hardlines Digest Tue, 02 Sep 1997 00:02:01 -0400 V01 #27587 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27585' 'Printer Problems' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 1 Sep 1997 21:23:09 -0400 (EDT) From: ROTENRAND@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27585 Mike, Allentown is a hub and I have never had a "free astray" Had to ask my rep what it was. I have been doing this for three years and love it. I have more problems with the "suspend key' at the POS messing up my inventory than anything. keep smiling Randy Whetstone Nelsons True Value ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 1 Sep 1997 23:14:49 -0400 From: Ward Schemper <76065.1527@compuserve.com> Subject: Printer Problems I'm wondering if anyone else out there is having the same problems we are= = having or if anyone can help with a solution. We purchased a H3410 (Okidata Pacemark 3410) printer from Triad about a couple of months ago. The printer is very fast and great for back office and end of day reports. The probl= em we = are having is that it constantly jams up and has ruined several ribbons i= n the = process. On our August eom reports, it jammed up 3 times. We have calle= d Triad, talked to our field engineer several times and had him out to chec= k it out. They recommended wiping it down with fabric softener to get rid= of static, we have tried that and have moved the paper catcher down to th= e ground, nothing has worked yet. = Please, if anyone has a solution or is experiecing problems or sucess wit= h this printer we would like to hear from you. Apprieciate the help, Ward Schemper's Ace Hardware 76065.1527@compuserve.com ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27587 ********************************** hardlines Digest Wed, 03 Sep 1997 00:03:59 -0400 V01 #27588 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27586' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27585' 'Home Improvement Market magazine website' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 01 Sep 1997 22:32:05 PDT From: "Nycl Company" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27586 Hey guys, who has the information on contact names and phone #s of Ace Hardware Purchasing Dept? Please email me. Thanks a lot. Date: Tue, 02 Sep 1997 08:11:34 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27585 At 09:23 PM 9/1/97 -0400, Randy Whetstone wrote: > >Allentown is a hub and I have never had a "free astray" Had to ask my rep >what it was. I have been doing this for three years and love it. I have >more problems with the "suspend key' at the POS messing up my inventory than >anything. > Randy, By the "suspend" key do you mean the SAVE key? We had this problem due to cashiers putting a pen down on the top row of the keyboard after they pressed TOTAL and they would wind up creating a Save Order when they hit the SAVE button. The solution is to turn off security for SAVE... it's bit 537. Then they will need a manager override to save the transaction. John ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 2 Sep 1997 21:37:01 -0400 (EDT) From: TShayFla@aol.com Subject: Home Improvement Market magazine website We would like to invite the many participants and readers of Hardlines Digest to visit the new website for Home Improvement Market magazine. The location is www.homemkt.com. More specifically, we have a bulletin board for dealer discussion. When you visit the home page, click on the "Tom Shay's Dealer Arena" and go to the bulletin board. There are already several topics that have been started, and there is always room for another topic. We look forward to seeing you there. Tom Shay ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27588 ********************************** hardlines Digest Thu, 04 Sep 1997 00:00:59 -0400 V01 #27589 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27587' 'Re: Receiving' 'Market Books' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 3 Sep 1997 08:12:50 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27587 Hi: Re:Printer --> have your field rep replace the the printer head. Or make him try another head. Re:FreeAstrays -- Manchester has plenty -->supposedly a lot will end when Allentown Hubbing ends (Ha!). Have fun Rick Schwartz ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 03 Sep 1997 08:17:10 -0500 From: mike jones Subject: Re: Receiving Greetings, Well, after all the discussion concerning receiving procedures and problems, we decided that our current procedure, though time-consuming, is very accurate and that is the beginning of good customer service and good management of the store. I saw many years ago in manufacturing that an error at the beginning of the process only multiplied or grew at each step and it was much more efficient to make the early steps accurate. I appreciate every comment. Thanks a lot. Mike Jones Arcola True Value ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 3 Sep 1997 15:45:59 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Market Books Hi: Just got my packet of Market Books. There is a letter from Kevin Houlihan dated 8/19/97 apologizing the delay on the Seasonal books (which is not in the Box!) and will be shipped out on 9/5/97. Kevin claims they needed more time to negotiate price. Will we get more time to figure out our Orders??? Will we even get the books before we board the plane???? Also, no Hot Buy Book more "XXXX" planning?? Oh well. Have fun Rick ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27589 ********************************** hardlines Digest Fri, 05 Sep 1997 00:02:13 -0400 V01 #27590 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27589 Market Books' 'Market Books' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 3 Sep 1997 23:16:05 -0500 From: "Cyndi Martini" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27589 Market Books You got Market Books?????? Congratulations.......our driver informed us that he ran out by the time he got to our store......which happens to be the last stop on the route. Guess someone either forgot to count correctly or someone else went ahead and "borrowed" our set. Well hopefully we might see a set before market. Cyndi Martini Martini TV Hardware ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Sep 1997 15:15:22 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Market Books Hi: Just got in formed that the HOT BUY books and the index will be mailed in with the seasonal mailing. Great. Rick Schwartz ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27590 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sat, 06 Sep 1997 00:03:32 -0400 V01 #27591 Today's topics: 'Re: Checking shipment' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27590' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27590' 'New Orleans get together' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27590' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 5 Sep 1997 10:17:59 -0400 (EDT) From: GEM404@aol.com Subject: Re: Checking shipment We check in every order with the LDT. Our order is averg. $4,500.00. We are serviced out of Henderson RDC. We have very large GOOFS on the average of every other week. Example : dog bedding for driveway sealer, Celing tile for Fence, Salt blocks for cristals and so on. Complained 5 times & the problem still continues Glenn New Market True Value ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 5 Sep 1997 10:22:03 -0400 (EDT) From: GEM404@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27590 No Market books No order. Call ACE and get a set from them ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 05 Sep 1997 10:45:17 -0500 From: jack swift Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27590 At 10:22 AM EST 9/5/97 -0400, you wrote: >No Market books No order. > > >Call ACE and get a set from them > i got 2 sets.