Thursday, December 28, 2006

One more time -- ERROR in e-cat -- options --- PLEASE READ





Greg Guyitt spotted this error in e-cat - this happened in the Dec issue of the Cdn e-cat --and errors like this can take several months to go thru the process to get corrected. We have to post a note on the CARQUEST-LINK( or e-mail them directly (see GH for details)) - then they have to verify what we say is true - then they have to contact the e-cat manager for the line and - then that person changes the data and submits correct to Activant - then Activant has to do the change - then Activant has to release a new monthly CD/DVD - then we have update our e-cat data ...a lot of steps .... in the upcoming system this will be vastly improved ...but that is not now --how do we handle NOW!!!!!

To Greg Guyitts credit -- he has done the EXTRA work and has explained his system. We have THREE images - click on any to EXPAND so you can see the detail ( see - if you have Firefox you could use a new tab - call GH to explain ...just a dig at the old ones who use IE 6.0 )

What Greg does --- 1) change the description of the part. When you do this - it changes it for all stores - only need to do it one ...notice the THIRD IMAGE - I call it MODIFIED Web Link ... you will see on Web-Link the customer will see the updated description ...in this case "---REAR ROTOR !!!" ...we are trying HARD to make someone ask -- ...but I asked for a FRONT ROTOR ...why would this say rear rotor... You can also see in WEB-LINK that the cross drilled rotor is the CORRECT part number ...take a minute and see this fact ...in web-link it shows easier because we have less fluffy extra lines of description.
What Greg does ---- 2) add the part message option in a 3-18 screen. NOTE --this has to be done for EACH STORE ...this part message will replace the description in J-Con e-cat. See what GG added --each store will be slightly different --but you catch the drift of this idea ---he says "THIS IS A REAR ROTOR CAT ERROR AS OF JAN07" ..... AND once the correction is made we can go in and replace/delete this message. We have a virgin and modified web-link example ---can you spot which one is which ????

Why is this such a BIG THING!!! One -- the REAR rotor is approx 50% more expensive than the front rotor ...so the customer thinks we are WAY CHEAP or worse --WAY TOO EXPENSIVE and we lose the sale.

We want you to understand the options we have in trying to help produce a temporary 'band-aid' while we wait ( and wait and wait ) for the correction ....

Hint --look at other parts -like the cross drilled -- ask your self --hmm ..I wonder why they have a different BASE number ... ( exclude the prefix ) .... see if we all can be more observant ...a good new years resolution.

Final point --we have asked that Raleigh stop BLOCKING the images we post ... if you are looking at this post and don't see any images -it is because WEB-SENSE is blocking them --turn off your VPN ( or if you are at a store or DC with VPN is set at the router -- go to your home computer ) --we will ask AGAIN to have web-sense adjusted to stop blocking this url ...http://photos1.blogger.com

Keep this idea's coming -- happy new year

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Bill Wypij Named Operations Manager For The Marshfield DC



We are pleased to see Bill get an advancement in CARQUEST -- Bill was our Warehouse manager in Toronto ....here is info ... ( we do not yet know who wl replace Bill in Toronto --- Rob Scott the Ops manager can handle anything in the interim.
======== press release ==========
I am pleased to announce that Bill Wypij has accepted the position of Operations Manager of the Marshfield Distribution Center.
Bill started with CARQUEST five years ago as the Shipping Supervisor in the Buffalo Distribution Center. He quickly demonstrated his leadership skills and earned the opportunity to be the Warehouse Manager in Buffalo.

Bill’s most recent assignment was in our Toronto, Ontario DC as the Warehouse Manager where he excelled and will be missed. We look forward to having Bill take this next step and continue his leadership in this key position in our Company.

Bill will be relocating to Marshfield right after the Holidays along with his wife Kate and his children Shannon (3), and Alex (1). Please help me congratulate Bill and his family and wish them luck in this next step.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

How many SEAFOAM Video's can YOU find on the Internet

Here is one of over 100?? Seafoam video's posted on the internet. hey - these guys shake the camera as much as I do. This was a test to see how we linked video to our blog site.

