Farmall Cub

I agreed to give my next door neighbor lady's Cub Cadet its spring tuneup. He husband died on Christmas Eve and I was more than willing to help her out when she asked me to do it. Plug, filters, oil change, sharpen the blades --- no problem. I found a couple of things that needed addressing so off to NAPA to get the parts. Got everything but one item and I didn't want to wait till the next day to have it shipped. He suggested that I go to a newly opened Cub Cadet dealer three miles down the road. At no charge he threw in two special bolts that needed to be replaced. Free stuff, I like.

Off to the newly open dealer (never been there before) to get the one item NAPA didn't have in stock. Showed him the part I needed and he took my old part and came back with a slightly used one (it will work fine) --- no charge. Did I say that I like free stuff.

Bottom line, I could have gotten all exercised because NAPA did not have one part in stock, left with my nose out of joint because I had to drive three miles to get the part. Then entered the new business with an upset attitude and looking like it. I'm sure that I wouldn't have gotten free stuff at either place.

Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

Bill

Bill:

Now that is the way it is supposed to go. Supporting local dealers is a great thing. Looking on the positive side also makes life a lot easier and not stressful. I sure miss my local dealer. Since we lost him it just hasn't been the same. I have other places that I deal with and their parts people are A-1 and for the most part not only friendly but actually remember who I is and say hello by name. They are a pleasure to deal with. I guess we don't compliment enough, maybe we need to fix that.

We have a CC dealer in Shediac .. a little ways away but we go every Monday night to Captain Dan's for all you can eat fish .. hmmmm good -- breaded haddock , so maybe I should pop in and visit, see what his parts counter is like and ifn I can get any IHCC stuff there. It would be nice.

And yeah, free stuff is great I think you found a keeper for a dealer along with your NAPA store

I bet those guys get cookies or donuts next time you show up!

I am glad you had a great day and got some free stuff....I tried the baked goods thing even after the guy at Napa spent 20 minutes or so on the phone after it rang while he was 1/2 way thru my request and then asked his boss about the request the phone customer made but didn't complete and discussed it for another 10 minutes or so....I really hope he enjoys the ex-lax cupcake... Dave

for the most part i've had good experiences with parts guys . some are like a mirror . they reflect back what they see , the best just do their job with a smile and try to please everyone . you get a sour apple every so often , but i got a feeling that happens on both sides of the counter coppersmythe.............................

Sure wish my closest dealer wasn't in Wisconsin (C&G). The local CC dealership is in the same family that owned the IH dealership. He can can still get some 'IH' parts too. Several years ago he printed out the C-2 mower parts list for me.

Glad you found a good one Bill.

The old idiom, "you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar" is certainly true. I've always had good luck be it an "in person" interaction or over the phone by taking a few seconds and asking the person how they are or saying something like, "this has been a tough problem and you sound like the sort of person that can finally help me, " I've gotten into all kinds of conversations with folks from the phone company, the satelite company, insurance companies, or any business that I've called for parts or assistance. I find that women who answer the phone really like to be told that they have a very "pleasant voice" and many guys really like being told that they sound like "someone who knows what they're talking about."
It seems that if you approach whatever you are seeking with the attitude that the person is going to be helpful and efficient, and convey that to them, they WANT to be helpful and efficient. A few well chosen words can go along way to making a very good interaction just as a few poorly chosen words, (or inflexion) can make it a miserable experience.... that is, of course, unless you are dealing with a bureaucrat... in which case, good luck..... you're going to need it!

Bill...you are a good guy for helping out your neighbor, that is what we all should do. Wish you were my neighbor, but you kind of are, just one that lives in Ohio! And still helps out his neighbor in Massachusetts from time to time. Chis

they just dont come any better than mr. bill hudson . its just a shame we all live so far from each other, but, that's what we deal with , and quite well . i do have redfin close by , eric , hambone, gary b. ect . they do keep things lively . and at jim foose's cajunfests , you never know what will be on the "lunch table " coppersmythe...................