hardlines Digest Wed, 01 Oct 1997 00:01:59 -0400 V01 #27608 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604' 'Market' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 14:11:33 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604 In a message dated 97-09-26 07:58:21 EDT, you write: << hardlines Digest Fri, 26 Sep 1997 00:02:12 -0400 V01 #27604 Today's topics: 'statements' --- >> The monthly ordeal of doing business!! We make A/R Statements an ongoing procedure throughout the month and still mail out all unpaid invoices in the statement generated.. The open accounts that pay frequently or accounts that need weekly status (statements) gets a statement every 10th day from billing -- this includes municipalities too!. Every day all invoices are sorted and stored by account name --> we mail out 400 statement on the EOM. By keeping this an ongoing procedure, the final EOM takes a total of 7 hours (2 people). Argument-- takes a lot of time --- Defense -->Service -->Less Mess cleanups We are tempted to put out an inquiry about the need of the copies, but have not as of this date. If we do go to split types -- some stuff /some no-stuff -- a code of an asterick (*) will be place before the name of Stuffies. The savings will be time--maybe and stamps. Curious on the who Stuffs vs No-Stuffs Have fun Rick Schwartz ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 14:18:14 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Market Hi: Just got back from New Orleans market. Found the market the best organized one so far as the Market Floor goes. Why does TruServe not give credit due where credit is due ---> Dave Feurhelm and his crew !!!! Oh well, maybe Paul Pentz needs a WOW letter?? Rick Schwartz ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 23:55:28 -0500 From: jack swift Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604 we use the 'simple' method of having the 'stuffs' be in a specific range of account numbers... that way the register pwople can spot them right away and they are a block when the statements are printed. (we were upset when we found that triad couldn't cope with a/n account 'numbers' but are making the best of poor programming talent.....) At 02:11 PM EST 9/30/97 -0400, you wrote: > If we do go to split types -- some stuff /some no-stuff >-- a code of an asterick (*) will be place before the name of Stuffies. The >savings will be time--maybe and stamps. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27608 ********************************** hardlines Digest Thu, 02 Oct 1997 00:03:12 -0400 V01 #27609 Today's topics: 'market, etc.' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27608' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27608/Stuffs vs no Stuffs' 'open item accounts' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 09:21:33 -0500 From: "David Casaletto" Subject: market, etc. This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01BCCE4B.68B82960 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi Group! John-Thanks for getting the Sunday nite get together arranged! It was a = lot of fun. It's really nice to talk face to face. Just wondered what everyone thought of the Triad User meetings, both the = ones in the day and the Sunday night meeting? I really enjoy Bill and = Sharon! Also, I'd appreciate knowing if anyone has a way to pull fractional QOH = out of the system (using RQ?).=20 And does anyone have a system to pull up the complete transaction when = one of the items is on sale. This would probably be a spot check to see = if customers are buying other items when something is on sale. Maybe it = could be a summary report instead of each individual transaction? I thought the TruServ programs, prices, market, etc. were really great. = I think we are headed the right direction. Well, better get to work on = market stuff. See ya! David Casaletto True Value Home Center Pittsburg, KS ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01BCCE4B.68B82960 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

 Hi = Group!

John-Thanks for getting the Sunday nite = get together=20 arranged! It was a lot of fun. It's really nice to talk face to = face.

Just wondered what everyone thought of = the Triad User=20 meetings, both the ones in the day and the Sunday night meeting? I = really enjoy=20 Bill and Sharon!

Also, I'd appreciate knowing if anyone = has a way to=20 pull fractional QOH out of the system (using RQ?). 

And does anyone have a system to pull up = the complete=20 transaction when one of the items is on sale. This would probably be a = spot=20 check to see if customers are buying other items when something is on = sale.=20 Maybe it could be a summary report instead of each individual=20 transaction?

I thought the TruServ programs, prices, = market, etc.=20 were really great. I think we are headed the right direction. Well, = better get=20 to work on market stuff.

See ya!

