Friday, September 29, 2006

Price Breaks in Exploris - for WEB-LINK to see


Once we go Exploris - the customers will see the price breaks they have set on their accounts --we had the Windsor store do a test so we could see what it looks like -- set up a 'test' on B85515 oil filter ... if you look up this on web-link and hold curser on the 'Q' beside the price - a small box opens up and the price break info shows.

TWO seperate part numbers in WorldPac

Adam writes .....Any idea why when I use world pac, the numbers I come up with are not the same numbers that DT gets? An example is a 1998 Volvo S70 Turbo (either 2.3 or 2.5, doesn't matter) the muffler number I get is a 291-221, which is the Bosal number. DT gets an h5000-59779-bsl, which crosses to the number I get. Why is the numbering system different? This makes it very difficult to order a part, and pointless for me to even look it up, because DT just ends up looking it up anyways to find the right part number.

The problem we have -- is the first number that Adam sees is a better number - but in many cases is it a LONGER number and it exceeds the capacity of J-Con. In the example he listed - it is actually a shorter number .... but in other cases it is the OEM # ... our 'shorter # shows the supplier and a computer #. This may change with Exploris at some point??

This question is worth repeating for all our understandings - watch for more details

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

prompt feedback helps Worldpac and us

Joe at Autobarn has an issue with Toyota Echo and pricing ---we told Jim Osborne and in approx. 45 days ( the correction will happen right away at WP --but we won;t see it in our system until the next CD comes -hence the 45 days ) we will see the problem fixed ...Jim says -- even if they have to sell below cost ... this will prompt them to look at sourcing and eventually find the better source.

Keep those cards and letters coming -- WorldPac is listening. What can you do to make WP better?

missing cross reference numbers in FILTERS in e-cat

Both Abe and Joe have asked me what the story is n the missing cross reference numbers for Filters in the e-cat interchange. An error caused the interchange for filters to be 'blown out' -it will be back in on Oct e-cat update says Brian Wiggs at Raleigh -- use paper until then --sorry for inconvenience says Brian.

Moneris

Apparently Moneris is in negotiations with Carquest regarding our rental rates and discount fees. They are also discussing the gift card program that Moneris offers. Unfortunately it will not be up and running for this holiday season but new competitive pricing should be in place for early spring of next year. At that time we can look into getting gift cards to replace our current paper gift certificate. I will keep you posted on any new developments.

Pelee Island Trip on Sunday, Oct 1st

Just a reminder to any D & T staff who are going to PeleeIsland on Sunday. We will be taking the 10:00am boat fromKingsville (suggest being at the dock by 9:30) and coming back on the 6:00pm boat. (about 1-1/2 hr boat ride each way)Tom and Mary will pick us up at the dock and bring us back to their place -- probably in the back of a pick-up. Mary asked that we bring chips, pretzels, etc and if anybody makes a mean spinach dip maybe they could volunteer their services. Also bring whatever you plan to drink for that day. Beyond that, they are taking care of everything else. As of right now we have 13 people going. See you Sunday.

Email from Ken Niefer

ASE TEST?

Everyone please remember the Sept. 30th is the deadline to sign up for Fall testing. Go to WWW.ASECERT.ORG to sign up.

EOM and Fiscal Year End

Please make sure that all POS terminals have been run off on Saturday for month end. Make sure that all pending invoices(which you're not suppose to have) are cleared up. Make sure all ROA's are posted before you leave on Saturday and if you don't have time to get them done send them up to me before noon on Saturday. I am still awaiting word back regarding any writes off for this year and allowances for next year. Please get this info to me ASAP I want to send everything to Keith by October 13th.

Update on Staff Party

I have confirmed our reservation with the Windsor Raceway for our Christmas Party on December 2nd. The buffet opens at 6 pm and racing begins at 7 pm. Invitations will be handed out at the October staff meeting on the 16th. I will need RSVPs by November 23rd at the latest.

SALES HELP

Att: salesmen PRO VALUE FLYERS are in
get them into the shops ..

possible confusion with KEYSTONEpart numbers


Notice the bottom part number —a exhaust manifold gasket - a very popular part in Mr. Gasket ...we have tried to order KST 150 and gotten a running board mud flap —if you go to the shelf ( like I have done last week in your warehouse ) you will see how this mistake can happen --the running board flap has a HUGE #150 on the front...:-)

MORE IMPORTANTLY — we live on e-cat —and the e-cat say this part is KST G12 150 .... And they is how staff will try to order.

