|  Body Shop B.S. from CPG
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BODY SHOP B.S.
A Body Shop Business Support Publication of Consolidated Parts Group - Since 1997 |
October, 2016 |
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Halloween & Elections
It's a scary time for many with the movie theatre's and TV shows/movies tacking out on scary movies related to Halloween. Factor in one of the most controversial Presidential elections in US history, and some of even more frigthened. Laughter, Love and Family/Friends are ultimately the best formula to fend off fear! We hope you will find humor in your day at work and at home.
Consolidated Parts Group has been working in/with/for the collision repair industry since 1997 to try and assist shops in having control of their businesses. Our Parts and Service partners have invested in that goal on your behalf and fully support our ongoing work. They offer exceptional service, discounts, and FAST cycle-time delivery AND support you through CPG.
Please consider supporting those who support you!
Sincerely,
Daniel and Renee McAllister
Consolidated Parts Group
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| INDUSTRY NEWS SHORTS & LINKS |
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This Month's featured Video:
The Election Choices are as clear as MUD! At CPG we make it easy... Move to Mars, there are no politicians there (that we know of).
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CPG GARAGE SALE PAGES SAVE YOU $$$$
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Benefits of the CPG Garage Sale Pages
1) Return of otherwise unreturnable parts - Vehicle manufacturers have become increasingly more strict on their return policies for dealerships. Many parts are simply "Unreturnable" such as airbags, electrical parts, many trim parts, parts that have been painted, parts not in original packaging, etc.
2) Parts at GREAT $aving$ - Because these parts are deemed unreturnable by manufacturers, dealers may offer substantial discounts in order to get rid of otherwise unsellable, yet useable parts.
3) Dealer Improved Return Policy - Other dealer competitors may not be able to absorb returns of this nature so may impose fee's and/or restrictions within their return policy.
4) Improved Return Allowance for Dealers - Because our CPG dealers now have another outlet to take returned parts and resell them through our Garage Sale Pages, they can utilize what dollar amounts they do generate on other parts that do qualify for manufacturer return, which increases their capacity to take back returns.
This CPG developed program is not mandatory for any of our dealers to participate in. If you are looking for a specific "Deal" you can click on that dealers logo from our CPG websites front page and see if they have a "Garage Sale" logo. If so, simply click on that and you'll be shopping!
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CPG Shop Tool of the Month
CPG has created and compiled a large variety of helpful "Shop Tools" designed for shops to use in a number of circumstances you face often on a daily basis. Issues such as Insurer Steering, Total Loss Claims, EPA issues, etc. This month we feature a very helpful tool for helping to market your collision repair shop, while also providing a very helpful tool for your customers in a:
POST REPAIR INSPECTION FORM
This form serves several important purposes:
1) Opportunity for Legitimate Up-Selling - If you find problems in areas unrelated to the collision repair work performed, you may also earn more profits if the customer chooses to have you perform that additional needed work.
2) Added Value Service - The customer did not bring their vehicle to you for this repair work, they brought it there for collision repair. So imagine what they think of your shop and your focus on a "complete" and Safe repair if you point out other areas of potential concern?
3) CYB (Cover Your Butt) Option - Customers can be difficult at times, like when they return to your shop and say things like; "Ever since you repaired my back-end collision, my CD player's right speaker sounds scratchy." or even worse; "Ever since you repaired my car, my dishwasher does not dry the dishes."
To read and/or print out this practical and helpful document, simply click
HERE
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| ALTRA PRODUCTS Celebrates 30 Years! |
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Car-O-Liner announces that distributor Altra Products is 30 years old!
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Altra is owned by Richard Post and opened on March 1, 1986, in Wayland, Mich. The 10,000-square-foot facility provides products such as Car-O-Liner measuring, welding and holding products, Garmat USA paint booths and booth products, and Col-Met powder coat booths and ovens.
"I opened Altra because I wanted to help people," said Post. "This is a very technical industry, and we wanted people out in the field to know the right ways to correct damaged vehicles."
