Notice one thing in the thread? NAPA and Carquest. One of the reasons for this is that they are both locally owned franchises, hardly any corporate stores left. Most of the franchise owners have been in the parts business for years and have worked their way up to ownership. They understand that customer service is what is going to keep them in business.
As for Advance, I've got a commercial account with my local store (as well as NAPA and Carquest) and am able to by-pass the front counter. Advance usually does a good job of hiring former techs and/or experienced parts pro's for the commercial counter.
Personally, I like to use the big block Mopar oil pan gasket test when dealing with a new parts store.
Me: "I need price and availability of an oil pan gasket for a big block Mopar"
Jamie at NAPA: "that'll run you..."
Jay at Carquest: "that'll be..."
Don at Advance (commercial pro): "your cost is...and I can have it here by 1:00"
dumbass at AZ: "what year, make and model is that?"
me: "pick one"
dumbass: "I need a year, make, and model to look it up on the computer..."
