Auto Parts - Bait and Switch?

[brycesteiner]

I recently bought a '01 Dodge Ram 4x4 beater truck to get up the mountain instead of a side by side that could cost a small fortune.
The truck needs some work. I climbed under to start changing the fuel pump and found the straps on the tank were rusted through - one so bad it was doing nothing, and the tank was sagging 5" on the back end.
I went to the Advance Auto website because it was the closest parts store on a Saturday. They had the straps on the website for $15. I took a picture of the screen and headed over.
When I arrived they pulled the part, and then said the same part/number was $49. I asked the hourlies what was going on and they really didn't know. I then asked if they would honor the price since that's what it said on the website. I showed them the screenshot and they said no. I attempt to pull it up on my phone to order but it knew i was there and was showing the same price they told me.

I called my wife and she opened up my laptop and the screen was still pulled up so she went ahead and ordered the item for the $15 price. After a few minutes they handed me the part.

I hate these kind of tactics. it seems like bait and switch to me. The site doesn't say anything about being a web only special (in fact, my wife could have put in a coupon code that was listed below and would have been an addition $5 discount). Maybe I'm looking at this wrong.

The good news is the job is completed with a new fuel pump, and the $15 straps work just as well as the $49 straps, considering they were the exact same item!

[RMcNeal]

Maybe that's the "Advance" part of the Advance Auto Parts?

[MandK]

I have recently read that Advance Auto Parts is closing over 700 locations and adjusting their business plan in the hopes of avoiding bankruptcy.
Practices such as you have experienced, and mostly never having what I need, has kept me away from them. Auto parts as an industry is struggling.
I am fortunate to live close to a Napa regional warehouse that also has a storefront. At least I know I can get what I need.

[DutchmenSport]

Wall Mart does the same thing, although it's not as noticeable. They have one price on the internet and a higher price in the store. More often than not, the item on the internet is not even available in the store. I've seen this several times, more than just your auto parts store and Wall Mart, but other places too. It's almost like these stick-n-brick locations are forcing their clientele to shop via the internet. I suppose shopping off the internet eliminates theft in-stores.

[LeftOverParts]

I've noticed the same at Advanced and Walmart - it's so dumb. Still, if I can wait, I'll do the online order for pick up if the savings are large enough.

When waiting is an option, usually buy auto parts from RockAuto.com. Good prices even with shipping. 5% discount easily available if you search online. (So you know, I have no financial or other special interest in RA). I've had to return a few items over the years and they honor the warranty though you have to pay a small amount to return the part - they give you a label with their discounted shipping price. After you look up the part, you can check the warranty on it by clicking on the "Info" button and scrolling to the bottom. Usually worthwhile to compare warranties on different brands of the same part.

[mlh]

I remember the old Advance Auto. They started in my hometown Roanoke Va. They changed.
Lynwood

[twindman]

Lynwood, everything has changed - stores, our bodies... LOL

[Route66Rambler]

Buy online then pick up at the store.

[ToolMan]

I caught Amazon selling items on black Friday specials at the same price they had been weeks earlier. Naturally they denied that was possible.

[Rotnjonny]

Many businesses and not just auto parts has online pricing and store front pricing and it can be considerably different. As stated previously, order online and pickup at retail location