Altra began selling Car-O-Liner products in 2011, and Post said sales of these products have really taken off locally.
"We chose to work with Car-O-Liner because they are a local company with great products," he said. "They have a great local facility. Our customers recognize that Car-O-Liner is top notch in the industry. They like that we are supporting them so they are supporting us through that as well."
Post is a 1975 graduate of the Kent Career Center in Grand Rapids and holds an associate's degree from Ferris State University's auto body program. He has been married for 30 years, and the couple has four children. Post said support from family has been vital in the success of his business. His sister, Rose Wiers, has been the controller for Altra for 20 years. He also credits his employees for their continued hard work and support of the customers and their business.
"Our employees here are second to none. They work very hard to take care of the customer and to make sure things are right for them," said Post. "I couldn't do it alone. I am very pleased to have these top-notch people to do what we have done for the past 30 years. They have helped establish an honorable relationship with our customers. We're looking forward to the next 30 years!"
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Call Toll-Free
800-684-3154
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| Collision Link - Parts Procurement Program for SHOPS |
Collision Link has been a round for many years now, and has long been proven to be a Parts Procurement Program (PPP) that strongly benefits Body Shops. While some PPP's may have some helpful tools that shops can assess as "good," they were often written primarily with the Insurer in mind. Collision Link has worked with many OEM manufacturer's to provide OEM options for shops and the vehicle owner, even if the insurer insists on Aftermarket. Whether you already use Collision Link or are interested in learning more, we recommend you explore what the benefits are for your shop, by checking out this article, just click
HERE.
With ever-increasing mandates to install aftermarket or used replacement parts by insurer's, OEM manufacturer's have continued to offer their own "Price Matching Programs" in order to compete for that market share, as well as form a coalition with collision repair shops to offer genuine quality, fit and performance for their mutual vehicle customers. We wrote in this issue of the recent addition of Hyundai into this group of manufacturer's. Here is a view of some of the manufacturer's offering a "Price Matching Program" through OE Connect, and online parts procurement organization with a proven track record of working with and for Body Shops and OEM Parts Providers:
In addition to the different ways to procure OEM parts at AM pricing, each manufacturer has different programs where some have a much wider range of parts they can price match on, such as
K&M Dodge's "Match the Whole Estimate" Program, and some that offer the more common crash parts, such as hoods, fenders, bumpers, headlights, etc.
Betten Imports now offers an exceptional Parts Price Matching option for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles, too.
MARKETING ADVANTAGE FOR YOUR SHOP?
Consolidated Parts Group recommends every shop know what they can offer in terms of OEM at AM pricing, communicate to their customers about the specific part(s) they will be able to install as OEM without further cost to the customer or their insurer, and take credit for what is certainly an "Added-Value" repair using quality OEM parts. This can give your shop an edge over your competition who may not utilize these programs, or may not communicate that to the customer thereby giving your shop a competitive advantage.
If you have any questions about any manufacturers Price Matching Program, PLEASE be sure to ask any of our CPG partner dealers as all of our dealers participate in their manufacturer's PMP's to the full extent of their programs.
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|  TOYOTA OF GRAND RAPIDS "TEAM" Works! |
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Toyota/Scion of Grand Rapids, has built a TEAM around principles that successful businesses and sports teams model. Find excellent talent, give them the tools and training they need, allow them to take ownership of their work, and foster an environment of Family.
The Toyota of Grand Rapids Parts Team from left, Parts Manager Jim Vaughn (27 years), Lance Welmers (7 years parts, former technician), Josh Heredia, Dave Gingebaugh, and Brandon Reynolds (8 years) continue to lead Toyota/Scion of Grand Rapids' Wholesale Parts Department as #1 in west Michigan. With:
- Large Crash Parts Inventory
- 3 Delivery Vehicles
- Over 40 combined Years of Toyota/Scion Parts Knowledge
- Aftermarket Price Matching Program via Toyota's "Parts Bridge"
- Commitment to Service
- Competitive Discounts
- Hassle-Free Return Policy
- Next Day "Daily Order" Delivery for out-of-stock parts by 3pm call-in
You can rest assured, Jim and his entire Parts Crew are committed to delivering exceptional service for all your Toyota and Scion Parts Needs! #1 for a reason!
