it in one trip. I have not been back to Autozone and will not ever again. I do things in my business that is not always in my best interest, but I have the same customers for 30 plus years, which has been key to my survival.
Bob Sossamon on January 11th, 2009 at 8:17 pm | Link
I must say, That I am appalled at the, Rude/Dishonest behavior, and wrong doing I am hearing from these post. As a Parts Sales Manager for AZ 0256, I cannot believe that customers are being treated this way. I try to up hold and provide the highest level of customer service to my customers, and make sure other employees do as well. Sure they get on my nerves at times and I want to say something mean. BUT, I don’t because I have to put my self in their shoes and think, “Hey if my car was in need of repair I wouldn’t be to happy.” I really dont know what to say other than these rude employees need to be replaced with more passionate employees.
PSM256 on January 24th, 2009 at 9:39 pm | Link
I have decided to resort to violence with regards to autozone counter lizards. Is it because i am female that eveyone assumes I know nothing, even though I have to tell the autozone employees how to find the part I need. The Placerville, CA autozone has the most useless manager (Spencer Harris) in the company, he obviously knows nothing beyond the script he was taught in counter person training, and finds it necessary to talk down to females, which I am sure he has never been “familiarized”, what the hell? Today I attempted to pick up the part I ordered, and naturally, it was the wrong one. I even had them pull up the picture of the part prior to ordering, so we both understood what I was purchasing. Oh well, nobody is above an assault MF’s.
Suzy Thompson on January 31st, 2009 at 12:59 am | Link
Ms Thompson, I have read your complaint and will make sure someone looks into situation. I would appreciate you letting me know how to contact you direct. You can email me at scott.koch@autozone.com. Please give me a chance to look into the situation before you “resort to violence”
Thank you Scott
Scott on February 2nd, 2009 at 12:36 pm | Link
Myself personally have been having alot of problems with autozone. Beganing with unfriendly service from local stores GM by actually talking me out of the part I wanted to purchase by listing all other possible parts that may have caused the issue - AFTER I had already tested all other components. In turn I had to go to another local store to purchase the part. Then I trust Autozone ever since they stored all my warrenty info and relieved me from having to carry their recipts that fade away in 6 months of a lifetime warrenty due to the type of paper and how they have been printed. Now though I had a “friend” pretend to be me knowing my phone number and name and with no ID required returned 90% of all my thousands of dollars of warrentied parts. So now anytime I need a part that I have already purchased I have to jump through hoops and yell and argue with at least 3 store managers before they agree to give me the part. after this worked for 3 months and like 4 parts total, now they reply with “we are refering this to loss prevention and will no longer give you any warrenty parts”. Well 9 MONTHS LATER STILL NO LOSS PREVENTION CALL NO WARRENTY AND MY CAR IS FALLING APART BECAUSE I CANNOT GET MY “WARRENTIED” PARTS. In these trying times after loosing all my warrenties if I need to pay to replace parts I already purchased I will just go elsewhere like Advanced Autoparts they keep warrenty on file as well and actually seem like they work to get you your parts. Oh and the real kicker I know one of the managers of the local autozone these parts were return to and they told me they saw the person who return them and told the other employee not to return any parts under my name to this person only for them to do so anyhow!!!!! I wonder If autozone is so loose in their policies how long in a trying economy that their patrons will put up with them not having any customer support for those who have been wronged. I have left my phone number with scott koch this mourning and if I do not hear a response will keep posting elsewhere once a week until I have been heard by many others
mike on February 9th, 2009 at 8:38 am | Link
Oh and I live In the Madison Heights MI, area Jeff the local GM 30880 Dequindre Rd
Warren, MI 48092
(586) 573-0863 is quite the same in his mannorisms as the previously mentioned manager. He has confused my g/f after sending her for a part to the point where she just alked out with nothing since he thnks you know nothing and talks to you as such. then tells you everything else that it “might be” after you know what you need. like this mourning I called about a warrenty part issue again only for him to get on the phone and say yes I already talk to you about this part and after searching said there was no such part number listed in my history. WELL JEFF after having to call another local autozone THEY FOUND MY PART INFO after minimum effort and secondly I never spoke to him about this part because when I called 2 different autozone stores and 3 different employees later they could not find the part I was even talking about or part # so my warrenty was not ever mentioned. until I spent the time to go through every part available for my car listed on autozones website and found that its not available. then to try the store and see if it is correct and they said yes it can be specially ordered
mike on February 9th, 2009 at 8:54 am | Link
Google autozone compliance Autozone worker Awared 5 Million after being WRONGLY ACCUSED OF
bob on February 10th, 2009 at 6:58 am | Link
Why as scott not got back to me I have list of deceived customers and illegal activity. customers do
come first do they not ?
bob on February 24th, 2009 at 9:26 pm | Link
Bob I have left you my email address so you could give me all the details concerning your issues. I will assist you in anyway I can, but I need the specific issues emailed to me. Again I will help you resolve any issues you may have, please contact me by e-mail at scott.koch@autozone.com
Scott on February 25th, 2009 at 7:40 am | Link
Dear Scott
I have made many attempts to get my customers help when I worked for auto zone, until autozone fired me for uncovering unethical and illegal practices. Look again to; auto compliance autozone worker awarded 5 million. And then we can start talking about the district manger in the Wisconsin stores. Mr Rip.
After the investigation was over and he told me there was no “Wrong Doing”. How could this be when he was one of them being investigated? I think this is a good place to start.why is Mr Ripp still working for AutoZone?
I know of 3 mangers invoided in this matter that are no longer working for autozone. The Store Manager, Loss Prevention Manager, Human Resource
manager. Coincidence?? The fact that Mr Rip is still there only shows autozone will not hold there mangers responsible. First, if you are really interested in helping me you can find out why i was fired after the investigation was OVER. and there was no WRONG DOING. Second, I think we should start helping the customers that have been lied to and deceived.
These are serious charges and should be taken as such. These cusomers are hoping and waiting for some resolve as well as I am.
This company has proven to me than hiding things and dishonesty at all levels is more important that their customers and employees being treated fairly. A moral compass is needed. If AutoZone truly has a board of ethics, I wish this case to be reviewed, and a clear answer to my questions given to me. This has caused me great distress and confusion. The nonresolution of this matter only shows theTRUE CHARACTER and TRUE INTENTIONS of the company…..
My Intententions all along were in the hope of making AutoZone a better place for all their customers, employees, as well as stockholders. Bottom line, is that everybody is affected by dishonesty, and it is very sad.
bob on February 25th, 2009 at 5:20 pm | Link
auto zone is a terrible company as everyone can see from all these comments. i just wanna share what happened at store 1527 in dallas texas. an employee came in drunk to work during mid-afternoon. to top it off he is also a manager. he was so drunk he sat in his vehcile outside in the parking lot for 45 min trying to sober up. when he did finally clock in he went to the managers office and stayed there for another hour trying to sober up. he had the nerve to brag about how he avoided slamming into somebody on his way to work, but unfortunately spilled his food all over his vehicle. this matter was brought to the attention of store manager steve rodriguez and district manager paul killion to no avail. as it turns out this was not the first incident this employee had shown up drunk to work, it had happened before in the presence of store manager steve rodriguez. apparently auto zone feels its ok to have an irrisponsible alcoholic employee that could have killed somebody on his way to work under their employement managing their business. yes folks thats auto zone for you!
duracrap on March 4th, 2009 at 11:14 pm | Link
I will look into this right away. Scott.koch@autozone.com
Scott on March 6th, 2009 at 8:00 am | Link
If you could please contact me at scott.koch@autozone.com I need some specific information so I can do what needs to be done. AutoZone will not tolerate that type of behavior, but without the information Who, what , when it makes it tough to know who to go after.
please respond as it makes me just as angry as it makes you.
Scott
Scott on March 6th, 2009 at 9:44 am | Link
BE CAREFULL AUTOZONE RECORDS YOU UNKNOWINGLY. AND ASKS YOU TO SIGN A FORM THAT CAN GET YOU FIRED IF YOU TALK ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION DURING THE INVESTIGATION. BUT EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE INVESTIGATION
IS CLOSED THEY RE-OPEN IT AT WILL.BECAUSE. AUTOZONE HAS THE SOLE RIGHT TO INTERPRET THEIR CODE OF CONDUCT.HMMMMMM. i know of an employee that ASSAULTED A CUSTOMER, WAS FOUND GUILTY IN COURT AND IS STILL WORKING FOR AUTOZONE. DOES THAT MAKE ANY ONE ANGRY? I ALSO KNOW OF A STORE MANGER THAT TOLD A CUSTOMER THAT THEIR MOTOR CAN NOT BE WARRANTIED BECAUSE THE BUSINESS IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. NOT TRUE AND MANY MORE INCIDENCES. I AM STILL WAITING FOR HELP FOR THESE CUSTOMERS. AND OTHER. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR.WITH NO RESOLVE.
bob on March 6th, 2009 at 4:03 pm | Link
AND ALL OF THIS ABOVE GOES ON UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DISTRICT MANAGER IN WISCONSIN MR RIP. AND SCOTT SAYING THAT HE WELL DONE EVER THING THAT HE CAN. STILL WAITING
bob on March 6th, 2009 at 4:23 pm | Link
how does Autozone pride themselves in top customer service priorities when they fire their employees for giving discounts to their customers to make them happy so they keep coming back i know i was one of them that had this happen at 2782 in flagstaff, az and the company has owed me money for back pay for an employee referral for months now and say i am not in good standing, answer that scott! this company is corrupt and a pos im still fighting with hr and this lawyer they stuck on me to pay back the money i gave in discounts since i worked their personally this company has no core values and as a business major i think they need to clean house in the whole company cause they dont embrace diversity when they favor hispanics over whites at these stores
keith on March 10th, 2009 at 6:38 pm | Link
THIS IS WHAT I COME TO SEE FROM THIS COMPANY. THE ONLY TIME AUTO ZONE WILL MAKE A CHANGE IS IF YOU GET ENOUGH
PEOPLE TO STAND UP TO THIER WRONG DOINGS. THIS IS NOT GODS WILL, BUT THE WAY MAN IS. WITH GOLD I TEST THEE. STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. THATS ALL THEY LEAVE YOU WITH. THEY CHANGE THE RULES AT WILL.
bob on March 11th, 2009 at 5:37 am | Link
sorry to check back so late mr. scott. the culprits name was joel wood. now you have the names needed to do the right thing for once or at least show everyone that auto zone doesnt tolerate or promote the irresponsible use of alcohol.
witt what? on March 22nd, 2009 at 10:38 pm | Link
Hello there,
I’m terribly ashamed of hearing all these negative remarks about the place that i dedicate 45hrs+ a week to. I’m very passionate about my job and I’ve been slowly climbing up the corporate ladder, and will stubbornly continue to climb. although i’m grateful for what I have, I too have been involved and have seen very similar experiences to mr bob’s. I’m here in cali and it’s devistating to find out that it’s the same elsewhere. truth is that yes this zone DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF THEIR EMPLOYEES. Scott I wish I could believe your emails, but unfortunately I know nothing is going to change. the best advice I have for you young people is to watch your back. upper management such as HR, LP, RM, DM, SM, ect. are not to be trusted. Just do your job and try not to be involved in anything. Be blind, mute, and def. I too tried to do the right thing and ended up in a big mess, and a huge investigation that led nowhere. I was under so much stress, and I was being harrassed by my district manager so much that I finally had a nervous breakdown. All this I discussed with LP, HR, and the RM, but nobody seemed to care. all I was asking for last summer was a transfer back to my original store because I was under so much stress from all the harrassment. well it’s the end of march and I’m still waiting. Why scott???
