The Good, the bad, and the awesome about having the CLAP

In the same tradition as the thread two years ago I did when I worked for the IKEA of auto parts, I wanted to update the hive on having the CLAP. I am a sales rep and have a lot of access on both the manufacturer and installer sides. I am always happy to answer any questions on products/brands.

The Good:

Working for a local, family-owned place is berking awesome. They really, really care about their employees and will absolutely take care of the customer no matter what, even if it's just on a 50 cent fuse. I really think real customer service like this is making a comeback in the US, and I'm proud to be a part of it. The average counter guy has over 20 years in the industry, whether parts or mechanics, and all of them have their own project cars. Our turnover rate is glacial, even for the entry-level stuff like delivery driver or cashier. They pay way above what the national chains pay, and it shows.

The Bad:

Man, I do get burned sometimes by big national sales. The A guys devoured the CQ guys, and for making the CQ customers endure a year of pain, they gave them 25% back for a month. On commercial accounts, that's $1000's! I can't touch that. There's also the preconceived bias about us being "cheap" because of our name that's a tough road to pave sometimes. Mostly the only complaints I have are IT though. It's not like we have a corporate to call and complain to when it messes up!

The Awesome:

Working here has really opened my eyes up more to the vast quality differences in brands. I'm going to throw some shout-outs here to a GRM advertiser and I want to make it clear that I will not get anything from this, so don't think this is a shill or canoe-trip to get some kickback. Centric is our brake supplier, and I could not be more impressed. I have always harped on brakes being the one place where you never want to skimp (and I actually got in trouble at my previous employer for telling people NOT to buy their brakes!). We sell this stuff by the boatload, and it is all extremely well made. The calipers are all remanufactured in California, they engineer all of their own friction materials, and their PosiQuiet range of pads is simply the best non-track pad on the market, period. Not convinced yet? They own Stop Tech, who are Tire Rack's trusted supplier for brake upgrades. Does that mean I can order StopTech stuff at work? You bet! We have it on the shelf!

Alright, that's my 3 cents.

They should get into online sales, maybe.

Good to know about Centric. Thanks. I've always been curious about good non-racecar parts.

So....the obvious thought.....lets talk GRM discounts on Stoptech parts!

Did brakes at a nationwide chain and the Centric were the best. Only time had trouble with them was when they under ran production once, bought Raybestos and reboxed them. And then were happy to warranty every one of them that came back.

I have plenty of centric on the Celica. The only time I don't use them is If a performance upgrade is available.

Can you at least provide where you work? I'm all for supporting the local guy, especially if it helps a GRMer out as well.

PM me if you can't post it.

In reply to octavious:

If you click the link in his post, he works for Cost Less Auto Parts....

+1 on Centric - they make great brake parts. I love their premium rotors.

I concur on Centric. I've been using their stuff on shop projects for a while now. Been very happy and customers have been too.

Hey Jav, was thinking about you the other day. A guy with an AMC 401 came in. He's starting to put it together. Has a lead on a Machine needing an engine and wants to put the two together.

Good luck a the new gig.

I prefer to work for the Just Right Size Company - for me that's big enough to offer good benefits, good pay, and be financially solid but still privately held and small enough I know the owner by first name. It's a night and day difference from the huge conglomos I've worked for. Glad you found one!

Good to know about the pads. I'm in the market, and now will definitely get the stop techs.

The people who just want the cheapest part possible are still giving the chain guys grief too. I worked in a much smaller business that was similar in that regard. I always told people "you're right, we're not the cheapest. We're the best. If you want the cheapest, I recommend you call XXX. They'll do it for you cheap. When you are unhappy with what you get, come back and see me." Some people will always buy the lowest price, and you probably don't want them as customers in the first place. Good customer service makes for loyal customers, and that's what keeps a paycheck in the bank over the long haul.