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Automotive industry insights, tips, and guides

How Should a Parts Manager Handle Tracking Lost Sales on Out-of-Stock Parts?

A parts manager should track lost sales on out-of-stock parts by documenting every backorder request with the customer name, part number, vehicle, reason for ne...

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How Should a Parts Manager Set a Parts Markup Matrix? A Step-by-Step Guide

A parts markup matrix is a tiered pricing structure that sets your profit margin by parts category, supplier, or cost tier—typically ranging from 40% to 80% dep...

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How Should a Parts Manager Handle Core Charges Correctly?

A parts manager handles core charges correctly by collecting the old part upfront, verifying its condition against your DMS recore standards before accepting it...

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How Should a Parts Manager Handle Pricing a Customer-Pay Part?

A parts manager should price a customer-pay part by starting with the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) or your DMS cost-plus markup, then adjusting ...

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How Should a Parts Manager Handle Coordinating Hot Shots Between Stores?

A parts manager coordinates hot shots between stores by establishing a priority queue system, confirming availability before committing parts, documenting trans...

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How Should a Parts Manager Handle Cycle-Counting the Parts Bin?

Cycle-count your parts bin monthly by selecting 15–20% of your SKUs at random, recording actual quantities against your DMS inventory records, investigating dis...

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How Should a Parts Manager Handle Reducing Parts Shelf Stock?

A parts manager should reduce shelf stock by conducting a systematic audit of slow-moving inventory, identifying parts with low turn rates and aging stock, esta...

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How Should a Parts Manager Handle Managing Special-Order Parts?

A parts manager should handle special-order parts by establishing a clear intake process that tracks each order from request through delivery, communicating ETA...

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How Should a Parts Manager Handle Looking Up a Part by VIN?

A parts manager should use the vehicle's VIN to cross-reference the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part number through the dealership's parts catalog or ...

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How Should a Technician Handle Keeping Up With Training on New Model Years?

Technicians stay current with new model-year training by combining manufacturer certification programs, hands-on shop floor experience, and structured dealershi...

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How Should a Technician Handle Documenting Test Drive Findings Clearly?

A technician should document test drive findings by immediately recording observations in a structured format—using checklists for drivability issues, noting ex...

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How Should a Technician Handle Passing a Road Test That Failed the First Time?

When a technician fails an initial road test, the core strategy is: review the specific failure reason with the service advisor and vehicle owner, document it c...

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