Friday, January 2nd

Make sure your end of day status gets changed on Friday or no EOD will run. If you need instructions let me know.

POS

Make sure POS gets run off tonight!!!!

what is the difference in GEL or AGM battery ??

do you the difference in a GEL or AGM battery ?

Click on the links below to download a pdf in training ... thanks to Moe in Sudbury for sharing.

*** click here for AGM-GEL training pdf flyer ***


*** click here for all battery spec sheet as pdf flyer *** . Note - the parts in YELLOW are new units. Some units appear to not be in our system - Greg H has written Peter McNally 12-23-08 for clarification.

special markets for Stabius Lift Struts

Stabilus - the OEM maker that supplies our LFT line of hatch lift struts ( and hood and other applications ) also makes two interesting special use markets

1) add a lift strut to your mondo tool box ... techs have to love this --the flyer doesn't seem to list the tool boxes we might need but it is a start and we have written them to see if we can improve the flyer to list the tool boxes that we at CARQUEST sell


*** click here for pdf flyer ***

2) add a lift strut to your tail gate on pick up trucks -- wow - this has to be a great upgrade for SERIOUS TRUCK owners (see image ). See Matt at D&T - he has done some price checking and tells us that we are in the ballpark on pricing for these. Note --only ONE strut is needed for this application

*** click here for pdf flyer ***

sometimes there is GOOD info on CARQUEST web site

sometimes we forget about the two web sites -- www.carquest.com and www.carquest.ca as a source of good info. The image shows the .com web site with links to promo flyers for batteries --it is a little complex to find - but give it a try -- the more time you spend on the web site - the more you will learn.

We have written several ( Peter McNally etc ) to see if we can get the flyers to be 'updated' for Canada to use - another example of someone forgot about the Cdn's ... :-(

Learn the new lines

The new line LFT - is by Stabilus Click some of the links shown and learn more about this line. The SMARTER you get -the more you can sell this quality OEM supplier line.

kind of a fun site to see what one guy did who loves his CAR and made something fit using Lift Struts - what can you make ??

Stabilus web page of uses - kind of dry

ZF Trading e-cat page -watch for more ZF items to come

2008 Stabilus Lift cat in PDF

missed the Nov Parts Source CD ??

I was doing work on a line and noticed in the F-9 screen the date was 10/03 .... I look at this F-9 screen a lot-- and I just notice the wrong date now --on Dec 16th ... gee ... I noticed we had the NOV parts source CD in the file as been done ... so I asked Matt to update (again? ) --that solved the problem ---the date now shows 11/something --see image

Point--if you where looking for data it might have appeared as CQ didn't have it -- try again now that we have more up to date data (and any day we should get the DEC CD )

TO BE SURE if CQ has the part -- since our system can be 30 days behind -due to lag in waiting for the next CD -- you have TWO OPTIONS -- 1) try any store with EXPLORIS --like the super store in windsor - you can use WEB-LINK or call them --or you can try to order the part on F-10 --there you are using the warehouse data base ( called MIF) which is also up to date --once you order it from the warehouse it will automatically add the part when it tries to post the part to our inventory.

We need you smarter --you make better decisions when you are smarter --and you help increase our profit sharing for all (including yourself)

Dec 27th

Please, please make a BIG NOTE to change the EOD status on Saturday, Dec 27th. If you need instructions on how to do it, let me know and I will fax you a copy. I do not want to come in Monday morning and find out that EOD did not run. If EOD doesn't run the offending store will be charged $20.00 for the pig.(I will know which store caused it)

what is the difference

as far as I can tell ( and I called them to verify - call 800-635-8423 - on pacific time zone ) there is no major difference in these two CHEAP ice melters -- some Potassium Chloride but mostly Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride)


** click here for FAQ's from supplier web site **

Fenco

Called Fenco to see if we could get a power steering pump rebuilt. The answer I got was if you want to send it to Mexico. The are no longer doing any rebuilding in Toronto and sounds like they are down to small unhappy staff.

new Temro catalogue ??

if you don't have the new ( 2008 ) Temro catalog --you can click on the link here and you will download the pdf version.

Why can't CARQUEST keep on top of current catalogues ????????

Where will you keep your pdf version ???

*** Click here for the 2008 pdf version ***

Catalytic Coverters Have Moved in e-cat

Catalytic converters are no longer listed under their own field in e-cat. They are now grouped with "Exhaust Sytem Parts".

NEW PLUG

Autolite now has a one piece plug to replace the OE two piece version for the Ford Triton engines. Part number FRA-HT15. I have set a level for Store 1.

Redline tech video's

click here for video training for redline smoke machine - time to update our knowledge ?