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack Swift jswift@up.net N8WAV@W8YY.#UPMI.MI.USA.NA 47.119N 88.572W Swift True Value Hardware 402 Shelden Ave. Houghton, MI 49931 906-482-0530, 0531, 7766 Alpha Phi Omega Epsilon Lambda Chapter Advisor Houghton County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Dereliction IS! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 05 Sep 1997 13:56:13 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: New Orleans get together Any thoughts on an informal get together at the New Orleans True Value market? I'll be in the Big Easy from Saturday PM through Tuesday afternoon. Sunday evening would be a good time for a get together (in my opinion), possibly dinner after the Triad and Tru Trac meetings? Those who avoid these traditional meetings can meet us at the appointed time and place. I just received a map and guide with my market credentials, so once we have an approximate head count (retailers, manufacturers, and even systems folks are all invited) I can make some calls and line up a nice place with a "family" atmosphere (i.e. lots of good beer and cajun food). John ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 5 Sep 1997 18:23:08 -0400 (EDT) From: Wwjenk@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27590 We received the Hot Buy Books and seasonal relays, but no market books. I am so glad that they are giving us time to prepare for the market.................Like we have nothing else to do. Hopefully the market books will arrive on the next truck. Has anyone reviewed the Hot Buy book? We noticed that they didn't indicate a lot of ship dates and in some cases the relay cost was much higher than the warehouse cost. A typo? Wendy Jenkins Jenkins True Value ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27591 ********************************** hardlines Digest Tue, 09 Sep 1997 00:02:42 -0400 V01 #27592 Today's topics: 'Re: New Orleans get together' 'Bill Blasts Away' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 08 Sep 1997 13:44:51 -0700 From: Fred Nichandros Subject: Re: New Orleans get together hardlines-request@cornells.com wrote: > Any thoughts on an informal get together at the New Orleans True Value > market? I'll be in the Big Easy from Saturday PM through Tuesday > afternoon. Sunday evening would be a good time for a get together (in my > opinion), possibly dinner after the Triad and Tru Trac meetings? I think that getting together Sunday PM after the Triad and Tru Trac meetings would be a good time. But whatever time it is going to be, I will try to be there! - Look Forward to seeing you in New Orleans - Fred ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 8 Sep 1997 21:00:22 -0400 From: "WILLIAM H. ROUND" <102753.622@compuserve.com> Subject: Bill Blasts Away ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- From: WILLIAM H. ROUND, 102753,622 CC: Rick Schwartz, Internet:RICKSS1@AOL.COM DATE: 9/6/97 9:48 AM RE: Copy of: Should I send to Group, or Renegades? Dear Ladies and Gentleman, Market orders? I'm still trying to find a profitable resolution to the overstocks generated by previous markets.... I intend to spend most of my time... well, active work time when I'm not talking with fellow members in the aisles... reviewing merchandise assortments. What is in the warehouse that is appropriate for my store, and what needs to be filled in from DS or alternate sources. I believe my inventory selection is a mess. I have allowed it to be driven by the wrong considerations: National advertising, flyers, private label and Cotter (True Value) warehouse stock. I will attend the market with new considerations, at least new for me: Will it sell in my store? Is it part of a profitable program with a critical mass of skus to permit DS activity... with turns? Is it a good selection? Does it duplicate existing items? Will it fit in the aisle available for display? Is it a recognized brand? Is the packaging out of scale with my type of operation? Are too many DS skus required to complete the assortment, and will this mean lots of outs between orders? Can it all be done out of warehouse with no overstocks in the store? A few things I don't want are: Long handle garden tools with 5 different labels.... shipped from the same TRUSERV warehouse. Private labels for the sake of private labels. Deals for the sake of deals. Shifting from one line to another based soley on True Value promotion presence. Four different brands of household brooms and sponge mops. I am very interested in reviewing the new "common" merchandise assortments. I hope these will address most my considerations. If they don't, I will have to step back and review my relationship with the True Value program. Is it a program and a way of doing business? Or, is it a packaged wholesale merchandise presentation with little effective operational assistance to maximize the chances for success in the local marketplace. Regards, Bill Round Round's True Value 290 Main Street Stoneham, MA See ya'll at the Big Easy. ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27592 ********************************** hardlines Digest Wed, 10 Sep 1997 00:03:55 -0400 V01 #27593 Today's topics: 'Re: Bill Blasts Away' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27592' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 9 Sep 1997 08:50:39 -0500 From: "David Casaletto" Subject: Re: Bill Blasts Away > RE: Copy of: Should I send to Group, or Renegades? > > Dear Ladies and Gentleman, > > Market orders? I'm still trying to find a profitable resolution to the > overstocks generated by previous markets.... > > I intend to spend most of my time... well, active work time when I'm not > talking with fellow members in the aisles... reviewing merchandise > assortments. What is in the warehouse that is appropriate for my store, > and what needs to be filled in from DS or alternate sources. > > I believe my inventory selection is a mess. I have allowed it to be driven > by the wrong considerations: National advertising, flyers, private label > and Cotter (True Value) warehouse stock. > > I will attend the market with new considerations, at least new for me: > Will it sell in my store? Is it part of a profitable program with a > critical mass of skus to permit DS activity... with turns? Is it a good > selection? Does it duplicate existing items? Will it fit in the aisle > available for display? Is it a recognized brand? Is the packaging out of > scale with my type of operation? Are too many DS skus required to complete > the assortment, and will this mean lots of outs between orders? Can it all > be done out of warehouse with no overstocks in the store? > > A few things I don't want are: Long handle garden tools with 5 different > labels.... shipped from the same TRUSERV warehouse. Private labels for the > sake of private labels. Deals for the sake of deals. Shifting from one > line to another based soley on True Value promotion presence. Four > different brands of household brooms and sponge mops. > > I am very interested in reviewing the new "common" merchandise > assortments. I hope these will address most my considerations. If they > don't, I will have to step back and review my relationship with the True > Value program. Is it a program and a way of doing business? Or, is it a > packaged wholesale merchandise presentation with little effective > operational assistance to maximize the chances for success in the local > marketplace. > > Regards, > > Bill Round > Round's True Value > 290 Main Street > Stoneham, MA > > See ya'll at the Big Easy. Bill, I agree with everything you are saying! But would it be any better anywhere else? Why can't a group of like minded dealers start having group meetings, etc. with the powers that be and try to change things. There is no good communication between us and them and I really don't think they understand how important this is to us. It not just to make things easier, it the difference whether we survive or not. I'm in the process of setting up a meeting with the new advertising man and the his boss and his boss to try to explain my views on advertising. Why not have a group? We would need to have our ducks in a row before we go into the meeting, but a group always gets more attention. Also, Triad users, there are three meetings at the market. A basic, an advanced, and a business meeting that will have input time. Check your market schedule. See ya! (John-The Sunday after meeting get together sounds great. Count me in!) David Casaletto True Value Home Center Pittsburg, KS P.S. Bill - I hope your day gets better! ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 9 Sep 1997 08:36:02 -0700 From: "Rob Vomund" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27592 =================== We received the following request from our homeimp.com web site. If anyone can serve this potential customer, please respond directly to GoModular@aol.com . Thanks! Rob Vomund Triad Systems homeimp.com I have a Neva Clog J-30 Stapler and I cannot find a supplier of replacement staples. Do you know of a source? I require the DJ-340 staples. Thank you GoModular@aol.com =================== ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27593 ********************************** hardlines Digest Thu, 11 Sep 1997 00:00:11 -0400 V01 #27594 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27593' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27593' 'Retail Advisory Council' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 08:02:52 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27593 Dave:I In a message dated 97-09-10 02:36:02 EDT, you write: << I agree with everything you are saying! But would it be any better anywhere else? Why can't a group of like minded dealers start having group meetings, etc. with the powers that be and try to change things. There is no good communication between us and them and I really don't think they understand how important this is to us. It not just to make things easier, it the difference whether we survive or not. >> Well, Bill had such a meeting this spring with Mr. Dan Cotter in New England. Near the end of the meeting, Mr Cotter shot us all down with this statement that basicly said that TV will be bringing a fellow dealer in from north of Chicago to review his procedures since it mirrors the general problem of all "dealers". Is it always what is good for Chicago is good for all?????? Did he really listen???? Frustrating???? Well, have fun Rick Schwartz ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 12:26:59 -0400 (EDT) From: TRUEHDWE@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27593 Re: Bill Blasts away Get your field rep (Retail Consultant) from TruServ to help coordinate your area meetings. Typically in the west members have oragnizied meetings to discuss several topics ie: advertising, markets, regional merchandise etc. The meetings are constructive and also give members the ability to meet and share ideas that benefit everyone. The meetings are held at different member stores which can also be used as a incentive to clean up before the meeting if needed. These type meeting are always good as long as they aren't used as a whipping tool. Have a great meeting Jim Mason Business Development Manager TruServ - Portland ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 17:08:59 -0500 From: hardware Subject: Retail Advisory Council David Casaletto suggested forming a committee to meet with Truserve's advertising staff in order to provide retail based input in our advertising decisions. I am happy to announce that there is such a committee already in place and operating. Coast to Coast has always had store owner committees to insure that programs and policies work at retail. When Servistar merged with Coast to Coast Servistar committees were set up, and now that We are Truserve, these committees have come full circle and include True Value members also. The Truserve retail advisory committee met for the first time last month in Chicago. Many good decisions were made and the advertising direction was streamlined for the co-op. There are eight True Value store owners on the committee. They are as follows: Curt Feldman; Syracuse, NY Cathy Fredricks; Grand Junction, CO Linda Johnson; Western Springs, IL Bruce Davis; Seattle, WA Leon Jamison; Marble Falls, TX John Lottes III; Perryville, MO Mitch Neal; :Lexington, SC Dan Schiffman; Pasadena, CA As a former advertising committee member I can guarantee that this council will not allow themselves to be used as a rubber stamp. By examining what works well in each of the three entities advertising programs appropriate decisions can be and have been made. Please call any ad committee member if you would like to hear about the retail based decisions that have been made. Issues such as dead items that we had to order in for an ad, but never had a chance to sell through, multi-vendor like items, sharp pricing verses profit margins, seasonal sensitive items, and overall retail image are being properly addressed and dealt with. Coast corporate officers have always been open to store owner input and have maintained good communication with us. I feel confidant has we continue to merge our senergies and forge the co-ops direction, the corporate officers are fully aware of the need to maintain and nurture the ties between themselves and store owners. The road is certain to be rocky and tiresome, but undoubtabley the end will justify the means! Have fun in New Orleans! Linda Cottin Cottin's Coast to Coast Hardware Lawrence, Ks ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27594 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sat, 13 Sep 1997 00:02:07 -0400 V01 #27595 Today's topics: 'RQ #3' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 12 Sep 1997 08:35:58 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: RQ #3 Hi: Just finally upgraded Request to Level 3. I am sorry I took so long. The editor in the new version is GREAT! I have finally found why three programs did not work. Have fun Rick PS If you do not have the upgrade -- Yell at TRIAD It is also packed in with Level 18 ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27595 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sun, 14 Sep 1997 00:03:23 -0400 V01 #27596 Today's topics: 'Credit card center' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 19:05:21 -0500 From: Chuck Hank Subject: Credit card center I was wondering if anyone else had noticed the change in support for the credit card draft capture system. I called and was told to dial another number and the last few times I have called the new number my service has been quite poor. The people who are answering the questions don't seem to fully know how to handle the questions as well as the former MAP center support did. Take care, Chuck Hank ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27596 ********************************** hardlines Digest Tue, 16 Sep 1997 00:00:43 -0400 V01 #27597 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27596' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27596' 'Credit card woes' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27596' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 09:37:10 PDT From: "Nycl Company" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27596 > >hardlines Digest Sun, 14 Sep 1997 00:03:23 -0400 V01 #27596 > >Today's topics: > 'Credit card center' > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 19:05:21 -0500 >From: Chuck Hank >Subject: Credit card center > > >I was wondering if anyone else had noticed the change in support for the >credit card draft capture system. I called and was told to dial another >number and the last few times I have called the new number my service >has been quite poor. The people who are answering the questions don't >seem to fully know how to handle the questions as well as the former MAP >center support did. Take care, Chuck Hank > >------------------------------ > > >End of hardlines Digest V01 #27596 >********************************** > I am doing the survey to see what kind of packages the customers like the best for HSS drill bits, wood bits, spade bits, and masonary drill bits? ANy inputs? ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 15:13:14 -0400 (EDT) From: StevenO510@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27596 I have had the same problem determining who to contact regarding credit card problems. It is very difficult to determine when problems come up whether it's a Triad hardware problem, an IC Verify software problem, or a credit card processing center problem. I have considered changing processing from TruServ to a local bank who can give me service. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 15:36:24 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Credit card woes At 03:13 PM 9/15/97 -0400, StevenO510@aol.com wrote: >I have had the same problem determining who to contact regarding credit card >problems. It is very difficult to determine when problems come up whether >it's a Triad hardware problem, an IC Verify software problem, or a credit >card processing center problem. I have considered changing processing from >TruServ to a local bank who can give me service. > Credit authorization is a tangled web, a sticky quagmire, the tar pits of the modern era, and unfortunately we process large portions of our business through this mess. I was one of the first folks to test credit auth with Triad and ICV, and I still can't always track down the source of errors, disconnects, etc. I've used three different processors, and have found great success with NDC/C-Net. However, their help desk is sometimes just as clueless when it comes to debugging problems. Everyone points fingers, and it's tough to blame them since many times it is the modem or the settings. Sometimes it's the phone system (someone unplugged the RJ-11 connector from the modem in your store), sometimes it's a passing thunderstorm. My opinion is that the processors that let you capture the transactions locally provide the fastest and most reliable service. The transaction is merely authorized and not captured by the processor at the time of sale. At the end of the day, you must manually run a settlement to actually post all the sales to your account. This differes from processors that capture the entire sale at the moment the transaction occurs. They allow "auto-close" at the end of the day, where you don't need to do anything. That's because they captured all the necessary information at the time the transaction occured. The advantage of local capture is that the initial transaction is a second or two faster, and the processor is not checking your balance so you won't see "out of balance" errors. The disadvantage is that you must spend five to ten minutes at the end of the day closing your batch manually. John ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:02:40 -0400 (EDT) From: CASHMAN364@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27596 Chuck- I went through Credit Card Hell about a month ago, as they were instituting the change. I got to talk to a Real Live Bank Teller! Lucky for her (me?) she was about 600 miles from me, or it could have turned ugly! Steve Cashman ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27597 ********************************** hardlines Digest Wed, 17 Sep 1997 00:01:51 -0400 V01 #27598 Today's topics: 'Bankcards' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 08:40:00 -0400 From: "WILLIAM H. ROUND" <102753.622@compuserve.com> Subject: Bankcards Ladies and Gentlemen, Corporate types, Market buying addicts, etc., We have been processing our bankcards through the Triad ICV (ICverify) for a year and a half now. It was hellish to start. There were software integration problems. Setting problems, communications problems. The learning curve was steep and painful. I had been badly burned by the Cotter bankcard processing system fiasco a few years before, and I have been using NDC for over two years. The bankcard processing system is a nightmare. Unfortunately, it is also an arterial conduit for the store. If it is screwed up or breeched, you can bleed to death. I am happy to report that I bleed no more from bankcard processing. The ICV software/Triad POS/NDC processing set-up has been stable and reliable for at least a year. We stopped printing the local review prior to settlement every night. Balancing is very simple and goes quickly for us. There are several settings in the background of ICV which need to be correct. There are a few POS errors to prevent. There are a few tricks to know after the store closes to correct a new cashier's screw-ups. The processor has to be reliable. NDC has been very good for us and the extra 1/2 point is the price we pay for reliability. I have yet to talk with anybody at NDC support who knows anything about ICV. It is a case where the physical phone connection works, or it doesn't; the transactions make it to the bank system, or they do not. So far as support is concerned, It is almost as though the processing industry approach is the same as the voice phone industry. They have dialtone, and your device either works and you can complete the call, or it doesn't, and you try another phone on the line. I have no idea what the industry specifications are for a phone set, but they all seem to work out of the box... so long as you set the switch to tone dialing from rotary. ICV is a telephone-like device which produces an industry-standard data-set. Triad (or others) put POS data in one end and out the other end comes data readable by NDC and others. They don't care what produces it, and make a mighty effort to remain aloof from the people who generate it. After the physical problems associated with phone lines, in-store procedures and software settings, my experience has been that the bankcard battles have to be fought by a good book keeper who can watch the daily sales and balances and make sure the money comes back in the proper amounts from the processor. Triad did put a great deal of time and effort into stabilizing the bankcard processing in my store. It works very well for us and has taken payroll time away from bankcard processing operations. regards, Bill Round Round's True Value ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27598 ********************************** hardlines Digest Fri, 19 Sep 1997 00:00:38 -0400 V01 #27599 Today's topics: 'unsolicited fax' 'Re: unsolicited fax' 'DM Promo' 'Re: DM Promo' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 11:08:47 -0500 From: Chuck Hank Subject: unsolicited fax Well, I thought with the market just around the corner and everyone working hard, an entertaining true story might be in order. It all started about 4 weeks ago when I noticed we had received an unsolicited fax overnight on our fax machine. Well depending on how busy I am and what kind of mood I=92m in, I decided to call the company and ask to be removed from their fax list. So I called and told the man that answered that I wanted to be removed from his fax list, and he replied =93ok what=92= s your fax number?