David Casaletto

True Value Home Center

Pittsburg, KS ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01BCCE4B.68B82960-- ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 01 Oct 1997 14:34:29 PDT From: "Nycl Company" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27608 >Let'us drop the Statement thing for a moment! Anyone has any better topics to talk about? >hardlines Digest Wed, 01 Oct 1997 00:01:59 -0400 V01 #27608 > >Today's topics: > 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604' > 'Market' > 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604' > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- > >Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 14:11:33 -0400 (EDT) >From: RICKSS1@aol.com >Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604 > > >In a message dated 97-09-26 07:58:21 EDT, you write: > ><< > hardlines Digest Fri, 26 Sep 1997 00:02:12 -0400 V01 #27604 > > Today's topics: > 'statements' > > --- >> >The monthly ordeal of doing business!! > >We make A/R Statements an ongoing procedure throughout the month and still >mail out all unpaid invoices in the statement generated.. The open accounts >that pay frequently or accounts that need weekly status (statements) gets a >statement every 10th day from billing -- this includes municipalities too!. >Every day all invoices are sorted and stored by account name --> we mail out >400 statement on the EOM. By keeping this an ongoing procedure, the final >EOM takes a total of 7 hours (2 people). > >Argument-- takes a lot of time --- Defense -->Service > -->Less Mess >cleanups > >We are tempted to put out an inquiry about the need of the copies, but have >not as of this date. If we do go to split types -- some stuff /some no-stuff >-- a code of an asterick (*) will be place before the name of Stuffies. The >savings will be time--maybe and stamps. > >Curious on the who Stuffs vs No-Stuffs > >Have fun > >Rick Schwartz > >------------------------------ > >Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 14:18:14 -0400 (EDT) >From: RICKSS1@aol.com >Subject: Market > > >Hi: > >Just got back from New Orleans market. Found the market the best organized >one so far as the Market Floor goes. Why does TruServe not give credit due >where credit is due ---> Dave Feurhelm and his crew !!!! Oh well, maybe Paul >Pentz needs a WOW letter?? > >Rick Schwartz > >------------------------------ > >Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 23:55:28 -0500 >From: jack swift >Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27604 > > > we use the 'simple' method of having the 'stuffs' be in a specific range >of account numbers... that way the register pwople can spot them right away >and they are a block when the statements are printed. (we were upset when >we found that triad couldn't cope with a/n account 'numbers' but are making >the best of poor programming talent.....) > >At 02:11 PM EST 9/30/97 -0400, you wrote: >> If we do go to split types -- some stuff /some no-stuff >>-- a code of an asterick (*) will be place before the name of Stuffies. The >>savings will be time--maybe and stamps. >> >> >------------------------------------------------------------------------- >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! >^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ > > >------------------------------ > > >End of hardlines Digest V01 #27608 >********************************** > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 18:03:26 -0400 (EDT) From: Wwjenk@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27608/Stuffs vs no Stuffs We too stuff the envelopes with the invoices, and do the filing on a daily basis. This allows us to pull the paperwork for the account and send them on a monthly basis. We average about 300 accounts (small number from the rest of you) however it takes one person about 5 to 6 hours to get the statements out at the end of the month. Since we are on a balance forward system with the Triad, my biggest problem is the accounts that pay by invoice. They never keep the invoices from previous months and we are always looking up old invoices. I hope to go on an open item system soon to take care of that problem. Has anyone converted from a balance forward system to an open item? Are there any problems that we may run into? Wendy Jenkins True Value ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 18:33:24 -0400 From: "Katherine St.Cyr" Subject: open item accounts Hi There! Changing over to open item used to be quite a chore, but to my delight a year or so ago, I found that it all takes care of itself when you change to O in MCR. I am not sure what level this happened on, but we are currently on Level 17. You do still have to go into ROA and apply previous "unapplied" payments. As far as stuffing invoices with the statements, out of about 500 mailings a month we send copies to about 40 customers. Once you notify people you will no longer be sending them, you soon find out which customers can't live without them. We too use asterisks in front of their account name so that they are easy to identify. Rick Schwartz, I for one look forward to your posts! You use your system well, and I enjoy hearing about your discoveries. Thanks, Katherine at Rands TrueValue, Plymouth NH ---------- > From: Wwjenk@aol.com > To: Multiple recipients of list hardlines > Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27608/Stuffs vs no Stuffs > Date: Wednesday, October 01, 1997 6:03 PM > > We too stuff the envelopes with the invoices, and do the filing on a daily > basis. This allows us to pull the paperwork for the account and send them on > a monthly basis. We average about 300 accounts (small number from the rest of > you) however it takes one person about 5 to 6 hours to get the statements out > at the end of the month. Since we are on a balance forward system with the > Triad, my biggest problem is the accounts that pay by invoice. They never > keep the invoices from previous months and we are always looking up old > invoices. I hope to go on an open item system soon to take care of that > problem. Has anyone converted from a balance forward system to an open item? > Are there any problems that we may run into? > Wendy > Jenkins True Value > *************************************************************** > Hardlines Mailing List is an unmoderated Internet mailing list > for hardware and building materials industry members. Back > issues are available at > > http://www.cornells.com/hardlines/ > > To remove your name from the mailing list, send email to > listserv@cornells.com with the following line in your message: > > unsubscribe hardlines firstname lastname > > For any other questions, send email to postmaster@cornells.com > *************************************************************** ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27609 ********************************** hardlines Digest Fri, 03 Oct 1997 00:02:00 -0400 V01 #27610 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27609' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27608' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27609' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27609' 'Analyze sales