Keystone info night

Jason McDonald from Keystone is coming Wed Oct 6th ( 6:00 to 8:30pm ) for an info night on Keystone. If you have any special requests - drop an e-mail to Jason &/or Greg H. Please mark your calendar for Wed Oct 6th - at D&T Auto

Staff Meeting

Please remember that the staff meeting on Sept 13th is at Auto Barn. If you are not able to attend please let me know.

Thanks.

Optional E-cat's

We recently got access to the Wrenchead e-cat for CanUsa & Northwest ACDelco - handy to see what others do with e-cat.

In the recent SKF memo about activant foul-up ( quell surprise ) I noticed the SKF on-line e-cat as www.showmetheparts.com. ??? who ???

So I registered ( free is good ) and mentioned it to our stores as a possible backup for some weird item --they seem to have many odd ball vehicles.

Free registration at show me the parts

ps - parent company called Vertical Developments .... http://www.verticaldev.com/affiliations.html

LOOK at some of the vehicles in the pull down box ..... !!!!!

More DORMAN problems

We see LOTS of cases where the DOR and the MTM line are used for the same AC bypass pulley -- it would appear that MTM is correct --to TOP that mistake -the DOR line has really hi prices ---so -- please -- try to remember the bypass pulleys are in MTM --we will attempt to get the mistake fixed asap

new Oil line - April Super Flo

CARQUEST releases a new line - ASF --and tells us NOTHING. We have called the company ( click here for their web site and images ).

We have added the contact names into our multi-store Plaxo address book and might have Louis from April Super Flo update our 'cheat sheet' on oil that Barry started a while back

While Louis says they have very little name recognition in SW Ontario - they have a good brand name in Northern Ontario & the Maritimes.

Watch for more details ... we might be successful ... even if CARQUEST is tardy on details.

More details
--April Super Flo is a 30 year old company, established in Eastern Quebec. We started serving Maritimes and east part of the province with high quality, competitive industrial, farming and automotive motor oil. We are now getting in the Ontario market.
--We got more than 250 products. 34 are in the Carquest system so far. The other ones will be set up as "special order products" pretty soon.
--We guarantee and we are the only one company stating that all of our products is made with 100% pure, virgin base oil. No recycled.
--We meet and surpass all the OEM certifications and approvals.

sometimes you can't believe EXPLORIS ?

was looking up a part that Jake sole -- I could find it --then I want back and could NOT see the part - then I went to POS and found it --then went back to Inventory screen and didn't find it --then ... well --you get the idea -- maybe you should NOT BELIEVE Exploris ( Nexpart ) when it says it can't find the part.

This error sent to Raleigh - ? have you noticed this ?

*** Update *** message received from Raleigh -- ONLY the main screen will access non-sku parts --if you are in one of the related screens they do not access the non-sku data ---- OK --thanks for that tid bit of info --I wonder how many MORE trivia pieces of info we have yet to uncover ...??? smile

2nd test - to make training video easier

This is a slightly modified version of the original--making the screen as large as possible

Test --for training on Exploris

Here is a QUICK ( and a bit rough ) test on how we could use video to train staff on Exploris. Your comments are welcomed - hopefully you cut some slack on the guy trying to learn something new ( smile )


You should see London South as our 3rd option --it is being changed as I write this. The idea of OTHER SOURCES --if the Warehouse doesn't have it --and Montreal doesn't have it -- try this 'other source' --assume that all 3 stores will have an approx noon for cut off to have them bill it and send it on the RETURN SHUTTLE back to the Toronto DC.

Like most things --there is a LEARNING CURVE for this - and we amy have to adjust our thinking or facts stated.

eKeystone 2 week Promo catalogue now available

Something NEW -- click the RED PROMOTIONS Button ( see image ) --then click on the treasure chest - then you will download 19 meg PDF file -- can you save somewhere to avoid you having to download 19 Meg every time !!!