877-703-5932
Local - 616-574-8120
Fax - 616-942-4658
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Legislative Bills Important for 2016
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There were at least three Legislative Bills introduced in 2015-2016 (current legislative cycle), all of which followed a typical, historical path, and ended up dying in committee. Here is a review of each of those bills, which we hope will be introduced again and the industry can rally behind their support with their congressmen and possibly lead to Law.
Senate Bills begin with SB, and House Bills begin with HB.
Click on CONTENT below to read this Bill
SB-430 - Parts Procurement Bill - CONTENT
The bill would amend the Insurance Code to prohibit an insurer from requiring, directly or indirectly, through a contract, program, or policy, a person who operates an automobile repair facility to use a specific vendor or process for the procurement of parts or other materials.
The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
Referred to the Committee on Insurance - 12/1/15 - NO updates
Click on CONTENT below to read this Bill
SB-443 - Steering by Insurer - Use of non-OEM Parts - CONTENT
Insurance; property and casualty; use of certain body shops for repairs; prohibit insurers from requiring and provide other protections for insureds.
Referred to Committee on Insurance - 9/9-15 - NO Updates
SB-998 - Torts & Product Liability exempt repair facilities and technicians that follow OEM Procedures during the repair process on Autonomous Vehicles - CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act to state that a motor vehicle mechanic or a motor vehicle repair facility that repaired an automated motor vehicle according to specifications from the manufacturer of the vehicle would not be liable in a product liability action for damages resulting from the repairs. Under the Act, the manufacturer of a vehicle is not liable and must be dismissed from any action for alleged damages resulting from certain activities, including the conversion of the vehicle into an automated motor vehicle by another person, unless the defect from which the damages resulted was present in the vehicle when it was manufactured. Also, a subcomponent system producer is not liable in a product liability action for damages resulting from the modification of equipment installed by the producer to convert a vehicle to an automated motor vehicle unless the defect from which the damages resulted was present in the equipment when it was installed by the producer. The bill would extend immunity to a motor vehicle mechanic and a motor vehicle repair facility, as provided above. The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
Introduced 5/25/2016
Passed by Senate 9/7/2016
Referred to Committee on Communications and Technology - Second Reading 9/20/2016
NO Further Updates
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These bills have great importance to the Collision Repair Industry, and CPG is highly encouraging EVERY shop to write their congressmen to get each one re-introduced this year, and then to push for serious consideration on a consistent basis. Most politicians are motivated most by Re-election, which takes money and/or votes. This industry will need to come together on this individually by making direct contact, as well as demanding industry associations, groups, and other organizations to collectively lobby for action.
CPG has provided direct links to Find your State Senator, and Find your State Representative. PLEASE be proactive this year, be a Soldier for Change!
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Team Shaheen Continues to Excel - TWO Locations!
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Shaheen Chevrolet has two HUGE warehouse locations that currently service most of the entire lower pennisula of Michigan. The Lansing store servicing most of the state below M-46, and the Shaheen Warehouse, located in Farwell, MI servicing all shops north of M-46 from the east coast to the west coast. While both of these Shaheen Parts Wholesale locations are part of the Shaheen family, they operate separately.
