XAS-299-SS14 Seafoam Intake Cleaner

Matt was watching Two Guys garage and saw a new Seafoam Spray cleaner with an INNOVATIVE curved straw that hooks up to the air intake. CARQUEST Canada does NOT have this in our system ( quell surprise ? ) - but AutoSense does ( XAS-299-SS14 )

This product has been written up by Matt and a sample stock level set for all stores -- adjust your level as you GAIN knowledge and start selling more

We are looking for a youtube video link for this product. Thanks Matt

Direct Deposit

We will be switching to a direct deposit system for payroll. I have sent letters out for all staff to sign authorizing the company to directly deposit any monies owed into your bank account. Please get these letters back to me ASAP along with a voided a cheque. If you have any questions regarding this please let me know. I hope to have this ready for the January month end cheques but it may not be until February.

Problems with our BRAKE SHOES ?

We just sent you a copy of the reply from Peter McNally -- basically saying a couple of problems -- but no BIG DEAL --that is not you seem to be telling me ...

1) we want you to report back to peter.mcnally@gpi.com on any problem --- give complete details

2) if you need a 2nd source - remember that Auto Sense has the SERVICE GRADE shoe --use the shoe # and SG as a suffix

WATCH applications --like the 98 Dodge Mini-Van where we use the 703 base number and Raybestos uses the 714 base number -- but apart from some popular sku;s like this -- 95% of all numbers share the same base number

Auto Sense is DROPPING the Satisfied ( Private Branded Auto Sense line # 791) line of pads & shoes from the warehouse.

DELPHI #AF10058 = MAF 64-2100

The new replacement module for various GM's in Mass Air Flow Sensor is DELPHI #AD10058 - it is in stock at Auto Sense ( Delphi#832 ). The equiv, number in CARQUEST is MAF 64-2100 -- it is available in USA but we wait for Canada to get the data into the system for us .... and wait ...and wait .... and wait ( am I repeating myself ?? -- does the frustration show ?? )

This link will show you the quick video link from Delphi ... CLICK HERE ......

The video link below is a TEST to see if I can have the video play on this blog page ( lets see what happens )

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, December 29th. Please make sure you send in all timesheets and any sick/vacation days before then.

Thanks.

CC Marine in EXPLORIS Data

CC Marine ( line XCM ) is now in Exploris data for our 3 stores - this is approx 20,000 parts. Note --any existing manually written up part number is in the system -- store managers have been requested to MOVE stock on hand to the new part # ( located in PN#1 ) from the old part # ( in PN#0 ) -- most old part numbers we written with out dashes - see the problem ....

Stores are encouraged to set stock levels on the fast moving parts.

Is it time to set a CATALOGUE out front for this line for customers to 'wander thru'.

Having all the parts in allows us to consistently price parts .... this is the 2nd LARGE line - we also have approx 64,000 parts from A&I Farm parts also in our system. ( line XAI ) -- luckily we had fewer manually written parts in XAI to cause problems. Stores are encouraged to set a ORDER PROFILE so you can run PO's for both XAI and XCM.

WALKER DIAGRAMS

WOW! Ken tells me that WALKER diagrams are now showing in next gen e cat.

Custom Flyer Deadline---See GregH's post

In order to receive both the Jan and Feb bonus cheques at the January staff meeting, you must send me a copy of the flyer you did before noon on January 6th. If it is not received by then you are SOL in terms of receiving both cheques.

CC Marine in EXPLORIS Data

we have sent the CC Marine data ( approx 20,000 parts ) to be imported into our EXPLORIS ( NexPart by WHI ) system ... will have a few bumps to solve --for example all existing parts were entered with dashes missing ( for the most part ) ---so we think we have a way to work around that ... we will leave existing data in PN code ( sub line ) 0 ... and add all new data --the whole line into PN#1.

Once in --you will need to go thru the PN#0 and pull out any stock on hand and order point and add to the PN#1 part number.

We expect these parts in the system in 2 days ... you can run a preview report for XCM PN#1 --if a LOT OF PARTS show up-- guess what -- you are ready for the change....