Points -- some very good savings on selected items
------- once we get Peter McNally to OK this--we can get the printed paper copy - hopefully we can clear the political hurdles before the next flyer -- this sale flyer only lasts 2 weeks and runs once a quarter
------- there are other types of specials that we will have access to - watch and when you see something NEW -- tell your co-worker and maybe Greg H

BIGGEST POINT --for this flyer --we MUST call to get the sale price --

Additional Point -- Jason McDonald is working on an evening to learn meeting -- Wed Oct 6th --at D&T Auto -- we may have additional factory reps ( too early to tell ) - anyway you have it --it will be a great evening of learning - hope all staff will schedule time to attend.

CIR Clips for hub bearings

Thanks to Jeff Hackney for posting on the CARQUEST Message Board (requires registration ) the need for C clips for hub bearings - and thanks to Ian Williamson for pointing us to the CR-SKF Kit that Auto Sense keeps ( see image on this thread ) --the kit is low tech - and for this it is OK -- keep the price down -- a laminated C lip application guide with the most popular sku;s in BOLD that are included on this kit.

Note -- is you bought the 12 sku's ( in pairs ) outside of the kit -the cost would be approx 50% more -- so if anyone is large enough to handle the kit -it is a good way to buy them - Store Managers can set their own local SPECIAL PRICE for salesmen written orders ... part # is XAS - 360- CIR KIT 1

Tried to get a dealer price for 2000-2009 Ford Focus cilp - they do NOT have it separate - we would sell for $approx $6.

Ryan to get an extra price comparison. Will update post at that time

2nd Image is the e-cat listing with ALL LINES showing the SKF data for C clips (remember - our E-cat will NOT price - as we add a prefix to the part # to represent the Auto Sense line code - in htis case XAS - 360

- will ask Raleigh one more time -- we thing they should have this data as well.

inspect returns

Matt found a rotor -- rather he found a USED rotor in the order coming from Toronto. So some store has sold it -- then the customer returned it to that store - in return they returned it to the DC --and they in turn sold it to us --and NO ONE noticed ... HMM ...

Good catch Matt - at least we didn't send to our customer like that.

It takes two days - it used to take 2 years

Just a reminder -- the PRS ( Product Resolution System ) is making changes ( measured in hours and days ) for what used to be measured in MONTHS and some times YEARS.

The example below if the up and coming rotor for the 2010 Caravan - in a couple of hours it was changed from a slow mvt code to a mid-range movement code ( and that will have cascading effects ) --then it was transfered to the person who sets re-order levels ( two days latter - more stock on order )

We sure hope that you are using PRS ... this example came from an OUTSIDE purchase made by Auto Barn - that when we looked into the note -- thought there should be a PRS done. This part is also stocked as a sample XAS-121-AS xxxx rotor in all stores as a 2nd line ... and a chance for more staff to understand how the XAS 121 line works ( since it uses Raybestos not Aimco part number system )

NOTE -- MOST jobbers in Canada do NOT have access to PRS or even know of PRS

Staff Meetings

Mark your calendars - Aug held at Petes and Sept held at Auto Barn

Payroll

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

Thanks.

how to add a vehicle

very surprised at how FEW people know this -- on the help desk

try it out - how to add vehicles on charge accounts --works well for farmers or commercial fleets or your own account ...try it

canceling a sourced item

Thanks to Ryan for grabbing this image -- a note went around to all staff via e-mail earlier reminding you that if you answer the question wrong -- your on hand count will also be WRONG.