I love and need my job, and my fear of ending up like bob turned into paranoia, and the daily harrassment of the DM was so overwhelming, he was (and continues to be) so mentally abusive that I had a terrible nervous breakdown recently. now I have to go to therapy and will need medication because my stress and paranoia from work got so bad. As for you mr scott… please don’t send me your worthless apology. I don’t want to read one of your Dear So and So apologies, that is not going to help me any. I am a strong individual, and I will continue to strive for excellence and attempt to keep moving up. Why should I find another job if I love what I do and I’m not the one violating any laws, policies, or ethical values??? If you really want to help scott do this. don’t send me an i’m sorry reply i don’t want to hear it. Talk to someone. Corporate People, Bill Rhodes, someone… Please!!! Don’t tolerate abusive behavior. have some respect for those people who live paycheck to paycheck. There is no need for any of us to go to work afraid. Some of us have a lot of appreciation and hold the pledge and values very highly. Is respect for your employees too much to ask for??? Hold those who torment your foundation accountable.
acfidens on March 26th, 2009 at 3:48 am | Link
the checkout challenge of the month. It used to be that the checkout challenge was for braggin rights. who was the best sales person? with this monthly challenge you could test and improve your salesmanship. now it’s a contest of how many customers can you deceive. There are stores telling the customers that they can not buy an oil special without the aa wipes. this is ridiculous. stores that are selling amounts above 10 per day are cheating customers. the worse part is that they target low income, ignorant, and or spanish speaking customers that is why there are few customer complaints. Not only that but the goal now is not to get screamed at by your store manager or dm.
concerned employee on March 26th, 2009 at 4:07 am | Link
Some thing to keep in mind about this company is if you quit or get fired you’re considered a disgruntled employee? I asked for 2 people that had already quit AutoZone because they didn’t want to participate in illegal and unethical practices to come in and be interviewed for an investigation on my behalf and they are considered disgruntled because they quit?? This company has no intention of finding out the truth or solving customers problems.
I’m still wondering how the District Manager, Mr Ripp, in Wi., can come and say to me, that the investigation is over and there is no wrong doing, when he was one of the parties being investigated. I don’t expect Scott to respond, as I am assuming he has been advised by Corporate not to have any correspondence, which, in my opinion would be good advice considering the can of worms it would likely open!
bob on March 28th, 2009 at 4:54 pm | Link
I’m trying to join your free membership for vehicle repair and car recall notice etc. but when i fill out the membership form i enter in my name where it says user name but it keeps asking me for my user name. i guess i done know what it means by user name?
grover cheatham on March 29th, 2009 at 7:26 pm | Link
Mr. Cheatham if you email me with a contact number I will walk you through getting signed up scott.koch@autozone.com
Scott on April 1st, 2009 at 1:23 pm | Link
I’m a store manager, and I have to agree with acfidens and concerned employee. You see, I busted my butt for this company, working 60 hour work weeks while putting myself through school so I could do better for myself. I was given a chance to run my own store at the age of 21, and I have excelled in my position.
I firmly believe in the Autozone pledge, its how I run my store, and how I want my employees to act. Eventually when I graduate, I’d like to be a DM or some sort of regional position. I even met my VP at my regional meeting and I’ll tell you, I have never been more inspired. WITTDTJR, and Air/Oil are good customer service tools when done correctly. Checkout Challenge is about salesmanship. But I find that the standards are getting higher and because of that, I have known some Autozoners that don’t do the right thing, and I have called them on it. Doing the right thing, and doing salesmanship with integrity is key. I tell my guys, if you only sold 5% in checkout challenge, that’s fine, as long as you tried and you asked your customer.
To all the disgruntled customers and employees, venting to Scott will only do so much. The people behind the counter and the Store Manager leading them must care and be accountable for their actions. To some people, its just a job. To me, its a passion that I try to share with my employees.
And to Scott, I want to let you know that customer service is my highest priority… you’ll never see a complaint on here from my store.
Store Manager on April 7th, 2009 at 1:57 am | Link
I work for an Autozone here in New Mexico. I’m a PSM and I am amazed and apalled at the treatment some customers recieve. I can only speak for myself when I say customers at my store are never treated this way. Granted, I do see some customers who get angry and leave for various reasons but it’s through no fault of my own or theirs for that matter. I tend to find that when dealing with customers who are generally having a bad day already because their cars are broken and understaffed Autozones with employees running nonstop, tempers tend to flair on both sides of the counter some days. But were all human, you always have to look at it from the other persons point of view before making a snap judgment about the customer or an Autozone employee for that matter. The best I can say to anyone on this board is not all Autozones are staffed by ignorant halfwits selling defective parts, alot of them are filled with caring employee’s who want to help. I know I will always go out of my way to help a customer who needs it. But, there are those few out there who ruin it for everyone but they almost always get whats comming to them.
PSM on April 13th, 2009 at 12:38 am | Link
I am very upset with Autozone right now. My husband was fired at the age of 58 and also has a handicap.(which has never stopped him from working) I won’t say too much right now as we are in the process of talking to a lawyer and the EEOC. This is the first time my husband has been without a job since he was 18 years old. He actually enjoyed working for the company and the people that he came into contact with. It was a Simple mistake of not following a procedure. No written handbook. Even his manager said he was the most honest person he knows. This is his first write up in 11 years. He has tried talking to the higher up people but can’t find the correct person to talk to. Thats why we have decided to go further with this.
My husband worked for another parts store for 30 years and was offered a position with Autozone and took it. Seems to me Autozone don’t care if you are qualified to help service the customers. The managers, if forgot what you call them, is the biggest problem of all. I don’t mean the instore managers. Its maybe an area manager and another one. They are concerned only with making a bigger commission so they want to fire the higher paid experienced people. My husband is a good honest working person. Autozone You Have Really Lost A Wonderful Employee and other customers over this. Is this really the way you want to treat your employees? I know of some things the area manager wants some employees to do but you know it is STRICTLY against procedures. You don’t want to short your inventory!!
concerned on April 17th, 2009 at 12:24 pm | Link
Dear Concerned I have read your post and it looks like your husband needs to talk to someone here in the Corporate office. Please contact AutoZoner Relations (1-800-510-1033) and I believe they can hopefully your husband. if you need further assistance please contact me at scott.koch@autozone.com. and I will help as much as I can in getting you to the right person.
thank you Scott Koch.
Scott on April 20th, 2009 at 8:27 am | Link
Sorry to hear you lost a job after that many years. I live in Indiana and I have trouble with Auozone here. Hiring young kids and not enough people that knows what they are doing. I now go to Advance or a Napa store. You ought to try those out and good luck.
hotrod on April 23rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm | Link
ho about the fact that i have been layed off from autozone and then when trying to recieve unemployment for three months cause im losing everything and no one is hiring autozone goes and release investigation and personal info to DES that was signed between 3 parties that if it is released or talked about they are subject to prosecution sounds like a law suit on my half suing autozone that company is going to go down after them violating so many peoples rights!
keith jentsch on April 28th, 2009 at 8:01 am | Link
My name is William Ellison and from looking at your complaint dept,I see that you all are really having problems with other customers too.
I have waited for one week for a starter from the bonneylake store. I received a starter that was so bad that after it blew all the fuses in my truck, it was then tested by your people and it blew out your store’s fuse box. they then told me it would be there the next day and was told it was picked up mand they have the core so it had to be one of my friends that turned it in.They said my friend came and picked it up.
without my permission. they acted like I was caught in some weird scam (I couldn’t find my core) ( I have it now) So what were they talking about? And why can’t I get my starter that I have payed for?
Your customer service is atrotious. Sorry but I have not been able to go to work since this incident and am steadily getting angrier and angrier because you all have destroyed my good faith in consumer purchasing. 1-253-862-9445 William
william Ellison on May 4th, 2009 at 9:06 am | Link
What is wrong with Autozone?? Is the district managers so hard up that they have the employees, that knows what is going on in their store, fired!!! I think who ever is in charge of the district managers need to investigate them before autozone ends up in one heck of a law suit. Every time i go in one of them stores, you always see a new face. I like dealing with more qualified people. Scott, do you pass these complaints along? Is anything getting done?
jake on May 4th, 2009 at 3:23 pm | Link
Don’t buy BMW/MERCEDES-BENZ/AUDI/or any European part here.
Why?
Because:
The risk of receive a part that doesn’t match with your car is really high, I had no idea about this until i went to 5144 Nicholson lane, Kensington, MD
They said:
Sorry, lets order this different brand, this one will match!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome one week on waiting!!!
Juan Ortiz on May 10th, 2009 at 8:27 pm | Link
I totally disagree of how people on here are mistreated, i strive for the customer. But just remember that not auto zones are ran with such disrespect, I myself would not work for a store that would!
Psm4thecustomer on May 17th, 2009 at 11:21 pm | Link
AutoZone in Magnolia NJ I got all my parts from this store since it opened. Now I am Disgusted and finally stopped going to AutoZone since they hired all new people who know nothing about parts at all. I would call or go in and get fast service and the employees were knowledgeable of car parts before…..Now these people can’t help and don’t even know how to use the computer to look up parts, or tell you anything. If you call they say they don’t carry the part.I called another Autozone in a different town and they were able to tell me if they had the part or if they could order it for me but when ever I call the Magnolia store they always say they don’t carry it. I tried it with a couple different parts and got the same response but another Autozone had it or could get it. So it was either drive farther to another Autozone or take my business to another parts store. So I shop my local store instead of driving further away. I will not shop at this Autozone unless they hire people who know what they are doing. This AutoZone is a disgrace and who ever does the hiring should be fired.
Tony on May 19th, 2009 at 9:21 pm | Link
For those of you with complaints about Autozone customer service you need to realize what you are dealing with. A starting Autozoner would be lucky to be paid $7.50/hr, most make less. Yearly raises are routinely in the 10 to 30 cent range. You may think this is fine for a retail job until you realize that as people working in a parts store they are expected to have at least a basic automotive knowledge, the vast majority of Autozoners do not. Technical knowledge is not a priority to Autozone. I became ASE certified and was promoted to management and had to haggle for several months with my district manager in order to receive an 87 cent raise, and that is considered good! All Autozone wants is warm bodies, it might as well be McDonalds. We as employees are promised $100 for referring a new employee if they are hired. No one, I repeat, no one in my store has EVER received their $100 for a referral even after submitting the forms repeatedly and contacting HR. If you are having issues with Autozone’s customer service it is probably because they hired the cheapest person they could get away with and you the customer are the ones that pay for it. This also allows the upper management to deflect the issue continually because they can fire someone and easily hire another unqualifed person in their place for a pathetic wage. Most of those who are genuine automotive enthusiasts and have legitimate automotive knowledge leave for better paying jobs that reward them for what they know.
sean on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:57 pm | Link
AMEN TO YOUR POST FOR CHEAP LABOR!! Autozone does not care for the customer, just the almighty dollar. Scott does read this but nothing is ever done. Did corporate office try and call my husband when he was fired?? NO. Why was my husband fired, washing and changing the oil in their trucks, which they say is now against policy. My husband had over 30 years of Auto Parts Experience. After they found out who my husband was on here, they tried to block his unemployment, with no success!! People stay away from Autozone. I hope the company folds under the management they have now. I don’t want my husband to ever go back to work for them. They have rules that only some follow. I know it is against company rules for a store manager to sleep around with another employee, in the store, and be caught by an employee. Well that employee was transferred to a different store and the store manager was moved up to District Manager. Sounds llike she has made her way up by breaking policy. Topix.com is a good place to also post things. Scott it sounds like you may have your hands full. I wish you well and safe in your job.
