By LAUREN EAGLE-DEIHL
The Progress
Many businesses display an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section in their brochures or on their web page. But what about the questions that their customers didn’t know to ask but should have?
In this series, The Progress will meet with various local businesses to find out what questions customers should be asking, but may not know.
This week, we met with Daniel Arias, the manager of Mesquite’s local NAPA store: Daniel Arias of Tink’s Auto Parts.
Arias became the manager of Tink’s after the company took over the Mesquite NAPA store three years ago. During that time, he has heard many of the questions that his customers ask and, more importantly, has experienced the questions that they do not ask.
“It’s almost like an anxiety,” Arias states, gesturing at the store filled with car parts, belts, hoses and more. “[Customers] are afraid to sound like they don’t know what they are doing.”
Arias explained that customers will come in and ask for the part they need without asking any further questions about it. When it comes to going to an auto parts store for something, both men and women feel that they should already know what is wrong with their automobile and what they need, Arias said.
So they might feel uncomfortable asking for help or making sure that they have all the right equipment and tools needed for the job.
Fortunately for customers choosing Tink’s Auto Parts, their team has you covered. Arias explained that the team members are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified. That means that they can answer questions about whatever could be wrong with your vehicle, talk about what parts you’ll need, and even give you tips on how to complete the work. Furthermore, they all really want to help customers feel comfortable asking questions so that they get the right part, the first time, Arias said.
“Honestly, there’s not a dumb question when it comes to automotive. Just ask.” Arias said.
Knowing that many customers are afraid to ask questions, Arias said that his team will do their best to ask questions of the customers to ensure the best service.
One example of this is when a customer asks for one auto part and the team member knows that certain parts work together. The team member will ask if the customer is going to replace all of those parts working together or just the one.
Arias emphasizes that this isn’t a tactic to sell more parts. Rather it is so that customers don’t have to disassemble their vehicle again, doing twice the work, when a few questions from a salesperson might have prevented the hassle.
Arias spoke with a bit of pride when he explained that, while many of Tink’s Auto Parts customers shop for quality parts, many customers return for the expertise and excellent advice from their team. He also explained that while his staff can quickly order NAPA parts, they also sell hydraulic hoses, parts for agricultural equipment, generator parts, and even Polaris parts. These are things that people might not think to ask when going in the store.
One question that people are not afraid to ask is when the Tink’s team will be moving into their new building currently under construction directly across the street from the current Mesquite Boulevard address.
“We hope to have our Grand Opening by April.” Arias said.
More details on the opening will be published in a future edition of The Progress as they become available.
While the public waits for their big move, the team at Tink’s Auto Parts are available to answer questions that customers have been hesitant to ask.
Tink’s Auto Parts is currently located at 355 W. Mesquite Boulevard in Suite F-10.