Friday, December 22, 2006

E Cat error

On 1999-2002 chev silverado pick up the front and rear rotors are mixed up.Front s/b 55054 but reads 55084 and rear s/b 55084 but reads 55054.There is big price difference so we either get outclassed or we give away the farm.I have asked for this to be fixed ASAP.Our weblink customers have the same issue.It is correct on GMC sierra but that only helps us(if we remember) not a Weblink guy.
Greg Guyitt

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Walker Cat Converters - waranty issues ...

here is what Dean from Walker says on cat converter warranty claims ....
Dead writes to Ryan ...."Our policy on converters is that we need to see the units and we require a copy of the failed Drive Clean emission test as backup. Obviously if the units that you sent to the Carquest DC are no longer available then we will have to make an exception and Dawn will look after you. The majority of the time it is not the fault of the converter but an improperly tuned engine that causes the converter to fail - either dumping raw fuel or engine coolant through the exhaust causes the substrate in the converter to overheat and melt down - often this overheating shows up in the form of pink , blue and purple colours on the external body or heat sheild of the converter. That's why our people need to see the actual units."

Seems to me - that we need to get out customers out to CTI -then they would understand the next CTI class -- Fuel Trim ... hmm ...options ?

Dawn is our new rep for Walker - expect her in Jan

Carquest Driver saves Christmas!!

FROM: Const. Janet Hayes RELEASE: Thursday, December 21, 2006 10:30am

Overnight Release

Kingsville:

Kingsville Officer on routine patrol initiated a vehicle stop on Jasperson Road at 2:50am. As a result the 20-year-old male driver from Kingsville was issued a 12-hour-suspension.

THE GRINCH HITS KINGSVILLE - HERO SAVES A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS TREE! - IS NOTHING SACRED ANYMORE?

On December 21st at 3:10am, an employee for Car Quest, 60-year-old Greg BAKER from Pickering, observed the Christmas Tree on the corner of Main Street and Division Street on fire. Mr. BAKER immediately exited his vehicle, and was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher from his vehicle, before any major damage was incurred. As police arrived on scene, it was observed that the suspect(s) had emptied a decorative planter of it's greenery, placed it at the base of the tree, along with a wooden pallet and set it ablaze. Kingsville Fire Department attended on scene and ensured that the fire would not start up again. The Fire Chief advised that Mr. BAKER had saved the tree. If it had not been for the efforts of Mr. BAKER the fire would have totally engulfed the tree and it would have been destroyed, Christmas Lights and all! This tree is a focal point for the Town and had recently been decorated to celebrate the festive season. There appears to be minimal damage to the tree, however, the lights and some bows were destroyed. Extensive Patrols of the Town were made in an attempt to locate and bring to justice these suspects, unfortunately, with negative results.

Anyone with information of the arsonist(s) is asked to contact Cst. Wilson at Kingsville Detachment or Crime Stoppers!!! ative results.

****NOTE: GREG BAKER HAS GRANTED PERMISSION TO USE HIS NAME IN THE MEDIA RELEASE!!

K&N Filter --getting better - but ...

K&N Filter is getting better -- but in a month or so --should be even better ... until then-- do NOT trust the e-cat in J-Con. Please use the e-Keystone e-cat ( using the CARQUEST log-in ) or the paper catalog. In a month or so - we should have more numbers that show in e-cat ...and I think we will see a separate LINE CODE for K&N --right now we use KST. Stay tuned...

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

new improved fuel pump connection



Hello

click here to read page on improved fuel pump connections for various GM models .... if anyone can FIND this same posting for the Cdn CQ-Link site --let me know .... this darn Cdn site is like aBLACK HOLE of knowledge --

Temporary E-Cat problems

We updated the Activant e-cat yesterday evening

here are known problems : - will add more as you tell me

1) the SHK line of strut mounts is NOT showing - will try to get this back asap. I do see the RCH line of strut mounts shows for my test ( RCH Mevotech is notoriously bad at e-cat )

feedback on any other change you see?
I see that Greg G beat Ryan to the punch in showing the K&N filters - we added the image - you can click on any image to see the larger size if that helps

Keystone


We now have K and N filters catalogued and priced.Check it out and look for problems.We are in the process of asking for more numbers in the warehouse.Also see your manager for a list of KST line codes.You will need it to bill out anything you order from KST.Jan 1 XBO or new numbers will no longer be acceptable.
Greg Guyitt

Thursday, December 14, 2006

web links ?? best option ??