AMEN on June 3rd, 2009 at 5:11 am | Link
I did forget to say that the part about the manager that went to district manager is what other employees were saying. I did not see this but heard the rumor. I am sure it can be checked out.
AMEN on June 3rd, 2009 at 5:17 am | Link
I needed new brake caliper bolts for a 1996 Honda Accord. I drove over thirty miles to purchase them from Auto Zone My local store didn’t have them in stock (not uncommon) Your store at zip code 36107 was very helpful and provided my needed parts but, only had one pair. He called another Auto Zone appoximately 5miles down the road at zip code 36117. They had the part so I drove down there asked for the part and a military discount. I was informed after I was rung up that this store doesn’t offer a military discount. I told them that their sister store sent me down here to get the other set of bolts and they gave a military discount. The young man stated the this is the store managers decision and that the store manager was a retired Major in the Army. Of course the Manager was not available to speak with me. I will never shop at Auto Zone again. I want nothing to do with a organization that doesn’t support our Armed Forces. 10% is not much on this perticular part it is the pinciple. Advanced Auto, NAPA and O’Riellys all give military dicounts, so from now on I know where I will shop
ONE TEAM,
Mark
Mark A Waldrop on June 14th, 2009 at 12:41 pm | Link
Also post your complaints on the consumer affair web site.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/autozone.html
Nannie on June 15th, 2009 at 11:11 am | Link
The person who did all this is Janet C. a mgr of some sort.
wow, you guys will make anyone a mgr.
same complaint on July 1st, 2009 at 9:48 am | Link
I had Purchased a battery at Walmart, and my battery light came on.
I went back to Walmart and they said the battery need charged.
I got it charged then went to Checker Auto Parts who had a Alternator Check free, and Checked it because walmart didnt have a alternator checker.
Next,
I had thought i had may have purchased an alternator from Autozone of Mesquite NV.
So i walked into Autozone , and saw a Person that had ripped off my son at del taco as a fast food worker that became shift mgr at grave yard.
I thought oh no!
but then asked her to look up my four sales only on the computer to see if i had purchased an alternator or what date.
she jumped on two different computers, one to bring up my history of sales with my phone number, then she jumped on the other for the autopart number.
which may have changed since i purchased it or for any other reason, such as different manufacturer part number.
then she said NOPE!
I asked her to open the only four or five purchases made by myself ever there at that store.
and she would not do it, and said what windows, after closing them laughing.
with a **** eating grin.
I told her if she doesnt want to help me then fine.
i would report her, she said IDONT CARE WHATEVER YOU DO,
as she did before when she worked at Del Taco, and would leave out drinks i paid for, not put ice in the adult drinks, and would put chili on my sons taco, and not give him a plain one when he is only 5 years old.
she would turn off the lights early to not have to close late or to leave early.
she would smart off and act hostile towards customers on grave or late at night or scream and start fights with people.
her girlfriend works there too, and is nice but she hates men and starts fights with guys , she needs therapy for hating to help or serve men and thinks everything is personal with men.
Car quest is across the street or napa is in moapa or saint george, it is no big deal to find qualified competent quality service that is friendly and with good work ethic.
I WILL NEVER BE BACK EVER!
Walmart , had the same type of difficult employees run off many of the customers here in this town to the Walmart in Saint George, and back to Smiths Food King the only other store here, a good example of a poorly ran business with bad management.
wages dont attract a high caliber, understood, but manners and ethics are not based on wages , only good attitude.
COMPLAINT OF JANET C, MESQUITE NEVADA AUTOZONE on July 1st, 2009 at 10:31 am | Link
JANET C, Please contact me at scott.koch@autozone.com I think I can help you with your warranty file to check for the warranty of the alternator. I would also like to discuss the way you were treated while at the store.
Thank You
Scott
Scott on July 1st, 2009 at 10:40 am | Link
I guess my complaint about the Zone in Montgomery Alabama wasn’t important enough for Scott to acknowledge much less address. Thanks alot Auto Zone.
One Team,
Waldrop
Waldrop on July 1st, 2009 at 8:21 pm | Link
E-mailed you Scott, hope that helps?
Janet C, is the mgr at the store.
I also found i have a auto zone card that was supposed to be transferred of those purchases they had not honored the advertised promotional discounts.
COMPLAINT OF JANET C, MESQUITE NEVADA AUTOZONE on July 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 am | Link
Mark I apologize I try and look at as many sites as I can for issues, I just missed yours. Please send me an email with your contact information (phone number you can reached at)
Again I apoligize
Scott
Scott on July 2nd, 2009 at 7:47 am | Link
Scott, I emailed you to never hear your response?
Next, i dont think i had purchased the alternator there?
but how hard is it too help a customer or act decent, instead of being a difficult smart ass.
JANET C @ AUTOZONE on July 3rd, 2009 at 6:14 pm | Link
Last night I was having issues with my car and pulled into the autozone on Tropicana and Nellis which was closing for the night. After addressing my cars issues, I went to pull out of the parking lot and my car caught on fire. I ran to the store and asked 1 of the employees for a fire extinguisher. This guy was very rude and would not go and get me a fire extinguisher, when he could clearly see my car on fire in his parking lot! I had to yell at him 10 times that I needed help, and 2 customers in the parking lot had to come yell at him for him to finally walk as slow as he could into the store for the extinguisher. I explained to the employee that I am trained in fire safety and tried to follow him into the store and he stopped me at the door and told me I couldn’t come in and that I needed to wait outside. My car was still burning, and he took his sweet little time! His laziness or whatever his problem was could have cost me and the other people around our lives! By the time he came with the extinguisher someone had already gotten some water jugs and his help was no longer needed, he then left and acted like nothing had happened!
Michelle Las Vegas, NV on July 8th, 2009 at 9:53 am | Link
Michelle,
do you recall the name of the employee? Please let me know at scott.koch@autozone.com
Scott on July 8th, 2009 at 10:11 am | Link
Yes I think his name was Julio and I believe he’s a manager. I placed a call to the district manager this morning and I missed his returning call. Can you please follow up on this for me?
Michelle on July 8th, 2009 at 12:04 pm | Link
Just got back from the Centerton Arkansas store, I could swear one of the sales guys was drunk, loud and boisterous then he went out to his truck and just sat in it…the other two guys looked stressed. Nobody like s to work with a person who drinks and is loud. The guy was skinny and had a scraggly goatee.
Sunday 1:45 PM 12 JULY 09
Roy on July 12th, 2009 at 12:11 pm | Link
I will look into it immediatley. Scott.koch@autozone.com
Scott on July 13th, 2009 at 6:46 am | Link
I’m not getting into specifics on here, but this is REDICULOUS!!!! I work for Autozone.. I love cars, working on cars, helping people diagnose whats wrong with their cars… I love all of that. I took the job at Autozone working for peanuts because I enjoyed it so much. I am now a PSM.. got a couple cents extra.. literally.. I work my butt off, 40-60 hours a week even though my manager says no OT but then has me work all those hours which i then get in trouble for?!?!? I do whatever they ask. I work at whatever store they need me at and at a moments notice to boot!! I have worked at the local HUB store and the manager at HUB wants me to transfer there. Basically whatever store I am at, they beg me to transfer to it. It’s funny though.. the only store I have a mojor issue with is MY store…and it’s all due to the micro-managing, egomaniac, self-indulged, money-hungry, no people skills, manager.. Oh, did I mention micro-managing, yeah.. it’s that bad. Like I said, I won’t get into specifics because I don’t want to get caught up in some BS that’s gonna get me fired, but his latest “thing”.. ha has posted a sign in the behind the counter for the employees that reads, and i quote, “EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!!! FAILURE TO PERFORM YOUR JOB AT COMPANY LEVEL STANDARDS WILL RESULT IN CORRECTIVE ACTION UP TO AND INCLUDING TERMINATION… CONSIDER THIS A VERBAL WARNING.” …… how can that be a “verbal” warning???? He is so concerned with covering his rear end with that damn check out challenge and every other stupid thing we have to do to harrass customers, he fails to realize what good employees he has. We are sooooo short staffed right now since everyone has QUIT because of him, that the few employees that are left are working insane hours. He will make a schedule and then the day of my day off, he will call me and ask why I’m not at work, I’ll then explain that it’s my scheduled day off and he will tell me that he never said I could take the day off.. WHAT?!?!?! I help more people at once than he helps in an entire day!!! yet I still do not have certain “pins” because I have not helped him get “promoted”…I could and would run that store 10 times better than he can. Why am I showing other PSM’s, that have been there longer than I have been there, how to do plan-a-grams and other stuff that every PSM needs to know??? MAYBE it’s because I actually have the capability of learning an absorbing and care for my job. It’s my bread and butter, it pays my bills!! I NEED MY JOB so I make sure I know my job. I feel like the red-shirts put more effort into their job than the store manager. All I want is to be transferred so I can keep doing what I love and not deal with this micro-managing A-hole. BUT that will never happen because we are now short staffed and although we are “hiring”, we have no new people in the store, so I am doomed to stay in my store and remain stressed out for reasons beyond my control. There are tons of petty incidents that have taken place, which on a case by case basis, don’t really mean too much, but when added up equal a whole pile of BS. I’m tired of being lied to and tormented because my manager is on a power trip. If you trust me to open the store, close the store, make bank runs, blah blah blah, then have some damn respect for me as a person and an employee. I could rant and rave forever with little being done. Funny, the store wasn’t this bad before our old store manager left. So, to me, seems like a person by person case. I want changes to be made, action to be taken and most of all, I want a somewhat pleasant work environment. Hey Scott, I want to SPEAK with someone, not email someone about this. I want to know my job is not in jeopardy because I have real complaints that need to be addressed. And honestly, I don’t care if you don’t do a damn thing, as long as I have the approval to transfer!!!! I am not the problem, that is for sure. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
PSM with a micro-managing manager! on July 21st, 2009 at 2:08 am | Link
Before can do anything I need to know who I am dealing with and where you are located. Please advise me at scott,koch@autozone.com.
Scott on July 21st, 2009 at 7:20 am | Link
Scott, you said to email you???
what for you never replied?
Janet C on July 21st, 2009 at 9:04 am | Link
scott is really damage control. and not very good at it i still have no resolve.MR RIP the district manager in wis. is still working for auto zone. and worst the store manager.that many others lost there job over as been rehired,? IF ANY ONE IS INTERESTED A LAW SUIT AGAINST THIS COMPANY FOR MISCONDUCT. I HAVE EVIDENCE AND WITNES’S PLEASE LEAVE A RESPONSE ON THIS SITE AND I WILL GET BACK TO.
bob on August 27th, 2009 at 2:28 pm | Link
I bend over backwards to help my customers, I hope that if the roles were reversed they would do it for me. Not in this town, I’m sure but, I’m an idealist and I have hope, but hey its what I got so leave it.
I am not the best automotive mechanic but I have built a few engines. I am a veteran, and a college educated employee. I am a family man, with responsibilities. I answer to a 19 year old boss and a 21 year old whose mission in life is to get as tanked up on boose as possible the night before work.
My fellow red-shirts and I are in college, and therefore not eligible for management because we have children and may need to take care of emergencies. They say because of our availability we can not be management. Despite a degree in Management, and several certifications.
