|
|
CheckaNumber.com is a Craigslist for Car Parts
A new online site is a "craigslist for car parts". California software company Bintelsoft, Inc, has introduced a new web search engine for car parts -- www.checkanumber.com. CheckaNumber makes it easy to find parts within a specific zip code. CheckaNumber features parts inventories from dealers, parts stores, warehouse distributors and others. It also includes an "eBay-style" marketplace, where any dealer items may be posted with details and pictures.
"Our new site is the perfect place to easily find car parts. We have also created a special link for auto dealers to sell their inventory. This is a great opportunity for recently closed dealerships," explains Ole Stein, CEO of Bintelsoft Inc.
CheckaNumber also offers relief to dealers stunned by recent dealership closings. CheckaNumber makes it possible for closing dealers to expedite their sales of parts, accessories, shelving, tools, shop equipment, computers, phones and furniture. They may even advertise their buildings and property. All items may also be uploaded to eBay, craigslist and worldslist using CheckaNumber's automated quick links.
LATE AND BREAKING NEWS
CONNECTICUT INSURANCE DEPARTMENT FINES SAFECO COMPANIES $434,000: The Connecticut Insurance Department fined five Safeco subsidiaries a total of $434,000 for improper cancellations, improper rating, and unlicensed agents and adjusters, among other violations of state law. Insurance Commissioner Thomas R. Sullivan said he was "disturbed" by the widespread violations. The total fine amount is a result of smaller fines assessed to subsidiary companies.
SearchAutoParts.com, July 28, 2009
CCC CONDUCTS FIRST REPAIR ADVISORY PANEL MEETING: CCC Information Services held the initial meeting of its new Repair Advisory Panel, an inter-industry group comprised of collision repairers, insurers, automotive OEMs, paint companies, I-CAR and MOTOR. Formalized in April, the group reviews and discusses potential modifications or enhancements to CCCÕs estimating products to provide the company with direct input into how new or revised solutions may impact the various participants.
SearchAutoParts.com, July 28, 2009
|
|
=========================================Advertisement=========================================
| HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CURRENT ISSUE OF FIXED OPS MAGAZINE |
|
|
|
| SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRY NEWS OF INTEREST TO FIXED OPS MANAGEMENT |
|
|
|
|
=========================================Advertisement=========================================
|
|
|
1) FEATURE:
The Car Wash As A Revenue Generator |
Summary:
This column represents the sixth in a series about how to design, configure and operate dealership car wash facilities so as to optimize capital investment, ongoing expense and customer service levels.
Previous installments of this article series have covered the following topics; building design and operational considerations; equipment types and their pros and cons; the value of equipment options including ancillary equipment; paint sealant F&I programs; and selection of a vendor. This month we will cover one of the latest steps in the evolution of car wash facilities at auto dealerships - upgrading the car wash from a CSI and customer retention tool into a direct revenue generator.
Read this complete article on page 28 of the July issue of Fixed Ops Magazine or in the Fixed Ops Digital Edition
Click here to see the digital version of this story!
|
=========================================Advertisement=========================================
|
|
2) COLUMN:
Body Shop Profitability Roadmap |
Summary:
As a certified consultant in the field of body shop management, I am often called upon to help breathe life back into a dying body shop business. Having done this for more than 30 years, I have developed a set of procedures that are very helpful to analyze where the business is. This analysis helps us implement procedures that will get the shop profitable.
Read this complete article on page 34 of the July issue of Fixed Ops Magazine or in the Fixed Ops Digital Edition
Click here to see the digital version of this story!
|
=========================================Advertisement=========================================
|
|
3) FEATURE:
Most Prepare For Failure, Few For Success |
Summary:
Are you prepared for the economic rebound that is assuredly coming? With dealerships closing, leaving customers "orphaned", it's now more likely than ever that your Fixed Operations department can achieve 100 % fixed coverage.