with promo items' 'Market' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27609' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 01 Oct 1997 23:45:00 -0500 From: hardware Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27609 Okay... Here's a new topic. My husband just returned from his first True Value show. He reported that in lieu of cash spiffs, True Value supplies peanuts in the shell. TruServe Corporation is most likely planning on continuing the tradition. As the parent of one of those odd ball highly peanut allergic kids, taking him to the show floor would literally kill him... Believe it or not... Aren't any True Value store owners peanut allergic? I would never expect to end a tradition on one objection, I am just curious what other people thought... llc ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 02 Oct 1997 01:02:57 -0700 From: Fred Nichandros Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27608 hardlines-request@cornells.com wrote: > Curious on the who Stuffs vs No-Stuffs > > Have fun > > Rick Schwartz Back from the New Orleans market. Found this to be the best organized Hardgoods FTF meeting so far! Must send a WOW letter to John Fix III (Johnie ??? ) for making a reservation at a good restraunt near the convention center. Looking forward to the next market! Responding to Rick Schwartz' question, we handle our A/R statements much like you do. We sort the invoices every week and mail out around 350 statements at the end of each month. Takes one person around 16 hours. I am planning to survey the accounts and see who does not require copies of invoices. I think that this could save a lot of time and a little bit of postage. I would use an account code to mark those accounts that require statements. I think that we would still have to sort all invoices and file them for backup in case a signature is questioned or a hardcopy is needed. I would be curious to know how other people contacted the accounts to ask them whether they required copies of invoices with the statements, and did they offer any incentive to reward accounts for not requesting the hardcopy. -Fred Nichandros ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 08:21:22 -0500 From: "David Casaletto" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27609 >Okay... Here's a new topic. My husband just returned from his first >True Value show. He reported that in lieu of cash spiffs, True Value >supplies peanuts in the shell. TruServe Corporation is most likely >planning on continuing the tradition. As the parent of one of those odd >ball highly peanut allergic kids, taking him to the show floor would >literally kill him... Believe it or not... Aren't any True Value store >owners peanut allergic? I would never expect to end a tradition on one >objection, I am just curious what other people thought... > >llc >*************************************************************** I've been eating peanuts and attending shows since I was 12 years old (1965) and have not heard this question raised. Must not be too many hardware owners allergic to peanuts. David Casaletto True Value Home Center Pittsburg, KS ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 02 Oct 1997 08:53:04 -0500 From: mike jones Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27609 > Also, I'd appreciate knowing if anyone has a way to pull fractional QOH = > out of the system (using RQ?).=20 > > And does anyone have a system to pull up the complete transaction when = > one of the items is on sale. This would probably be a spot check to see = > if customers are buying other items when something is on sale. Maybe it = > could be a summary report instead of each individual transaction? > ********************************* Greetings, I presume you mean that you want to know which items have a QOH of less than 1 or an increment between two whole numbers. RQ will give you that information; all you have to do is adjust your QOH field when you are creating the REPORT. If you want only the items that meet that criteria.....I'd have to think about that one. I am also wondering if we can get a report that shows which regular items were bought when a sale item was purchased. It would really help analyze our flyers to see if people are buying only the sale items or are the flyers actually pulling in additional business. Triad...Oh, Triad....are you listening? I wasn't able to attend the market, but the rumor here is that markets will be getting smaller and smaller because they are being broken up into things like the PoweRama. Any truth to that? Also, heard that TruServe is pushing Simplicity as the riding mower of choice for True Value dealers. Did anyone else hear that? Really Hated Missing the Meeting, Mike Jones Arcola True Value mjones@ccipost.net ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 02 Oct 1997 11:27:04 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Analyze sales with promo items At 08:53 AM 10/2/97 -0500, Mike Jones wrote: > > I am also wondering if we can get a report that shows which >regular items were bought when a sale item was purchased. It would >really help analyze our flyers to see if people are buying only the sale >items or are the flyers actually pulling in additional business. Someone else asked me this at the market as well, so here's an example of a way to check average sale for all sales that contain a particular SKU. We've done this with wallboard compound, Weber Genesis grills, Scott's 4-step programs, etc. I haven't spent the time to figure out a way to look at all promo sale averages. To use this in your store, substitute the SKU you want to track for COKE (remember when Cotter had the Xmas Coke promo?), and the sale price if you want to limit the report to just the sales when the item was on promo. You can skip the detail info, although I wanted it so I could browse the transactions myself via POS. Oh yes, forgot to say that this RQ routine uses the QUICKRECALL data, so you must have this product and have sales data stored for a month or more. SELECT WHEN SKU-NUMBER = '*COKE*' AND SOLD-AT-PRICE = .49. PRINT TRANS-DATE TRANS-NO TOTAL-SALE. SORT ASCENDING TRANS-DATE. AVERAGE TOTAL-SALE NO-OF-LINES. The last line gives you the average sale, as well as the number of line items the customer purchased. It's a quick and easy RQ routine, and could be improved if I had the time. > I wasn't able to attend the market, but the rumor here is that >markets will be getting smaller and smaller because they are being >broken up into things like the PoweRama. Any truth to that? Hmmm... I heard that St. Louis was going to run for two weeks in order to have adequate space in hotels and the market for everyone. I believe it, because St. Louis hotels were booked solid with just True Value, so 10,000 dealers will definitely capsize the city if they all arrive in one weekend. John ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 12:35:25 -0400 (EDT) From: The2LLady@aol.com Subject: Market I'm glad everyone seemed to enjoy Mulate's... I know it got a little noisy but it was fun to meet everyone in person. This market was not as productive for me as others have been but I was very impressed with the variety of seminars and the