EWe first Blogged about Redline in summer of 2007 - do a search on the blog to see that article ( and to prove to you that the search works )

AC DELCO WD's

We now have THREE WD's to buy AC Delco parts from

All 3 are in Plaxo ( note to managers -I asked you to add the latest one -- hmm --I just did it ) and you can find by typing AC DELCO in the search

Of interest is the fact that the older two (Cochrane & Avenue ) had Petes Paint in WRONG and therefore sloppy HI prices - I also corrected this ( did I hear an 'ataboy' yet

Avenue is also charging us 10% extra on overnight special order parts - the others are at 5%

The lowest price option ( looking at just ONE PART - so could change - is Northwest )

Neil --you could have done better on that Distributor --now have it solved...

Pegisys scan tool training

Here is link to main web page


Here is link to eLearning site -it is easy to register & free

Champion has ONE PIECE ford plug

Champion has #7989 - a one piece plug that won't break like the OEM 2 piece - set levels for all stores

STL 65600

we are still waiting for stock on STL 65600 for Toronto warehouse - ( Montreal & St John has )

Neil mentioned it in Oct staff meeting - we found out that Canada did not but USA stocked ( yet again !! ) --now awaiting for it to get good ( better ) levels

It was mentioned at CTI on Thur night --this is a HUGE issue -- will someone get the TSB thru CARQUEST DirectHit and post?


**** important **** do you want 65600 or 65900 the more expense drill out set ??????? --

Party

Reminder for those of you attending the party on Saturday at Colasantis. Cocktails are at 6pm and dinner is to be served at 7pm. Each person attending will receive 2 drink tickets, these tickets can be used for whatever beverage you prefer. The reservation is under D&T Auto Parts. See you there!

Vacation Pay

I will not be doing separate vacation pay cheques for the staff meeting in December. The vacation pay that is owing to you will be paid out with the month end cheques in December. From now on any vacation pay release requests will only be paid out on month end cheques, I will no longer be doing separate cheques for them. There is too much work involved to do them separately. If you really need it for next month have your store manager talk to me about it.

Control Costs

I have a quote from GK Services ( towel man )

Old price NEW Price
6.05 4.31 4x6 control mat
7.70 4.52 3x10 control mat

I hope you are looking at your costs and comparing to the other stores --to see how you can cut costs and boost profit sharing

I do NOT know if these NEW prices are the best out there - but they are better than what ( in this case ) D&T is paying

Double Wildcard Searches

Do you know the middle part of a part #? How do you find the full part #? Try this - use a DOUBLE WILDCARD search. How many batteries do you stock in the group 31 series ...use *31*

Try it. Very handy for the Canadian jobbers who sell Keystone and forget some prefix or suffix's

This is also available in Exploris --but since that system has such a bloated data base - the searches take longer. They don't use the Parts Source CD to keep track of 'all available parts'

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, November 26th. Please make sure that all time sheets and vacation/sick days are reported before then. I WILL NOT BE CALLING AND REMINDING YOU. IF I DON'T HAVE YOUR STUFF YOU DON'T GET PAID.

A Fond Farewell

One of ours is leaving from Pete's. Andrew has been accepted to a troop in the RCMP and is leaving for Regina, Sask late in December. We wish to give him a fond farewell. Please join us at Jose's for drinks or whatever on Friday December 12th to bid him best wishes at 6:00 pm. See you there.

Dorman consolidation for e-cat

watch for new data on Dorman -- they are CONSOLIDATING many smaller e-cat into a few much larger e-cat sections ...watch for any problems and reply back to Greg or post on the feedback link on CARQUEST-Link. NEW E-cat data will be updated tonight ( MOnday Nov 17th )

Broken Window

We learned today that our broken window is caused by cling on signs. They trap the summer heat and on double pane windows break the inside glass.

Canada Post FYI

Back to Story - Help

Picket lines go up as Canada Post administrative workers begin strike
1 hour, 8 minutes ago
By The Canadian Press

TORONTO - Picket lines have appeared outside several Canada Post buildings across the country due to a walkout by non-delivery personnel.

The walkout involves about 2,100 administrative and technical workers represented by the Union of Postal Communications Employees.

A handful of strikers are allowing vehicles to enter the Canada Post headquarters in Ottawa at five minute intervals.

Picket lines are also up in Halifax, Antigonish and Sydney in Nova Scotia, in St. John's, N.L. and in Fredericton and Saint John, N.B.

The strike began after Canada Post made a final four-year-offer of a 2.5 per cent raise in the first two years and 2.75 in the final two years.

Canada Post says employees who collect and deliver mail are members of a separate union and not involved in this work stoppage. But there are reports that some members of other unions are refusing to cross picket lines.

Party

I need RSVPs by Wednesday this week regarding the party. If you have staff that do not read the blog make sure you let them know.

Thanks.

self reflection time ?

I get quite a few 'helpful' e-mails - but I kind of like this one - how is your life?