I am told by CC Marine that all parts are sold as EACH --- they have no cases of grease we have to order in 10 pac's ?? ( etc) -- if you find something --you will need to adjust the buying rules in the F-8 screen

New prices due April 1 for the next season-- but you have the data to play with and learn with .... think boating.

HBW - line review

We are trying to do a quick line review on HOBART especially for welding supplies.
-will try to get stores the catalog we have been requesting for months
-cleaned up some billing schedule problems - for example we average the cost in each sub line then compare our margin suggested by Toronto ... some glaring mistakes .... we think we need lower margins to help us sell this line
-asked the class-o-gram dept in Raleigh for extra attention or line on the accessories.
-trying to figure out if there is any factory rep help ( either to call on us or at least via phone help)

Your comments on Hobart for the next week will really help

Create your custom Flyer

You probably know that you can create a custom flyer in eKeystone ... did you know that you can also do that for A&I Farm Products and for SMH Fork Lift Parts ?

See images --- log in and make one --as a test --- PLEASE -- pick something you feel you could sell - because we will ask you why you picked what you did .... make up the flyer ( hint --add your name to the flyer ) and send a copy to Rhonda and you bring a copy to the Jan staff meeting ( meeting tentatively scheduled for Auto Barn - and Feb at Petes - FYI )

Why send a copy to Rhonda --she will be SO IMPRESSED you learned how to do it --she will have BOTH your Jan & Feb bonus cheque ready for you ( can help to pay Christmas bills ). If you decide to not participate - oh well - maybe you are independently wealthy or you dislike learning new things .... the latter is the bad part --as we bonus ORE on people who continue to LEARN new things...

BONUS POINTS --if anyone can find anything similar available from CARQUEST ...

starving for KNOWLEDGE - while CARQUEST pockets $$

Somethings are just not fair -- the policy for CARQUEST to get suppliers to STOP calling on jobbers ( in return for special discounts of CASH in lieu of service ) sure makes sense for the head office-- but it can have an effect of SQUEEZING the knowledge out of the jobber chain.

We push hard to get more info -so we can keep the staff up to date - but we have to continue to use the internet as a LOW COST way to get the knowledge across ....

For example - got an oil additive with ZINC in it ??/ --- watch the video --it will kill your convertor ....



We do NOT block youtube -- oh sure there is 90% junk on it -- but there is also 10% really worthwhile stuff -- use common sense and learn how to search for the data on youtube .... please limit the junk side to your personal time

Count Cycle List - explained one more time

We have set up a count cycle for a number of years -- time to dust off some of the facts and see who is clear.

1) we use Google Doc's to list - handy way for ONE PLACE to be updated - you may have a VIEW or an EDIT ability - if you need an EDIT --as your Manager to change your permissions

2) the MONTH number is the calendar month - NOT our fiscal year month - just to make it easier on staff - who can remember fiscal month #7 ?? but with luck and some fingers you can figure out that 7 is JULY. To make sure - we have added some names and the header now says CALENDER MONTH ( was just Month )

3) if managers are running TOO TIGHT on their hours planned ( productivity ) and are NOT getting counts and other required work done --we will ASK for OVERTIME to get the work done on a timely basis ... inventory counts done well-- are an essential.

Stick On Wheel Weights - PLO

as more and more wheels are non-steel -- more stick on wheel weights are required. We had visit from PLO sales rep - Jim.

Here are popular sku's that we have ADDED for all stores - note - PLO seem to have two part numbers ... just enough to really cause confusion

Part#1 .......Part#2 .......Box qty.......Description ........
47042 .....312-30 ....... 30 ........ low profitle 1/4oz 3/4" wide
47046......312-52......... 52 ..........low profitle 1/4oz 3/4" wide

47044 ..... 412-15 ....... 15 ....... 1/2oz x 3/4" wide
47047 ..... 412-30 ........ 30 ...... 1/2 oz x 3/4" wide

47048 .... 314-30 ........ 30 ....... narrow 1/4 oz 1/2" wide
47041 .... 314-60 ........ 60 ...... narrow 1/4 oz 1/2" wide

47049* ... 512-15 ....... 15 ....... 1 oz segment x 3/4" wide ( note - CARQUEST has missed adding this part - we have asked them to correct - may take some time ..... the 512-15 is available thru Auto Sense warehouse.

