nYes, you have to have the basic familiarity with parts and how they fit on the vehicle. I have ASE certification, because I used to be a mechanic. The owner doesn’t send people off [for training], but some are trained. The more knowledge you have about the product you are selling, the easier it is to take care of the customer.

David Carmean
Store Manager, Georgetown Auto Parts
Georgetown, Mass.

n No, I don’t think it’s necessary. I have been to school for it in autobody. But everybody does their own little thing here.

Brian Daigle
Counterman, Clukeys Auto Supply
Presque Isle, Maine

n Yes, if they’re certified they’re a lot more knowledgeable about parts. We have an in-house training program. We’ve had it for four or five years. Our program works really well.

Brian Garrison
Manager, Downey Auto Stores
Athens, Tenn.

n Yes, I do, because we have a flood of imports on the market right now. Inadequate information is the peril of this industry. We have too many people that go from the french-fry counter at McDonald’s to the parts counter. We’re in the aftermarket performance industry, and we make sure all of our employees have a racing background. There is no ASE certification for this part of the industry, but we’re as close as you can get.

Raymon Haley
Owner, Southern Accessories
Decatur, Ala.

n Yes, it doesn’t have to be ASE. It can be a store program. We’re O'Reilly Auto Parts, so we use that program.

Tommy Hart
Manager, O'Reilly Auto Parts
Gulfport, Miss.

Over the Counter participants are contacted at random.