Got two for you, first one is Halfords.
Goes like this, Dad and I are in the middle of changing over the water pump on the Clio and because you have to take off all the belts to do this we thought we might as well change the Alternator belt while we are doing this (already had the others), so phoned up the local Halfords and the manager answers.
Me:'Do you have a Alternator belt for a Renault Clio...blah blah..'
Store manager:'we dont have that part in stock but I can check to see if another store near by has one for you if thats ok?'
Me:'yeah no problem'
Manager:'ok sir, the closest is Swindon halfords and has two in stock'
Me: 'thanks, ill go and head up there now'
After about a half hour drive, we get to swindon halfords, walk up to the parts desk
Me:'hi, im here to pick up an alternator belt for a renault clio...blah..blah..'
Parts guy:'sorry sir we dont have any of those in stock'
Me:'you what?! I was told by my local store there were two in stock and came here from Cirencester to get this and its not in stock!'
You get the picture... stupid thing is the ordinary staff in my local shop are actualy quite good, usualy go there for bits cos its cheap and close to home. Manager there is about as much use as a chocolate tea pot!!
And now for Kwik-Fail
Parents Skoda is in for its service. Requested an all round brake check whilst it was there. Turn up after the estimated completion time, walk up to the counter with dad and ask about the car... (would like to add that my Dad is an ex-aircraft mechanic, garden machinery mechanic and has had years of messing around with cars, so theres not allot he doesnt know about machines)
Dad:'hello, here to pick up the Skoda'
Service monkey:'ok sir, just a couple of things. We couldnt do the rear drum brakes because if we take them apart, because of the way they are designed they might break. This will mean a whole new unit. Also your front tyres are very close to the limit.'
Dad:'right, ok leave the brakes then, how much for like-for-like replacements on the tyres?'
Monkey:'£160 for both sir.'
Dad:'ok, if you would fit those please, we will be back soon'
Get back
Dad:'Back for the Skoda'
Monkey:'ok sir, thats £160 please'
Dad pays, we walk out and he says 'quick leave before they realise they only charged for the service and not the service AND tyres'
Bloody morons, stupid claim about the drum brakes 'might break if we pull them apart'. Needless to say our confidense in them shot down like a stone! And as for forgetting the tyres.... IDIOTS:lolup: and as Dad said, wasnt worth the effort of pointing out their stupidity, we would just not come back again.
Really does make you wonder sometimes doesnt it?