We put BOTH size boxes in --let see what becomes popular - smaller shops may want smaller qty - but larger shops could prefer the larger qty box.

A&I Farm Equipment - all data in EXPLORIS

a few years ago CARQUEST and A&I Farm Equipment tried to get their dat into the system like we have done with eKeystone Speed & Custom --that attempt with A&I ( and also with Landn Sea Marine ) crashed and burned for a variety of political or otherwise reasons....

Anyways --we had not forgotten and to get A&I ( and a few others like SMH Fork Lift Parts & some Marine line like CC Marine ) has been a slow simmering passion.

Well - guess what - we finally figured out what to do --and once the dust had settled --it is not that much of a problem
--- it is fairly east to log in and download the file
--- we STRIP the extra prefix of 'A-' from their numbers ... that way it matches the existing parts we had in the system
--- --- for the geeks -- we used this formula .... =RIGHT(D2,LEN(C2)-2)
--- --- --- the above formula kept leading zero's and didn't allow excel to change some numbers into dates
--- we stripped out all parts with a description on SUB BY xxxx ( these are obsolete numbers
--- we stripped out all parts with zero cost

when we were al said & done -- we have approx 64,000 parts for the line --- now -- go quote some tractor part and see how all parts price using our normal sliding scale ( something we have asked CARQUEST to do for three years ... will little success )

Shock Catalogue

I have shuffled the order of shock priority in Activant E-cat. The Raybestos complete struts show first followed by KYB then Shk. I eliminated some junk in KYB. Let me know if you find any issues

Better Descriptions on INVOICE from E-Cat

We have several recent articles on how to IMPROVE the description the customer sees on his invoice

First was this --click here

Then a follow up -- click here

Finally -- ( we think ? ) our FINAL ANSWER .... First --the blue warning we circled in the 2nd post -- is WRONG --if oyu are multi-store -- one change does NOT effect all your stores ... it seems that someone added this to scare the JV stores into leaving this alone ... if you need to make a change - you must do it in each store

And -- as DUMB LUCK would have it - we think the correct setting for the good ( existing ) activant descriptions -- and -- to use the BETTER option for descriptions in Nex-Gen is as the image shows -- one is checked and one is not -- see what you store has and try it. Note - no one can clearly state when you need to LOG OUT - vs - quit the module you are in - for the test you may want to log out.

Boy - glad that one is over - on to the next battle to figure out this system ... this is better than a WII game ... at times

OTC Webinar - re-programming computers

Click here for link to register for OTC webinar that happens Thur Dec 2nd at 7:00p, est ( 6:00 cst ) for one hour ....

On December 2nd OTC is running a webinar on J2534 Reprogramming.

What The Webinar Will Cover:

1) The web cast will take you step by step on how to buy the information from the OEM website, from how to find the web site address, how to navigate the OEM web site and then how to actually purchase, using a credit card, the usage of the OEM web site..

2) We will then show you how to setup your computer properly from deactivating your firewall to accessing the OE software you have installed, and then how to determine if your computer is compatible and meets the minimum requirements.

3) Then we will take you through the process of an actual reflash of the vehicle from start to finish.

4) All of this will be done from the Pegisys VCI and PC computer right at the fender of the vehicle without ever leaving the vehicle. This will help improve your customer satisfaction rating while at the same time creating additional revenue stream for your shop.

If you've missed any of the past live webinars from our Pegisys Webinar Series, you can still view the videos on The OTCTOOL GUY Channel. Take this opportunity to learn more about the Pegisys Wireless Diagnostic Scan Tool.

To register for the webinar please visit: http://intercallus.stream57.com/spx111810/.

Wells Ignition YouTube hits exceed 500,000

I can not say enough POSITIVE things about the impact that youtube.com can play for suppliers that are THINKING and ahead of the curve.

Here is article on how Wells Ignition ( line ECC ) has hit over 1/2 of one million views .... click here .....

Earlier this year we linked a youtube video to our staff blog site ..... click here to see that

Salesmen -- be sure to remind our customers to check these out --- click here for the wells site ....