We did ask Pete Maki-Zay to cross reference the 277 sku’s that match to the what is in stock —so when we try to punch in KST G12 150 the description should say USE KST 150 ...but this shortening of the TRUE part number will be nothing but a problem – IMHO --- watch for the additional KST numbers to show up next month in our parts source CD.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

missing WIX cross reference in Activant ...solved ....

Abe was smart enough to spot the missing WIX cross reference part numbers ( or is it the CQ filter numbers that are missing ? - or both ? ) ---and persistent enough to do something about it ---thanks Abe ---here are details --as in all e-mail cases -- read from bottom up for the right date order of questions .....

Greg,
We're updating Wix Canada to match Wix USA in PartExpert. In the process,
the interchange file was dropped. It will be restored for October
PartExpert.
Sorry about the mess up.
Brian

-----Original Message-----
From: Greg HENDERSON
Hello Brian
I am told there is NOT a cross reference in activant from Wix to CQ part
numbers for filters -- can you find out why and see if you can get this
solved...

Abe says he has asked be previously - but I can't remember if I had asked
for your help?

------ Forwarded Message
From: abe enns
Hi Greg. Did you find out anything about the cross over refrences in regards
to wix? I still can not easily cross any filter number back to a carquest
wix number in one step.

shops that want to promote car care awareness --

These links ( paste into your browser ) help shops who want to use material available to promote more preventative maintenance.

http://www.carcarecanada.ca/industry.cfm?itemid=26679&smocid=1484

http://www.carcarecanada.ca/industry.cfm

learn KYB -- see link

Click on this link ( or copy and paste into web browser ) and run thru the training for KYB ---IMPORTANT --

http://carquest.com/product/flash/RideControl/

Comments -- please !!!!!!

MY CARQUEST HOMPAGE

Do you want to see pictures or get MSDS info without going through the hassle of VPN or WEBLINK? When in Weblink "right click" on the My Carquest Homepage icon in the upper right hand corner and "save target as" Name it something you will remember and save it to your desktop, no password required. TRY IT AND LET ME KNOW.

Testing

Just a test.
GG

KYB shocks -- tips and tricks

At last nights salesman meeting - it was mentioned that the SHK shock listing comes up first. PLEASE be sure to PAGE DOWN to get to the actual KYB listing. Why --sometimes you will have ONE Shk part number that crosses to TWO Kyb possibilities --but in J-Con they can only LINK to one .... you know it s a LINK when you see the 'greater than' sign = '>' by the part number ... that shows it is linked.

Now - the funny part --there are some applications that the KYB parts come up first ( 2003 VW Jetta or 2000 Honda Civic ) - not sure how that happens --we have asked for this to be reviewed - but changes can take some time. In the mean time -- make sure you page down to the KYB listing --and tell our customers on web-link to do the same

Remember --there are TWO types of units ...down from the numerous brands-qualities previously ....the 19 series OEM shock and the 18 series HD shock ...there are NO cheapie units in KYB.

CTI intro night set - Thur Oct 25th

Lary Gouge ( yes - Larry with one R ) is our new CTI trainer and we want to show him off to others who might not have seen him in action. Thur Oct 25th - Room 320 at St Clair College. See the salesmen in your store if you might like to sit in and see what we are offering for CTI. Regular classes will start in Nov ( planned ) and a course class outline should be out soon. Paper copies of this invitation are in your stores mail box on Tue.

Idea -- have this as your HOME PAGE

Ryan mentioned that he set this blog as his HOME PAGE in his browser - good idea

Managers extended log-in to post their own news articles

Managers ( Greg G, Pete H & Ryan S ) have been extended the right to post their own stories - what for new 'blood'. We encourage all submissions - it will be beneficial to someone.

Monday, September 25, 2006

50 years as a member

We have received a 'button' for our AIA plaque to note our 50th anniversary for D&T Auto Parts as a member. See www.aiacanada.com for more on what our industry association does

Battery Specialist vehicle signs


See attached image of Battery Specialist sign -- how well are they 'sticking' to the vehicles?? Do all three stores still have them on sample car or truck?? Comments appreciated.....

What was previous to a BLOG

I had someone ask what we used BEFORE the BLOG ...

Most recently we used e-mail-- we would add items to a word processor page and when we have a few - would copy and paste into e-mail and send out -- we have 90% of all staff on e-mail. Previous to that - we would print the page once full and pass out to be signed as read. And previous to that - we would have a piece of paper and use a type writer - again once full- would copy and pass out to saff to sign and pass on. The type writer has been retired since 1984 - not sure exactly where it went?