My head manger of my store allows other practices to go on, but has been supported by other managers. Sex sells they say, current hiring practices are to hire the most attractive ladies available. Several work as strippers after work. Hey I’m on a moral rant nor am I not ticked about having women in the work place, I am for equality and all that. I am annoyed that I have to pick up their work load because their makeup is priority over customers, And management prefers them in the office hanging out with them rather then working. This place is a job and should be treated as such. BJ’s are for the red light district not the red zone.
What does it take for a promotion? I bet I won’t get promoted, if I do this but the next time I catch her servicing the boss I’ll video tape it and put on Youtube.com
When my wife was about to deliver I caught hell over having a cell phone, The PSM’s just go behind the battery racks to text and talk anytime.
Uniforms, When I was active duty I got a uniform allowance, I don’t here, so please stop making me work on peoples cars if I’m supposed to be sales and dressed that way. Today I changed a light bulb and a battery, normal day, but should I be recharging the customers AC? I feel for the work I’m doing, I should be getting paid more than the the burger flipper. Perhaps there is where I need to be.
And before I get back on my homework, I would like to thank my DM for hiring me, I’m sorry if my military references whom were 3 full birds and a one star wasn’t good enough, nor was my union foreman. But it was the fact that I had a pastor that sealed the deal. What does this say about a company, sorry atheists, pagans, jews, and muslims need not apply. Oh that pastor, he had giving us some coats for my kids, once on my feet I gave back several donations that was twice what we got. Some people are good so don’t lose hope.
But as a redshirt, I was forced to sign some papers that said we wouldn’t talk about AZ online. Obviously I am really starting to not care for the company or my job. I have bent over backwards and turned this place around, But corporate needs to get off their ass and clean house. A company wide piss test would eliminate about half of our staff. Maybe then they would stop sticking green stickers at the DC on my bar codes. when those peel off it take the bar code with it. Half of my boxes are all sliced up with razors. Who wants to buy a mystery filter?
If this wonderful Z-net, were so wonderful, which crashes every time you type faster than 30WPM, then perhaps you could put in a suggestion box attached to our password so you know who we are then maybe you might know that there are several alternators that we cant test because we have no specs. Many of us want to do our job but can’t because AZ cares more about POM and the secret phone shopper instead of our customers who are spending real money. That guy on the phone want me to listen to his engine, honestly the guy is an idiot, but I really think I ought to take care of the real customer not the clown who has too much time on his hands and won’t actually spend anything. He walks around looking for our Michigan law violation, the one that says he get 5 bucks if the price is mislabeled, Another green sticker issue.
Perhaps along with a company wide whiz quiz, some sexual harassment training and ethics training could help. And I do imagine that if this gets back to my district they will find an excuse to fire me, because AZ does such a great job protecting its whistle blowers. The whiner that I worked with before was discharged, so I imagine its just a matter of time for me.
AZ redshirt on September 28th, 2009 at 9:42 pm | Link
AZ redshirt please contact me as soon as possible. scott.koch@autozone.com
Scott on September 29th, 2009 at 8:42 am | Link
You are sooo right. If you are a girl, you can get by with anything. This is happening at a particular store in the ky and oh area. Cell phones, yes they are using them.
amen on September 29th, 2009 at 10:09 am | Link
AZ redshirt, be careful giving your name out. My husband did and gave it to Scott. They tried fighting his unemployment, again, after they got his name. He was fired for washing one of their vehicles. This had been past practice but now said it was against policy. I do not recommend anyone going to Autozone. I tell anyone about what they did to my husband. They were so wrong. Dirtiest bunch of people.
amen on September 29th, 2009 at 10:19 am | Link
Well I worked at the autozone on university in peoria, il, I will say it is not the best place to work, they do like to send one and only one person out when say I was on the “clock”, and stand around inside and do nothing, I do understand when we are busy yes that can be that you are going outside, and only you sometimes, expecialy when they hire a bunch of young women who are more worried about their make up and standing around at the counter, and do not want to do their jobs. SM(Malik) does not say a word on these issues.
Many of us have brang it to his attention. autozone isn’t some place to work, there were many employees attempting to receive unemployment for autozone not allowing these employees to work, and then attempting to deny many of these great employees unemployment, and when they get to work accusing many of these employees of theft, and suspending many of its employees who haven’t done anything. They do not care how the customers are treated but would much rather stand around and play with their cell phones. only saying management, not all, but to name a few, Milton c. is one of them and has been spoken to on many occasions about this, but doesn’t seem to sink in, Others would be a employee they currently assigned to commercial department, right hand man to malik at the moment. The employees have brought this to the store managers attention that these employees would rather talk on their phones than work. or that M.C. would like to just talk to the young pretty girls and not care about the other customers.
Also they like to only work on cars when the girl is cute, such as if there are batteries under a bunch of items on a car or under the back seats. they like to put them in, as the employees were not told to do so. And they still do, or when they are the only manager in the store. They still sneak out for a cigarette. And do not schedule properly, they do not give lunch breaks if you work up to 6 hours, which i was under the impression that you got a lunch break and one paid 15 minute break, none never received such a break until SM was told by Stand in DM that they were to receive such breaks, And employees that are scheduled for 8 hrs most do not get a 15 minute break at all, just told “your not a smoker, you don’t need a break.” and the ones who are smokers get half of a cigarette then are forced back to work when were told they could smoke. didn’t say they had to toss it.
As far as their want to help employees or care. They do not, only care about them self, the upper management at autozone stores, thankful I am no long an employee, but still speak with friends of these stores also at western(623) and pekin(628) if i remember correctly that is their store numbers it could be the other way around, but,
This company doesn’t care, but rather blame employees of theft, as what is going on with employees at these two stores. friends of these stores are unhappy LP is pulling aside employees and offering promises of employment if they confess to crimes they never did, and if they don’t confess they will be terminated. and the police will be called. Thankful I am no longer an employee of these stores.
currently none of the employees at 0648 that I know have spoken about LP but word from western they are at both locations attempting to recover a lost dollar amount. and are blaming whoever they can wrongfully just to get a false confession to put the blame on one, and don’t want to find the real reason.
I have had friends who ask if it is a good place to work, you know what I tell them.
“No, they can’t be trusted, they offer all of their employees thoughts and hopes of getting promotions, then turn around and screw the ones who were waiting the longest and were working the hardest, only because they’d rather play who can suck who’s peter better”
Autozone has lost all respect from its employees most don’t care anymore. and as far as you trying to guess who I am and if I currently work at 0648. I do not, so attempting to accuse employees at that store 623 or 628 isn’t going to help any, I quit 1 year ago and still counting. Although still have a lot of friends in these stores.
Autozone is the worse company I ever worked for, being treated like a dog and ran around for upper management all hours of my shifts and yelled at constantly by M.C. I lost all respect for this company and plan to never refer someone to that company, they do not take drug tests and the SM, and J.C. as they call him have and do take drugs at the store, not within the store they did not, but on autozone property.
The women who work the cash registers do nothing but argue and don’t want to do their jobs. so it is put upon the other workers to do their work plus the work of lazy girls that do nothing, then the worker who is doing their job is being yelled at for not working fast enough.
So how does one win in that job? QUIT! move on find a better one as I did, I was not about to be treated like dirt and make 8.00 an hour it wasn’t worth it, that is minimum wage, I could make that anywhere, I make 11 an hr now working from home..
AZ-0648 on October 15th, 2009 at 6:28 pm | Link
O.K. This is getting out of hand. I hope Scott from Autozone monitors this! Every couple of weeks I read about employees past and present who are treated like crap, or customers who arnt happy with what our “techs” couldnt do, or how noone at autozone is ase certified. I have worked there in willowick, ohio for three years. I have sold every check out challenge, packets and other addon items that has ever been offered, BECAUSE THEY ARE WHAT IS USED WHEN DOING THE JOB PROPERLY!!! Autozone is not a clerk position to work, it is a sales gig, just like cell phones, cars and stocks. This is why management looks down on people not selling grease or packets, because that is your job to do so. SELL! And I would love to see the write up for not selling it. it doesnt exist. we just push harder to get it sold, and to cover for the employees who dont care enough to sell it.The people who complain about being forced to do these things, are also the people there to stand around waiting two weeks for there next paycheck, not the ones working to strive and make something of themselves in this company. and FYI, I started working for 7.90 and hr. I busted my rear end and was promoted in less than two months. I have had 4 raises and now make over 11.00 an hr. The upper management makes a gross amount of money a year, this I will leave undisclosed because it is not my place to announce other peoples pay, but google bill rhodes the 3rd. we are there to offer products to customers so they only have to do the job once, properly. Also, we at autozone are not TECHS! We are salespeople. We do what we do with bulbs and batteries because we go above and beyond other companies. This is why we have a huge stock growth, and why most of you come to autozone. We also almost always come from a mechanical backround, at least the managers and psm’s(i am a psm). So next time we give you advice, for free, your welcome. Or, if we come out and change your wiper arm, or coolant temp sensor, or all the things were are not entitled to do by our company, but do it anyways because we fell bad, your welcome. I went to a womans house in the snowy cold winter and drained her antifreeze from her block because she filled it all up with water, BECAUSE SHE WAS UNINFORMED, just so her block didnt crack! off the clock! because I want to succeed and be the best at what I do. The job isnt bad if you are not lazy and dont mind working. furthermore just a note. I have never been in a company that did this for me. EVERYTIME i have ever needed a day, or week even off, all i had to do was ask. Not too many places do that for you. I get two weeks pd vacation every year, 401k, stock options, medical, vision dental. You get all that working from home? NO. and lastly, please understand that there is two or three of us in a store, and 10-20 of you in our store, plus phones, and battery checks, and check engine lights, and commercial calls and customers. Have a little patients please. we do more than you see. all you have to do is look further than yourselves. Hope this explains some things to everyone out there.
jay OBell on October 17th, 2009 at 8:28 am | Link
Oh, and about being ASE Certified employees at autozone, just as to see the certificates, we hang ours proudly in our offices, mine included. Autozone is even gracious enough to pay for the test.
jay OBell on October 17th, 2009 at 8:33 am | Link
hmmm must be a real company man there.
As far as the treatment at autozone, not a pleasant place, and yes you may get the pd vacation, and health insurance, and what not. as far as the store I was at, yea they do not mark anyone above “PT” regardless if they are a psm or not. only the store manager is above part time, so no benefits. and a last update on that story of LP. they termed 4 people and suspended 6 of them. jay must either be a upper management for cover up. or must be a very well liked employee at their small store.. but any ways. point being. not a great place to work when you are the well pardon my language “slave” that goes out all the time and does all the work and still gets write ups when you don’t sale every time.
Even when you offered and the customer said no. that was still a write up or a good talk with store manager malik, which as far as I knew was their policies. I will agree with jay in a way on going outside. but alot of them do the same thing(auto part chains) advanced they go outside. and even do inserts, not just wiper blades. car batteries. and more. and parts are a lot cheaper. not even joking. but at any rate. the ASE certified. I passed that test their “Pre-test” 3 times. only took it 4 total, failed once. but the store manager stated that “the company isn’t paying for them tests at the moment, they aren’t making much money. so you’ll have to pay for it yourself.” so yes maybe you were at a good store and mine wasn’t. could very well be. but the store I was at they treated myself and one other like a slave. and then expected us to care about the place. how would you have liked to been called “cracker” every shift you worked and management didn’t care. just told you to get back to work. you goto upper management(DM) they didn’t care. said you must have been lying.. and get your hours taken away when you spoke up of this to the DM.. corporal punishment isn’t it great.