Among the Wells diagnostic and training videos now available online are:

• Distributor-less Ignition (DIS) Training
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Training
• Evaporative (EVAP) Training
• ABS Diagnostics & Repair
• Computer “No Communication”
• Nissan Cam/Crank Sensor Testing, Throttle Body Cleaning & Idle Air Relearn (P0507)
• GM 3.1 EGR Replacement/Port Cleaning
• GM 3.1 Cam Sensor Replacement
• LS711/LS922 Chrysler/Jeep Ignition Switch
• Early Ford EGR Pressure Sensor Diagnosis & Replacement
• GM Type I DIS DR143/DR148/C860 Testing & Replacement
• Chrysler 1995-03 2.0-2.4L Cam Sensor Replacement
• Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Testing
• Digital Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Diagnostics
• GM Type II DIS System Cylinder Misfire Detection
In addition to Web-based video training and an array of interactive resources offered through WellsVE.com, Wells offers a toll-free technical support hotline featuring Master and L1 ASE-certified technicians. This service is available at 1-800-558-9770, Option 3 (7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. CST), or by email at technical@wellsmfgcorp.com.

A&I Farm Parts

I am quite impressed on the clam shell package products from A&I Farm Products. See Images attached here. We have ( we thibnk ) found a way to get 99% of all data into Exploris - and forget about the huge number of products that this represents --IF we can get you as staff rev'd about selling Gold Cart drive belts or the huge number of such items that CARQUEST doesn't offer - then lets go -- watch for more details -- and PLEASE -- get to the dealer log-in page and look around ... hint .... I am NOT saying there could be a quiz at the next staff meeting ... but then I am NOT - NOT - saying that .... a lot of our 2011 profit sharing cheques depend upon us learning new lines.

A&I Farm Equipment -- PDF cat web links

Please try this web lick --- click here

Or Click Here for the Lowen brand of combine parts

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Friday, November 26th. Yes I said Friday. Please make sure that all time sheets and vacation/sicks days are sent in for first thing Friday morning.

Thanks.

We wrote on the poor descriptions for PCH bushings etc -- watch -- some bushing are missing in e-cat ..

We have found that stab links for chev cavalier are showing in gen1 cat moog and rch numbers only. The pch equivilent is 545-1027cq, this is listed in gen 2. On the invioce screen, the k6600 part number will not supercede to the pch number.
We have 2 catalogues that are incomplete and inadequate.

another jobber writes ( these posted on the CARQUEST Jobber Message Board ) .. requires yoo to register and wait 24 hours to gain access

Numerous stab links not listed, best print interchange on the link and have it handy. Too bad for weblink clients. I notified my AE on Monday re this issue.

PERMATEX DATE CODES

This comes from Jason at the AUTOBARN.

"Permatex products have an estimated shelf life of 2 years. There is a laser inked numeric code on the package. ie. 6LK1801B. We only care about the first 2 digits. The first digit is the year and the second is the month of manufacture. In this example it would be December (L is the 12th letter of the alphabet) of 2006. So this product is expired.
Please check your shelf for old product and send it back to the DC.

need the suggestions to keep coming

Neil from Petes asked this - 1) how can we get MOOG to the bottom of the list

.............................................. - 2 ) how to get better descriptions into the e-cat - click on the image --how can we tell the FRONT from the REAR bushing for PCH .... like we can in the older CCH line

Since we are the first to go - we have to find the mistakes for the benefit of other jobbers elsewhere.

Keep the idea's coming .... have asked Chris Chambers and Brian Wiggs to help on this

Valvoline Anti-Freeze -- what is new

Apart from the old 'green' antifreeze - and the Dexcool ( mid 90's GM ) there are two new sku's to remember. G05 levels set for DT & Petes (only A Barn had stock up to today )

Asian #ANT-( part # pending --due any week )

Zerex® Asian Vehicle Antifreeze / Coolant

Developed to meet the long life coolant specifications of Asian vehicles.