It is has always been an important issue to communicate items - often for a 2nd time --to make sure they remember the points. Today we actively promote the idea that new things and good idea's need to be told to us THREE TIMES by THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE in THREE DIFFERENT WAYS ... to make sure it sinks in. Told once just doesn't seem to be enough.

MevoTech wins WORST E-CAT for 2nd year in a row

MevoTech wins the WORST e-cat award for second time in as many years .... MevoTech was unavailable for comment

Here is another example of poor performance - submitted by Greg Guyitt ....
In the last week I have found that we have special ordered 3 rack and pinions from Cardone.I am sure that Mevotech probably had all 3.I am not taking the time to check.
- 2001 chev silverado p/u(this one has been the same since 1999)8 yrs
- 2002 ford mustang
- 2001/2 chyrsler sebring
The problem still is poor catalogs. Erv as a saleman you bust your hump every day trying to get more sales only to be letting this obstacle stop you. We have complained about this for well over 2 years. The silverado rack the warehouse has sold 57. Imagine how many you would have sold is my counter people could look it up.I know of 4 Cardone we have sold in the last 6 months just on the chev and not one of them was yours.We are talking 5 to 8 year old vehicles not new stuff.Erv please hurry up an have your people get with the program.I should be seeing part Numbers for 2004 and 2005 stuff.
Greg Guyitt
Auto Barn

Friday, September 22, 2006

Ban lifted ...in near record time

The recent discovery that this blog was banned ( as all blogs from this site were banned ) by CQ thru their Web-Sence -- has been corrected and anyone in any VPN location ( such as a warehouse or you if you turn on your VPN to access CQ-link ) can now see our staff knowledge blog - thanks Raleigh for prompt action

What a smart man says ....

At recent golf tourny had the opportunity to golf with Sid Spencer - who owns and operates two very successful Active Green & Ross Tire & auto Repair centers in Ajax & Pickering ( east of Toronto )

He made a point t stress how much he liked this site than what they do .....

http://www.autotraining.net/

Are you curious ... I sure was ... enough to write it down and now this weekend will spend some face time on the screen seeing what this is and why it is a winner ....

BTW - Sid needs to be cloned --his idea's on how to run a successful auto repair center really needs to be copied and passed around.

what Suppliers offer e-mail tips & tricks

Can anyone share share what suppliers they subscribe to for tips and tricks?

For example you can go to Cardone and 'join' the club and get occasional notes on things like this ( and some paper items as well )

http://www.cardone.com/English/Club/Products/Electronics/throttle.asp

http://www.cardone.com/English/Club/Products/Electronics/gem.asp

What other suppliers offer a great service we should share ?

Mitchell1 discussion board

Here is something we asked for --and got --- so the moral of this storey --if YOU NEVER ASK --how can you make a change for the better --what are you wishing for in a change --- ASK !!!!!

Karl writes .......There's now a separate area for CARQUEST specific discussion on the
Mitchell1 Manager forum.

http://www.buymitchell1.com/managerforum/

Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Karl
-----Original Message-----
From: Greg HENDERSON [mailto:Greg.Henderson@wrenchead.ca]
Sent: Thursday, September 07, 2006 7:02 AM
To: doug.freeman@gpi.com; Karl Coleman; Dougf@autocomlink.com
Cc: John Christie
Subject: Could CQ have it own separate folder inMitchell1 discussion
board?

Hello Doug & Karl
Could CARQUEST have it's own folder within the discussion board at Mitchell1.com?

Case - the reminder for customers to update the MCL file manually on a
regular basis

Just wondering .... It would also allow someone from within GPI to
monitor questions and help as needed??
Regards
Greg Henderson

Thursday, September 21, 2006

CQ raised over $20,000 for Special Olympics


CQ raised over $20,000 at golf event. Steve Gushie ( pictured here ) stood all day at the 16th tee and challenged all to 'beat the boss' ...and win an extra draw ticket for a TV in the the Special Olympics fund raiser. Steve is known for his good sense of humour more than his ability to drive the ball - so much fun was had by all.

Greg Guyitt and Greg H participated

tour A&I warehouse

Greg Guyitt and myself toured the warehouse of A&I products. It is located on the south of 401 very close to the LARGE green flag you see when driving on the 401 at Woodstock.

We where both pretty impressed with many product lines we have seen -- for example -- the chassis parts - tie rod ends, etc -- for farm tractors ...at very good value for our customers when compared to the hi dealer costs. Greg recounts many times being asked to 'match' an 'ag' tie rod end in Moog ..... now we have application data.