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Shaheen Chevrolet Lansing
Location: Lansing, MI
Parts Manager - Larry Hose
- $5 Million Inventory
- 15 Delivery Vehicles - Twice/Day In Many Areas
- 6 Wholesale Parts Specialists - 141 years experience
- #1 in GM Program(s) useage
- VERY Competitive Discounts
- Fluent in All GM Programs
- Service is #1
800-452-2828
Local Fax
517-394-2459 877-900-0718
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Shaheen Warehouse - Farwell, MI
Location: 320 E. Ludington Dr - Farwell, MI 48622
Parts Director - Royce King
- $6 Million Available Inventory
- GM Collision
- AC Delco/Aftermarket Distributor
- Shop Supplies - Detail Supplies
- 13 Delivery Vehicles - Multiple Deliveries DAILY
- 6 Wholesale Parts Specialists - 141 years experience
- Fluent in All GM Programs
- Service is #1
855-336-4773
989-935-5005 877-900-0718
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Shaheen Chevrolet's Wholesale Parts Department continues to grow and improve, and was recognized as the fastest growing GM parts department in the USA in 2014 and 2015. Parts Director Royce King, along with Parts Manager Larry Hose, and their experienced wholesale parts staff have focused on service and a competitive discount, the result has been growth. And their commitment to offering a benchmark experience with every shop they have the priviledge of doing business with, will not change.
Shaheen Chevrolet offers arguably the best discounts in Michigan. Why? They rank #1 in the entire USA on utilizing some of General Motors "Programs" where dealers can earn back-end money based on their level of participation, volume, etc. This allows them to make more on the back-end, so they can offer you more on the front-end in additional discounts.
What might you be able to $AVE? CPG suggest you find out for yourselves and make a phone call TODAY to Parts Manager Larry Hose or Parts Director Royce King.
"Service and Price - Two Things We Strive to be the BEST at"
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|  FOX Hyundai-Kia - Fast FREE Daily Delivery! |
|  "We want to be your source for Hyundai and Kia OEM parts." FOX Hyundai-Kia Parts Manager Jeff Norton has announced that FOX Hyundai-Kia Offers:
- We Accept Returns from ANY competitor
- We Deliver with our own FOX Delivery Trucks and Drivers
- Hyundai and Kia Certified Parts Specifiers - Experienced and Knowledgable
- Full Participant in Kia Parts Price Matching Program - Just Call Us!
Hyundai also offers a great deal of technical support and other resources to independent repair shops via their website: http://www.hyundaiwholesale.com/
This website has service bulletins, diagnostic help and, a collision estimating guide.
Check out the staff below, with the newest addition to the FOX Hyundai-Kia Parts Team, Jim Welch who was a service Technician for two years at FOX Hyundai-Kia, and comes from the Bay Area of California with over 20 years of experience!. Jim rounds out a very strong Parts team and is a welcome addition!
Since Hyundai has taken over Korean rival Kia, that companies vehicles have also seen a marked improvement in quality and safety. And similarly, sales of Kia continues to rise putting more of their vehicles on the road as well. Kia is still going strong with their parts matching program Kia Parts Konquest. FOX Kia is very competitive with aftermarket on most common parts like lamps, sheet metal, bumper covers, radiators and condensers and, even wheels now. So be sure to call them FIRST when ordering for any Kia.
FOX Hyundai-Kia also holds several "awards" and rankings in their parts department, such as:
- Kia Platinum Elite Certified - Top 15 parts dealer in the USA, #15 in the US in parts volume
- Largest Kia Wholesale Parts Dealer in Michigan
- #1 Hyundai Parts Sales in West Michigan, #2 in Michigan
- Offer Bi-Lingual Parts Staff - Si Hablo Espanol
And here's MORE facts on FOX:
- $400,000 Inventory
- 10 Delivery Vehicles
- 4 Wholesale Parts Specialists - Over 45 years experience
- Huge Crash Parts Inventory
- #1 in West Mich - Hyundai & Kia
- Platinum Elite Certified - Kia
- VERY Competitive Discounts
- Daily Stock Orders with Two Day Arrival
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| Insurer Steering - Law or no Law it's still happening! |
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| Insurance Steering Tactics |
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| Insurance Steering, who benefits |
Actions speak louder than words!
You may remember on April 13, 2015 Consolidated Parts Group started a petition after a pathetic "Political" response from our letter to the state Attorney General's office (which got forwarded to the committee on finance and insurance, who delivered an equally pathetic political response). That petition was sent to several officials offices in Lansing, and that has seemed to help fuel a response from Lansing. This is what we wrote to you:
We have initiated a petition that will be sent/shared with Michigan Legislators and our Governor concerning Insurer Steering and Parts Requirements through programs such as Parts Trader.
