We Need Precise Information
6/9/2009
Kelsey Tidwell had a good point, even if you missed it (In the letters section of the May 2009 issue, Tidwell takes issue with a February Tech Tip that says bearings demand grease with special characteristics. She felt the answer was too generic.)
... more
If It's Not A Good Time, Tell Us
3/12/2009
I read with interest Mitch Schneider’s comments in COM-PEN-EEEEEEE! (January, 2009). In my years in the parts business, I have always stressed the importance of empathy when striving to meet the needs of the customer.
Mitch apparent... more
Sorry, I Prefer Paper
12/15/2008
With paper catalogs, an error is found once. I can make a notation or use sticky paper or a paperclip to mark it so it can be shared with other counter people. There’s no way to make notation with e-cats I’ve used. I have found e-cats ... more
Why All the Fuss Over E-Cats?
11/21/2008
Sorry people, the paper cat is going the way of the drum brake whether we like it or not. The benefits of going to e-cat is too great to let the
current drawbacks stop it for long.
So let’s quit complaining about all of t... more
Keep the Technical Info Coming
11/14/2008
I just love the technical features in Counterman magazine. They are chock full of useful information. That knowledge brings power! Keep the articles coming. Your articles are a powerful tool and are very useful when speaking to customers. more
I Know Why, Mitch
8/14/2008
Mitch Schneider wants to know why, and how in his article “Why is it in Vogue?”(Counterman, June 2008) that people crucify aftermarket manufacturers.
Unfortunately for us in the retail side, the answer can be traced back to... more
Computers Aren't Always Best
6/16/2008
I applaud Jon Owens for wanting to rid the world of the scourge of
paper catalogs (“Let’s Make A Deal, December 2007). They are cumbersome
and time consuming, and are also one of the things that actually
differentiate me from the ot... more
Finding Use for Paper Catalogs
5/30/2008
Getting rid of paper catalogs is a bad idea. Many times, cataloging is incomplete in the computer.
Being able to review a paper catalog is essential. With production dates and model years sometimes hard to discern, it is great to be abl... more |
Short-term Pain for Long-term Gain
1/23/2009
I’ve been in the parts business for 17 years, mostly on the dealership side of the business. I’ve found that the same practices used on the dealership side also work in the independent world. With a little effort and some help from a comput... more
Wake Up to the Computer Age
12/15/2008
I’m a 32-year veteran of the auto parts business and am ASE certified in eight areas. While it’s good to have paper catalogs at a backup, in some instances, an e-cat is better. At NAPA, we have an e-cat system that shows exhaust diagra... more
There’s No Substitute For Paper
11/21/2008
I have been in auto parts for more than 30 years, both in the aftermarket, and in dealerships. There is no real substitute for the books.
True, the e-cat may be faster, especially in conjunction with e-invoicing, but the books still win h... more
Get Rid Of Paper Catalogs? No Way!
9/9/2008
Thinking of getting rid of paper catalogs? Don’t! They do have a wealth of information that’s not currently being included in the electronic catalogs. Paper catalogs have saved me more than once.
Ken, Murray’s Discou... more
Think Twice Before Getting Rid of Paper
7/10/2008
Setting a course to abolish the paper catalog is something manufacturers should really think twice about.
As I have worked through the years in the parts business, I have found nothing more resourceful than the print catalog. I understan... more
Let's Make Delivery Free
6/16/2008
I just read Jon Owens’ article on ending free delivery (April 2008). I thought it was great. No one ever wants to talk about this and I know the technicians say they refuse to pay for delivery. But as your article points out, do those same in... more
The Problem is Not the Stool
4/17/2008
In response to your article in the March issue, “Get Off Your Duff” (by Gary Garberg): Out of the hundreds of autoparts stores I have visited and the 25-30 stores I have worked at in over the last 10 years, I’ve found none of wh... more |