PLEASE note --- if anyone says "They are all the same" -- well - they are not -- you need to match size in many issues on ag parts ......

More to come -- we encourage you to 'play' with the web site and start your learning curve today. Call Ken at D&T if any immediate problems or our sales rep Dennis.

blog banned in 50 states and ....

We found out this blog ( well the entire blog site ) is banned thru WEB SENSE at CQ -- we have asked that they lift the ban --- so Steve Gushie doesn;t have to go home to see what we are writting ...:-( ...stay tunned

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

gasket updates from Greg Guyitt

Greg Guyitt writes ( from e-mail )

I switched our part numbers Gsk ms16167 and ms16168 to the MIS16167 and
MIS16168. We were stocking both but the price has come so close there is no
need to double up. We did leave the upper plenum numbers alone (ms14803 and
ms14804) as you do not always need to buy lower intake on some jobs.Please
take a minute and look at a set. They are a complete set with every gasket
you need to do an intake job. The CQ promo on them is now over but it would
not hurt to take them out and show customer the updated gaskets again.Many
still buy from the dealer because we were outclassed on the price for so
long.

Jock from CP has AutoWorldFix tickets

Jock MacRae - rep from CP tools has courtesy tickets ( value is $35 each ) for the parts trade show for end of Sept. Jock's cell # is 905-845-0001 -- please remember that CP does pay for all tickets used -- so you can't ask for 1,000.

This trade show is a bit odd --since AIA has cancelled their show - they got a bit upset at Jobber news for hosting their own show. The AIA show, held in spring, was a big money raiser for AIA that they have to make up somehow else. AIA is our national trade association ( see www.aiacanada.com ). CARQUEST has not supported the new upstart show - it will be interesting in seeing how many attend this show.

Dan Lowry asks ....

Dan Lowry - the Tool & Equipment manager from Toronto DC asks -- would a LARGE arena type show make sense for Essex county ?? Perhaps in Essex Arena ( is the ice out in summer ?? )

We have seen other 'groups' of jobbers make this work -- but not without a great deal of work on all parts .... will ask for idea's and suggestions at next staff meeting

Staff Christmas Party

The annual Staff Christmas Party is set for Saturday, December 2, 2006. It will be held at the Windsor Raceway, details will follow at a later date.

Rhonda Niefer

MevoTech detailing at D&T for Wed Oct 11th

D&T has set detailing with MevoTech to especially outline new improvements in BRG hub bearings and the quality difference between other's 'third line' and our 'second line' of chassis - what is the quality differences -- stay tuned and see fi this would help your store as well.

Lary Goudge Tech Meeting -- good and bad !!

Lary's tech meeting held last night was both good and bad

First the bad -- a very dismal effort by most salesmen left the room nearly empty .... we are hostage to other team players efforts on what we plan --

The Good ( which also can be BAD ... ) Lary hilighted the efforts to and reasons to push for RIGHT TO REPAIR

Lary mentions this web site -- PLEASE check it out and show your customers
http://www.nastf.org/

Here is link to AIA on right to repair
http://www.aiacanada.com/document.cfm?itemid=26586&searchwords=right,to,repair

And the GM, Ford & Chryco sites for re-flashing mentioned
http://calid.gm.com/

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/retail/default.asp?pageid=&gutsid=

https://techauthority.gltghosting.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomerHome?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10051

Lary hi-lighted many examples of problems that can cause tech's to really 'pull out their hair'. Ryan, Ken,Barry, Greg G, Pete and Greg H attended on behalf of the stores ( missing where Neil & Shawn --- and a whole bunch of customers ) -- we will try to not make that mistake again ...:-(

CTI Intro meeting set for Wed Oct 25th

Wed Oct 25th - kick off to CTI - at St Clair College ( an info sheet will be put together asap )

Here is what Chris Chesney - head of CTI says about the intro night ....

Let me clarify what this event is or should be. A Kickoff meeting is designed as a means of selling a region. It allows your customers to see and experience an intangible product in action. The format is as follows.
- Invite your customers to come see a ‘SAMPLE’ of what CTI is offering for the season. .... The sales manager for the area should give a brief overview of the industry that lasts no more than 15 minutes which simply sets the tone for the evening. Then the trainer will give a 90 minute presentation that gives the group a chance to see him in action as well as experience the topics we will deliver during the coming season. At the end the sales manager should make the call to action by giving the details of cost and schedule. All attending salesmen should have registration forms already filled out and ready for signature. The ultimate goal is to sign up every shop that evening making it easy to form a region. This event has always been a free event and has been very successful. The key to the success of a kickoff is getting the shops to attend. If you get them there we will close them!