Hello to all

Would you like to have a WEB page that lists all known links? Or can you work it on keeping your BOOKMARKS up to date

Comments ??
Regards
Greg H

From: "greg guyitt"
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2006 15:35:38 -0500
To: ...snip ....
Subject: Fw: web sites

Opps flowmaster s/b www.flowmastermufflers.com
Wix s/b www.wixfilters.com

----- Original Message -----
From: greg guyitt
To: ...snip ....
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 3:11 PM
Subject: web sites

www.spectrapremium.com
www.mevotech.com
www.crosscanadaparts.com
www.dormanproducts.com
www.knfilters.com
www.radlimited.com
www.gates.com
www.stant.com
www.wixfilter.com
www.cardone.com
www.dns-2000.com
www.flowmastermuffler.com
www.mrgasket.com

easier way to look for parts on OBSOLETE RETURN ....doh!

Colour us partially stupid --it took us this long to figure this out .... hmm ...how many other things are we doing the DUMB way .... ???

Got a list of obsolete parts ...say 150 numbers in Walker ... the dumb way is to enter each part in a 3-18 ir 2-2 screen and see if we have it -- right ... or ignore and hope we did have any ( the lazy way )

WELL -- here is the SMART WAY -- try it out on te next obsolete list we receive.
Steps
1- wait for a list -- say WALKER as =mentioned above
2-run a 2-20 report and use a SAVED format -- # 9
3- for heavens sake -- DO NOT DELETE this or any other saved format ..it is easy to do if you are NOT watching what you answer to
4-just run for the line in question --or if you must run for al lines -- NEVER ...I repeat ...NEVER run to a printer ...what a tree killer , -- if you want all lines -- call Greg H and you can see how to save to a capture file on our emulator

Neat - or what --if you have anything --it will show --if it shows nothing --then you are free & clear ...we have used the following logic ( in case someone from another store is reading this --this is what we dod with Mikes HELP)
set to display mfg code ( hmm --don;t see this on report - might have to tweek it
set description to print
set to print ONLY if movement code is EQUAL to zero
set to print ONLY if on hand is GREATER THAN zero
set to show cost

enjoy --like i said at the start --one dumb problem solved --how many more dumb problems do we need to find and fix ...

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

INSTANT FILL E CAT

Trying to look up the new Instant Fill gas caps and you can't find a listing in e-cat. Try this . . .

http://stant.com/part_locator/index.cfm?go=stant_part_locator

CARQUEST Credit Card Update

BIG NEWS seen on the CARQUEST Link today.

You can now pay your CARQUEST or TECH NET credit card online. Wells Fargo now supports online banking from:

TD, Royal Bank, Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, CIBC, National Bank, Desjardins.

If you have any questions please call: 1-888-467-5559 (CARQUEST)
1-800-377-0024 (TECH-NET)

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

brake lines - new sku's stocked




We have added some new stock in BL Brake Lines

DT Auto -- 5300 US Bubble + PA-300 plated series
Petes - above two and missing 6300 import added as well
A Barn - US Bubble only - others in stock

stores have been asked to get a holder and set up - limited stock for all

Remember the line of special adaptor lines --as image shown --see page #127 & 128 in current cat for more idea's of what you can sell.

Keystone update

Here is some more info

Auto Barn - at Joe's request - I called and asked that they contact Exeter PA warehouse and change their address to the correct address. FYI --when you log into the CQ account it says welcome 1045 and when you log in with the direct account it says welcome Greg-Joe. Only the CQ account has e-cat -- try it out !!

