I have operated my automotive repair business for approximately 15 years and maintain commercial accounts with Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. I recently visited this Advance Auto Parts location to purchase a battery through my commercial account. When I asked store manager Ramon to price-match comparable batteries offered by AutoZone, O’Reilly, and another Advance Auto Parts location, he refused.
The price differences were significant approximately $75 compared with one location, $68 compared with another, and $58 compared with another. Ramon simply told me, “The price is the price
that’s your price.” He also stated that the store does not have a commercial department but accepts commercial accounts. Despite using my commercial account, I was being offered nearly the same price as a regular walk-in customer.
After 15 years in business, I understand that pricing may vary and that certain restrictions may apply. However, Ramon made no reasonable effort to explain the pricing policy, review the competing prices, or assist me as a long-standing commercial customer. Instead, the situation nearly turned into an argument. I found his attitude dismissive and completely unacceptable.
Commercial customers purchase parts regularly and refer their own customers to these stores. Following this experience, I will not return to Ramon’s location, and I will direct my customers to O’Reilly Auto Parts or AutoZone instead.
I am requesting that Advance Auto Parts review this incident, clarify its commercial-account and price-match policies, and address the way Ramon handled the situation. I would also appreciate a response explaining why my commercial price was nearly identical to the regular retail price despite the substantial price differences available elsewhere.