Greg follows -
---the biggest issue --is to GET the shops to attend -- so they can see what is planned and SEE and HEAR the training. I will look to Randy and Dan for their opinions as they have been the spark that has run several successful years .... we are very confident that the trainer will IGNITE the desire for more training. BUT- we are held hostage to YOUR actions to convince the shops to attend. Can we COUNT on your support? Appreciate comments on this one. Please RSVP is you are a SALESMAN and can NOT attend - otherwise all salesman are expected to be there with all your customers ...:-)

Monday, September 18, 2006

MevoTech 3D parts images

Check out this web site - Mevo tech has a 3D parts images ( it might take a bit longer to download the image - the first time Erv, our rep and I tried it - I was impatient )

You will need Apple's Quicktime installed - it is a fairly common 'extra' for web browsers

http://partsonline.mevotech.com/MMYSearch.aspx

Comments ?

Lary Goudge from Vetronix - feedback ?

Hello

First --NO - I didn't spell Lary's name wrong -- he does :-) Only one R.

Lary is doing a day of detailing monday 18th at all stores for Vetronix. It just so happens that Lary will now officially be our CTI trainer, as well. .... but for today lets concentrate on Vetronix sales.

Lary's mobile # is 519-871-1466
Lary's e-mail is lgoudge@on.aibn.NO_SPAMcom ....just remove NO_SPAM from the e-mail --as there are 'things' that live on the internet that 'harvest' e-mail addresses and Lary ends up with a ton of junk e-mail

Appreciate any comment from this day of detailing

ps- Lary will also be at Equipment show on Tue at D&T

training on Identifix

Having Scott Eck train various staff members in how to use www.carquestdirecthit.com. Scott's phone # is 1-866-698-1976 ext 2007 --they are in Las Vegas - so some time difference has to be allowed. You can e-mail questions to seck@mpifix.com

please remember we are NOT to use this knowledge to look up items for our customers ... we need to understand this and similar sites - so we can urge our customers to get the tools they need to identify problems ...a subscription to this service should PAY not cost a good shop when they understand the issues.

Scott will be spending the better [art of Monday Sept 18th training our staff in a one on one over the phone --comments from ANYONE who has taken the training ... especially to what they didn't know - but do now?

flush out duplicate parts - in CLB

what can you do to sell off the individual bulbs FIRST …case in point CLB 211-2 vs – CLB BP 211-2 … stores still have some various numbers in stock –how to flush out the single bulbs from the 10 pac's -- as qwe have pretty much all gone to the blister pac's for all customers ??

Mitchell1 shop management program & E-cat

Mitchell1 still uses FAST-LINK --- a reminder that our customer has to UPDATE the e-cat MCL file manually … go to Vendor Setup --- click on CARQUEST vendor ---click on “Setup Link” then click on “Update MCL”

This should be done at least weekly we are told by eServices at GPI/CARQUEST. Next year when Mitchell1 finally get the WEB-LINK version this set will be obsoleted.

how to solve a problem in E-services

--got a problem with Web-Link or FAST-LINK ( still used by Mitchell1 until next year ) with one of our customers – you can call and leave a message on the 800 number ( 866-975-6747 # 3 ) or you can e-mail to ‘ eservices@gpi.com ‘

This e-mail option can be handy -make a note ?

KYB cross reference - how accurate

Barry spotted a replaced by error in KYB

–here is what KYB says ----
I am not sure where the
"replace by" data came from and I can assure that using the 'replace by" data will cause more trouble then not. There is no straight cross from Arvin to KYB on numerous numbers! ( Mike from KYB )
=====
In short – look it up—don’t trust the old SHK with the replaved by data ---you will find one SHK my go to 2 different KYB’s or/or visa versa. Much like we would do with Exhaust cross references.

Oct staff Meeting - change for Thanksgiving

The staff meeting ( the 2nd Monday in every month ) always conflicts with Thanksgiving --and we always drop to the 3rd Monday in Oct - just a heads up for the really bad memories ...:-)

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Test post - my first

Hello

sitting her on a Sat - waiting for the clouds to lift. Happened to read a blog and then click on the button at the bottom to see what he used ...here is the start of something very good or very bad -- time will tell. 9.16.06