AVOID THIS PLACE: 0 stars
Went to purchase an alternator to bring to the mechanics to get replaced as my old alternator went.
Called starter connection asking for all the information/specifications possible for the Alternator so I could be sure I was buying the right alternator for my car. The owner was very dismissive of the questions and summarized "there's not really any information, this is just the only alternator for your car, a 110 volt hitachi"
I was a bit leery at that point, but he had good reviews, the price was on the cheaper end and there are only so many places to choose from, so I went ahead and purchased the alternator and brought it to the shop to install in my car.
They called back a few days later saying this is the wrong alternator pulley and that they don't have the tool for it.
So I call Don at Starter Connection and he gives me the "yeah that sucks, I feel you"
Meanwhile accepting 0 responsibility for his mistake of selling the right alternator with the wrong pulley attachment. He acts like it's nobodies fault and that he'll fix it if I taxi the alternators back and forth across the city again. I tell him again I have no vehicle as my car is in the shop. Which again he offers hollow condolences and offers no help,apology or accepts no blame whatsoever.
And went on to say "This is a common common occurrence" -so you mean to tell me you put the wrong pulley attachment on Alternators all the time?! I've called 3 shops and spoke to 6+ mechanics since, my car only comes with one pulley attachment.
And to top it off when I went to return the part, the guy working the desk said "it's was retarded I'm returning it"
And then tried to warn that I'll have trouble buying elsewhere as they don't come with any pulley. Went and called Piston Ring, Part Source and a few other part stores
And they all had it with the correct pulley on it.
As a result of going elsewhere:
I ended up saving 20$, getting 3 year warranty on the alternator instead of 1 year, and I didn't have to deal with assh*les with poor customer service. And got my car back hours after buying from Part Source.
Seems like a win in every way to me.
Lesson Here:
Get the extra warranty at the same or cheaper price and just buy from Part Source,Piston Ring or right from the mechanic. Better customer service either way whether you get the part from a real reputable store or the mechanic. read more