25 TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is
the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a clock if you
have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,
'My purpose is to __________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that
is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan
salmon, broccoli, and almonds.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of
the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest
your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a queen and dinner like a pauper.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will
this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.
Stay in touch.
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
I am thankful for __________.
Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. Please Forward this to everyone you care about. I did.

Spray Nine bought by Permatex

Spray Nine line code ( SPN ) will disappear and the product will move to sub line #2 in PER - Permatex bought the company - watch for details

know more about all BATTERY types

I think we need to continue to know MORE about all battery types --so I was surprised and pleased to see the recent battery line move-up ( a move-up is where Carter Smith or Mike Deal in Raleigh review movement codes ) and guess --what -- a 12v-7 battery has made it to a 6. It wasn't that long ago there where NO universal industrial batteries in the MIF data base in Toronto. We asked to have them added as we wanted to look at how we could sell them ( and so fair D&T has done a fair job - a Petes less so --and Auto Barn needs to push harder )

Review the industrial side of batteries with Gary - our east-penn rep the next time he is in --lets look at how we can grow this business.

IT'S A GIRL!

Matt and Jenn are proud to introduce us to the new addition to their family.

Tessa Rene Meloche was born at 11:58 am

October 30th, 2008.

7 lbs .05 oz.

Both Mom and Baby are doing fine.

Time Change

Remember to turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday night.

Platinum Prices

At the recent staff meeting we discussed how Auto Barn has a CORE price part # for WALKER ( and other ) cat converters ... Look at the recent price chart for Platinum ... stay tuned ... the world is changing - then changing back ... :-)

Still a GREAT IDEA by Auto Barn for the Core part number

top 20 tool list out

For years we have been impressed with the USA Magazine MOTOR that you can get now on the internet. ) We would get it at times on paper )

The TOP 20 tool list is out -- click here to down load the pdf

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Tuesday, October 28th. Please have all time sheets and sick/vacation days reported before then. Thanks.

Effect of US-Cdn dollar changes

Hello

PLEASE make sure that all stuff who may quote some part that is either in US dollars or from a warehouse that was giving us a FAIR DEAL on prices --that these staff know the recent change in the US-Cdn dollar --click on the image to see it larger

We expect LESS price increases from CARQUEST -simply because they were not giving us the fair exchange. Managers have the Feb 2008 list of all lines from CARQUEST and their percentage difference with USA CARQUEST. Lines from Fed Mog are the poster child for PIGS keeping the US exchange --- other lines like Valley or Grote or even Standard Ignition where fair --and these lines will see the impact of having to raise prices ( short term ) to cover the US dollar that has become a temporary strong currency. If managers need a new copy - just ask Greg H

Other warehouses like Auto Sense has issued a memo on the urgent price change they will need to cover the rapid change.

Watch the price of oil --when it goes up -our Cdn dollar will usually go up.

Top Picks for new delivery vehicles

Fleet Manager at Raleigh sent us his pick's for the best delivery vehicles

In no order -- Nissan Versa
Yahoo USA for Nissan Versa
the Yahoo Cdn site

-- or Chev Aveo ( is it available in an automatic ?? )
Yahoo USA for Aveo
The Yahoo Cdn site
-- or the Toyota Yaris
Yahoo USA for Yaris (overview page)
the Yahoo Cdn site

-- or the Hundai Accent
Yahoo USA for Hundai Accent 3 door (overview page) . Do you think a 3 door is better than a 4 door for our operations?

Note -- Gas Mileage is only one part of the TOTAL COST TO OPERATE

EASTPENN IN DEALFOR NEWBATTERYTECHNOLOGY

The East Penn Manufacturing Co.(Lyon Station, PA) has entered into an exclusive agreement with the Furukawa Battery Co.
of Japan to introduce new battery technology in North America. This technology, called UltraBattery, will be manufactured by
East Penn. It combines an enhanced power negative electrode in a lead-acid battery. East Penn claims that this enhances the ability of the battery to accept and deliver high levels of power with low levels of electrical resistance, similar to a supercapacitor. The company says that UltraBattery is ideal for hybrid electric vehicles.

new SERVICE LINES catalogue now available

Have a look at the new service lines cat -- at the next staff meeting ( note - on the 3rd Monday for Oct and being held at Petes) bring a couple of examples in hand or on the page that you have gotten your store manager to add.

Please use the feedback form on the CQ-link for any parts that are not in our Toronto DC system and we can see if we can get them added

SAS - you impress me

The smaller flyer over on Oct 15th - has some interesting glasses ... you have to be OLDER than 45 years old to appreciate how your eye sight sucks ..... so these safety glasses are VERY handy

Come on guys -- if you are NOT showing these to your customers -- you are not doing the OLDER customer any favors -- what a tremendous idea -- and they are available in different powers --anyone who needs reading glasses knows the power setting his eyes need-- take one last shot at these while they are still on SALE

IMAGINE --if only we had someone with ENTHUSIASM

ENTHUSIASM -- what a wonderful commodity -- kind of like HUIMAN nuclear power ....