Many people would have you believe that achieving 100% fixed coverage is a fantasy. Actually, nearly 10% of all dealerships in America are doing this right now. And, with the titanic changes occurring in the marketplace, it's easier than ever to achieve. Of course, as with any venture you must first start with a plan
Read this complete article on page 10 of the July issue of Fixed Ops Magazine or in the Fixed Ops Digital Edition
Click here to see the digital version of this story!
|
=========================================Advertisement=========================================
|
|
4) Using Eye Contact to Market the Service Department |
Situation
- Eye contact w/ customers is crucial to marketing service department
- Also, "restating the problem" helps improve customer relations
- Managers should hold advisors accountable for customer-friendly rules
- Also praise them when progress is made
|  |
Significant Points
- Poor eye contact can imply uncertainty on the advisor's part
- May also leave impression that advisor isn't listening to customer
- Managers should work w/ advisors to improve eye contact, communication
- Best practice: when customer is talking, eyes on customer
- Restating what customer said is also must-do for professional shop
- Restating confirms respect, helps eliminate miscommunication
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: DealerMarketing.com - July 22, 2009
Return to top |
|
5) Tips for a Smarter, Safer Shop |
Situation
- Repair shops may get surprise visit from OHSA
- Even if they think they're running safe shop
- Experts offer 11 tips to help reduce injuries, avoid violations
- Many problems stem from improper or no required paperwork
|  |
Significant Points
- Enforce eye-protection rules, stock up on gloves, check power tools
- Have adequate fire extinguishers, enforce respirator rules
- Keep a clean shop, conduct employee training on lifting basics
- Never presume employees use "common sense," mark secondary containers
- Guard against bloodborne pathogens, inspect lifts and review safety rules
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: Auto Body Repair News - July 1, 2009
Return to top |
|
6) Looking After Parts Profits |
Situation
- Many repair shops often focus on labor profit over parts profit
- Labor profit more complicated, but parts profit can be overlooked
|  |
Significant Points
- Experts suggest benchmark of 60% profit from parts business
- But that doesn't mean marking every part up 60%
- Low-priced parts should have higher markup
- Higher priced parts will have low markup to draw customer attention
- Most important, customers come to repair shops because of service
- Not necessary to "tackle" customer in parking lot and force discount on them
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: MotorAge.com - July 16, 2009
Return to top |
|
7) Mileage, Damage, Lack of Maintenance Depreciate Vehicles |
Situation
- CarMax provides free appraisals of used vehicles
- Will buy any vehicle w/o requiring separate purchase
- Written offer good for 7 days of appraisal
- CarMax conducted online survey of Americans
|  |
Significant Points
- Mileage main factor causing a car's value to depreciate
- Frame damage and not keeping up w/ regular maintenance were other major factors
- Men more likely to consider keeping up w/ regular maintenance
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: Carmax Press Release - July 20, 2009
Return to top |
|
8) EPA Fuel-Efficiency Ratings Change CARS Eligibility List |
Situation
- Government changed gas mileage figures on 100 older vehicles affecting CARS eligibility
- EPA says changes resulted from double checking fuel-efficiency ratings on 30K 1984 and newer vehicles
- About half the 100 didn’t qualify because combined mileage rating was revised upward
- Equal number of vehicles became eligible as those found to be not eligible
- Edmunds.com discovered switcheroo because potential buyers were complaining on its discussion boards
- Some said it made them ineligible at last minute for car deals they already had on deck
|  |
Significant Points
- To qualify for program, clunker must have EPA city-highway "combined" rating of 18 mpg or lower
- EPA gave no reason its ratings were inaccurate or why some went up
- For 2008 MY, EPA started revising mileage figures, typically downward, to better reflect real-world driving
- Toyota Prius that had been rated 60 mpg in city driving fell 20% to 48 mpg
- You can check the government’s website for updates at www.cars.gov
Click Here for Full Digest and Source Article:
Sourced From: USA Today - July 27, 2009
Return to top |
|
|
