AP
Austen Perelman-Hall
Feb 1, 2026
I arrived and asked for my battery to be checked. The clerk assisting me had headphones on over one ear the whole time, barely acknowledged my existence, or explained what was going on, they just silently grabbed some equipment and told me to go open my hood. They tested my battery and in the quietest possible mumble told me “it’s not dying, it’s bad.” I had to ask them to repeat themselves multiple times until I understood what I was being told. I then asked them to help me assess which battery to buy, and again, they spoke so quietly I had to ask for clarification multiple times. Finally I purchased a battery and they handed it to me over the counter. I asked if they do installations and if they could assist me. It was like I asked them to work an extra shift or something, you could tell in their face. They walked away saying “one second,”and disappeared for 10 mins. After which they returned with a cart and some tools and said nothing to me. They walked slowly, with no urgency, to my car and stood there waiting for me to open the hood. No words were exchanged at any point when they returned.
Yes I understand it’s winter and I guess having a job and being asked to do it warrants the most lack-luster, even intentionally offensive customer service, but I will not be returning to this AutoZone again for service or to purchase anything. I’ve lived in this city my whole life and frequented this store to buy odds and ends. I’ve never before felt so bad for walking into a place of business and asking for help with my car.
Yes they did replace my battery which I appreciate at the end of the day, but if I behaved this way when I did my job I’d be fired within the hour. It’s ridiculous that this is the standard of service I am suppose to accept when it comes to something as valuable as my car, especially the battery. The whole experience made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.