Imagine if we had someone in CARQUEST that would review and summarize the next EQUIPMENT flyer and SPOTLIGHT new items that we need to get UP on ... like this part ... SRM 5420-50 ( levels have been set for all stores -give it a day for the system to CORRECT the price to reflect the SALE PRICE )

Hay -- CARQUEST -- have someone with ENTHUSIASM go thru the next flyer and write up a summary on the HOT NEW THINGS -- make me fall off my chair with excitment .... dare you .... ( caution --- dead asses need not read this post )

rubber gloves are for more than 'playing doctor'

Just when you thought rubber gloves are for 'playing doctor' - the proctologist joke --along comes HYBRID vehicles

SRM 6418 electrical rated gloves -- I have set the level for all stores so salesmen can take out and discuss. You should run a google search and find some documentation ( and I have one in your mail slot provided by Tyler from Caruk ) on safety issues for disconnecting the battery when servicing the vehicle.

Now-- here is the GOOD PART -- look for laws that tell you you have have your gloves safety tested every 6 months --and re-date stamped. For now SAS Safety ( our line SRM ) will do this ( soon -- in the set up phase ). They will do the testing at no charge ( for now anyways )

We will ask CARQUEST if we can set up a transit program thru our stores to the DC and back to the place in Toronto for the testing to see fi we can minimize the cost of transport.

Many things will happen on this issue -- stay tuned. Salesmen --it sure sounds like the shops will need TWO SETS of gloves -- as one set could be in transit to be re-tested

ACL Dual Mass Flywheel - error -

in ACL line of AMS clutches - the pricing for Dual Mass Flywheels has been identified ( after Ryan wrote in for a HUGE price problem ). It seems the sub-line # 3 was incorrectly set up to not show the discount. I have been told by Peter McNally that this has been corrected --and yet another problem has been solved by staff who DO SOMETHING and give feedback.

Have you found a problem today --and done something to fix it ??

possible MISSING XRA links

We have 117 part numbers in our Rotor & Drum line from CARQUEST that we link to a second supplier to offer our customers a choice in quality and price. So - any time someone at CARQUEST fiddles with the description updates we worry that we LOSE our links -- so the customer and staff will KNOW KNOW there is a 2nd option. We do these links using the @ sign in the description. I have asked Ryan if he can have someone run thru the list to see what numbers need to be updated.

A side point - someone at Petes Paint added 54060 and forgot to add the @ in BDR -I corrected this when I compared every part in BDR that had an @ to every part in XRA ( think it was Petes - as no store stocks yet but someone returned some to Petes )

PWR generators

CLICK HERE for the supplier web site - ALL POWER AMERICA for the new line of PWR. The lIne code finally made it into our system. We are awaiting the next Parts Source CD and awaiting word when stock will arrive --these are the parts on the back page of the current equipment flyer ...ouch ... that hurts when we are not prepared.

Awaiting more info ....

WATER BORNE CLINIC

Petes Paint is having a water borne info night,
at Petes from 6:pm to 7:30 Oct. 07/08
P P G rep Paul Squassin will be doing the clinic
geared for painters and owners .

magazines available on line for reading

A growing number of magazines are available on line for reading. We have received Aftermarket Business for many years - some articles are good - many are of limited interest ... just like you where mining for gold -- you don't find that nugget of gold in every shovel full --so you have to train yourself to separate good useful info from the chaff or filler.


click here to read Aftermarket Business Oct 08

This magazine requires you to register - click here to see main page and follow steps and they send you an e-mail when the next issue is out. I found the Cardone ad to the most interesting for Oct 2008.

New Charity at CARQUEST

the Special Olympic's is out -- a new charity is in .... hmm ...who in the heck heard about this -- looking forward to ANYONE who can find this posted on our Cdn CARQUEST-link ( the link that sucks ). Here is whaT CHRIS ALLINOTTE tells me about the new charity ( it came up as an unrelated issue )

Chris says ..."beginning January 2008, CARQUEST's Charity of choice is the CARQUEST / WorldPAC Charitable Foundation, which supports charitable initiatives in the communities throughout North America. Teammates across North America, from both our corporate and independant stores can apply to the Foundation to receive grants to help make a difference to the charities in their area."

watch for more details

CARQUEST hats

everything you wanted to know about CARQUEST hats ....

1) are they in stock NOW -- yes ---- this is what Chris Allinotte wrote "Because Norscot only ships to the DC's in Canada, we tend to place a large stocking order twice a year when these renew. As such, we try to get enough in stock that they are available at all times. At last check - there is a lot of stock available on the two variations in the Toronto D.C."