AZ-0648 on October 18th, 2009 at 8:34 am | Link
AZ is a pressure selling company.. it’s horrible to lie to people and tell them that because this checkout challenge is going on, that it’s the best product. .. I feel bad in my store because I feel I have to be either a hispanic or a woman to be a manager. We have 5 grey shirts at my store.. 4 women, 1 man. 4 are hispanic and one is a caucasion female. It’s discouraging to go to work and have to answer to someone who knows far less about auto parts then myself. I grew up in a salvage yard, and have been working on cars since I was old enough to hold a wrench. I have been in auto parts sales for 7 years now, and I have to take up the slack of my managers who can’t tell the difference between ford and chevy. It’s not the fact that they are women, it’s the fact that they are un-educated in the automotive field. there is 3 of them that fall in that boat. I am irritated and want my gray shirt, the title of “senior sales” doesn’t mean anything!
Tx Red Shirt on October 19th, 2009 at 11:13 am | Link
I repeat, I AM A PSM. nothing special. I am on the other hand a employee who cares about his job, knows what Autozone does for me to show me there appreciation, and I give back in return. I also have no problem going outside, doing installs, helping the customer and going the extra mile. I am good at what I do and am a psm because I make it my point everyday to go to work and be better than everyone else there. If you dont do that, than you cant complain about those who do. I also took my ase test 4 months ago, passed and got my cert from ase without paying a dime. As far as pressure selling, if you were working in a commission job, I best you youd feel pressured to sell. hahaha people need to stop complaining about the place and if they dont like working there, find something a little more suiting to them, not go online and try to bash the place currently paying there bills. Ive worked alot of crappy jobs, including roofing, plumbing, drywall, fast food, transportation driver, delivery driver, painter, sider and gutter guy. Autozone is the longest running job Ive ever had, and plan on working my way up the corperate ladder. Good luck to those who cant hack it, its cold out there and theres no jobs to be found. To current employees on here complaining, rethink your complaints when you compare them to the other crappy jobs youve had in life.
jay again on October 19th, 2009 at 8:00 pm | Link
ps, i got full time as soon as i got promoted to psm. it took a month. dont know why youd be having such a hard time.
jay again on October 19th, 2009 at 8:05 pm | Link
Take all these complaints and post on Topix for all Autozone stores. More people posts there and more readers can see what is going on there. Don’t know how to start the posting for topix but if someone does, post it here and I will find it. Thanks
only me on October 20th, 2009 at 5:30 am | Link
maybe I was just at a crap store, other do have different experience at other stores, but as far as the one I worked at it was not a pleasant place to work and others have found that same issue. but yes, they like to treat the employees bad at that store and many others that I have seen or heard from. but at any rate. the way I have came to see this company is well to be blunt. “It’s who can suck off who better” sorry for the well unprofessional term. But it is very true at this job. I don’t want to upset anyone, but it is very true. And just saying I don’t do well with kissing butt to someone who I don’t feel is doing their job to their full extent. and is breaking company policies.
AZ-0648 on October 20th, 2009 at 10:13 am | Link
I feel it’s the same around here about who you blow to get where you’re at…. And they also teach you to sneak the lubes in on purchases to unsuspecting customers… not very good sales tactics
Tx Red Shirt on October 20th, 2009 at 9:43 pm | Link
i got a battery at autozone.The guy put it in for me.When he did he hook it up wrong causing the needle on my gas gauge to spin around so when i started my car up it went back around on the empty mark.That is where it has been staying.I am fighting with them to get it fixed.THey had me take it to a dealer and all they did was turn the key on and off .Said atuozone didnt cause it.But the gauge was working perfect until he put in my other batteryKnow i am fighting with trhem to get it fixed.I am not working on disabilty from back surgery so i cant afford to get it fixwed myself.I needx to know Who i can contact.The store manager has stated it wasnt there fault and got hateful and so doid her district manager.I will never buy anything there again.Please help.
mary on October 24th, 2009 at 5:54 am | Link
Mary,
Please send me some more information on the incident. Please tell what the store location is, when the battery was replaced and the name of the people you have talked to in AutoZone about the incident. My email is scott.koch@autozone.com I will make sure that the information is passed on to the correct person for reveiw. If it turns out that AutoZone is responsible I am sure it will be taken care of. Thank you Scott
Scott on October 26th, 2009 at 6:43 am | Link
In reference to an article by Autozoo dated Aug. 15, 2008.
Is that manager still there, because I think we got him or her at our store now.
Although he or she has gotten to be an even more miserable human being than what you describe.
Ours is a male, more or less, but following are some of the tactics he engages in on a daily basis.
If you ask him for his password, as is required when conducting certain transactions, He will actually scream at you not to bother him, and waves you off.
This can be confirmed by any employee with enough balls or ovaries to tell the truth.
He finally relents after the customer starts complaining about the delay.
I almost forgot about the following situation.
A custome came in with his little girl who was sitting in a stroller.
This child was screaming bloody murder for the usual little child reason, known only to her.
I admit it was a bit nerve wracking but, to be expected in this business
Mr. smooth pulls me aside and says, do what you have to do to get that kid out of the store, disregarding the fact that the childs father was a good customer.
I have actually heard him say, while screwing up the computer, I cant take this anymore, I have to find another gig, gig? did he say gig?
Its not a job, its a GIG.
Although we are chastised for not answering the phone during a very busy period, when we are short handed which is very common and, he has to actually work by helping out, he deactivates all the phone lines and, instructs us to not take any credit card sales because they take too much time.
Im not sure if that was part of manager school training, I hope not.
When the rush has passed He will retire to his lair in the office, doing not much of anything as far as I can tell except staring at the computer screen with that deer caught in the headlights look.
His standing instruction is made perfectly clear.
DO NOT BOTHER HIM FOR ANY REASON.
I do not know how much he is paid but, whatever it is, its way too much.
I think he should be on medication of some sort, maybe a strong animal tranquilizer.
If he is already on meds, he is not following the instructions or, they are not working.
Also, I am firmly convinced that Autozone has instituted a covert policy of getting rid of anyone over 50 years old.
At least it appears so at our store.
The older employees are having their hours cut drastically while the manager is hiring new people and giving them extended hours.
Now, I am for giving new hires all the opportunity possible but, not at the expense of the older employees.
In addition, some of these hires are barely old enough to drive, let alone consult customers about their technical problems.
And, if you have ever so much as changed the oil in your car, you quite possibly may be hired as an Autozone Manager, having all that experience and all.
On questioning a newly hired manager about his automotive experience, he informed me that he used to work on his own car when he was younger, younger?? Im not sure he is old enough to vote.
The truth is, I actually enjoyed working at AZ for about 6 months, the pay is minimal and there are zero benefits if you are considered part time ( and the Company makes sure you maintain part time status for that very reason) the work schedule was great for me and the best part of the job was meeting people and helping out when I could.
In my experience, irrational customers were a very rare occurence.
Than the BEAST arrived and everything changed.
At this point my hours have been reduced from an average of 32 to 6 per week.
The recent new hires are averaging about 28 to 34 each.
The fact of the matter is, if it were not for the current lousy job market, I would not be writing this comment.
I guess I could go work for McDonalds, the pay is about the same.
My theory is, if you have a pulse and, are over 16 years old, you have worked at either Mac Donalds or Auto Zone.
The next big career advancement and, a step up, WAWA.
I consider Myself a good employee with a great attendance record.
I do what I am told without question and, the only reprimand I had was for wearing pants that did not meet company guidelines.
It appears that black jeanes upset some of our customers.
I still dont know how the folks in Human Resources came to that conclusion but, may God forgive me my transgresion.
Even though AZ does not give you a clothing allowance of any kind, They can dictate what you must wear.
Under ordinary circumstances, I might buy black pants, even though thats not my favorite color but, I would never, under any circumstance
buy a bright red shirt of any kind.
I now have 5.
Our store is usually understaffed and, on occasion, extremely top heavy with more grey shirts ( managers ) than were at the battle of Gettysburg.
Im pretty sure most of them were over 16.
By the way I still work at this store and I do not want to get into too much detail, even though Im sure someone will figure out who I am.
Probably the same people that figured out the black pants thing.
As we used to say in the Army, how do I transfer out of this chicken **** outfit.
Well, it probably wont be long, one way or the other.
Ok, lets review, AZ not too bad a place to work.
However, when you are interviewed, make sure you look deeply into the interviewers eyes.
If you discern pure evil, no matter what they say, GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN.
If you dont, then may God have mercy on your soul and your ass.
BEST REGARDS AND, HAVE A GREAT DAY.
PS: I guess I can kiss my next raise goodby, and I could use that extra 10 cents an hour.
Thats like, 60 cents a week, Vegas, here I come.
This is no joke, last raise after 10 months, 10 cents an hour.
Are they trying to tell me something ???
In closing and, for your information, I just found out there are actually more plastic flamingo’s than real ones. Who would have guessed?
I dont know about all you folks but, I feel much better now, Thank you for your attention.
Cantstandzya on October 29th, 2009 at 2:23 pm | Link
Problem with AZ is that they grew too fast and became too big. Lost track of the original philosophy of Pitt Hyde of treating customers as number one. I guess that is just words they chant and it makes them feel good.
Ex Zoner on October 31st, 2009 at 9:41 am | Link
Cantstandzya,
Please contact me, I have read your entry and really want to talk to you. You can e-mail me at scott.koch@autozone.com and give me a call back number or call the corporate office and ask them to transfer you to me. I promise you that I will look into the issues you brought up. Please contact me, we (AutoZone) need to take care of the people who take care us.
Scott
Scott on November 2nd, 2009 at 7:48 am | Link
I started working for Autozone when it was AutoShack back in 1985 at Store #150. Yep, you use to have to get out in front of the car and turn the crank to start them
This was back in the Day of Pitt Hyde, Jerry Colley, Bill McCauley, etc. Boy where things different then. Drop/Stop, 30/30, WITTDTJR.
I went into my locate AutoZone in Kingsport (this is a Store that I help open back in 1991), the store was dirty, shelves where not front and faced, counter was clutter with parts(New and Used) Batteries, Floor Items, Both Front Doors where open and the A/C was not working and the floor was just nasty. I thought to myself “WOW” where is the Manager or better yet where was the Area Advisor. When I worked and Managed AZ store we took pride in the appearance of the store. Our store then was Front/Faced, with merchandise stock in shelves and on J-Hooks.
Anyway I had went in to buy a Trailer Hitch Ball because I was going to a Local Store to buy a Trailer and I thought I would be OK with just buying the trailer ball since my truck was already wired and I had a Step Bumper on my truck that the trailer ball would fit perfect in.
As I enter the store there was one employee on the floor doing something but they didn’t acknowledge me. This was OK because I was in a extreme hurry to pick my trailer up. I found the trailer ball which was 2″ but had a long shank but that was OK also because it would not be in the way of anything. I went to the register and a employee was ringing up my sale and I made a comment to him that the store did not appear to be very busy. He made a comment to me that they only done about $2K to $2.5K a day. I thought “WOW” and I told him that I help open this store back in 1991 and on Grand Opening Week we did over $79K with only one day under $10K. He said “WOW” to me and then said we don’t do $79K in a month now. I took my part and left. As I was driving to pickup my trailer I was thinking about what he had said and it made me sad. It made me sad about the amount of business they were doing but it also made me sad about the way the Store look. Back in the years, we took a lot of pride in store appearance, employee appearance, customers and sales.
I purchased my trailer and installed the Ball onto my step bumper and I went to hookup my trailer and I realize something that I had not taken into consideration and that was the height of my step bumper. I am now going to have to buy a receiver for my truck. I knew this was going to take me a day or so to get the receiver and install it on my truck and I couldn’t leave the trailer sitting in the parking lot at the local hardware store. So I hooked the trailer up and took it home.