fact that many were offered more than once because inevitably I want to go to 2 seminars that are given at the same time. Thanks to Jordan with Group II for bringing Tru and Val back to market. Tru Serv has been telling us we need to pay attention to the female customer and this cute cartoon pair was very appealing to many of my customers. I would like to use them on my letterhead and even on signage. But from what I understand their fate is in our hands if we don't let the powers that be know how much we like Tru and Val they may dissappear again. So I would like to know if any of you feel the same way. Time to get back to entering my market orders.... Dana Whitton Gulf Breeze True Value Pensacola FL ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 18:01:59 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27609 In a message dated 97-10-02 00:03:30 EDT, you write: << >Let'us drop the Statement thing for a moment! Anyone has any better topics to talk about? > >> Okay how-about some humor --> got this saga from a friend -->thought it would be a good time to share it: _____________________________________________________________ Just a little something to make a bad day a bit brighter...enjoy! Get to the end, it's worth it... Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? Moses: And God came down from the heavens, and he said unto the Chicken, "Thou shalt cross the road." And the Chicken Crossed the road,and there was much rejoicing. Fox Mulder: You saw it cross the road w/ your own eyes. How many more chickens have to cross the road before you will believe it? Richard M. Nixon: The chicken did not cross the road. I repeat, the chicken did *not* cross the road Jerry Seinfeld: Why does anyone cross a road? I mean, why doesn't anyone ever think to ask, "What the heck was this chicken doing walking around all over the place anyway?" Bill Gates: I have just released the new Chicken Office 2000, which will not only cross roads, but it will lay eggs, file your important documents AND balance your checkbook. Unfortunately, when it divides 3 by 2 it gets 1.4999999999. Oliver Stone: The question is not "Why did the chicken cross the road?" But is rather "Who was crossing the road at the same time, who we overlooked in our haste to observe the chicken crossing?" Darwin: Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally selected in such a way that they are now genetically dispositioned to cross roads. Louis Farrakhan: The road, you will see, represents the black man. The chicken crossed the "black man" in order to trample him and keep him down. Martin Luther King, Jr.: I envision a world where all chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives called into question. Grandpa: In my day, we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Someone told us that the chicken had crossed the road, and that was good enough for us. Machiavelli: The point is that the chicken crossed the road. Who cares why? The end of crossing the road justifies whatever motive there was. Albert Einstein: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road moved beneath the chicken depends upon your frame of reference. Buddha: Asking this question denies your own chicken nature. Ralph Waldo Emerson: The chicken did not cross the road - it transcended it. Colonel Harlan Sanders: I missed one? ______________________________________________________________ a message dated 97-10-02 00:03:30 EDT, you write: << >Let'us drop the Statement thing for a moment! Anyone has any better topics to talk about? >h >> Okay -- Member Dial In Service --> How many are using It?? On Level 18 -- the program is supposed to be "working" Well, I got it to work on the console but not the VDT's. Any suggestions? Yes -- even with CIS MemberDial In helps --->fast inventory checks and the capability to reserve quantities at any hour. Thanks >>>> Yup it was great meeting the faces with the prints. Have fun Rick Schwartz ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27610 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sat, 04 Oct 1997 00:03:12 -0400 V01 #27611 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27610' 'NUTS!' 'Finger nails should be illegal...' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 03 Oct 1997 08:23:13 -0500 From: mike jones Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27610 > > >> > Okay how-about some humor --> got this saga from a friend -->thought it > would be a good time to share it: > > _____________________________________________________________ > > Just a little something to make a bad day a bit brighter...enjoy! > Get to the end, it's worth it... > > Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? > > Moses: And God came down from the heavens, and he said unto the Chicken, > "Thou shalt cross the road." And the Chicken Crossed the road,and there was > much rejoicing. > > Fox Mulder: You saw it cross the road w/ your own eyes. How many more > chickens have to cross the road before you will believe it? > > Richard M. Nixon: The chicken did not cross the road. I repeat, the chicken > did *not* cross the road > > Jerry Seinfeld: Why does anyone cross a road? I mean, why doesn't anyone > ever think to ask, "What the heck was this chicken doing walking around all > over the place anyway?" > > Bill Gates: I have just released the new Chicken Office 2000, which will > not only cross roads, but it will lay eggs, file your important documents > AND balance your checkbook. Unfortunately, when it divides 3 by 2 it > gets 1.4999999999. > > Oliver Stone: The question is not "Why did the chicken cross the > road?" But is rather "Who was crossing the road at the same time, who we > overlooked in our haste to observe the chicken crossing?" > > Darwin: Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally selected > in such a way that they are now genetically dispositioned to cross roads. > > Louis Farrakhan: The road, you will see, represents the black man. The > chicken crossed the "black man" in order to trample him and keep him > down. > > Martin Luther King, Jr.: I envision a world where all chickens will be free > to cross roads without having their motives called into question. > > Grandpa: In my day, we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. > Someone told us that the chicken had crossed the road, and that was good > enough for us. > > Machiavelli: The point is that the chicken crossed the road. Who cares > why? The end of crossing the road justifies whatever motive there was. > > Albert Einstein: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road moved > beneath the chicken depends upon your frame of reference. > > Buddha: Asking this question denies your own chicken nature. > > Ralph Waldo Emerson: The chicken did not cross the road - it transcended > it. > > Colonel Harlan Sanders: I missed one? > > Don't forget Bill Clinton: I feel your pain in wanting to know why the chicken crossed the road, so I am asking Attorney General Reno to appoint a special Prosecutor to find out who the chicken was, which road he crossed and how we can avoid this in the future. And George Bush: About the chicken thing.....I don't feel it would be prudent, at this juncture, to