2) what are the part #'s
SPE 7651113 CQ NAVY/KHAKI HAT
SPE 765112 ROYAL HAT

the old hat used to be IMP2003 --forgettaboutit .... the new numbers are what you need to know

Do you have hats in stock at your stores ?

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Monday. Send up all timesheets and vacation/sick days before then. Thanks.

New lower prices on many CFI #'s

Look for many HD & industrial filter numbers to be lower - changes happened this last weekend

Please - give feedback to Greg on issues where prices are still not right ...

Options for Paying

Rhonda has made a statement stuffer to help remind customers of the options of paying their accounts with Internet or Telephone banking. If you are NOT familiar with how you can use either of these features PLEASEZZE see Rhonda or your store manager ( yep - hint - skill testing question for Oct staff meeting to be held at Petes on the THIRD monday - since Holiday is 2nd Monday )

How GOOD or BAD is your waiting room

this is a copy of what we put on the CTI blog ....

CLICK HERE
for article on the shape of waiting rooms ... are you in the good or bad ? What will it mean for your future?

POS

I have put a POS schedule in the mail slots here at D&T. Please make sure you follow them for September and October. It's fiscal year end this month!!!!!!! Any questions please call me.

dot the i - cross the T

There is always something that someone at CARQUEST forgets to do ... one might think that you could STANDARD REPETITIVE DECISIONS -- and verify the steps .... oh well - one can hope ?

Case in point -- many ( most ? ) J-Con systems are missing the line code CHT for CARQUEST hand tools - the new line that is finally arriving ( after weeks of sitting in the back corner of the warehouse as Toronto tries to sell off more of the older WSW line ) -- but guess what -- since the line code is NOT IN our computers --the parts don't get posted ... we have made Larry on the J-Con help desk aware that others will suffer the same fate and have to scramble to update.

There - our good deed of the day done - and it is still before lunch time

driver courtesy

There have been times I stumbled across a funeral procession with little warning ( like coming around a bend ) -- PLEASE -- pull over and wait -- you are driving in a truck or car with our name PLASTERED all over -- you reflect the company and by not pulling over you show disrespect for all.

Adrian in Woodstock tell so of a incident in his area - ouch.

PLEASE make sure your drivers are reminded.

lower prices on ANT 101C Anti Freeze

Check out the new LOWER prices on ANT 101C anti-freeze

I guess the QUESTION is --how did we let Toronto get away with the slow PRICE CREEP. Eventually someone complained that was heard and they vastly corrected the price creep to a more competitive level. How many more lines and parts are there like this -- well - lots. For example we are asking when the extra 43% price creep will be taken out of the line MILTON

The LINK is very slow - I mean SSSLLLLOOOOOWWWWW

Tried logging into CARQUEST link lately ? Yep -- very very very slow --they are working on it ... but ..... ( called a contact in Raleigh who really knows )

Biggler Bros & Wilson -- two sides of the same coin

Pete Heinrich noticed that Biggler Bros ( WRE in CARQUEST line code ) do not have any Generators listed --so when he looked it up in the Wilson e-cat ( remember we have the user names and passwords to do that ) and found WILSON # 92-01-3115 -- he was surprised that we had such a hard time getting the product. CARQUEST wants a WRE #. Well -- WRE doesn't have ANY generator part numbers ...

So --either WRE had better GET numbers -- or -- change the policy so we can order Wilson #'s ....

Tell Greg H of any problems like this --we call Jeff Lewicki -- VP Sales for Wilson and he sends them to us --and will try to get this problem corrected.

Chain Lifts

Wonder how large the market is for chain lifts ?

Aside from Jepson thru CARQUEST you also have Dynaline either direct or thru Auto Sense ( at the same price - BTW ) so the only issue is - do they have it --and how is freight handled. Dynelaine seems to be better priced on these items -- how can you grow the business ??

new line PWR - delayed

the line of power generators on the last page of the new tool & equipment flyer - PWR will be delayed while they get the data into the computer in Toronto - and then on to us

someone let this one slip up - will have HI PRIORITY to get in asap. We are also checking on when stock will arrive at Toronto for this

RV Anti-freeze

during the summer ( yet again ) someone in Toronto decided that we should only have the more expensive RV (plumbing) Anti-Freeze (15-384 & bigger size 15-385). The cheaper number is now back in the system with stock in Toronto ( 15-334 ).

If your customers don't know the difference they assume it is all the same - you need to stock the less expensive and perhaps the better quality - see your store manager for his feelings. If you need a lower freeze point - go better - but if you don't - your choice

sell up on pads

Click here for the entire article

In summary ...
"n fact, drivers are more likely to “trade up” for premium brands and materials, especially ceramic brake friction products, according to a recent report by Frost & Sullivan."

"It’s easier to sell a premium brake pad than it is a premium rotor, say the manufacturers we spoke with.