After getting home I went on line to check availability and prices. I first went to AZ website but it was difficult to maneuver around and I could not tell what was available and if it would fit my truck. It was almost as bad as looking up parts for a International Scout:) So, I went to Advance Auto Parts website and I found the site easy to use and they had the receiver that would fit my truck. I called the local Advance and they said they could have for me the next day. I order the part and picked it up the next day. While at the store I was checking the receiver and I realize the Ball that I had purchase from AZ the day before would not fit this receiver. I look and Advance did not have one that fit but said they could get it in the next day. So I went back to AZ to see if they had one that would fit plus as I was driving I realized I needed some other items. I took the Old Ball that I had purchase the day before that had been installed along with the RECEIPT back to AZ. While in AZ they had the Ball that fit the receiver I had purchase.
I took the new ball along with about $50 worth of other merchandise and the Old Ball with receipt to the counter to finish the transaction. I set the merchandise down on the counter which was several items and the girl behind the counter, the only employee that I seen in the store, that was a couple of Computer down from me did not even acknowledge me. So, I asked her if I could checkout and she said if you want to checkout you need to come down here. I moved my items down to her PC which took me a couple of trips and with her not even offering to help. I asked her if they could do a defective exchange on the trailer ball that I had purchase the day before and had installed for the one that fit my new receiver. I also gave her the receipt. She looked at it a couple minutes and behind the Parts Bins to the office. In a couple of minutes she came out along with some guy name Greg Kzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz something which had on a dull, faded, dirty looking gray shirt. I explained to him nicely what I had done and what I needed. (I say nicely because I worked for AZ and Advance both for a total of about 14 years and I know you are not going to get anywhere being rude). Grag looked at the part for a minute and said that the Old Ball could not be put back on the shelf and sold so it was trash. I asked him if he could doing a defective exchange since that Ball would not fit my hitch and I was purchasing the one from him that did, along with about $50 more in merchandise. Greg rudely said, “Buddy I told it was trash and I can’t help you.” It was his attitude that upset me so I took my Old Trailer with my receipt and left the other merchandise on the counter and went back to Advance to order the Ball that would fit. While in Advance the Manager happen to wait on me and I told him what I needed to order and he said no problem. I explain to him that AZ had the Ball for $8.99 and asked if he would match the price because Advance’s Trailer Ball was $14.99. He said that would not be a problem. I began to explain what had happen a AZ with the trailer ball and how rude Greg was. Advance’s Manager asked me did they have the Trailer Ball instock and I said yes. He said well give me a couple of minutes and I will send a employee up to AZ and buy the part and sell it to you for the same price, $8.99. I told him that was to much trouble for them to do and he said that it was no problem and that his employee is already gone to get the part. Now that is Customer Service.
This happen back in July 2008 and I have not been back into AZ since. My question is how much money does an employee with a bad attitude and the return of a $8.99 cost you. I learned from the old days of AutoShack and early days of AutoZone, that a Custmer is not always right but they are Always the Customer.
I remember back when I was managing Store #150 and Jerry Colley who was Regional Manager then came to visit my store. He was checking into his Motel room and struck up a conversation with the receptionist. He asked her where she purchased her parts and she said AutoZone on the Parkway. He asked her why and she said they will take back anything. She said you could pickup a old muffler on the side of the road and take it back and they will give you another one or your money back. My Area Advisor was telling me this and thought I was in trouble and he said heavins no Jerry thought it was great. They knew we didn’t do this but it was Customer’s perception of us that matter. I believe AutoZone needs to get back to what made them great to begin with or maybe they just don’t care.
In closing, Please forgive the grammer and spelling and to show how old I am, I know why AutoZone change its name from AutoShack and without great details it was RadioShack.
God Bless,
Mike
Mike on November 16th, 2009 at 1:04 am | Link
Hello.
After having read the posts about Auto Zone I would like to know if anyone else has had an issue with getting “upsold” WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEGE things like the brake lubricant when you purchase brake pads, or felt anti-corrosion rings when you purchase a battery. This has happened to me at least 4 times at the Tehachapi, Ca store and numerous times to friends and co workers. It has turned into a joke at work that you go to Auto Zone to buy a radiator cap, get home and look in the bag to find a radiator that you paid for without knowing it.
Sounds to me like this might be a result of the checkout challange program. I would call it theft. My little transactions don’t amount to much but I would guess in the big picture, the store (or stores if other locations do this) would get quite a haul from unsuspecting customers.
On the occasions that I have realized what had happend, and took the time to return the unwanted items, I got no grief from the store staff but did get the distinct feeling that they knew what had happened.
Just wondered if anyone else has had simular experiences.
Thanx
Tom Hickman on November 17th, 2009 at 5:08 pm | Link
GO TO RIPOFF REPORTS. AND YOU WILL SEE MANY COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS ONE.GO TO AUTOZONE COMPLIANCE UNDER AUTOZONE WORKER AWARDED FIVE MILLION. THIS PLACE IS NOT INTERESTED IN TRUTH OR HONESTY. I HAVE MANY INCIDENCES OF DISHONESTY AND LAW BREAKING. WILLING TO SHARE INFORMATOIN TO HELP OTHERS WHO WOULD LIKE THIS COMPANY BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR WRONG DOINGS. LEAVE RESPONSE.
robert on November 24th, 2009 at 12:28 pm | Link
I will be compiling a rather large and in depth look at my experience with autozone which will be posted here in the near future….pass the word…
Pass The Word! on November 25th, 2009 at 12:39 am | Link
This is the complete fax that I sent to the Office of the General Counsel’s Office of Auto Zone:
General Counsel’s Office (1-2-08)
Attn: Cindy
Concerning Auto Zone’s Code of Conduct
I come to you with these concerns, hoping that they are isolated problems within my district.
I had been with Auto Zone for over 2 years in store 1965 and I was recently asked to relocate to a different store to resolve “differences” resulting from being expected to overlook illegal, immoral, and unethical practices.
I have filed two other complaints with Human Resources, and also with Loss Prevention, with no resolve. I have spoken to several other store managers about these problems and they are equally disturbed, not only about the lack of investigative results, but also about the set of double standards for managers at different stores within the same districts.
I have struggled with my conscience and they have, as well. I have asked for their support, but they have declined, stating fear of losing their jobs. No one will share this burden with me, so I now look toward you for resolve.
I hope to find some resolve from outside of my district. It is easier and more profitable to do the right thing. I feel that I am no longer able to speak freely without repercussion and I now look toward you. Men are inspired by being a part of something that is good and right and resolve is not accomplished through fear, intimidation, being ignored, or through a sense of hopelessness.
After submitting this to the General Counsel’s Office, I was contacted by the head of Loss Prevention. He had told me they were going to get me some resolve. Two weeks later, Auto Zone decided to come into my store and investigate me. Instead of investigating the unethical and illegal activity, they rather decided to find out whether or not I was talking to others about the above matters.
In Consequence, I was fired for not co-operating in an investigation that “I” opened and told me they no longer have confidence in me. Hmmmm.
So, I really don’t think contacting corporate is going to solve any of your issues. Although, I will offer you some information if you do decide to pursue in inside of Auto Zone.
Sincerely,
EX-Parts Manager
robert on November 28th, 2009 at 4:51 am | Link
NOT only is the same district manager still working at autozone. autozone rehires the store manager. who illegal practices has not been investigated STILL. WHO RUNS AUTOZONE ??????????? DO YOU KNOW WANT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR BACKYARD……….
robert on November 28th, 2009 at 5:26 am | Link
I work for Ironton, oh.parts store. i keep my nose clean and mouth shut there. lots of things that goes on there but i need my job so i don’t say anything. you have two people that come there to check on the store, which are having a possible affair. does corporate do anything. no. you have a girl that works and does what she wants that is over commercial. why? many things that goes on here. loss and prevention needs to pop in without letting anyone know. i mean anyone! got some good people working here that is tired of taking the heat over a few people. check their automobiles for your parts and see if you see a receipt where it is paid for.
rambo on November 28th, 2009 at 7:35 am | Link
I find it very dishearting that DM’s like sweeping illegal activities under the rug,to protect their top sellers.(alcohol and drug use by employees when on the clock) Avoid the Belton Texas store like the plague. A Z corp and HR need to be investigated,
PS Claus on December 9th, 2009 at 10:15 am | Link
I don’t have any complaints about customer service or the employee’s.. but I do have a complaint about getting wrong parts and cheap parts that seem to be bad right out of the box.
first, a crank positions sensor for my truck didn’t fit. returned to the store for another one..it’s made the same way..went to another store.the 3 they had are the same way. the company making them was crushing the metal part that goes into the block. thus making it too large at one end to seat all the way in.
it measured different than the stock part.
second part…the serpentine belt part # for my truck is wrong. the belt is so long the crank and tensioner pulley touches when it’s installed.
but autozone isn’t the only store that has the wrong belt #.
I had to do my own research to find a belt to fit. turns out if I got a belt for a newer year of the same truck the belt fits like it’s supposed to.
third bad part…the duralast spark plug wires…brand new out of the box..they arch to anything they touch. they were in worse condition than the stock wires with 140k miles on them.
Randy D on December 13th, 2009 at 11:32 am | Link
autzones stupid bull**** point system, totally stupid. you get points for being late, absent from work, even if you have a tottaly legit reason for being late like you got into a car accident, you get points. get to 12 and they wil can ur ass. well gee funny, it only applies to store level personel as so it seems. so what about the dm and rm’s? have the DMs sit at home, roll outa bed just in time for the confrenece call at 745 am, like wtf? and they are super anal about chasing bonus’s. while everyone else bust’s there asses for nothing. no incentives or nothing. my DM yelled at me one day cuz i didnt text him the updates for the days sales and stuff. i said to him dose autozone pay my cell phone bill, no so untill then its not happening. another time, i had myself and 2 other people working in the store, all which were busy, myself and one other on the phones and the other ringing soneone out, then the commercail lines blowing up. its the dm phone shopping the commercail line. then he says why is the phone not answered on the 3rd ring, well asshole, we were busy helping other customers. so he tells us to put the other customers on hold and get the commercail line. so great what if that is a phone shop? then u automatically will get a ****ty score. then have to hear about the store doing bad on phone shops. ill leave this guys name outa this, but this douche bag needs a realilty check.
from store in pa somewhere
John doe on December 18th, 2009 at 10:39 pm | Link
Write ups or corrective actions do exist for not selling COC, phone shops above 85%, WITT score, NTP, AZ rewards, parts on hold etc…. As a DM for AZ, I was told it was required to write up employees even when they had no prior issues. This forcefulness leads to cheating and stealing to get the job done. Do the upper “its a great day to be an AutoZoner” management team not understand this? It is amazing how many people are looking to leave and do not care at all about their job and mostly the company itself. I have been forced to be a prick when that is not the best way to get results. And as soon as there is any trouble, the “TEAM’ that you are supposed to be a part of is nowhere to found. If you work for AZ my advice is this, NEVER STAND UP FOR SOMEONE EVEN IF YOU KNOW THEY ARE BEING MISTREATED OR YOU WILL BE NEXT!!!