VENDOR DID NOT HAVE ITEM - just like it sounds - you order - you bill customer - but we can;t supply - we never got it - and it will NOT go back into our stock

ITEM REFUSED BY CUSTOMER - we order it - we get it ( and receipted into stock ) - but we can;t complete the sale --credit back to customer and the part goes back into our stock ( and hopefully we are returning )

new Grote LED seal Beams

Talking with Doug Lester ( our LTG sales rep ) - he comments on the growing popularity of the HI POWERED LED Seal Beams

#63821-5 spot
#63831-5 flood

The image shown is # 63861-5

We have asked why CARQUEST still doesn't have these numbers in the system - but if you need -- Auto Sense has them in stock. Farmers who like to combine at night --will LOVE these as they can have light and not KILL their alternator in the process

Product Resolution System

When you are sending in PRS (feedback) please make sure that you are NOT using Internet Exporer 8. For some reson when you use IE8 all they receive is a blank page. Please use an older version of Internet Explorer or Firefox or Safari.

Keystone return POLICY

at a recent staff meeting some people said - Keystone retuen policy -is within 30 days -- no handling .... DEAD WRONG

Had Jason from Keystone call me back on this -- see this >>>> click here for return policy

We are on a sliding scale - call Greg H for any further questions

Tale of 2 Carquest stores

We have a customer that drives 25 minutes to get his BMW parts from us. It started when he called us about a rad overflow bottle for BMW. We said no problem and got it in the next day from worldpac(10 in stock). When he picked it up he said he called 5 other jobbers including a CQ store and was told dealer item only. We were the only ones that actually looked. He has since been back 3 times for other parts. Make sure we are looking and asking others if you have to say no.

PRS works - if YOU use it

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click here for great news

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Monday, June 28th. Please make sure that all vacation/sick days are reported before then and timesheets have been faxed to me.

Thanks.

Auto Tranny RTV Sealant

The Permatex # 31870 is now in the Canadian system ( we wrote to Toronto to point this out - that USA had it but they FORGOT ? to add in Canada )

All our stores have it - Walker RD has it - too bad the super store store has yet to add.

Be on the look out for more parts that CARQUEST Canada is slow to load.

Timbren suspension training - 2010 version

Click here to see the 2007 and 2009 posts on trying to keep you as smart as we can

click here for 3 minute video -- Front Axle kits

Click here for 3 minute video for rear axle

If this is new to you --you missed an e-mail from March 10 that was sent to you all -- this is SO WELL DONE - we reaLLY wanted you to see it ... now - if we could only get more suppliers to do the SAME THING. Most suppliers are really missing the mark on short training video's like this.

updated VPN required for Thur AM

nearly all staff have been sent an e-mail with an attachment detailing the new VPN update required for tomorrow ( Thur June 17 ) -- please allow an extra 10 minutes -- maybe your store will appoint someone to load the updated software ( see your manager ) - either way -- you will want to allow an extra amount of time to get your terminal up for business.

See Greg H or the help desk for more details

Little SUPID THINGS we have to manually correct - Done Deposits

There are a handful of stupid things we have to MANUALLY correct in Exploris --while we await to see if CARQUEST understands out issues.

One is DONE DEPOSITS .... Click Here to see Dec 2009 request

The Issue --the Done Deposit LOOKS FAR TOO MUCH like a completed invoice to someone walking by. We have requested that they do a SIMPLE CHANGE to help avoid the confusion - but there is a LONG LIST of other things that also have their attention ... and it might not appear that our concern ( that we fail to GET PAID for the item ) is not being repeated by enough other jobbers.

Greg at Auto Barn recently wrote his staff ( e-mail dated 6-8-10 ) to remind them of their obligation to SCRATCH OFF the word INVOICE and to CIRCLE the amount owing ... a very similar action to the line on Wish #6007 to use the word COD and not INVOICE

PLEASE -- all staff -- we fully support DONE DEPOSITS -- but need the awkward wording we are stuck with corrected manually until we can get CARQUEST's attention to FIX this very potential profit robber.

New TLR Morco ( R Thibert ) Trailer Cat

All stores should have received a new Morco ( Line TLR ) catalogue. This line is now under the R Thibert umbrella. We are still awaiting Toronto to convert many of the 7 digit Morco part numbers over to the various lenght R Thibert part numbers. This has been dragged out for month = but we hope that Toronto will finally get it done --as the confusion in ordering is significant.

