[Goatracer1]

Friends of the family own a small auto parts store in the next town. I like to do business with the little guy so when I can I buy my parts from them. I needed 4 later model Pontiac rocker arms so last week I stop by and was going to order them. I knew they wouldn't be in stock but I thought they could order them. Well, it took 5 days to get an up date on when they could have them and a cost. It turns out AMES would be $10-$15 dollars cheaper. But what really got me was the fact it would take another week to get them. Friends or not I ordered the rocker arms from AMES 3m yesterday and received them 10:30am this morning. Thank you AMES!

[jamesq]

I try to do as much business as possible with the local parts and hardware stores as well.

Like you, I also find that more than 1/2 the time they don't have what I need and I end up at O'Reilly or Lowes.......or on the internet.

I don't think this will get better either.

James Q

[Half-Inch Stud]

The local pizza shop makes a great large Pizza with fresh garlic.
Some local Hardware stores are focused on Made in U.S.A. , which is nice.

Car parts shop, hmmmm, is like Orielys, AutoZone, AdvanedAuto; " get it from the warehouse by tomorrowmorning"

[OG68]

No Mom and Pop stores near me, but there's a Napa about 8 miles away that judging by the age of the building would probably qualify.

[Chris65LeMans]

That’s the reason that “mom and pop” stores are getting hammered.

[lfdsteve]

Originally Posted by OG68

No Mom and Pop stores near me, but there's a Napa about 8 miles away that judging by the age of the building would probably qualify.

Napa.=No American Parts Anymore…..

[vertigto]

I try to buy from local/independent mom & pop businesses when the price is comparable or nearly so. I try to factor in service after the sale.

However these days it is becoming increasingly difficult, as the price difference is becoming much more substantial. When you have so many parts to buy, the savings can really add up.

[Bills Auto Works]

I also try my best to at least spend some money at the Mom & Pop Shops in my small town.

We have a small hardware store as well as a small grocery store. It is a good feeling to get some of my stuff there, because I either know the folks there personally or at least by sight.

As far as car parts goes....I do many cars at a time & mostly order lots on line for them, it is much cheaper & faster + for older/specialty stuff you can't get it locally anyway. We do have a very small NAPA here that the woman manager is married to a guy who grew up a mile from me, so when I can I also give them a bit of business.

God Bless
BIll
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...closed.614419/

[carbking]

The Carburetor Shop is a "Mom & Pop" store (if you haven't guessed, I'm Pop!

And it is, and always has been, 100 percent USA.

Jon

[lemansboy70]

Originally Posted by lfdsteve

Napa.=No American Parts Anymore…..

Now be nice. You can say that about all of the auto parts suppliers these days. Unfortunate, but true.

Although, I did pull out an air filter this morning that was made in the U.S.A! Pretty sad when that is the exception.

[JJDeville]

I went to get some shocks for an older vehicle at my local parts store and they looked them up on Summit Racing and we’re going to order them and mark them up 30%! I told them I could order them myself.

[1965gp]

A hardware store that specializes in made in the USA products sounds like very an interesting endeavor. I would definitely shop there but mostly for tools. I sure a lot of things like screws, bolts and nuts are not available domestically.

[carbking]

You might be surprised what still can be purchased made in USA. The problem sometimes is the quantity. I can still get 10x32x3/4 fillister head screws (in quantities of 7000).

Jon.

[Jeff Hamlin]

come to an end.
We wanted cheaper and quicker and we got it.

[/url]2008 MOM & POPS 2

[GT182]

At least no parts say Made in Russia. A friend here has his own parts store his dad and mom started years ago. I get all of my foreign made parts from there. Advance is a joke, Auto Zone is a joke, and there's no more Pep Boys here at all.... just their Speed Shops, and they suck.

[Goatracer1]

I like the local hardware store because I can buy 1 of something instead of having to buy a package of 50. The problem for them is the store is across the street from Home Depot. Most people won't even try the little guy. They just assume the big store will be cheaper. Several years ago we were expecting a hurricane and I needed a generator to run my sump pump if the electricity went out. I tried Lowes and Home Depot and they were sold out. I figured I had nothing to lose so I stopped at the little hardware store down the street. Not only did they have a generator I got a bigger one for less money than the big stores wanted for their little ones. Since then I always try the little store first.

[OG68]

Originally Posted by GT182

At least no parts say Made in Russia.

Next door; Wix oil filter for the wife's Cadillac;

[ts3189]

pep boys here has closed retail end here also, only the service center remains. was told they were closing all retail in new England.

[TAKerry]

Originally Posted by JJDeville

I went to get some shocks for an older vehicle at my local parts store and they looked them up on Summit Racing and we’re going to order them and mark them up 30%! I told them I could order them myself.

Back when we had a local Sears (when they broke down into very small local stores, not the big box of long ago) I needed a part for my lawn mower. I had the s/n and model no. The clerk/owner took my info put into his computer and ordered it for me. Came in the mail. The next time I needed something I did the same myself without leaving my desk. That store is long gone.

There is still a Mom n Pop auto part/paint store within a very easy drive. Great guys, and they have been more than helpful whenever I have questions with painting, products, methods etc. First hand information that you cant get off the computer. Their prices are good and I have no reason to go elsewhere. They do have an online presence and ship quite a lot. I think that part of their business model has helped them greatly.

[bird72]

I like supporting small independent stores. When they have knowledgeable, helpful people I don't mind spending more. But when they start getting 20-30% more than I can net order, I tend to draw the line. Gladly pay 10% more for good service and help, and local.