D.M. Johnson on December 19th, 2009 at 8:46 pm | Link
hey john doe from store in pa somewhere email me if you get fired over this bull**** point system,two other people and myself have consulted an attorney over this unfair practice.its strange how some people receive no points for absenteeism or being late and other people do,an employee at 1863 was’nt fired untill he was over 20 points??? huffy292@msn.com
ron kerr on December 27th, 2009 at 11:00 pm | Link
i was recently fired from autozone in SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA because of there new bull**** points system for being late or absent.i had 9 points when my fiancee was life flighted to a hospital,when i got to the hospital she asked me not to leave her because she was afraid and did not want to die alone.autozone would not give me my vacation days or help me in any way to preserve my job,autozone managers are **cking scum bags,frank glynn the dm you are a piece of dung,rot in hell you bastard.i was fired a week before christmas because i needed to be with my fiancee before she died,what a way to take care of your employees.but it is kind of strange how some employees are late or absent and dont get points,i will see you in court scum bags
ron kerr on December 27th, 2009 at 11:35 pm | Link
I own my own auto parts store–I never understand why people go to a place that has bad service and cheap parts–visit an independent store like mine where our parts our cheaper and service much better. I have employees that have been with me for years. At my store we treat the customer on the counter first then the phone. The person on the counter is there to spend their hard earned money now–that means being waited on right away. Somebody told me one time that if you see ten cars in front of an Auto Zone–4 cars for employees, 3 cars for people trying to return or exhange a part, 2 new customers and 1 trying to steal everything he can find.
arnold on January 2nd, 2010 at 12:36 pm | Link
To the guy who got fired cause your financee. Seriously how are gonna fire someone who’s wife died. Your dm’s are all currupt and money. And for the rm, don’t even go there. Should I keep going??? I hope this dude takes you for all your worth.
A multi billion dollar company and you can’t even do the morally right thing, but instead no you follow your dumb corporate ways. Like you also fired 2 other people for being pregnaunt. Which last time I heard was illgeal under pa’s labor laws. Not tennesee’s. Also the average for driving a personal car at work in pa is at least 50 cents. Not 36 in tn.
No wander we are the 4th wrost company in the us in 2009. Welcome to autozone how can we screw you over today?
john doe on January 2nd, 2010 at 6:14 pm | Link
I work for autozone as well in the Atlanta region and things are no differant here. The whole district has no moral and our DM does not only treat us horriable but they cuss on phone called, and take cheap blows in form of nasty sarcastic comments.
I myself just like many other autozoners i talk to in my district feel as if there is no where to go. If we have a problem with another worker or any questions in general there is no one that we feel comfortable to ask, by how we are all treated by the regional staff. I do not want to be their friends and i am aware they are in a position of managment above me, but there is no earthly reason in which people in the legitiment business world should treat others as Atlanta regional workers do.
I know this is not a really compelling complaint but i am at a loss of words with how we are treated at this job. It is unfair and with all the work (some) of us put towards our job that we can be treated like this.
Nothing will ever be done about this and when it does i hope it is because Autozone is falling on its ass. All of these “regional upper managment workers” need to crack open a managment text book and take a little peak into it if they can even read(which with some of the deicions and action they take i would be suprised if they can read any word that is not 4 letters long.).
John Doee on January 12th, 2010 at 3:41 pm | Link
John Doe, I would like to get to the bottom of what you are saying, I have worked in a store and I am very aware of how some employees in our stores have been treated. I am now in the corporate office and connected enough to look into matters just like the one you have written about. I would ask that you contact me at the corporate office in Memphis. Being that you an employee you will have that number and ask to talk to me, Scott Koch (pronounced cook). If you don’t have the number send me an e-mail at scott.koch@autozone.com I really truley want to help as much as I can. You do not have to identify yourself until you feel comfortable that I am really trying to help. Scott
Scott on January 12th, 2010 at 8:53 pm | Link
so Ive worked for azo for a long time now. and i have a few complaints.
1. you push check out challenge and witt. but the only one getting rewarded for it is district managers. we get yelled at for not selling enough well what can we do when the customer doesn’t want it!
2. your phone policy and secret shoppers needs to be change since people on the phone are not gonna spend more money then the customers in the store or if their even gonna come in.
3. your computer systems need to be fixed. cash registers freezing, wrong inventory of parts on how many parts we really have. vdp parts don’t show pictures so the customer has to wait 2 days for a part that may be wrong.
4. are upper management tell us one thing then tell us another. it confuses us and customers
5. the point system is messed up since you use it to get ride of employees so they cant get unemployment.
6.playing favorites with certain employees its like it doesnt matter how long or how good they are as long as they bend over for you then they move up.
7. autozone is a multi billion dollar company so numbers matter the most its all about numbers nothing else. so if your in autozone customer ill tell you this most employees are putting on a show and are forced to do things tones have been mistreated and still are being mistreated. just remember that the next time you buy from autozone what your supporting.
btw I’m sorry for not being more in-depth with everything but i have better thing to do.
josh on January 20th, 2010 at 4:41 am | Link
I work at az and can tell all who read this the company has no morals or ehics for that matter. I unlike all of my co-workers am actually a certified mechanic and can tell you the people working at my store including my store manager and D.M. have no business being in the same time zone as a car. This place is a total waste of money and time. My day as a Parts sales manager starts by resighting a cheer that no one belives in or practices for that matter. fallowed by complaints and constant bit#hi@g by my DM. Then I am told I will lose my job If I cannot sell things that are cheaper and higher quality down the street. @ napa. Where I might add most of the employe’s actually know how to work on a vehicle and can be helpful and actually have some automotive background. Then I get to compensate for my bosses inabillity to do his job because he’s too stoned to see straight. This is fallowed by a barrge of pissed customers because they were either given the wrong part or had to wait too long because all my help is outside smoking or hiding in the back texting for an hour. when I attempt to resolve these issue I am met with sarcazim and overly agressive behavior by my dm I cannot ethically or morally endorse any aspect of this company they treat thier employee’s like dog crap and are constantly on the lookout for new ways to screw the costomer. The truth is I could write a book about this place but it would just be a waste of time. because anything with the name autozone most people want no part of. Well atleast those who are misfotunate enough to shop there or have at one point in time. This place is truly on the list of lowest quality and poorest mangment I have ever seen or heard of .. poor pay poor benefits and the worst team of people ever assembled for a task of any sort. A truly winning compilation. I cannot wait for the day when I am rid of this festering boil they like to call a job so untill next time F%$K U Auto Zone
Richard on January 24th, 2010 at 11:44 pm | Link
Working at Auto Zone is terrible. Get out while you can. You maybe an individual with limited education or in a tough situation, but to work at a place such as this for the rest of your life is going to be hell. You will come into work everyday and bitch; there is no incentive in pushing lack luster products such as degreaser and fuel cleaner. When customers want degreaser, they will go and get the degreaser.
There is large mark-up on products on the floor vs. places such as Wal-Mart; I still don’t understand why people will buy Lucas injector cleaner for Auto Zone’s sale price of $4.99 while it can be purchased at a regular price of $3.89 at another store.
WITTJR sucks, people have gone years without “bulb grease” and felt washers. Brake lube and anti seize are probably the only important lubricants to purchase.
When a DM or Store Manager is around, the atmosphere completely changes as apposed to a “mellow” PSM who is not riding you about every single possible task and has you complete tasks; and when you are done with those tasks you are done.
Making the phone a priority over a customer in front of you is just appalling to the customer in front of you. From a customer stand point, you are there and need assistance; the person on the phone is most likely asking for prices and will most likely not hear from again. Juggling two phone and three customers when you are one of the two people in the store makes things frustrating and annoying while the other person is outside because a customer wants them to look at something.
This “Scott” guy on here seems to be ignoring certain situations and is more concerned about who can he catch doing something wrong, rather than handling a customer complaint, in which an email is probably never going to be replied and nothing is ever going to be done. Apparently he’s rolling around in a C6 Corvette while PSM’s are making a whopping $11/hr. dealing with so much garbage, mindless paperwork, poor quality products, customer complaints, and so much more.
employee on January 25th, 2010 at 1:34 am | Link
I have never heard so many complaints from co-workers from various AZ stores about an organization that offers the bare minimum for an individual to survive in this day and age; poor wages/salary, poor benefits.
I know of an employee, who son has autism, and AZ wants nothing to do with it. He struggles as a full time employee, making ends meet, hoping benefits would help with his son’s autism therapy; but does not “qualify”.
I have never seen so many products returned at a store, especially warrantied items. Understand that there are individuals that installed item incorrectly or improperly, but there is still a large amount that is swapped out for new products, especially items such as fuel pumps, brake pads, rotary electronics, and certain ignition products.
Duralast? more like Neverlast. Valucraft? you mean Valucrap.
employee on January 25th, 2010 at 1:46 am | Link
AutoZone really need to have their employees and management staff evaluated.
PHONES: You don’t stop completely assisting a customer to answer the phone and fully assist the person. You answer the phone and ask them to hold, while you completely finish assisting the first individual who is standing there in the store with you.
SUGGESTION: Hire someone, who specifically handles incoming calls. This way your in-store customers are not rudely put on hold, standing there watching you assist someone on the phone. All customers should be respected; whether they are in front of you are not.
DISRESPECT: I been to your establishments several times in my life and there have been several occasions when the store was practically empty and yet, I had to wait for assistance. It’s like the employees didn’t want to assist, so they were waiting to see which one of them were going to step-up first. Most times, it looks as though they were engulfed in personal matters; e.g. having a personal conversation with someone, on their cellphones, etc.
SUGGESTION: Management is not doing their job. More meetings and/or surprise visits by the district managers to stores and play role: act like they are a customer; or have an assistant go and play role and see what’s really going on. Announcing your visits is not the way to go.
Making employees jump to answer phones will and has been losing auto zone customers. It is very frustrating to finally get assistance only to be eventually be ignored while the employee answers the phone and starts assisting someone else as you just stand there “heated” watching them help someone on the phone.
I can go on and on, but you should get the point. Perhaps, autozone should fire their management consultants - who definitely are not leading management in the right direction. It appears everyone is getting a paycheck, but no ones doing their job “when it comes to customer assistance/satisfaction.
The public put up with such behavior - because a lot of people can’t afford to just leave and go elsewhere - due to time constraints, money, the auto situation at hand, etc.
NOTE: Fix the problems with your employees; don’t wait until you lose 50 percent or more of your customers, or worse.
Marie on January 25th, 2010 at 12:45 pm | Link
I understand yes there are alot of AutoZone stores that are not so friendly as to say but I have to say that I have been a customer of AZ. ever since they opend there first store in Wa. (about 8yrs ago) and I have always received great customer service and as for the parts never a problem iahave been shopping @ the lakesteves store in WA since it opend and I have to say that the staff there has to be one of the best crews I have ever seen they are allways happy and very helpful I have gotten there just min. before closing and they still treated me great never rushed or felt like they didn’t care so to all those people that have had bad exp. with AZ just remember that there are still some stores out there that will go out of there way to help you just like the crew @ the Lakestevens Store in WA. thanks to that store for all the help you guys deserve credit when credit is do I think there store # is 3725 but I’m not sure but thats whats posted on there door so just remember peaople not all AZ are bad.
Robert on January 25th, 2010 at 1:35 pm | Link
Hello,
I am writing to you because my niece who works for an AutoZone is afraid to say anything.
BUT the AutoZone where she works REFUSES to give any employees any break time if they work under 8 hours despite the laws.
As well she was told she would be fired for changing her hair color from Brunette to Blonde, so before she went to work she got up VERY early to change her hair back despite the damage to her hair. She was told it was against the dress code.
Her male manager regularly rides her more than the male employees who have also noticed this and ride her as well knowing they won’t be disciplined for harassing a female employee.
FURTHER she was told she can’t work more than 20 hours as that is considered full time and they are not allowed to give part time workers more time.
As well she was told part time workers never qualify for any raises at all and was told even if she worked there for ten years part time she would never get a raise.