• 5 year/150,000 Mile Guarantee
• Recommended for all Asian Vehicles
• Compatible with Asian coolants and cooling systems.
• Silicate Free, Phosphated HOAT Chemistry
• Protects against freeze-ups and boilovers
• Protects against rust and corrosion
• Premixed with demineralized water

G05 #ANT-3477

Zerex G-05® Antifreeze / Coolant

Provides long life protection for new Ford and DaimlerChrysler vehicles

• Protection for up to 5 years / 150,000 miles
• Approved by Ford , Daimler & Chrysler for use in automotive and diesel engines.
• 
  

CVT oil now available

Continuously Variable Transmissions --- Oil now available

VAL 705233 -- at a great price - retails for $9.00 or less ---compare with Nissan dealerships who sells for $21 a liter

Stock levels set for Petes & Auto Barn as of 11-17-2010 .... D&T forgot to tell you ....

What a hard time finding an image for this part .... go figure

RSVP Reminder

Please make sure you RSVP regarding the Christmas Party by Monday, November 22nd.

Thanks.

SPAM FILTER OPTIONS for your e-mail

We recently had to refresh all e-mail accounts - be sure you have looked at and you decide what you want to do for SPAM control.

1) log into ( click here for D&T Auto )

log into ( click here for Petes Paint )

log into ( click here for Auto Barn )

Use your e-mail name ... eg: Bob@petespaint.ca and your password.

Click on the image( to enlarge ) to see the options you have available = you can try and change as you find the need. We need you to pay attention as it is easy to CATCH and then SPREAD a virus to your co-workers.

Please check your fellow worked to ensure we have all proper settings.

Chassis Promo

I found this Counterman Spiff for PCH chassis. It is a good way to learn how to use LISA and the Part Ledger.

http://www.modernsales.ca/extranet/files/na/2587_15673_OZ13813_CounterPersonCashBack_E.PDF

Good Selling

North Safety Products now added to Exploris in XAS

Line XAS - 399 - part number --- data now in Exploris for all stocked parts at Auto Sense. We have requested the area rep ( Dwight Weber) to call on us at some point. Please CLICK HERE for the web page - have a look at some of the products and learn ....

CQ Gift Cards

All three stores have now been setup for the CQ Gift Cards. If you have any questions regarding the activation or doing a purchase with a gift card please call me. There is no part number in Exploris in order to "sell" the gift card you will have to handle this the same way you did with payments on the CQ credit card. Put the cash/debit/credit card receipts in a separate envelope and send up with your cash. You will have to run a separate close batch for the gift card program and use the same schedule that you currently use for the POS machine. The instructions on the the Ernex reference guide.

PCH in Activant E-cat

the NexGen e-cat should change in the next few days -- but since we have control of our own MCL file in Activant --we turned on the Raybestos data ..... note --we originally turned on the "Raybestos" but noticed many parts with the CQ suffix indicating the CQ branded box --so we found what we think is the correct one now ( see image ) and set as Priority #1 -- we deleted and re-added the Moog as priority #2 .... please give us some feedback on issues and problems

Go play -- go try it

new Raybestos chassis in this weekend

The new PCH line of Raybestos chassis is being set up this weekend. Please note the RED BOX we are NOT stocking -that is their value line ... we are just carrying the Blue Premium line.

Should you need the RED line -- Auto Sense is adding it. Of course we have our RED LINE as RCH by MevoTech and our cheapie line of BCH

see Raybestos Chassis web site --click here

There is a link from the above web site to the 'REWARDS PROGRAM" --it is a box top program ( ugly ) -- and we have not been told if we can ( or can't) enroll our customers -- you might want to 'TEST the water' and see .... click here for link

The tech help line has been added to our plaxo address book ( here it is as well ... (877) 759-9977 x 1 )

Christmas Gift Certificates available

Every year we hope that CARQUEST will have some option for us - but it looks like another year we will keep using our in house certificates ... Rhonda has and will pass to store managers - please remember - this is the same as cash -- treat with respect.

HOLD the PRESS -- we have gift cards coming -- see an entry a few above this .....

Annual Top Tools issue of MOTOR Mag

See -- told you I would do more with Motor - Sept is our Fav month for their unique TOP 20 tools selection. It takes some time for CARQUEST to adapt and add a couple of new parts -- keep pushing them to GO FAST --these tools are unique.