Of note--the BLISTER PAC part numbers are staying as they are - and as the older stock runs out at Toronto more sku;s are being switched over to the blister pac. The blister pac numbers has a B in the suffix of the part #

The catalogue ( see image ) has no holes --see how you can properly file away --and PLEASE -- Mark with line TLR so others can remember.

new line - XAS- 725 Viking

Greg G from Auto Barn has requested the VIKING line from Auto Sense be added as an X line import into Exploris. This line will be in the system in a few days ( for all parts that the Barrie DC has flagged as ACTIVE -approx 400 of the 1400 sku's )

Look for more data at the next staff meeting on WHAT'S NEW from the guys at AB.

Their web page is .... CLICK HERE for Web Pages On the web page at the top is a link to download the PDF cat --or you can request a paper cat thru the Extranet - a very handy way to order Cat's --we hope that CARQUEST might take notice and improve their awkward ways.

Star Warning System s- Detailing Dates

Monday June 7 Lunch ( for staff ) with Josh from Star Warning - at Auto Barn

Monday June 14th - at D&T Auto
Monday June 21 at Petes Paint

After lunch ( so try to plan so you can eat & learn courtesy of Star ) there will be some opportunity to do a few detailing calls with each salesmen from that store. They have a special demo truck ( like the one pictured here )

ALL WEEK LONG afterwards you will have a special IN STORE display rack - that should help push extra sales, the next wee the next store gets it.

Note - CARQUEST only has a few sku;s in their line SWL - Auto Sense has approx 150 in their warehouse and we have access to Star for the thousands of sku's available. We are asking your store manager if they want the 150 sku's from AS added to Exploris.

The Star web site is >>>>star --click here Please have a look and see what is new

change payments - it works

Several have mentioned the change payments --and Ryan tested - and Rhonda tell us it works fine

FYI

Problems with R Thibert and Morco

Since Morco was purchased by R Thibert - hmm ... we continue to have problems with product as advertised ... example that Auto Barn and now D&T show --receiving trailer drums without the bearings & seals ....

Please let us know - please make sure you claim the missing parts.

Interesting that Greg Guyitt told me that Tom Kurtz was calling him back - and I see that Ryan is saying Tom doesn't call him back. I do NOT think I have ever spoken with Tom - will have to try ... I was ignored a the first dozen calls I made to the DC OPs Manager ( he claims he is too busy to call back ... )

Things to learn in Next-Gen E_CAT

We have a LOT to learn on the features in Next-Gen E-CAT

for example - do you want fluid type & volumes --in Activant it was at the END of the section --in NEXT-GEN it is a SPECS tabs --- important.

Also - do you know you can widen ( or shrink) many columns -- like Excel if you have sued Excel ... and if you haven;t -=-then you need to have someone SHOW YOU ...the images show the result of such a change --revealing the missing data ... I have spoken with Jake - Ryan & Greg G - see them if you need more help

Oil Recommendations

Here is a link to a Shell Lube Match Website. It may help you find lubricant listings.

http://www.shell.com/home/page/lubes/lubematch/app_lubematch.html

Thanks to Ken Niefer

Please - understand how GADWIN helps us

Can you PLEASE make sure that you have installed gadwin on your PC .... It is a handy way to make a more precise screen capture ....