Moreover, she was publicly reprimanded in front of customers for not answering the phone before the 3rd ring even though she was ringing up a sale.
AND she gets reprimanded for not trying to sell junk the customer has no interest in buying WHILE she is ringing them up.
Mostly though she hates being harassed constantly.
One of the managers has on occasion made crude comments about her body.
As a result she is afraid of losing her job by complaining to upper management or even further up the ladder as jobs are hard to find.
NONETHELESS a young female should not be afraid to speak out, so I am, and if corporate wishes to go further it has to be done where she does not have to fear for her job for speaking out. I hope to hear back from you soon…Thank you….Anthony Anderson
Anthony Anderson on February 3rd, 2010 at 9:11 pm | Link
I’m going to put this out there, there are many stores, and yes, mine in particular, where we set out to make our customers experience a good one every day. I am a store manager myself ( Scott if you find out who I am please don’t fire me).
And I know what it’s like to walk into any given store in any given place in America and be treated like an A-Hole. I know, because I’m the same as the guy walking through my door. Happens every day. To all of us. My goal, priority #1, is to earn loyal customers. Satisfied customers won’t always come back, loyal customers will. My District Manager is a freakin’ genuis. I’ve got to have just dumb luck. He is A class, all the way. Straight shooter, and won’t tolerate unethical behavior. Hell of a “coach”. Sales driven, 100%. Unethical behavior will result in termination. Period.
The District he manages is has quite a few, most, if not all, solid store managers. People of all walks, tryin as hard as we can to succeed, to grow our buisness, to be better. We are out to make a solid positive impact on our customers.
This is a good company, as companies go. Yes, mad corporate greed, but get the green doesn’t come from getting over on the customer. It comes from getting the customer through ours doors, seeing what we have to offer, and being treated well enought want to come back.
James Brown on February 8th, 2010 at 8:04 pm | Link
Well said
Scott on February 9th, 2010 at 8:59 am | Link
I have seen some pretty under handed things happen at your store but this is akin to breaking the law. Why does Auto Zone allow drug and alcohol use by its store staff during business hours? A store manager came in drunk,with cocain visably coming out his nose and second manager reported it to district manger, Corporate was informed, then it was all swept under the rug, because the drugged manager is considered a golden boy? There were several witnesses to this act. Next time it happens it will be repoted to local law inforcement. The safety of the public should be kept in mind not profits. Explain this away Scott.
Stone on February 12th, 2010 at 10:49 pm | Link
This place is the only job I’ve had that does not have drug testing when you are hired. Way to go AZ, hiring anyone you want just to fill positions; also, hires based on poor judgment by managers when everyone in the HR field knows self judgment and first impressions are usually poor as a basis for hiring an individual.
employee on February 13th, 2010 at 3:45 pm | Link
I worked for az for 3 years. I was promoted to psm in a month. I am very good at what I do. very good. I worked hard, sold RECORD number of checkout challenge, worked 20 hrs one day, ran the store by myself on numerous occasions, and out performed 75% of the store managers in the company. I brought my store to the top of the district, top of the region and top 90 of the chain. I got a red wittdtj pin. I stopped a crook who was ripping off az stores across the district to the point where he was prosecuted and convicted of felony theft of 7000 plus dollars. What did I get in return? I talked to my dm about getting promoted and he laughed. he asked me if i was joking. He said he didnt even know if I was right for the job. I never called off and never showed up late. 3 days later, i started my job at napa autoparts. so now I say to you….. **** YOU BILL RHODES! **** YOU OHIO AUTOZONE, AND **** YOU SCOTT KOCH! go to youtube.com and search **** AUTOZONE. this is what happens when you do nothing but railroad your employees and treat them like dirt.and I used to defend this company in hopes of making a living for my family by kissing ass. Instead the cut me 7 hrs in one afternoon. i was down to 30 hrs a week because “sales wernt there” but we were up 7-9% gps as a district. everything everyone here is saying is true! very very true! go shop at places where the employees are treated like human beings. go to napa, go to oreillys, go to advance, pep boys, car quest, car parts warehouse, parts pro, order online go to junk yards jsut stay away from AUTOZONE! there stocks are up to 150/share because of why? not because theyre the best! most of the guys working there dont know ****! I was ase certified p2 parts. jesus christ just know az is nothing more than a big box facility. just like walmart! as far as people complaining about not drug testing there employees. I was that guy wh everyone had to get to fix all the problems, answer the hard questions, find the hard to find parts. i also SMOKE WEED DAILY!. just not at work cause i cant function stoned. always at home at night before bed. for 15 years ive been like this. dont be so fast to judge, youd never know i get high if I didnt tell you. never again autozone, I hope your company crumbles to the ground!
dave mann on February 14th, 2010 at 8:35 am | Link
Auto zone claims to have great culture and support their employees but yet they instate many crazy policies have you noticed that little packet of brake lube or spark plug antiseize the zoners try to sell you well the reason is auto zone will fire you if you dont sell their WITT or Checkout challange they basically want you to force the customer to buy this stuff as add on sales if you dont youll be fired also the new attendance policy is bull ****** every one in the store is held accountable for their attendance except the store manger, now their reason for making this policy is to make sure zoners are on time because that effects customer service well thats crap store mangers DO NOT HAVE TO CLOCKIN OR OUT he/ she may be on the sched for opening with one other zoner and a Comm SPEC well alot of the time mr store manger is hours late causing the zoner and CS to struggle helping customers but THE STORE MGR IS NOT HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR BEING ON TIME THEY GET PD FOR 100 HRS EVERY 2 WKS AND SOME ONLY WORK 30 HRS A WEEK
THEY OCCUR NO POINTS FOR THEIR TARDINESS BUT YET EVERYONE ELSE DOES THE STORE MGR SHOULD BE HELD TO THE SAME IF NOT MORE ACCOUNTABILITY,, LEAD BY EXAMPLE ..AUTO ZONE IS ONE OF THE WORST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR THEY CARE NOTHING OF THEIR EMPLOYEES JUST THEIR BOTTOM LINE
billy on February 14th, 2010 at 12:55 pm | Link
OH I AM ALSO AND ASE P2 AND ALSO HAVE WORKED AT AUTOZONE ALSO THE GUY THAT GETS ASKED 80 MILLON Q S A DAY FROM EMPLOYEES THAT ARE TWICE MY AGE AND BEEN THEIR WAY LONGER AND AM ALSO A PROUD STONER
billy on February 14th, 2010 at 12:59 pm | Link
right on buddy. anyone else currently employed at az who would like to state the fact that they are stoners and also more competent then those who make more and are not stoners please address that now. support your local nrml branch!
dave mann on February 14th, 2010 at 1:33 pm | Link
youtube.com search f u c k a u t o z o n e no spaces. you will appreciated it.
dave mann on February 14th, 2010 at 1:34 pm | Link
hilarious dude really was that an ooga horn or just the radio
billy on February 14th, 2010 at 5:16 pm | Link
my hand on my kids life! customer returned damaged aooga horn, i ran it to a isle 1 switch we had laying around and mounted that into a small o/s box, then hardwired it to the jump box under the parts counter. id wait till the customers were at the p/c then hit em with an AOOOOOOGAAAA! made some chick jump out of her shoes! lol so the phone rings and the rest is history. soo damn funny.
dave mann on February 15th, 2010 at 10:03 am | Link
- AutoZone always puts the Checkout Challenge first
- We know our WITTDJR pieces
- Our sales pitch is great
- We’ve got the right merchandise to up-sell the customer for every occasion.
Frank on February 25th, 2010 at 11:36 am | Link
Policy states that you could not wear earrings but the store manger continued to wear her silver hoop earrings. Employees were put on a point system so that they may be held accountable for their tardiness but store managers were not held to the same standards. Store managers were allowed to come and go and not be held accountable for their whereabouts. Customer service was number one priority yet the store manager never stepped up to help or assist a customer when the employees were busy. Employees were not allowed to use their cell phones but the store manager is constantly on her cell phone laughing and talking. Employees were not allowed to have visitors yet the store manager had family and friends constantly at the store and even in the back room. The store manger continued to ask the red shirts questions that she should of known before she was hired. If you don’t know anything about mechanics why would AZ hire you. After ex-employees were fired the store manager continued to asked them questions about mechanical problems as they entered the store to by parts. Explain this: how is that you wont give part time employees over time yet you pay another store employee two hours travel time to work at a different store. Where is the common sense?
Tired on March 1st, 2010 at 8:58 pm | Link
Tired, Please contact me at the corporate office, for that fact anyone reading these or writing these entries contact me. I will do what I can, so help with any issues. Sometimes it seems like I can’t do enough and you might be right, but I will do what I can for both Customers and employees. I will never require a name, but to do the best I can you will have to give some factual information to go on. Tired, in the above entry has given me several examples of what is going on in his or her store and I can start working to resolve those issues. I need basic information like store number, dates of incident(s) and anything you feel comfortable in telling me. I perfer you send me an e-mail, but I will still respond in an open forum such as this. My e-mail is scott.koch@autozone.com. Thanks
scott on March 2nd, 2010 at 7:54 am | Link
Tired, AutoZone policy does not state that you may not wear earrings. We may wear 1 pair of earrings. It’s ok if she asks mechanical questions…that’s not the whole job. I will admit to a customer that I don’t know the answer but I will find out. Some zoners make up answers or send the customer away. We only get paid mileage for traveling, not wages. I do agree that managers should be held accountable for their working hours. I remember when assistants didn’t have to punch the clock, they abused it also. Read your handbook honey and try not to worry about what everyone else is doing or getting.
azgirl on March 3rd, 2010 at 6:43 pm | Link
Azgirl. Read the handbook correct on earring but my Dm and sm made up their own handbook that said no earrings and it’s my way or the highway but they didn’t lead by examples. Do as I say not as I do. U are correct on abusing the time clock because the sm doesn’t feel she has to be held accountable for her time put in at work. Don’t believe you understand what is happening. Leaders are suppose to lead by examples. Leaders are suppose to mentor others. Employees should be recognized for the good they do and not only what they failed to do. There should be communication from the bottom up and from the top down. When you have employees who like their job then your productivity will rise and the over all moral will rise. I’m not saying that employees don’t screw up because we all do. I’m just saying supervisors can’t discipline an employee for something they wouldn’t write themself Up for.
Tired on March 8th, 2010 at 11:41 pm | Link
Tired, I hear you my friend. In a perfect world everything you said would be true, but that’s not our reality. DMs and SMs do make up their own rules, unfortunately, and it’s wrong. We can’t do much about it because if we jump the chain of command we’re really gonna pay. “Do as I say, not as I do” is one of my pet peeves! I transferred stores because of a SM like that. Also, I am a veteran and firmly believe that you shouldn’t ask your “troops” to do anything you’re not willing to do. I am a PSM and I clean bathrooms, mop the floor, etc. You will drive yourself crazy trying to change things, trust me I’ve tried. Try to focus on the positives in yourself, your job, and your co-workers (look really hard).
azgirl on March 14th, 2010 at 3:49 pm | Link
damn. just an update. I quit az after 3 years as a PSM and now work at NAPA. open at 9 am close at 6 pm off sunday monday and 8-4 on sat. i took a PAY CUT and some how make MORE MONEY now due to the 40 hrs a week instead of the 32 because AZ is always trying to cut the fat. up 9% over last year and cutting hrs? so awsome. F U AZ! youtube.com search F*CK AUTOZONE AND COMMENT. THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.
derik vinyard on March 17th, 2010 at 4:13 pm | Link