Fustration @ local Stihl dealer

[rob066]

The story begins like this. I needed the front left lower mount and sprocket for an 066. This is simple enough right, wrong. So I go in and ask for these simple items and I stand around forever waiting on the parts. There is two clowns that Im sure working there dont know one thing about a saw. They look up the part numbers and begin what seemed to be an endless search and no parts. They were looking all over the place for the parts. No organization what so ever. Im in disbelief that they dont even have a sprocket in stock. I was even told on the phone that they had the mount before going there. This is the first and last time I go there for parts. This dealership even has a Gold certificate. I will travel the extra distance to my old dealer who has nearly everything in stock for Stihl and Husqvarna.

 

[shootingarts]

I feel your pain! Nothing like a couple numbskulls behind a counter.

Got to tell ya a funny story a cousin tells on herself. She and her husband wanted to go in business. Research showed an auto parts business was the best option, never mind that he knew little and she knew nothing about auto parts. In the pre computer days a customer comes in a day or two after they opened and after a few guesses she has to start at one end of the several foot long book to find a radiator cap. Finally gets to the Stant catalog and locates the part, maybe thirty minutes or so. "Can I get you anything else?"

"Ma'am I don't have the time!"

Hu

 

[Nuzzy]

If you haven't already, I would recommend:

1) Get the IPL for your saw(s)
2) Walk in the door with part numbers

Still won't help if the parts aren't where they should be, but at least it cuts down on time. Seems to be easier for them to search anyways, rather than making them pull everything up and figure out the part numbers you need themselves.

I agree, some dealers can be hit or miss...

 

[tlandrum]

theres a stihl dealer just up the street from me and most folks walk into my Husqvarna dealership to get there parts. they know I carry them for stihl pro saws even though im no dealer

 

[dl5205]

I will travel the extra distance to my old dealer who has nearly everything in stock for Stihl and Husqvarna.

Good idea.

 

[Sagetown]

I've realized the new Stihl Dealerships that have gone into business around here are in a strait when it comes to parts knowledge and stock on hand. The one and only true dealer not only has the parts on top of parts, old and new, but has grown with Stihl, and the Shop foreman, is like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to parts and kits. Amazing man to watch. Guys like him are a dying breed though I'm afraid.

 

[epicklein22]

They probably got confused on the AV mount since stihl offers three different hardness-es. Either way, I travel further for my parts as well. It actually cuts down on time IMO when they can order what I want and receive it quickly, instead of making an order a week or other stupid stuff.

 

[shootingarts]

I've realized the new Stihl Dealerships that have gone into business around here are in a strait when it comes to parts knowledge and stock on hand. The one and only true dealer not only has the parts on top of parts, old and new, but has grown with Stihl, and the Shop foreman, is like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to parts and kits. Amazing man to watch. Guys like him are a dying breed though I'm afraid.

Getting hard to find anyone anywhere in a skilled position that is more than marginally competent. Ordered square ground chain from my Stihl dealer and he warned me about the possible issues and told me what it was best for, as it happens, exactly what I am doing with it.

Generally the sharp people are either young whiz kids excited about what they are doing and the old farts that have been around so long they can tell you the points settings on damned near everything. A few in the middle but anytime I run into someone who seems to know their business I make a note for future reference. I can't know it all so I try to know who to go to that does, at least in their area of expertise.

Hu

 

[Arrowhead]

That's how most dealers are around here also.
Thank God for ebay and ordering parts online... although some Stihl parts can be hard to find online, so sometimes ya have to make the dreaded trip to a dealer.

 

[MnSam]

My local dealer specializes in JD and Polaris. Being a relatively small market here for chainsaws they aren't quite as knowledgeable, but are at least willing to spend the time and effort. That goes a long way.

 

[AKDoug]

The story begins like this. I needed the front left lower mount and sprocket for an 066. This is simple enough right, wrong. So I go in and ask for these simple items and I stand around forever waiting on the parts. There is two clowns that Im sure working there dont know one thing about a saw. They look up the part numbers and begin what seemed to be an endless search and no parts. They were looking all over the place for the parts. No organization what so ever. Im in disbelief that they dont even have a sprocket in stock. I was even told on the phone that they had the mount before going there. This is the first and last time I go there for parts. This dealership even has a Gold certificate. I will travel the extra distance to my old dealer who has nearly everything in stock for Stihl and Husqvarna.

The Gold certificate only means that one of their mechanics went to Stihl's gold level training. It doesn't mean the rest of the staff is competent, nor does it mean the mechanic is good at looking up parts. As noted above, there are three version of the AV mount you are looking for. There is no excuse for disorganization, though. They should be able to tell you they either have it or not within a minute or two.

 

[Kenskip1]

Personally I would return and tell them "this is your last shot"If you cannot help me with parts ext I will never return.Did you ask to speak with the owner?I believe in giving everyone a second chance. JMO, Ken

 

[Mad Professor]

Three dealers nearby.

Two sell all sorts of stuff besides saws, they are USELESS POS. Don't/can't/won't or know how to vac test a saw. BUT they MIGHT be able to sell you a NO$ cylinder kit. Give them a part # and it is like looking at a sheep! BAAAA!!!! where is the border collie????? CLUELESS!!!

Best dealer runs out of a garage/basement, real nice guy and competent help, and yes he is a REAL STIHL dealer. THE ONLY one I deal with. Been there MANY years, loggers love him.

 

[1Alpha1]

My dedicated Stihl dealer is about 18 miles away. Seems like he carries a lot of stock, parts, accessories, etc. For the most part, he's okay, but a bit tight when it comes to talking prices and such.

I have to beat him up pretty good before I can feel like I can walk out of his shop feeling like I got a good deal. He just smiles so I know he did okay.

 

[flotek]

My stihl dealer swears by his products so much so that he goes on a rant about the competition all being junk slow and no power which obviously isn't true in my estimation he is a liar I wouldn't buy a spark plug from this clown if you have to belittle the other guy , you must first be- little . He seems to think he's the only show in town I guess he doesn't realize there's a stihl dealer around every corner in the us . I found a really good honest husqvatna dealer local and he's a down to earth guy who uses the saws he sells I'm going to switch sides and go husky I the next saw and get that good dealer support a good dealer is just as important as a good saw especially when your paying. 800 bucks for pro saws with high tech auto tune carbs

 

[MGoBlue]

Where are you located in PA? I have a neighborhood friend from when I was young just recently get Stihl in his shop. Hoping it ain't him!

 

[fordf150]

Unfortunately this situation goes on at allot of dealers regardless of brand.

 

[Wagnerwerks]

Where are you located in PA? I have a neighborhood friend from when I was young just recently get Stihl in his shop. Hoping it ain't him!

Yeah.... Where are you... I think I know these guys...

 

[flotek]

Meadville pa. Northwestern pa.

 

[HuskStihl]

Three Stihl dealers close to me. The worst is the JD place. Best is in a small independent hardware store. Seems like if they have to work a little harder to make a living, they're a little better at helping