I, like many of us, consider myself to be a car guy. I do a lot of my own car work and like to think I know quite a bit about cars and how they generally work, but I know I have a lot to learn. A lot. I'm going to be a driver, but the store manager wants me to start off at the counter, and I am nervous. I do not want to be the guy at the counter we all loathe; you know, the "I know all but lack common sense" guy, or the "I know nothing and the computer says this won't work" guy.
Any tips or kind words to put me at ease? Non sequiturs that have nothing to do with my questions but are funny are also welcomed.
My advice: Unless you are 99% sure you are correct, do not volunteer information about cars, engines, parts, or whatever.
In reply to Sky_Render:
Ooh, that's a good one! I definitely will not be that guy. That guy is generally wrong.
Sky_Render wrote:
My advice: Unless you are 99% sure you are correct, do not volunteer information about cars, engines, parts, or whatever.
This. Exactly!
try to look stuff up for people. Try to use the books too. If you still can't find what the person is looking for ask for help from another counter person.
(If you get the "all smallblock V8s are the same" guy... ask him if he wants a reverse rotation or regular rotation water pump. Or if he has centerbolt valve covers or perimeter bolt. Or old o rnew style main seal... etc....) That usually shuts them up when they can't answer those questions.
Quit! 
Honestly though, I'd take a GRM forum member over 99% of the counter people out there. Just be honest and helpful and you'll do fine.
Just remember, it's customer service. The operative question is "How can I help?" Not "what can I tell you, why are you bothering me, how do you even tie your shoes in the morning, etc etc....?"
Remember all the good experiences you've had at the parts store. Be that guy.
Ability to multitask and remember which line the guy looking for brake pads for the '87 GTI was on is very helpful. As you get comfortable with the books or computer system, being able to answer a phone and find out what that person is looking for (and remember it) and put them on hold while finishing looking up the part for the guy staring you in the face is a big plus. That way the person on the phone doesn't feel like they've been shuttled off to "ignore" and you can come back to them with any questions like "I need the 8th digit of the VIN because the 5.0 in your Oldsmobile could be either a 305 or a 307...