Lelchuk also attributes the driver’s need for less brake dust as a factor in selling premium friction materials. However, brake dust may not always be connected to the friction material. At times, “the dust you see is not pad dust but dust from the brake rotors,” he adds."

Smart Car battery group

Gary from east-penn tells us that the battery for the Smart Car is a 690MF -- make a note in your BCI paper guide

This is stocked by both Petes & D&T and has been added by Auto Barn as we type.

Gary says the battery is underneath the passenger floor --and a bit or effort is required to get to and replace.

how many more applications do we NOT HAVE in our e-cat for the smart car ???????

BATTERY changes

Effective Sept 5th there will be an assigned core for all batteries ( except motorcycle batteries ) --so the stores like Petes that were weak on doing the optional core will find the BIGGEST change.

The Core will apply to all accounts --so salesmen -- make sure you explain. The fact that East Penn is the LAST to set up a core policy should not go unnoticed. Exide and Interstate all have CORE policies. This will help eliminate a lot of fly by night battery core 'picker-uppers'


Some additional pieces of info -- 1) we can NO LONGER order batteries from East Penn - we have to order from Toronto -- so tell Greg H any battery that Toronto doesn't carry and we will make damm sure they get their act in order if they are going to eliminate our ability to order from London. East Penn has a location in Mississauga that Elsa can pick up for us.
-- 2) cores will be picked up every 2nd WEDNESDAY from all locations -- guaranteed. You will rememeber all our problems with consistent core pick up -- every 2nd Wed --starting this Wed Sept 10th

Auto Barn goes Greener

Auto Barn has ordered an oil filter collection bin. We are going to offer it to anyone has wants to recycle their old oil filters(small users).Large users can call
Safety Kleen @ 519-685-3040. I encourage you to tell your customers,large volume farmers and industry as well as auto repair shops. I did not get a call back from Direct Line as some people use them for used oil collection. I taking the the cost of this out of wages!!!!!!!!!!!

Ps It is a FREE service as we have already paid for it .50 cents at a time

Mark your calendars

The annual staff party for this winter will be at Colasantis. It will be on Saturday, November 29th.

If the following people would like an invitation to the party, I need pig $$. It's $12.00.

Brian Iles
A.J.
Andrew
Jake
Adam
Ric

keeping up to date on Catalogues ??

It is a MAJOR problem on keeping up to date with paper catalogues with CARQUEST

for instance we are still trying to figure out where the New Castle Trailer catalogue is -- talking with Peter Marki-Zay - they have sent it to Toronto DC ... but ...

also heard that the 2008 FULL LINE New Castle catalogue is in HOLDING at Toronto while the French version is made ready -- you will remember the mess on the 2007 catalogue -that we NEVER released ( but we got it thru other means )

Here is a link to get latest pdf copies -- it looks like it is just starting (only two available ?? ) but we encourage other suppliers to participate ...try it .... -- click here -- We have a link for Rad Spec cat in our Plaxo contact list

PDF copies are also available at many of the supplier web sites

In the mean time we are struggling with CARQUEST brand items - like battery chargers ( latest is 2002 ?? sounds fishy ) have a request in for updated data ... especially with Schumacher buying Midtronics battery charger division ( Midtronics still makes the testers )

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, August 27th. Please make sure all information is sent in before that.

Thanks.

what's new with e-cat ?

Click on the images to enlarge

Comments appreciated on Cardone cat's on distributors & "Window motor regulator kits' ( compare to Dorman ?? )

Second image shows new applications for BBB Industries ( our WRE line ) and Reman Flywheel assemblies from AMS - ACL Clutch guys )

You can see this data in J-Con by going to 8-12 and then #8 bulletin board.

WRE update

Here is an e-mail from Chris Garner on WRE line of alternators and starters .... NOTE --the UPDATED tech support ( we should continue to order special order units thru Elsa r Linda at Toronto DC - but the Winnipeg number is listed if you need extra help )

This contact data has been updated in PLAXO address book

........
Greg,

In response to your email and to help clear up any confusion on the WRE rotating Electrical line, below I am addressing the issues stated in your email to Tina Davis.

I am the VP responsible for all of CARQUEST ( US and Canada) and available to you at anytime to answer any topics pertaining to the WRE program, all my contact information is listed below.

Jeff Lewicki is my counter part at Wilson Auto Electric a division of BBB Industries. Jeff’s responsibilities primarily involve Wilson accounts and for the most part is not involved in the day to day relationship at CARQUEST.

Greg Stogren/ Specialty Sales and Marketing is the Sales Rep responsible for managing the day to day WRE topics that stem out of the Rexdale DC.

SS&M also provides regional support and the contact in your area is Glenn Hannan. Glenn’s contact information is (519) 831-2954 & glen.hannan@specialtysales.ca I suggest listing Glenn as you primary day to day contact on any WRE related issues.

