Think Twice Before Getting Rid of Paper
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 understand the argument for eliminating paper catalogs from a cost standpoint, but when you eliminate this reference
Let’s Make Delivery Free
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 installers ever get a UPS shipment at home or
Computers Aren’t Always Best
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 other guys. I detest them as they only help in look-up 10 to 15
Finding Use for Paper Catalogs
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 able to consult a paper catalog and be able to see many years at
The Problem is Not the Stool
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 what you experienced in your visit. Gary, it’s my belief that
Don’t Forget to Torque Down
I just received the latest copy of Counterman. I was very surprised when I finished reading the article titled “The Perfect Brake Job” in the Technical Training Series insert. I have been working on cars since I was about eight. As I was reading the article I noticed that each paragraph regarding the diagnosis of
Young Guns
I hate to break it to you, Mike Demers, but your generalizations of people age 25 and younger in your column What’s Wrong With Customer Service? portrayed a very poor example of the majority of working young people today. I happen to be in the demographic of people whom you described as “lacking in customer
Production vs. Custom Engines
The article “Crate Engines: A Smart Solution” by Larry Carley (September) presented a one-sided opinion of the repowering business. I believe the more than 7,000 custom machine shops in the US would take great exception to many things Mr. Carley espoused in his article. He paints a sorry picture of the custom engine rebuilding industry
With Thanks
Thank you Gary Garberg for finally saying in print what I’ve been trying to convey for years! Delivery drivers and outside sales reps don’t get the credit they deserve. Way too often they end up being the “punching bag” for someone else’s mistakes. I liked the article so much that I made copies and forwarded
Face-to-Face Selling
I really enjoyed Editor Brian Cruickshank’s The Formula column. Great article. I liked the way he juxtaposed Advance’s $1 billion in commercial sales milestone against the simplicity of the guy at the counter being the cornerstone of a great wholesale business for 40 years! So many senior managers in the aftermarket overlook the value of
Let Them Flip Burgers
I’ve been in the auto parts business for the last 10 years. In that time, I have worked for an independent, a national retailer and now, a smaller program-group affiliated chain. The trend of getting rid of knowledgeable people and replacing them with “Joe Blow Computer Geek” is really bad. What’s worse is the management
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