=94 After I had said the number he quickly said =93ok=94 which led me to question if he had actually written it down. So I asked =93now your sure you got that?=94 And he replied =93I told you I did, so= I=92ll take care of it.=94 Well this did not sit real well with me so I told hi= m that his phone number, I thought according to new regulations, was suppose to be on each page. And he informed me that it was on the cover page. But I said that my understanding was that it was suppose to be on the border of each page. So he tells me =93I=92ll check with our border patrol and get that straightened out.=94 Well this put the wheels in motion. I said thanks and hung up. I recalled the number, which was an 800 number, and a different man answered. I told him I wanted to be removed from their fax list and he asked for my number and was very polite. I told him I had called earlier and a person got a little rude with me and he apologized and said he would remove our name. So I said thanks and hung up. Like I said the wheels were in motion, so I called a third time and a man answered and I told him I wanted to be removed from their list and he said =93Hank is that you?=94. I said =93yeah.=94 = He said =93what=92s your problem, I told you I would remove you from our list?=94 =93Well,=94 I said, =93I just thought I would call and tie up y= our 800 number for each page that you had faxed me.=94 He asked, =93How many pag= es did we fax you?=94 And I said =93eight.=94 So then he asked =93so you=92= re going to call 5-6 more times?=94 And I said =93yeah thanks=94 and hung up the phone. So then I called for the fourth time and recognized his voice and said =93this is call number 4 and I was just calling to see how you guys were doing, thanks.=94 And I did this for the remaining 4 more calls. Take care, and remember don't fax me I'll fax you.=20 Chuck Hank Hank Bros. True Value Hardware ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 12:16:48 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Re: unsolicited fax At 11:08 AM 9/18/97 -0500, Chuck Hank wrote: >Well, I thought with the market just around the corner and everyone >working hard, an entertaining true story might be in order. It all >started about 4 weeks ago when I noticed we had received an unsolicited >fax overnight on our fax machine. So others get the same unsolicited faxes... my usual response is to just throw the pages back in our fax machine and set it to redial their 800 number. I can hear them answering the phone, saying "Hello? Hello?" while the fax beeps quietly at them. Set redial to six or more attempts. John ************************************************************************* John Fix 3rd http://www.cornells.com/john.htm John3@cornells.com (914) 961-2400 Cornell's True Value Hardware Manager/Cashier/Webmaster ************************************************************************* ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 17:26:27 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: DM Promo Hi: Just got wind that if one download on Monday 9/15 the Promo DM Files 151, 152 in the TRIAD system (for 41 & 61) they are BAD! Gotta call TRIAD to oust them and redownload. Meanwhile the clock is ticking to do DM41 & DM 61 !@#$% The "good" files will be available, maybe, Friday 9/19. Have fun Rick Schwartz ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 17:32:00 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Re: DM Promo At 05:26 PM 9/18/97 -0400, Rick wrote: >Hi: > >Just got wind that if one download on Monday 9/15 the Promo DM Files 151, >152 in the TRIAD system (for 41 & 61) they are BAD! Gotta call TRIAD to oust >them and redownload. Meanwhile the clock is ticking to do DM41 & DM 61 >!@#$% >The "good" files will be available, maybe, Friday 9/19. > > Thanks for the warning Rick... we haven't picked them up yet. Note: This is not a Triad specific problem... anyone who downloads the DM files off the TruServ MCS system is affected, although I'm not sure how many Tru Trac folks are using the DM files (as well as the other vendors that use CIS). John ************************************************************************* John Fix 3rd http://www.cornells.com/john.htm John3@cornells.com (914) 961-2400 Cornell's True Value Hardware Manager/Cashier/Webmaster ************************************************************************* ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27599 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sat, 20 Sep 1997 00:01:56 -0400 V01 #27600 Today's topics: 'Where do we meet' 'Re: Update on the DM Files' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 01:00:18 -0400 (EDT) From: GEM404@aol.com Subject: Where do we meet Haven't been on here lately and am wondering what was decided on the get together. If I could know the place and time it would be great. See ya at the market Glenn New Market True Value ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 17:54:54 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Re: Update on the DM Files Hi: Just spent (away from the Floor and Market!) 4 hours on this DM File problem with the CIS system. DM File 152 is Blank and CIS does not like it. TRIAD system accepts the file. Solution for CIS -- gotta to bypass that file!! Use the 800 562 3796 updesk. Have fun Rick ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27600 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sun, 21 Sep 1997 00:01:51 -0400 V01 #27601 Today's topics: 'hardlines Digest - V01 #27600 -Reply' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27600' 'Is the list working?' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27600' 'New RDC QOH on Level 18 in MPO and CAT' 'True Value's Link to Stores' Web Sites' 'Re: True Value's Link to Stores' Web Sites' 'POS problems' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 22:29:16 -0600 From: HENRY RIVERON Subject: hardlines Digest - V01 #27600 -Reply I will be OUT the office for until Tuesday 8/23. If you have something that has to go over TSN Satellite; I will be glad to send it up over Satellite when I get back, A.S.A.P. > TUESDAY < BUT: I will be checking into my Voice Mail for any Emergency E-MAIL Please, call me at x5257 and leave me a message, If your TruServ Satellite Network E-Mail HAS to go out before Tuesday. Thanks for you cooperation. Henry Riveron Communications Dept. x5257 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 08:58:55 -0400 From: Paul Costa Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27600 I think that Rick Schwartz should limit himself to one letter per month. have fun ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 09:12:17 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Is the list working? At 08:58 AM 9/20/97 -0400, Paul Costa wrote: >I think that Rick Schwartz should limit himself to one letter per month. > >have fun > > Hey, if it wasn't for Rick, folks would think the list had shut down. I was going to suggest that he post once per day just so I know the list is working. :-) John ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 13:51:43 -0400 From: Bud Howe Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27600 hardlines-request@cornells.com wrote: > > hardlines Digest Sat, 20 Sep 1997 00:01:56 -0400 V01 #27600 > > Today's topics: > 'Where do we meet' > 'Re: Update on the DM Files' > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 01:00:18 -0400 (EDT) > From: GEM404@aol.com > Subject: Where do we meet > > Haven't been on here lately and am wondering what was decided on the get > together. > If I could know the place and time it would be great. > > See ya at the market > > Glenn > New Market True Value > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 17:54:54 -0400 (EDT) > From: RICKSS1@aol.com > Subject: Re: Update on the DM Files > > Hi: > > Just spent (away from the Floor and Market!) 