April 2008 Blog Entry - Click here

Tips

Open the FREE version -- and change a few things to the way you like
Preferences - what hot key ?
Source - I wish you would select RECTANGLE AREA - when you use it - you will see why
Destination - send to where ?
Image -- PLEASE --change from default .bmp to .PNG ( as a favour to me and other Mac users )

Hitch Company - smart thinking for brake controllers

Hitch Company just does ONE THING very well-- trailer hitches and related items - click on the IMAGE to make larger - these are from page 100 and page 101 of their 2010 catalogue - on customized wiring for brake controllers and the DASH LOCATION to find your location ... have a look - worthwhile - and you look much smarter


******* edit *******

had a e-mail from another supplier saying they TOO have something similar - they are sending us their cat;s on it ... cute to see some suppliers also reading this

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CQO Oil Stickers

a new part # CQO SERVICE for a pac of 50 oil change stickers - we will try to ensure they are sold at our COST as a service to our customers. If levels were not set in your store - they will be as of today

New Updated Oil Cheat Sheet

In the EVER CHANGING world of OIL - Barry from D&T has updated his much appreciated cheat sheet. This is an ever changing situation with part numbers constantly changing. Your store manager has a copy ( paper ) in their mail slot or e-mail barry for an excel/openoffice version - or you can copy the image ( click on it to bring to large size ) to your desktop - it is a .png file that should open on all PC's

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Thursday, May 27th. Please make sure all timesheets and vacation/sick days are sent in BEFORE that.

Thanks.

WRE Alt & Starters - LIFETIME Warranty

effective today all car & light truck units in WRE have lifetime warranty -see the CQ-Link for more details ( under marketing link )

new promotions on CQ-LINK --see marketing tab for details

Count List - Multi Store - Google Doc's

We set up a Google Doc's ( excel type spreadsheet ) for the lines we set to count by month. Greg H has gone thru and weeded many obvious problems:
- some line duplicated that need not be
- missing lines especially for X lines ( outside purchases )
- some line now obsolete ( these marked with an X in the month to count
- some lines are NOT NORMALLY stocked - we marked these with a 13 in the month to count

PLEASE --if you see something that needs to be corrected - see your store manager ( or staff member at Petes as they also have edit permissions )

PLEASE - do not change unless you know it is right for all stores

EAST PENN Roadside assistance info

In a recent e-mail CARQUEST Toronto mentioned an 'onsert' on batteries with roadside assistance ... OK --what in the heck is an ONSERT ....

Since March the units ( 60 - 72 & 84 mth ) have been stickered on the side with this peel off customer card info for the 2 year road side plan - we will still need the hand out info for any battery not so stickered --and it will take some time to work all sku's thru the system --thanks to Matt for the image

How to give BETTER customer service in Filters

We just ran our first MOVEUP in CFI ( Wix Filters ) and in reviewing the actions can see some problems ---

First - lets explain what a MOVEUP is ... and how we do it
-every line is reviewed once a year in Raleigh by Mike Deals group and an updated movement code is set --thing become more or less popular and the movement code is changed to reflect that.
-we set our stock depth - in a typical line we might have a stock depth of 5.7 ..so everything more popular than that will be suggested to add a level.
-we can identify parts OUTSIDE that range that sell X times ( adjustable by us ) - but that sometimes creates as many problems as it tries to solve ( eg - customer does one time order for 5 widgets - do we want to stock one ?
-staff can review the parts being selected for return and if oyu see something you need - you can re-set the ORDER POINT - not a workable solution but sometimes you get lucky

Options for filters ( and similar ) >>> if you get a customer who needs us to stock a filter for his use -- and you think we might get tripped up on a MOVEUP -- especially if the filter is a movement code 8 ( 8.1 thru 8.9 ) !! you can set the flag to DO NOT FORECAST. See the image ... there is a very similar option STOCK PROTECT and when we asked the help desk - these seem to do the same thing --so we had to pick one --and DO NOT FORECAST seems as good as any.

The image is from the HELP SCREEN - take a minute and get comfortable - sometime the search works well- but for me - since I have skimmed the PAPER version sitting in the office ( a 4" binder - available to see ) I use the known headings and can find the data.

On a related note--we are days away from seeing the first test fleet survey WALL POSTER - we can get more of these wall posters for our customers by sending Gerry Leaman the excel data and he will have the poster printed for us. See Ken Niefer for details.