I went into Halfords today, the big place at marsh mills in Plymouth. The reason for my visit was to try and get the part numbers for some auxiliary drivebelts for my car, I needed one for the alternator, one for the brake vacuum pump and lastly one for the power steering pump. for a 1990 peugeot 405 Diesel.
I couldn't find any part numbers from my usual on-line supplier so I went it to use Halfords information cards to see if they could help.
My visit started typically enough, there was two of those tall wire mesh trolly things that shops get their stuff delivered in, blocking off the shelves where the drivebelts were, and a box of spray paint on the floor, typical thought I, the section I need to get at is all blocked off. so i kicked the box of paint accross the floor and dragged a trolly thing out of the way in a less than delecate mood and proceeded to go through the flip cards while the wife watched at a safe distance. I finally identified the numbers for the three drivebelts but couldn't locate them in the mess of disorganised shelving, nothing new so far I know... but keep reading.... I relayed this to my wife who said "well you have the part numbers so we'll just order them from that online place" at which point she pounced... No, not the wife, staff... that's right staff, female staff, female staff over 15 years old, female staff without zits no less. She came over and offered to help find what I was looking for, AND apologised for the mess and trolleys all over the place etc. So we stepped over to the counter and she tapped away at her computer and confirmed the belts I needed were in stock and she duly scuttled off and started frantically, yet somehow methodically, going through the boxes and shelves and appeared 3 minutes later with 4 drivebelts, She checked and identified each one for me and explaned that the computer mentioned 2 for the... I forget now, but the computer mentioned 2 possible belts for something, alternator I think and the only difference was the length, she apologised again at this point and explained that I could bring the one back that I didn't need for a refund.. she even took payment at that desk instead of sending me to the miserable cow that sits at the till by the door.
So to sum this up.. I went into Halfords, yes HALFORDS and found a member of staff (only one though) that was helpful, apologetic, keen, and fairly knowledgable. I was stunned to say the least.
-- Regards. Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.) ___________________________________________________________ "To know the character of a man, give him anonymity" - Mr.Nice.