4 hours on this DM File problem > with the CIS system. DM File 152 is Blank and CIS does not like it. TRIAD > system accepts the file. > > Solution for CIS -- gotta to bypass that file!! Use the 800 562 3796 > updesk. > > Have fun > > Rick > > ------------------------------ > > End of hardlines Digest V01 #27600 > ********************************** Our store is not on p.o.s. and we keep reading all the problems with the cotter pc system's. I shutter to think i will have to go thru this. I realize that in the very near future we will have to go p.o.s. It's the time spent bebugging cotter software problems and not mamaging the store that bother me. Does anyone have any words of wisdom or advise to pass along? Thanks. Bud Super True Value Supply ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 12:48:43 -0500 From: Wayne B Youngblood Subject: New RDC QOH on Level 18 in MPO and CAT Triad/TruServ Participants: I've been "lurking" for a while, but just wanted to let you know a secret that Churck Hank let me in on. Level 18 and an async modem (which you probably already have) will let you download the RDC's inventory on your Triad as often as you want. It is being tested and is not in the documentation. I called Triad and they faxed me 8 pages of info and I had it up and going in 20 minutes (took 8 minutes to download the quantities). It shows in 1. MPO (and if you display the item in D screen tomorrow and you downloaded new RDC intentories, it will show you the latest quantity! If their QOH is insufficient, it will flash when you add in MPO. 2. CAT - You'll see the RDC's inv in CAT as well. I think this is one of the biggest leaps they have every made! Thanks, Chuck! Let me know the meeting place where we plan to get together in New Orleans. A happy TruServ Camper A Could Be Better but Don't Want to Switch TRIAD camper! Wayne Youngblood Youngblood's True Value Mayfield, KY ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 12:53:53 -0500 From: Wayne B Youngblood Subject: True Value's Link to Stores' Web Sites I was plundering around on the True Value Internet Site and saw the new link to Individual Stores' WebSites. I was surprised to NOT the see the granddaddy of all Internet Sites linked there - Cornell's True Value. John, were you not aware of that link? Others of you may also want to link there. Wayne B Youngblood Youngblood's True Value Mayfield, KY ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 13:59:56 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Re: True Value's Link to Stores' Web Sites At 12:53 PM 9/20/97 -0500, Wayne B Youngblood wrote: >I was plundering around on the True Value Internet Site and saw the new >link to Individual Stores' WebSites. I was surprised to NOT the see the >granddaddy of all Internet Sites linked there - Cornell's True Value. >John, were you not aware of that link? >Others of you may also want to link there. > Perhaps you missed it? It's the third one on the list (alphabetical order). The page URL is http://www.truevalue.com/site_bin/localstores.asp John ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 14:19:53 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: POS problems At 01:51 PM 9/20/97 -0400, Bud Howe wrote: > >Our store is not on p.o.s. and we keep reading all the problems with the >cotter pc system's. I shutter to think i will have to go thru this. I >realize that in the very near future we will have to go p.o.s. It's the >time spent bebugging cotter software problems and not mamaging the store >that bother me. Does anyone have any words of wisdom or advise to pass >along? Thanks. Bud, I think most folks on the list would complain little about the POS portion of their systems. Tru Trac, Triad, Dimensions, and others all have solid POS software that runs reliably and accurately. The back office tools vary, and there are bound to be quirks. Add this to the fact that many of the folks that frequent this list push the capabilities of their systems to the limit, and you're bound to hear of problems and complaints. At our store, we've occasionally helped test Triad software releases (occasionally?), and even the test software is solid and reliable in most cases. I know the same is true of other vendors' software (well, maybe not Microsoft), and when you realize how many thousands of dealers are running automated POS every day you can see that generally the products are quite solid. That's not to say that there won't be a glitch in the software on occasion, but that's a fact of mass production and human nature... open any True Value direct mail piece and you'll find several misprints. Check in any weekly shipment and you'll find one or two mistakes (we find ten or twenty). So don't be discouraged or worried about going live POS at some point... even Rick Schwartz wouldn't go back (Well, maybe if he could get the "original" system price as a refund!). John ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27601 ********************************** hardlines Digest Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:03:05 -0400 V01 #27602 Today's topics: 'hardlines Digest - V01 #27601 -Reply' 'Hardlines is working' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27600' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27601 / meeting place' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 23:36:19 -0600 From: HENRY RIVERON Subject: hardlines Digest - V01 #27601 -Reply I will be OUT the office for until Tuesday 8/23. If you have something that has to go over TSN Satellite; I will be glad to send it up over Satellite when I get back, A.S.A.P. > TUESDAY < BUT: I will be checking into my Voice Mail for any Emergency E-MAIL Please, call me at x5257 and leave me a message, If your TruServ Satellite Network E-Mail HAS to go out before Tuesday. Thanks for you cooperation. Henry Riveron Communications Dept. x5257 ------------------------------ Date: From: tomhanson@POBoxes.com (Tom Hanson) Subject: Hardlines is working I'd like to restate my appreciation for this forum. Our store has benefitted from numerous postings and I have emailed some of the participants privately on follow up questions. I have always found everyone very willing to help. I was hurt to read it suggested that anyone's postings be limited. Rick Schwartz in particular has helped me on numerous occasions and all northeast Triad/True Value users owe Rick and Bill Round a great deal for the user groups they organized years back. They helped raised the expertise level of many stores that have passed that knowledge on and on. It is human nature to overlook all that is good as we focus on a little bad. I can see how this forum could be interpreted as anti TruServe and anti Triad although I am sure the opposite is true for the majority of us. John has eloquently but briefly addressed these comments as they arise. It might be fun and useful to use this forum to air everyone's wish list for better systems. Maybe we could compile a top wish list and present it to Triad and Tru*Serve (even if we do know they are lurking anyway.) I'll attempt to start it with my current wish: the ability to code an item in the purchasing programs that would cause the IST to signal when the item was scanned. This would find special order merchandise or whatever. The ability to print labels from the IST during receiving would also be a plus but I have a fairly good alternative for that. Lots of postings from everyone. Tom Hanson Bangor True Value Hardware I think Tru*Serve should give us a room and put us on the schedule at future markets. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 11:06:53 -0500 From: "David Casaletto" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27600 -----Original Message----- From: Paul Costa To: Multiple recipients of list hardlines Date: Saturday, September 20, 1997 9:59 AM Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27600 >I think that Rick Schwartz should limit himself to one letter per month. > >have fun > I vote for Rick to keep the messages coming! The more the merrier. See you in New Orleans. (Any update on the get together, John?) David Casaletto True Value Home Center Pittsburg, KS ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 19:43:47 -0400 (EDT) From: Wwjenk@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27601 / meeting place Still haven't heard where everyone is planning on meeting while at market. Any idea? We will be down on Thursday and leave on Sunday. Are you planning a meeting Saturday night or Sunday night? Let me know, if it works, would enjoy meeting everyone. Thanks! Wendy Jenkins True Value ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27602 ********************************** hardlines Digest Tue, 23 Sep 1997 00:03:08 -0400 V01 #27603 Today's topics: 'hardlines Digest - V01 #27602 -Reply' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27602' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27602' 'New Orleans Hardlines FTF' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 21 Sep 1997 22:09:39 -0600 From: HENRY RIVERON Subject: hardlines Digest - V01 #27602 -Reply I will be OUT the office for until Tuesday 8/23. If you have something that has to go over TSN Satellite; I will be glad to send it up over Satellite when I get back, A.S.A.P. > TUESDAY < BUT: I will be checking into my Voice Mail for any Emergency E-MAIL Please, call me at x5257 and leave me a message, If your TruServ Satellite Network E-Mail HAS to go out before Tuesday. Thanks for you cooperation. Henry Riveron Communications Dept. x5257 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 09:29:40 -0400 (EDT) From: Magnet1125@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27602 I agree that the postings should not be limited, although it was nice to see some positive remarks from Bill Round the other day. It's always easier to be negative than positive, and since this is unique forum we all owe a vote of gratitude to John, Bill and Rick for being willing to stick their necks out on a regular basis. The value of this posting I think was most evident after the "Pinpoint to something as esoteric to EVERYDAY LOW PRICES" which is what it should be. Thanks for keeping us little guys informed. Bob Rosenberg North Street TV Danbury, Ct ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 09:32:21 -0500 From: mike jones Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27602 hardlines-request@cornells.com wrote: > > hardlines Digest Mon, 22 Sep 1997 00:03:05 -0400 V01 #27602 > > > Date: > From: tomhanson@POBoxes.com (Tom Hanson) > Subject: Hardlines is working > > I'd like to restate my appreciation for this forum. Our store has > benefitted from numerous postings and I have emailed some of the > participants privately on follow up questions. I have always found everyone > very willing to help. I was hurt to read it suggested that anyone's > postings be limited. Rick Schwartz in particular has helped me on numerous > occasions and all northeast Triad/True Value users owe Rick and Bill Round > a great deal for the user groups they organized years back. They helped > raised the expertise level of many stores that have passed that knowledge > on and on. > > It is human nature to overlook all that is good as we focus on a little > bad. I can see how this forum could be interpreted as anti TruServe and > anti Triad although I am sure the opposite is true for the majority of us. > John has eloquently but briefly addressed these comments as they arise. > > It might be fun and useful to use this forum to air everyone's wish list > for better systems. Maybe we could compile a top wish list and present it > to Triad and Tru*Serve (even if we do know they are lurking anyway.) I'll > attempt to start it with my current wish: the ability to code an item in > the purchasing programs that would cause the IST to signal when the item > was scanned. This would find special order merchandise or whatever. The > ability to print labels from the IST during receiving would also be a plus > but I have a fairly good alternative for that. > > Lots of postings from everyone. > > Tom Hanson > Bangor True Value Hardware > > I think Tru*Serve should give us a room and put us on the schedule at > future markets. > > ------------------------------ > > > ********************************** Greetings Hardliners: I concur with Tom's statements. I have been VERY critical in the past about Triad, even to the point once of getting E-mail and phone calls from California. However, Triad responded very well, our Field Engineer did a great job, and we have been running error free for a while. However, we NEVER have been able to get an End-of-the-Year set of reports to run correctly, but day-to-day operations run quite well, We are on Level 17 (still!) and are looking forward to 18. AS far as TruServe goes, there is no organization that is perfect and I would like to see them more responsive to our situation when we need something NEXT DAY to save a sale, but overall we have a good deal that will only get better as we communicate. And if I didn't have Rick's messages to read every day, I'd think he was sick!:-) Have fun in NewAwlins. Mike Jones Arcola True Value mjones@ccipost.net ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 15:22:36 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: New Orleans Hardlines FTF Announcing the first, official (as in planned before the market) Hardlines Digest "Face-To-Face" (FTF) dinner. Dana Whitton (Gulf Breeze True Value) forwarded me a list of places in New Orleans, and after chatting with some folks down in New Orleans I've set up reservations at Mulate's. Dana's description of the restaurant is quoted below: >Mulate's --- it is a fun casual cajun resturaunt with live Zydeco >music They have long tables to accomadate large groups but I'm not sure if >they accept reservations. Best of all they are only a couple blocks from the >convention center. > So, I've made reservations for 20 for the evening of September 28 at 7PM. The Triad Business Meeting is due to end at 6 PM (I think TruTrac is running their meeting at the same time), so it should be pretty easy for all to arrive at the restaurant by 7 PM. I'll provide further details later this week on the Hardlines list, or post info at the Retail Systems booth at the market sometime Sunday morning. I'm guessing at attendance right now, so if you DEFINITELY will attend then please email me directly. Once we get to New Orleans, we can spread the word for additional attendees, but I can't guarantee that Mulate's will be able to handle more than 20 on short notice. I don't know pricing details or menu selections yet, but I've been told the pricing is "reasonable". :-) See ya in N'Awlins! John ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27603 ********************************** hardlines Digest Fri, 26 Sep 1997 00:02:12 -0400 V01 #27604 Today's topics: 'statements' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 14:22:07 -0700 From: "Stephen Cornell" Subject: statements Let me introduce myself. I am Stephen Cornell and I own Brownies Hardware. The store is in the middle of San Francisco, a real urban enviorment. We deal with apartment dwellers and their managers, along with a lot of small business owners, all within walking distance. The store is 90 years old and I have owned it since 1974. We have been associated with Ace since 1966 and have had a Triad since 1982. The store has 1500 sq ft of selling, and a equal amount of basement storage. 