Bah Humbug & Happy New Year!
“Closed for the holidays,” must be nice. We parts guys at the bottom of the totem pole can’t afford to close for a full week like some manufacturers. Our customers need us all year round — and we’ll be there for them.
Then Why’d You Do It?
Would you ever sell a part you couldn’t warranty? It happens all the time and creates more work and expense for everyone in the end.
Around the World
Multi Parts Supply (MPS) employs more than 60 people around the world exactly because, as Jon Owens stated in his column Made in China, “there’s more to (sourcing directly from China) than just finding a low-cost supplier and letting the increased margins roll in.” Not one of these 60 people is actually fabricating or distributing
Offended Reader
I feel very offended about the name of your magazine. There are so many counterwomen who do the very same job! Elizabeth Burney Parts Specialist Seminole, OK Counterman Responds… Thanks for your letter, Elizabeth. We get letters like yours every so often, and do appreciate your comments. Over the years, we have considered changing the
Why Buy Direct?
Everyone wants to save a few points on parts purchases. But does cutting out the middleman really save anyone in the long run? Sometimes, the middleman brings more value than you think.
Do You Know Your Breaking Point?
Every business wants to make a profit, right? An important key to making a profit is understanding a company’s break-even point. Figuring it out is a simple and necessary process for any store’s success.
Information Overload
We all make mistakes. Some are excusable and some are just plain stupid. But when it comes to ordering the wrong part for a customer’s vehicle, that mistake is costly and time consuming. What’s the solution?
15th Annual Tech Forum
This month, Counterman presents the 15th annual Technical Forum, a question-and-answer style section that addresses some of the questions you and your customers need to know.
Non-Euclidian Geometry
Right parts + right place + right time = happy service professional, right? Not by today’s standards. Service professionals want more and you have to change your formula to give it to them.
Nitrogen Tire Inflation: A Lot of Hot Air?
Should your store look into nitrogen inflation of your delivery truck tires? Here’s what I’ve discovered about nitrogen-inflated tires and whether you should look into it for your own business.