D&T -- when you log in with CQ account - says welcome 1010 -- on direct account is says welcome CHRIS. ps - 1010 is your floor shipping # at CQ

Petes - we have REQUESTED the CQ account to say 1020 - right now it says MIKE ...the direct account says welcome PETE.

PLEASE try the e-cat in the CQ account -- comments .......

**** UPDATE *****
Matt says the TWO accounts if you bring up in IE 7.0 using tabs -- on a search on one tab the other tab will change to the first account --making it difficult to do a quick comparison - he suggests that until ( or if they ever ? ) fix it --open two separate pages. He also goes on ( and on and on and on ) about how Firefox doesn't; handle this site well -- eKeystone need to fix this as well ... it is not that I was kidding Matt on why he should use Firefox ... eh?

Monday, December 11, 2006

extra effort to link value items in Worldpac



I have asked Matt at D&T, Abe at Petes and Jason at Auto Barn if they would spearhead an extra effort to LINK value items to the existing CARQUEST part ...see the example for 95-06 BMW oil filter ... once you find an item that fits the CRITERIA of being a VALUE ITEM ...we want to link like he have done here -- and SET a re-order level when the sales warrant. We will be ordering weekly for the stocked items. We have set the vendor code to the Misc XXX code for your store ( D&T is 4. Petes is 8 and Auto Barn is 5 ) -- so you can create a suggested order in WPC in that vendor #. Comments?

Click on the e-cat image to see it larger

Thursday, December 07, 2006

new line of NEW distributors -- NDS


CARQUEST has a new line of NEW Distributors --arriving very soon -- if you have a minute --look at this web site

www.richporter.ca

Try a listing in e-cat?

I see they also have hydraulic cam tensioners in their product line -- are we getting calls for these? See the web site and replies appreciated.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

idea's on how to sell more mirrors & lens ??





The CPB line from NewCastle should be a much bigger line with us -- idea's on how you can help us sell more?

Monday, December 04, 2006

What is FET on oil filters ??


Joe spotted an interesting problem ...he was selling a sku in CFI and it would add .50 to the INVOICE and was labeled as F.E.T. Well - we have found out more ...are you interested and curious?

You can CREATE this problem -- by doing this
step 1 -- find a part number that we don't have in our system. Grab a CFI price list and look for something odd. You can
VERIFY we don't have it in our system by punching in the part # into a 2.2 screen for instance.
step 2 -- once you have a VERIFIED non-stock number -- go to invoice and sell it ( it gets pulled from our Parts SourceCD )
to some understanding account ( that is wondering why you are doing this ) ... look at the invoice ...see
the .50 in FET
step 3 -- go to 3.18 and look at field #18 Excise Tax ..see that the value is .50 for the part number you have picked.
step 4 -- SOLUTION -- *** UPDATED *** 12-6-06 *** we need to run a 3-3 and clear back all Excise Tax values - see your manager - or you can run a 3-18 and change the specific KNOWN problem sku and re-invoice ---we had originally posted that there is an automatic daily update for this--there is NOT!!

More info -- if you need to invoice right away -- go into 3.18 and correct the excise tax and re-bill

This is a work around for having multiple provinces with various excise tax of waste oil filters -in a new system we will avoid this. Thanks to Joe for spotting this problem.

We have asked why this sort of repetitive problem isn't posted somewhere on the link.

how to make things happen -- just ASK

Pete asked for more stock in ECC. When we looked -- we wondered at what Windsor was doing --when we ASKED -- we found they had to level 6 -- we ASKED them to increase to level 7 ...they have just confirmred that they have an additional 35 skus and are full 7 in ECC.

ps - Petes also got what they asked for --more in their stock ... so think about what you need --and ...then ask. At worst you have made your point visible and the next time you ask - you are one step closed ...at best -- you get it right away.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

top selling vehicles YTD in Canada


Data on top selling vehicles --- what do you see on our roads ... we will need to have these parts on hand in the near future - some parts needed quickly ( like oil & air filters ) and others like rad hoses seem to take over 5 years to hit any demand.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO MAKE LARGER !!