Both Greg and Glenn have the resources to provide unparalled support to the WRE program and are available to you and your group on an ongoing basis.

We have established two toll free numbers for tech support and other needs involving the rotating electrical program.

Tech Support- 866-593-5566 ( 7:00AM EST – 5:00PM PST)

Special Orders for Canada-866-477-1528. This is the toll free number for our Winnipeg location and can assist you with special order needs on both WRE and Wilson part numbers. Winnipeg is equip to handle most all the interchange related topics between Wilson and WRE and can help identify exact application requirements. Unfortunately at this time the satellite Wilson locations thru out Canada do not have visibility to the WRE program. Again I may suggest going through your DC for special orders but in the event they can not satisfy your request please do not hesitate to call Winnipeg direct at the number listed. Our customer service staff at Wilson will assist you on special orders units and will utilize their distribution network to ship any units from the most strategic loction.

I would like to point out that when working with the WRE part number move cautiously, they do appear to be identical to the Lester part number but ARE NOT an exact match to the LESTER number..

I will follow up with a phone call to cover any other issues/questions you may have on the WRE line but wanted to get this email out to you in an effort to address the questions covered in your email to Tina Davis.

Thank you,

Chris Garner
BBB Industries
8410 Wolf Lake Dr. Suite 108
Bartlett, TN. 38133
(Ph) 901-937-7908
(Fax) 901-937-7629
(Cell) 901-488-4554

cut drug costs ?

Click on the image to read the article form a recent Globe & Mail article - the summary is - see if your pills come in a double strength tablet. Chances are they are very close to the same price - so if you split your pill you can save money - and save money from the total drug costs of our staff plan. See your doctor. Ask your drug store. And don't forget to split the pill. Thanks for trying to keep our yearly drug plan cost to a reasonable level.

special order BBB alt's and starters

Elsa tells me that special ordering is getting SOMEWHAT BETTER for WRE starters & alternators. She can order from Wilson warehouse in Toronto -- but sometimes they can't cross the number ( which is the BIG issue we are trying to totally erase ) and Elsa has to call you back for the application

PLEASE -- tell Greg H your success or horror stories on special ordering the WRE Biggler Bros units from the Wilson warehouse.

WSIB

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board have been going around to businesses in Windsor. Please make sure that you have the health and safety posters posted, first aid kits are up to date and that your employees know where the posters are. If you don't know what posters need to be up please ask. You can also go to the website at www.wsib.on.ca. There is also a self compliance test that you can take to see if you have complied with their regulations.

Dorman

From Ken:

I used Dorman's on-line catalogue to find a window regulator for a Dodge Durango that was not listed in e-cat or their paper catalogue. (part # 741-599). Customer could not get the part to fit. Ordered another one...same story. Happened to to see a section at the bottom of their web page labeled "Technical Product Info". Clicked on it to find that they listed a service bulletin for the part # that I was having trouble with. It explained the steps required to make the part fit properly.

what is a Pump Mounted Drive ??

well- I had to ask that question --if you knew -- are you smart or lucky :-)

See image - click to enlarge

DOR 904-104 -- just released --so we have to wait and see how long it takes to get written up and into system - typically it would be several months to go thru the steps

OEM # is 12562836. The salesmen have some MS Word attachments on different issues these GM Diesels have ...here is part ...

"Dorman® OE Solutions™ is proud to release its new Pump Mounted Driver (PMD) also sometimes refer to as a Fuel Solenoid Driver "FSD" to the aftermarket. This part is basically a computer module that controls the high pressure diesel fuel injector pump that fits 1994 to 2004 GM diesels with 6.5L engines. The Dorman PMD (part # 904-104) mounts directly to the high pressure diesel fuel pump, controlling its function. The OE PMD for this application has a nearly 100% failure rate, caused by underrated materials that are unable to handle the high underhood temperatures that the PMD is exposed to. Typical GM dealers are selling 60-80 units per year (including second and third time replacements).

Dorman’s PMD is the first replacement part available that FIXES the original cause for frequent OE failures, prolonging the life of the part. Dorman’s PMD is engineered to include higher rated electronics; vibration absorbent potting materials, solid mounted transistors, and a new fiberglass silicon heat transfer pad making the 904-104 PMD the superior choice for technicians seeking a more durable replacement for these failed OE units.

There is a remanufactured version of this same part available in the market. The remanufactured unit does not address any improvements to the part itself. In addition, the remanufactured unit is generally not readily available and usually supplied on a “return & repair” basis. Dorman’s NEW reengineered part is available August 1st, it addresses known problems with the OE unit and is priced competitively with a remanufactured unit."


************** U P D A T E -- D E C 3 0 - 2 0 0 8 ***************
guess what --part still not added to Toronto DC warehouse system --while the USA warehouses have it -- we need an account with the USA warehouses .... what lack of fundamentals ......

defective ratio's

We calculated the rough defective ratio's for the period Jan 1 thru July 17 for all customers. This is something that isn't very easy to do ( ok -- why NOT !! mister software guy ).