Then on July 4, 2015 CPG found out that a new bill SB-430 had been introduced addressing the forced use of a Parts Procurrement Program which we shared with you as shown below:
On July 1, 2015, Senator Hune presented this bill which is now in committee:
Senate Bill #430 - July 1, 2015, Introduced by Senator HUNE and referred to the Committee on Insurance.
A bill to amend 1956 PA 218, entitled "The insurance code of 1956," (MCL 500.100 to 500.8302) by adding section 2110c. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT: SEC. 2110C. AN INSURER SHALL NOT REQUIRE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THROUGH A CONTRACT, PROGRAM, OR POLICY, A PERSON THAT OPERATES AN AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITY TO USE A SPECIFIC VENDOR OR PROCESS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF PARTS OR OTHER MATERIALS. Enacting section 1. This amendatory act takes effect 90 days after the date it is enacted into law.
It is now YOUR Turn to make a difference. Contact YOUR state representatives and PUSH them to get this re-introduced for 2016, then PASSED. While CPG is suspicious of some of the language in the bill, we believe it is VERY important for Lansing to KNOW you are serious about the implications of this bill.
Many of you have responded to our challenge to get involved, to take action by contacting your state senators and representatives and FIGHT for change. You may remember bill that was passed in 2003 concerning "Steering" that took 11 years of being introduced before dying in committee before finally gaining enough traction to pass? Additionally, that bills language was originally MUCH stronger and defined, but by the time the insurance lobby got to it, changed the language so that it was completely undefined giving it little to no "bite." YOU have to fight for both getting this PASSED and keeping the langauge clear and concise, not vague.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS
Find Your Senator: Click
HERE
Find Your Representative: Click
HERE
Consolidated Parts Group has worked diligently since 1997, by the partnership of our amazing and committed Parts and Service Partners, to be allies of the industry fighting for regained control on your behalf. We will continue to do so as long as our partners support us.
PLEASE..... PLEASE support those dealers and service companies that support YOU!
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FOX Honda - Quality-Service-TEAM
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MIssing from the photo's are Ray Phillips. Ray is the departments jack of all trades, and has been with FOX Honda for about 3 years now. FOX Honda is the Largest Volume Honda dealer in their district, and has the largest inventory as well. With their FOX Coordinated Delivery Program sending trucks out daily to all areas, delivery is quick and FREE. The FOX Honda Parts Staff also brings a wealth of experience of nearly 80 years combined experience for their 5 parts specifiers. Very competitive discounts, with a user-friendly parts return policy make FOX Honda an obvious choice. If you are not currently using FOX Honda for all your Honda parts, why not give them a try and experience the difference yourself?
Bob and his crew have been and remains focused on extremely high service level, competitive discounts, and building longterm relationships with their customers, realizing that these are the things that matter most over the long run.
FOX Honda is a FULL Participant in the Honda Aftermarket Parts Matching Program, which shops can use CollisionLink direct, by FAX, or by e-mail in order to access this awesome program. If you'd like to install OEM parts on your customers Honda, even when aftermarket parts have been specified, there are alot of qualifying crash parts, so don't miss this program. Hoods, Fenders, Grilles, Headlights, Fascias, and MORE! Honda owners prefer Honda Parts!
800-274-6632 LOCAL FAX 616-855-3657 616-855-3666 |
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Consolidated Parts Group and it's partners are VERY seriously committed in partnering with the Collision Repair Industry and working towards more control for shop owners. Our industry
e-newsletter BODY SHOP B.S.is just one example of our continued work since 1997.
Please consider the support and efforts put forth by our CPG Partners as you decide on who you will spend your money with for parts and services. CPG Partners believe in the mission and goals of CPG, and likewise, support those efforts through their participation as a CPG Partner. Please "Support those who support you."
Sincerely,
"Your Partners in Parts"
Daniel McAllister
Consolidated Parts Group
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