Oh boy...this is a good one...
Machine shop called and my head checks out, no issues, etc. etc. should be ready soon. But they now would rather me get the valve stem seals vs them ordering. No big deal, but they told me they would order...come to find out Amazon is out of stock and they don't want to have to charge me freight to order from somewhere else.
So, with Beno currently being out for his move, I've got to find another parts source. I choose to go oem and they're still available...shouldn't be a big deal. I've got the part number, easy peezy, right? Uh maybe not...
Called reputable Toyota dealer and asked for parts counter. Get connected....
Me: Hi, I got a few parts I would like to order. I have the part number, please let me know when your ready.
Parts person: what's your phone number?
Me: 910blah blah blah ( thinking to myself, why does it matter...but I'm sure the Computer asked him for it)
Parts person: Stephanie Mabe?
Me: yes, that's my wife.
Queue Uncomfortable silence....
Parts person: is there another number you want me to check?
Me: no, it's fine to use that number....she's my wife but that's my cell (beginning to get frustrated...yes I have zero fxxxing patience)
Parts person: uh, well, they'll need to number to get ahold of you.
Me: yes, it's my phone, just her name, feel free to change the name to Jon...same last name...it's my phone. Do I have to have a phone number to order parts?
Parts person: no, they just need to be able to reference the order to you.
Me: (thinking to myself...ok, do you want the fxxxing part number or my number)
Parts person: what's the part number?
Me: 9xxxxxxxxx (something another, whatever, doesn't matter for my rant....)
Parts person: uh....how many do you need?
Me: 12...how much are they each?
Parts person: uh...those are like 17.xx each
Me: wow, that seems really high. Most sites have them listed for 8-9 bucs each?
Parts person: yeah, the site includes a web discount
Me: (thinking to myself....holy fxxxing s*** this price is insane and how do you know how other merchants discount the parts on their websites) oh, ok, do you guys match prices or still do the ONSC club discount to get the price closer to other merchants, I'd like to support local merchants when possible?
Parts person: yeah, I don't know offhand, are there other parts you need?
Me: (deciding to cut my losses and not fxxxing explode on this guy) no, thanks. Thanks for your time, I'll get them elsewhere.
I then texted a buddy and was like - these guys fxxxing suck...they quoted me like 100% markup from retail. We texted back and forth and come to find out, this same merchant has a website and lists the part for the same as most others...like 8 something each.
So I order them from the website and get a confirmation. Jesus fxxxing christ...this dip**** at the parts counter was referring to their website...you've got to be fxxxing kidding me? I have to go online to get the same part from the same merchant for a reasonable price vs them taking the order over the phone?? Evidently...yes...no wonder civilization is going down hill with s*** like this (I kid I kid...first would problems).
I imagine I'll get an email from the same parts guy when my order is ready and then go in, he'll ask for my phone number and we'll go through the same fxxxing routine as earlier. Dumbass...
This type of experience is why having a resource/vendor like
@beno Is invaluable!! He makes it so easy and we don't have to deal with all the bull**** dumbass mother fxxxers and get a stellar price!! What more could we ask for...well maybe less NLA parts but I digress.