15 people work here. I have enjoyed reading all the the different subjects on this fourm, and would like to particapate a little. I am interested in peoples thoughts about sending out invoices with statements. We send about 500 statements each month. Many of my cutomers demand a signed invoice. The proceedure is my wife, at home, hires a few high school girls and they spend a long time matching invoices (about 5) with statements, then they are stuffed and sealed. My wife hates it and the HS girls are very unreliable, so I am looking for a better way. I have thought about getting Triad to scan, so so we can have a signature in the system, like they do at Sears or Kikos using a signing pad. This way they can be reproduced and faxed out through the system. Any other ideas or thoughts? Stephen 415 673-8900 phone 415 753-2669 fax ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27604 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sun, 28 Sep 1997 00:03:15 -0400 V01 #27605 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604' 'Statements and invoice copies' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 13:43:46 -0500 From: hardware Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604 Regarding Stephen's dilemma about enclosing signed invoice copies with customer month end statements, we were in the same situation a few years ago. I am not familiar with the triad system, but I assume you are printing computer generated statements. The next step is to set up the customers who pay buy invoice, rather than statement, as open item accounts. If you do not have that capability, get a new system. Once you are using the open item system, you will remove each individual invoice from the customers account as it is paid. This leaves a running record of all outstanding invoices, eliminating that awful..."How can I owe that?" scenario. Once our open item accounting system was up and running, we informed all our customers that, as of such and such a date they would no longer receive invoice copies with their statements. Customers are given a signed invoice copy at the time of purchase, the rest is their responsibility. Common sense will tell you that this is not an across the board solution, as a merchant it is our responsibility to prove what is owed to us. So we then identified the customers who absolutely needed copies sent with their statements, and continued sending those. Suddenly, rather than stuffing 500 envelopes, we were stuffing 50. And although we never have actually charged for this extra service, it would be very easy to tag on a service fee to off set the pain and agony of stuffing envelopes. We still end up sending copies of past due invoices for some unorganized customers through out the month, but the time spent doing that is far less than the time spent stuffing and stamping monthly statements. Good Luck! Linda Cottin Cottin's Hardware Lawrence, KS ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 15:14:57 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Statements and invoice copies One solution using the Triad would be to determine the customers who absolutely had to receive copies of invoices, and code them differently from "normal" accounts. You would then need to print two statement runs, one for invoice copy accounts and one for the rest. Do the normal folks first (so the statements get right out) and the copy folks second. A second solution would be to use the Triad QuickRecall RSM option (Option "I"), in conjunction with Authorized to Charge lists in MCR screen 4. The name of the person who charged would print, and you'd have less paper to stuff in the envelopes. However, the RSM "I" format is not real customer friendly (i.e. it's confusing), so check the report format first. One BIG benefit of making a change from including copies is the savings you can get from switching to two part invoices. If a customer insists on a signed copy, you can always make a copy. If they want signed copies on a regular basis (i.e. every month), then charge for the service, or ask them to set up their own internal audit system (PO's, whatever). It's a tough call, as some customers will balk, so tread caarefully. John ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27605 ********************************** hardlines Digest Mon, 29 Sep 1997 00:04:34 -0400 V01 #27606 Today's topics: 'New E-Mail Service (Address Change)' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27605' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 22:08:14 -0700 From: "Ralph M. Witkin" Subject: New E-Mail Service (Address Change) I am no longer w/ ATT - Worldnet. My new E-Mail address is: Ralkin@earthlink.net Ralph M. Witkin P.O. Box 241821; Los Angeles, CA 90024 310/712-2623 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 28 Sep 1997 12:50:49 -0700 (MST) From: spann@azstarnet.com (Donald K. Spann) Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27605 Please un-subscribe us from your mailing list, while not in your line of business, it has been fun and educational experience is reading the dialog. Thank you for having us on board and we wish all of you the best of success in your continuing quest for perfection. Don and Becky Spann spann@azstarnet.com ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27606 ********************************** hardlines Digest Tue, 30 Sep 1997 00:00:46 -0400 V01 #27607 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 28 Sep 1997 21:15:05 -0700 From: "Jay, Will and Linda Farr" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604 We have a fairly large A/R for hardware stores ... 6,000 + accounts, with 1800 mailed monthly. When we went to computer generated statements, we sent out a note asking our customers if they needed mailed invoice copies, to let us know. Since then new accounts are given the option (without a lot of prodding). We have about 1/4 of our mailed statements that go out with invoices. The name field of each of these customers has an identifying * at the end of the name field. During the month, the second copies of invoices with *'s are pulled and alphabetized. By doing this daily, it doesn't take too long to finish the last couple of days worth of alphabetizing, and stuff the statements. We print the statements in two alphabetized batches, one for those who require invoices and one without. We have 2 1/2 office people who get the statements ready for me to take to the post office by 2 PM the 26th (we close our statement month on the 25th). We may not have as high a percentage of customers who require invoices as you do, but I'll bet you probably don't have as many statements. By all means, figure out a way to get the process out of your wife's kitchen, but don't assume that everyone will want invoice copies, it shocked me how many people didn't care. We sell Whirlpool and Kitchenaid appliances, and pellet and gas heating stoves, and all the usual lawn and garden equipment and other high ticket items. We feel we have a real advantage with our accounts over the box stores. Our customers have an account with us, and only us. With our two stores, we average almost 1/2 our business with our charge accounts, and the other 1/2 is split between checks, cash and cards. The Triad A/R program is a big reason why we continue to be enthusiastic about charge business. Jay Farr 541-267-2137 ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27607 **********************************