Publisher’s Perspective: Here We Go Again
I frequently hear that electric and hybrid technologies are going to put an end to the reciprocating engine. When I am faced with someone spewing this rhetoric, my eyes tend to glaze over and my mind races on how to respond.
Publisher’s Perspective: Did You See This Headline?
“I think there’s a much deeper economic reason that tariffs are a bad idea,” writes AMN Publisher Scott Shriber. “Arguing that the prices of these parts will rise due to the tariffs – and thus postpone or even cancel consumers’ repair plans – is an immediate concern, and one that Washington should consider carefully. But it’s not the whole story.”
Publisher’s Perspective: ‘Does Not Bother Me None’ – Until It Affects Me, That Is!
Now is the time for us in the automotive aftermarket to speak up about data. The industry had to fight for more than a decade to get ‘Right to Repair’ passed. Now is the time to start this battle before existing practices become accepted as business as usual.
Publisher’s Perspective: It’s A Big Challenge, But We Have Help
In all of my travels around the distribution market, as well as in the collision and mechanical repair spaces, there seems to be no bigger challenge than the lack of skilled workers.
Publisher’s Perspective: Brands, Built Over Many Years, Must Be Protected Like Gold
I’ve recently been involved in discussions about brands. Some hold their brand with very high regard, and others dismiss its value and importance very quickly. In my tenure in this business, I’ve always been in the first group. Please do not mentally check out here because you don’t think you have a brand. We all have a brand, even if it’s our own personal brand.
Publisher’s Perspective: Do You Have the Passion?
The automotive building and repair markets are full of things to be passionate about, such as customer satisfaction, quality and reputation.
Publisher’s Perspective: Questioning a Trip to Las Vegas?
Mitch Schneider wrote last December upon his return from the AAPEX show that, “the show isn’t just about all the cool, cute, physical stuff you can cram in a bag and then drag home. It’s about ideas, information and relationships. More than anything else, it’s about education and communication.”
Publisher’s Perspective: Debate Over Delivery Charges Heats Up
In a column I wrote for the April issue of Counterman , I suggested that it may be time for all parts stores (retail chain, independent and WD-owned) and two-step WD’s to implement delivery service charges to their delivery customers in light of today’s unprecedented gas prices. The article invoked many responses, and I was informed yesterday that the topic is a hot discussion item down at the annual Alliance shareholders meeting in Nashville , Tenn. Much to my delight, many entities across the market are taking this issue seriously, however it won’t be until ALL entities are bold enough to step forward that charging for delivery service becomes a reality.
From Counterman.com: Publisher’s Perspective — Customer Service Balancing Act
There’s an old business axiom that goes something like this, “There are only two rules to follow in order to be successful in business. Rule # 1 is: The customer is always right. Rule # 2 is: When the customer is wrong, refer to Rule # 1.” Certainly, there is an element of truth in that axiom, along with a smile and a wink. But, the psychology of “catering” to your customers requires some scrutiny and, in my opinion, must always be tempered with sound business practices.
From Counterman.com: Publisher’s Perspective — Big Chains Get Bigger
Our annual review of the top 20 Super Stores reveals that much maneuvering and positioning has gone on in the past year and will continue in ’08. Once again this month we conduct our annual review of the top 20 Super Stores in the United States, and once again we find the big chains are continuing to get bigger. While few significant moves were made in ’07, as I write this article we are closely monitoring a major development among two of the top five store chains: O’Reilly’s attempt to purchase CSK. If successful, this will be a key advancement for O’Reilly, not just in store count but (perhaps, more importantly) in geographic coverage and shareholder value.