discuss it. ______________________________________________________________ > > a message dated 97-10-02 00:03:30 EDT, you write: > > << > > > Okay -- Member Dial In Service --> How many are using It?? > On Level 18 -- the program is supposed to be "working" Well, I got it to > work on the console but not the VDT's. Any suggestions? > Yes -- even with CIS MemberDial In helps --->fast inventory checks and the > capability to reserve quantities at any hour. > I signed up for this at the Atlanta market and have not heard one peep from them. How long does it take to get set up? Mike Jones Arcola True Value ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 3 Oct 1997 22:18:25 -0400 From: "WILLIAM H. ROUND" <102753.622@compuserve.com> Subject: NUTS! Dear Folks, My son is extremely allergic to peanuts. While not actually tested specificly for this, my wife tells me that the doctor "didn't dare" in light of all his other sensitivities and asthma. My wife was present when Ross took the occassional peanut butter cookie in his younger days, and those events were frightening. He knows what to avoid and how to conduct himself, but a medical kit with an emergency injector goes along with him. If I took him to the TruServ Show, I'd have to put him in an environmental suit. Allergies run in our family. I, for instance, am allergic to work, and I avoid it whenever possible. Rick Schwartz says I'm allergic to both organization and planning, like my Father, though my symptoms are less severe. On a business note, I was not too impressed with Manco tape at the market. Has anybody much experience with the line? My Father obsessed with the poor shear qualities of the utility grade 2 x 10yd duct tape. He never seemed to tire of telling how poor the tape was he used to seal up styrofoam coffins filled with slaughtered salmon in Alaska last Summer. He seems to think it was a Manco product he used. I have thought about Anchor as an alternative. Any thoughts? Cheers, Bill Round Round's True Value Hardware 290 Main Street Stoneham, MA 02180 6174380116 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 3 Oct 1997 22:18:22 -0400 From: "WILLIAM H. ROUND" <102753.622@compuserve.com> Subject: Finger nails should be illegal... For Dave Castillo and all the others: Long finger nails cost me a lot of money. They may be costing you money, too. Here is an RQ routine courtesy of Steve Kirk (the Triad RQ Geek) which should be part of those "monitor" ques I never seem to have the time to do. MOVE QOH TO QOH-VALUE SCALE 6.0. SELECT WHEN QOH <> QOH-VALUE. Then do what output format you want, sort what you want, and let it rip. You may want to add more to the select statement to eliminate the legitimate fractional quantities: Lumber, nails, rope, chain, etc. My select statements also include the search for stock units which are never fractional like EA, GL, HP, SP, CD, BG, 5G, QT.... and a few others I can't recall. What are those? I set my (triad) system up with a fairly extensive MUM units of measure table for a little hardware store. I felt the units of measure should describe the way the merchandise came packed, what size it was or how it was presented: CD was carded, GL was Gallon, SP was spray, etc. It was damned handly to subtotal RSO's by stocking units for TT Paint when their minimums were based on gallonage. Units of measure are also very handy when "sell by the each and buy by the box" situations are encountered. Returning to the finger nail problem. I believe two reports are necessary. One runs occassionally in inventory to "scrub" the QOH's to eliminate the inevitable fractional quantities. The other runs out of the daily sales transaction file to catch problems as they occur. I have a report which prints out in the form of a "counselling statement." The transaction line with the error appears, as does a description of the problem and why it causes a loss for the store. The report has a place for the cashier to sign and the mgr who reviewed it with her. Men will occassionally commit the "type I POS Error," but they are more apt to commit the "type II POS Error." Enough of these things accumulated in the file should mean that the cashier takes a dive. With 2.5% unemployment and the apparent depletion of the reliable cashier gene pool, I have tolerated a large number of errors because I am frightened of the consequences of non-negociable standards... which are, I firmly believe, are absolutely necessary to run a good store.... Give me strength...... Some Definitions: Type I : Finger swipes the decimal point in the wrong place or the finger nail hits adjacent key. Type II: (on a triad) A series of items are scanned in at POS. Then nuts and bolts are worked. These are keyed in by hand on a generic sku. As the Triad cursor is in the quantity field, the cashier types the sku for nuts and bolts in that field, he hits the enter key, the quantity not sufficient message comes up, he types the quantity of screws the customer is buying, he hits the enter key which throws the cursor to the price field, then he types the price each for the screws... usually ten cents each... and hits enter again. The combination of the larger quantity and the lower price usually does not alter the sale all that much for the normal unit sale amount. Time to sign off here. Cheers, Bill Round Round's True Value ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27611 ********************************** hardlines Digest Wed, 08 Oct 1997 00:00:10 -0400 V01 #27612 Today's topics: 'Re: label programs' 'Re: label programs' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 07 Oct 1997 07:51:10 -0500 From: mike jones Subject: Re: label programs Greetings hardliners: I have seen messages about "Fredware" for labels, Triad has something called "printware", we are on Labelmaster but we are looking for a different system (cheaper). Who, what, where? Can you give me any info. We want to print mostly shelf tags, but also do some signage. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, in advance. Mike Jones Arcola True Value ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 08:42:28 -0500 From: "David Casaletto" Subject: Re: label programs -----Original Message----- From: mike jones To: Multiple recipients of list hardlines Date: Tuesday, October 07, 1997 9:53 AM Subject: Re: label programs >Greetings hardliners: > I have seen messages about "Fredware" for labels, Triad has >something called "printware", we are on Labelmaster but we are looking >for a different system (cheaper). > Who, what, where? Can you give me any info. We want to print >mostly shelf tags, but also do some signage. Does anyone have any >suggestions? > Thanks, in advance. > > Mike Jones > Arcola True Value >*************************************************************** You can get info on "Fredware" from Cole Computer products: 5860 Caufield Drive Clayton, CA 94517 800-222-0039 510-672-9435 Fax Attn: Ron Ligouri I am printing bin labels using "Fredware" on a laser printer. It works good. David Casaletto True Value Home Center Pittsburg, KS ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27612 ********************************** hardlines Digest Thu, 09 Oct 1997 00:00:03 -0400 V01 #27613 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27610' 'Repost of Hardlines' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27612' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 09:26:03 -0400 (EDT) From: DURFEES@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27610 I understand your peanut problem. My son is as bad with nuts. My problem with the peanuts is more anal. I never minded throwing peanut shells on the floor in Chicago. Heck, it was a warehouse! The places we've been to must think we're crazy, if I feel I must indulge I find a basket. Paul ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 08 Oct 1997 09:30:52 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Repost of Hardlines These two messages went out yesterday, but quite a few folks missed it due to email troubles (primarily America Online accounts). If this is copy number two, I apologize. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Tue, 07 Oct 1997 07:51:10 -0500 From: mike jones Subject: Re: label programs Greetings hardliners: I have seen messages about "Fredware" for labels, Triad has something called "printware", we are on Labelmaster but we are looking for a different system (cheaper). Who, what, where? Can you give me any info. We want to print mostly shelf tags, but also do some signage. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, in advance. Mike Jones Arcola True Value ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 08:42:28 -0500 From: "David Casaletto" Subject: Re: label programs -----Original Message----- From: mike jones To: Multiple recipients of list hardlines Date: Tuesday, October 07, 1997 9:53 AM Subject: Re: label programs >Greetings hardliners: > I have seen messages about "Fredware" for labels, Triad has >something called "printware", we are on Labelmaster but we are looking >for a different system (cheaper). > Who, what, where? Can you give me any info. We want to print >mostly shelf tags, but also do some signage. Does anyone have any >suggestions? > Thanks, in advance. > > Mike Jones > Arcola True Value >*************************************************************** You can get info on "Fredware" from Cole Computer products: 5860 Caufield Drive Clayton, CA 94517 800-222-0039 510-672-9435 Fax Attn: Ron Ligouri I am printing bin labels using "Fredware" on a laser printer. It works good. David Casaletto True Value Home Center Pittsburg, KS ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 08 Oct 1997 10:19:20 -0500 From: Chuck Hank Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27612 Mike Jones, We are currently using Label Works from Triad to print Bin Labels and some signage. I like the flexability in creating labels to suit your own needs that Label Works has. It runs in windows and Triad has created some templates that make it easy to get up and running. The system also included a laser printer that works very nicely. I have taked some of the stock templates and created new ones that gives me the information I liked on the labels and that is working very well. Take care, Chuck Hank Hank Bros. True Value Hardware ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27613 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sat, 11 Oct 1997 00:00:28 -0400 V01 #27614 Today's topics: 'Dan Burton leaving TruServ' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 10 Oct 1997 12:52:29 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Dan Burton leaving TruServ Today is evidently Dan Burton's last day at TruServ. So far, I haven't seen any official statements from TruServ, but apparently Dan and Don Hoye (head of business development) had differences of opinion. Has anyone heard any additional details? 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 #27614 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sun, 12 Oct 1997 00:00:32 -0400 V01 #27615 Today's topics: 'Re: Dan Burton' 'AOL mail problems' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 11 Oct 1997 02:58:48 -0700 From: "Randy Morris" Subject: Re: Dan Burton National Home center news in their top stories online page announced that Tom Filipski (who set up the Anderson lumber deal) had been named VP of Retail Development. They only stated that Dan had resigned after 18 years with Cotter/Truserv. I know most of you who knew Dan will miss him, but you have a real good person in Tom to replace him. I believe he will continue to aggresively develop and grow the TruServ dealer base. Randy ---------- > From: hardlines-request@cornells.com > To: Hardlines > Subject: hardlines Digest - V01 #27614 > Date: Friday, October 10, 1997 9:00 PM > > hardlines Digest Sat, 11 Oct 1997 00:00:28 -0400 V01 #27614 > > Today's topics: > 'Dan Burton leaving TruServ' > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Fri, 10 Oct 1997 12:52:29 -0400 > From: John Fix 3rd > Subject: Dan Burton leaving TruServ > > > Today is evidently Dan Burton's last day at TruServ. So far, I haven't > seen any official statements from TruServ, but apparently Dan and Don Hoye > (head of business development) had differences of opinion. Has anyone > heard any additional details? > > 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 #27614 > ********************************** ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Oct 1997 11:00:08 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: AOL mail problems Once again, America Online has been having mail problems. Those of you who've just received the past few days of Hardlines Digest probably noticed that the mail was quiet. It looks like things are working again (for now). John ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27615 ********************************** hardlines Digest Mon, 13 Oct 1997 00:01:39 -0400 V01 #27616 Today's topics: 'Survey by True Value' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 12 Oct 1997 19:21:08 -0700 From: Fred Nichandros Subject: Survey by True Value Last week a survey company called up for Tru-Serve to ask what we thought about the Baseball tie-in advertising and the NASCAR advertising. I appreciate that Tru-Serve of taking the positive step of surveying the members for their opinions in this area. -Fred ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27616 ********************************** hardlines Digest Tue, 14 Oct 1997 00:03:14 -0400 V01 #27617 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27615' 'Resend of Hardlines' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27614' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 07:41:30 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27615 In a message dated 97-10-12 00:02:39 EDT, you write: << Once again, America Online has been having mail problems. Those of you who've just received the past few days of Hardlines Digest probably noticed that the mail was quiet. It looks like things are working again (for now). John >> Yup -- I am missing VO1 # 27613 & 27614 --> very dependable that AOL --> they must take lessons from USPO. Rick ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 12:38:38 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Resend of Hardlines hardlines Digest Sun, 12 Oct 1997 00:00:32 -0400 V01 #27615 Today's topics: 'Re: Dan Burton' 'AOL