Questions ... Here are the actual ratio's of defects to sales for out top charge customers -- how HI is too hi?
-0.6%
-5.2%
-1.1%
-9.7%
-5.0%
-1.9%
-0.6%
-3.2%
-0.3%
-2.1%
-3.3%
-5.2%
-4.7%

ps- the highest trade account was over 12% ( ouch )
What do we do to promote common sense in defects? What does CARQUEST do to inform us on our defect ratio's ( well - you know that answer ) Defects cost everyone - too bad this isn't a profit sharing idea from CARQUEST to share the benefits from better management of this issue?

Want to know how we did it --see our sister blog ( links on the side ) and see the J-Con blog

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Tuesday, July 29th. Please make sure all timesheets and vacation/sicks days are reported before then.

Thanks.

missing blue ceramic pads

Bob Miller from Walker Rd ( Windsor) tells is that there are MANY vehicle applications MISSING the BLUE CERAMIC applications - especially on import (both Jap & Euro)

PLEASE -- tell your key customers who use web-link that more pads may be available than show --this problem is supposed to be fixed by July 25 ... but ...

Bob was unsure how it impacted Red Ceramic sku's

area tool shows this week

you might see some extra tool reps in this week - as they pass by to do the Amhurstberg and Windsor tool show at local CARQUEST jobbers

KYB combo spring & strut

The long awaited combo KYB spring & strut assembly is coming -- but will be some time ... just to bring you up to speed ... see image .... the e-cat data is there --the parts are in the MIF -- just waiting for stock ...

what kind of RUST paint do we have ?

With EXTEND from Permatex gone --what is available ?? Lenwood from Raleigh reminds us that SEM RUST MORT is one option. Toronto stocks the qts and pints ( and with LOTS of sales from us -- we could get the Gal to be stocked )

SEM 69508 pint
SEM 69504 quart
SEM 69501 gal

click on image to see more detail. The Rust Seal is also available but is more than double the price ... ? and is special order for now.

Land n Sea Marine Parts

The Line Code LNS is ready - but not yet in our system - we have requested it be added today - should be in for start of next week.

Then we will see the sub-lines and stock level settings you see in the 2-19 report.

Toronto is stocking 72 of the most popular parts - we have a list coming.

Keystone parts in warehouse

From the start any part stocked in the warehouse didn't have the Keystone prefix ... well ...that is changing. As new parts are added to the stocking list -their prefix is being kept.

Let us know what E-CAT data you would like to see updated as a result of this-- we have requested K&N Filter as a the first update.

Your feedback is important & appreciated - call Greg H

NGK Canada is changing part numbers ?

NGK Canada is stopping it's policy of separate part numbers for popular plugs and adopting the USA stock part #.

Here are some examples so far

Line Part # >>> replaced by
NGK 1166 !NGK 5129
NGK 1176 !NGK 7022
NGK 1294 !NGK 3522
NGK 2246 !NGK 4722
NGK 2373 !NGK 4626
NGK 2823 !NGK 2923
NGK 2982 !NGK 7823
NGK 3977 !NGK 4122
NGK 4035 !NGK 4322
NGK 4044 !NGK 2023
NGK 4576 !NGK 6028
NGK 5032 !NGK 6422
NGK 5083 !NGK 4929
NGK 5210 !NGK 5110
NGK 5222 !NGK 5122
NGK 5450 !NGK 7321
NGK 5699 !NGK 3459
NGK 6078 !NGK 4177
NGK 6121 !NGK 5921
NGK 6435 !NGK 7421
NGK 6782 !NGK 6726

From Ken Niefer

ABS Sensors for Cavalier / Sunfire

Both e-cat and paper catalogues have wrong information for abs sensors for these cars. Right and left are transposed. So if someone orders a left...send them a right. Got a call this morning from Mark (I think) in Raleigh. I had submitted a feedback form about this listing and he called to let me know that they are aware of the problem and that it will take about 60 - 90 days to get it corrected.

KN

internet reading options

The art was trying to get the USA trade magazine to send us a copy and NOT charge us. Examples of success had been Aftermarket Business - but all good things come to an end. For a while we also had MOTOR (there was a Cdn Motor - not as good as the USA nameplate )

Now - you can sign up for reading thru the internet. When the current version is out you get an e-mail and a link. Not perfect BUT much better than nothing

Click on the image here to make it LARGER -do you agree on the issue of GM truck fuel pumps? There is a lot of good info out there to make us better parts people - are you doing what you need to -- to get better? Be the best you can be (to steal a slogan from someone else)

Care to share the GREAT magazines you like to read thru the internet??

click here for subscription to Aftermarket Business