Click here for article

Info

-OTC TPS reset tool in CARQUEST system

-Ingersoll Rand 2015Max is available thru Auto Sense ( out of stock but on order )

Anti-Freeze - just when you thought it could not GET WORSE

Click here for the link to the Motor Magazine article - it is rather a long read. You can also grab a PDF copy if you want to e-mail the whole article to a shop. We continue to push CARQUEST to add fluids to the e-cat ( power steering, auto tranny & anti-freeze especially)

This article is high lights Fords push to standardize to one NEW formula. Comments and suggestions welcomed - or bring idea's to the next staff meeting.

Motor Magazine is a GREAT source for quality articles - I have gotten out of the habit of quoting them - I will have to do more.

Missing CARQUEST data -- use the factory sites

Ryan points out that our images and spec's are limited on many lines - and that we need to be innovative to use the factory or competition sites - the images are for CARQUEST and WIX (maker of CQ filters )

The excuses are - all hands are working on the e-cat ... hey - sorry about your luck Mr. CARQUEST --you wanted your own e-cat -- now take your lumps and spend the $$ -- but we also need images and spec's - the example here is clear cut --we have limited data - compared to the WIX site - were is is smart thinkers on this issue ?? Note sent to Steve Gushie & Mike Broderick on the perils of COST CUTTING - works for the short term but companies that do it -- get nailed in long term growth. Cost Cutting is NOT a formula for success --is shows the absence of any rational plan.

WINTER PROMO

There has been some confusion on how to handle the wiper blades on the promo that starts today. It is not set up in the system as a price break. You need to manually change the pricing. Ask for help if you are unsure how to do this.

Great time to review your e-mail settings

do you have your SPAM filter turned on ?? What other e-mail settings do you need to adjust to make your life easier ?

Idea's ? click Here to log in

Images at CARQUEST

One small tip --I had not see n this before -- look to see if there are OTHER IMAGES ( see image bottom left -- circled link --to get missing pieces. Seems like an odd way to do it imho ...

FYI

Drive for 5 - FREE FOOD for countermen

Rory has mentioned an ongoing promo - started Sept 15th --- but to the best of my knowledge no one in any of the stores has told me about it - nor did I see it ... but it is posted under PROMOTIONS on the CQ link .... ( side note --remember the Promotions link does NOT flag with a RED NUMBER for unread items -- so we all need to go into this section just in case something has been added .... or .... we could hops that our old link that the Cdn's are stuck with will be replaced with something like the American's have that is a little more up to date .... yet another promise we wait for ....end of RANT

Key issue -- sell a belt and .... a tensions ...or a alternator ... or a water pump ...or a power steering pump ... and do this 5 times ... and you can claim a $15 subway coupon. Note --at least one of the 5 must be a tensioner ---not all can be Alternators ... you get idea ....

I like this idea -- as it is a GREWAT WAY for you to practice looking up parts in LISA ...

Gates Timing Belt Kits with Water Pump

Rory is asking if we want to add into RBR TCK WP ( part # ) --example RBR TCKWP245 for Neon. This is in PNCode ( sub line ) 20 of RBR.

I noticed that SOME kits are a good deal for the incremental cost for the pump and other kits are not - that is -- the kit with pump is less than a timing kit + the water pump ....

I also noticed that these KITS do NOT show up under water pumps ( I have written Brian Wiggs to correct ) but are listed under timing belts .... what a major mistake ?

Also noticed that many ( all ?? ) timing belt KITS have an image that ONLY shows the belt - and missing the images for the extra parts -- wrote Ed Romanoski to see if this can be fixed anytime soon.

Walker RD & Chatham seem to like this - appreciate your comments on what we need to do ( ps - Walker Rd -why so many mistakes - you guys should have spotted these -- )

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, October 27th. Please make sure that vacation/sick days and timesheets are all sent in before then.

Update on CQ Credit Card

With the CQ credit card being discontinued we are no longer able to accept credit card payments at the store. The cardholder will have to send payment in the mail to Wells Fargo Financial Services or pay their bill online.