mail problems' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 11 Oct 1997 02:58:48 -0700 From: "Randy Morris" Subject: Re: Dan Burton National Home center news in their top stories online page announced that Tom Filipski (who set up the Anderson lumber deal) had been named VP of Retail Development. They only stated that Dan had resigned after 18 years with Cotter/Truserv. I know most of you who knew Dan will miss him, but you have a real good person in Tom to replace him. I believe he will continue to aggresively develop and grow the TruServ dealer base. Randy ---------- > From: hardlines-request@cornells.com > To: Hardlines > Subject: hardlines Digest - V01 #27614 > Date: Friday, October 10, 1997 9:00 PM > > hardlines Digest Sat, 11 Oct 1997 00:00:28 -0400 V01 #27614 > > Today's topics: > 'Dan Burton leaving TruServ' > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Fri, 10 Oct 1997 12:52:29 -0400 > From: John Fix 3rd > Subject: Dan Burton leaving TruServ > > > Today is evidently Dan Burton's last day at TruServ. So far, I haven't > seen any official statements from TruServ, but apparently Dan and Don Hoye > (head of business development) had differences of opinion. Has anyone > heard any additional details? > > 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 #27614 > ********************************** ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 11 Oct 1997 11:00:08 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: AOL mail problems Once again, America Online has been having mail problems. Those of you who've just received the past few days of Hardlines Digest probably noticed that the mail was quiet. It looks like things are working again (for now). John ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27615 ********************************** ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 15:29:05 -0400 (EDT) From: Magnet1125@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27614 I don't think the details are as important as is the departure of Dan. Trying not to be emotional about his leaving is tough for me because I think he is one of the finest, most sincere people I have ever encountered in business. His member friendly attitude ( I really hope this wasn't the reason for his departure) and his homey attitude (that Southern accent did you in) hid the depth of the man. I got to know Dan about 5 years ago and he earned my respect with straight answers and a genuine feeling for the betterment of Cotter & Co. I have heard good things about Tom Filipski and wish him well. I will miss Dan Burton as I am sure will many other members. Bob Rosenberg North Street True Value & Just Ask Rental Danbuty, Ct ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27617 ********************************** hardlines Digest Wed, 15 Oct 1997 00:04:59 -0400 V01 #27618 Today's topics: 'AOL problems (again!)' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 14 Oct 1997 15:04:41 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: AOL problems (again!) Those of you on AOL have probably not heard much from the list lately. If you haven't received the past few digest, and would like me to forward a copy, then please email me directly and I'll forward them along. Please send email to me directly at john3@cornells.com and NOT to the list. Thanks! John PS - Imagine how much better AOL email will get now that they have all the Compuserve subscribers as well. :-) ************************************************************************* 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 #27618 ********************************** hardlines Digest Thu, 16 Oct 1997 00:01:43 -0400 V01 #27619 Today's topics: 'Re: Time spent' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 15 Oct 1997 07:42:27 -0500 From: mike jones Subject: Re: Time spent Greetings Hardliners: I would like to conduct an informal survey. Where do you, the manager of your operation, spend your time and how much time do you spend...... A. In office planning, organizing, reviewing. B. On sales floor selling, directing employees C. In office doing accounting procedures; paying bills, checking invoices, etc. Just curious on where the GOOD and SUCCESSFUL managers spend their time. Thanks for your input. Mike Jones ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27619 ********************************** hardlines Digest Fri, 17 Oct 1997 00:03:03 -0400 V01 #27620 Today's topics: 'Sam's Train - Found on the web...' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 16:08:23 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Sam's Train - Found on the web... Found this article while surfing the web. It was written by the owner of a diner in Frankfort, Kentucky, and shows that "big box" retailing affects all businesses in town. His web site has a few other stories about retail and food chains... check it out next time you're on the net. --------------------- Sam's Train by Rick Paul (reproduced here with his permission) =20 Rick's White Light Diner http://www.rickpaul.com/ =A0 As this country settled into small communities across America, the American people learned to trust and rely on each other. We traded with each other and we formed relationships based on our need for each other. We learned to recognize the unique way of being each of us had and to accept each business person's position in the community. This of course does not address discrimination. That is another article. In short we came to rely on each other for our existence and prosperity. You could say "The unity in commUNITY was solid." Our ability to respond to each other, in the community, began to disappear one day, when Sam's train arrived in town. Sam's train wasn't long and beautiful with merchandise hanging out all over the place. Many citizens of the commUNITY perceived this train to be a wonderful event. The train had many kinds of stores on board. It had a hardware store, drug store, restaurant, toy store, clothing store, gun store, sporting goods store, lawn and garden store, office supply store, camera and stereo store, video store, and a variety of other stores. The train engineer, being new in town, had to move quickly to gain the trust of the community. The quickest way to do that was to offer prices lower than the town shops. He had this idea that people based a significant part of their relationship on price and less on service and knowledge. He, sad to say, was right. Actually I don't believe he was right, I believe the razzle-dazzle overwhelmed the people. It was easy for Sam to price his goods cheaper than the smaller stores. Sam had made very large purchases of inventory items so he could stock his trains in the many communities across the country. Grand opening day came and the whole community was excited about this new stranger in town. People flocked to the train from miles around to see the savings this man had brought to them. Almost instantaneously the members of the community began a new routine in their lives; shopping on Sam's train. Sam was excited. He was taking in large sums of money from these strangers and shipping it back to his far-away bank. As the very fabric of the community was being ripped to shreds, Sam could only concern