You searched for Publisher's Perspective - Page 3 of 3 - aftermarketNews
Publisher’s Perspective: Where Have All The Students Gone?

Recently, a news item came across my desk that piqued my interest. And, while it barely made a ripple across the aftermarket “news” landscape, I found it rather compelling.

Publisher’s Perspective: Collaborating With The Enemy

The high level of warranty returns in the industry is certainly one of our enemies. It appears to me, somewhat ironically, that an opportunity for true collaboration may exist within this industry-wide problem. This marketing “tool” (some might call it “sham”) just might offer enough similar circumstances and ill-fated characteristics to entice parts manufacturers and their re-selling customers to implement policies and procedures in a real, fully functional collaborative effort.

Publisher’s Perspective: Outsourcing the Brand

I recently read an article that discusses a new retail strategy – Pay N Save – from aftermarket retailer CSK Auto. According to the article, the Pay N Save concept was created to provide a “convenient, easy-to-shop alternative to the mega-store hassle.” A Pay N Save spokesperson said, “you can think of a Pay N Save as a mini Costco meets a tool store meets a Michael’s.”

Publisher’s Perspective: The Proliferation Puzzle

In the age of computers, you’re either a “PC” or a “Mac” person. I’m a PC person, and I’m currently typing out this column on my Dell laptop. In fact, Dell is the world’s top supplier of branded, personal workstations with a stunning 50 percent share of the worldwide market. When it comes to PCs, Dell is king. Dell’s commitment to forging good partnerships and developing products has been based on open, rather than proprietary, standards; it’s been the key to their success. This brings us to the automotive aftermarket, where proprietary standards are the norm. In our market, a sense of hyper-competition has fed a desire to differentiate from both a product and service perspective.

Publisher’s Perspective: Why Doesn’t Anyone Recognize Us?

Have you ever had a conversation with a business associate or a friend and noticed that even though they’re listening, their eyes look like they’re staring right through you? It’s almost like you’re not even there (or they’re not even there).

Publisher’s Perspective: We Need You!

I recently purchased something online and received a survey afterward asking, “How was our customer service?” I chuckled – there was no customer service! I interacted with a computer and waited for the mail to come. Service includes people. You are the providers of this service in our industry. 

Publisher’s Perspective: Extended OE Warranty An Attack On The Aftermarket?

Recently, General Motors announced it will be offering an extension on the bumper-to-bumper warranty that comes with new GM vehicles. This will, of course, include Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac models. On the surface, it just looks like for a fee, new-vehicle purchasers can buy increased time and miles on their bumper-to-bumper, new-car warranty. I, on the other hand, see it as a potential negative for the aftermarket.

Publisher’s Perspective: Online Sales Of Aftermarket Parts – Be Careful How You Interpret Things

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the sale of most parts today requires knowledge of the operation and application of the parts.

Publisher’s Perspective: These Are Exciting Times

Business is about change by its very nature. Some new ideas work and survive and some don’t. Our job is to look for these opportunities to grow and change.

Publisher’s Perspective: It’s A Whole New Year, But The Elephant Is Still There!

We need to tout this industry for its virtues instead of harping on its challenges. If we don’t want to do it, why would others?