himself with taking in the community's money. He did not care in the least what effect he was having on this well formed community. Well, not so surprising, the members of the business community began to suffer. They began to suffer in more ways than one. The citizens of the community began to bicker among themselves about how the local merchants had been cheating them all this time. They whined about how it took a perfect stranger to open their eyes. Their eyes had not been opened by Sam, their eyes had been shut. Shut to the trust, the unity, the reliance, and the relationship each person had with the community. No more did they believe that the local merchant, who had treated and served them so well, was a fair trades person. The local merchant, complete with his knowledge and experience, was now a rip off. Our downtown communities are all but gone in many areas across the country. A hollow existence is being felt by many once thriving downtown shopping districts. The corporate sprawl on the outskirts of our communities is a clear sign that something so very important to us has been taken away. Our sense of belonging and our sense of order has been ripped away. We stand silently by as another small business person bites the dust because of the corporate giants crushing blow. We are content to shop on Sam's train and to shut our eyes to each others needs. We, in a large sense have become like Sam. If we do not again open our eyes to each other with respect and trust and a sense of unity, then the chaos will continue. What does the future hold for our communities when our very leaders stand by and allow even more corporate sprawl to happen? Example: Warehouse size chain stores--Are these stores the outgrowth of mom and pop operations that communities across America cried for? I don't think so. I don't think the local office supply store had much input, prior to going out of business, on whether the chain was placed around his neck or= not. Seems to me, Sam forgot one very important thing. He forgot where he came from. He started out small and then greed caused him to step on the very reality he came from. He chose to step on others like him, even as they protested, because he wanted all the money. He simply could not be= satisfied. You can prosper without compassion and without respect for others, for only so long. This miserable kind of existence the corporate world has, builds a silent rage among those they ravage. ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27620 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sun, 19 Oct 1997 00:00:21 -0500 V01 #27621 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27619' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 18 Oct 1997 19:52:13 -0400 From: Tony Brinkmann Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27619 hardlines-request@cornells.com wrote: > > hardlines Digest Thu, 16 Oct 1997 00:01:43 -0400 V01 #27619 > > Today's topics: > 'Re: Time spent' > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Wed, 15 Oct 1997 07:42:27 -0500 > From: mike jones > Subject: Re: Time spent > > Greetings Hardliners: > I would like to conduct an informal survey. Where do you, the > manager of your operation, spend your time and how much time do you > spend...... > > A. In office planning, organizing, reviewing. > > B. On sales floor selling, directing employees > > C. In office doing accounting procedures; paying bills, checking > invoices, etc. > > Just curious on where the GOOD and SUCCESSFUL managers spend their > time. > > Thanks for your input. > > Mike Jones > > ------------------------------ > > End of hardlines Digest V01 #27619 > ********************************** hi mike, good question to ask - where managers spend their time. i often think about it because i often wish i had more time to do it all. each year is different for me depending on my projects. besides the true value hdwe store i own a benjamin moore paint store. both stores are doing well and this year saw 15 - 30 per cent sales increases. we have 18 employees. last year i spent maybe 20 per cent of my time on the sales floor. the rest of my time in the store was spent in the office reviewing, planning and meeting with the store managers. i had a major project going on last year renovating a 100 year old vacation house on a lake 200 miles away. planning, site visits and phone time were considerable. february of this year i did a real estate closing on a bank building in our town. i just finished a complete renovation and addition on the one acre property. next week we have the grand opening there of our paint store which is moving from 1800 sf of leased space and into the new 5,500 sf location. i don't think i spent even five per cent of my time on the sales floor. another 40-50 per cent of the time in the office. much of the office time is phone time related to the new real estate project. also 10 per cent meeting with the store managers. i average about sixty hours a week at the stores and spend additional time at home reading business related reports, trade journals and truserve materials. my actual schedule varies consirably depending on the seasons ( and thus store sales ) and my real estate projects. i do have slack in between periods where i "goof off" for weeks at a time. i enjoy reading and collecting german and dutch history books. i also travel abroad a couple of times each year. but so far i've not even been able to spend 1 per cent of my time at the new lakehouse. tony brinkmann brinkmann true value hardware van kemenade paint sayville, long island, ny ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27621 ********************************** hardlines Digest Mon, 20 Oct 1997 00:01:30 -0500 V01 #27622 Today's topics: 'Re: Sam's Train' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 19 Oct 1997 12:18:58 -0400 (EDT) From: LoggyF@aol.com Subject: Re: Sam's Train I contacted Rick Paul's web site seeking permission to send a copy of Sam's Train to our local newspaper in the form of a Letter to the Editor. In case some of you were thinking about doing something similar, I thought you might be interested in the reply that I got: I AM RICK'S DAUGHTER, HANNAH. WE WOULD BE HONORED FOR YOU TO SEND "SAM'S TRAIN" TO YOUR NEWSPAPER. YAGEL'S TRUE VALUE STORE IN FRANKFORT GAVE 500 COPIES OF SAM'S TRAIN TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. I SUGGEST YOU SEND A COPY TO TRUE VALUE HEADQUARTERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!! SINCERELY, RICK PAUL AND HANNAH PAUL Fred Logsdon, Nevada True Value Hardware Nevada, IA ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27622 ********************************** hardlines Digest Thu, 23 Oct 1997 00:04:35 -0500 V01 #27623 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27619' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27622' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 1997 07:54:17 -0400 (EDT) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27619 In a message dated 97-10-16 13:29:44 EDT, you write: << rom: mike jones Subject: Re: Time spent >> Very good question, but is the real question " Are you a: Type A Person -- Owner (VP), Manager, then Employee or Type B Person -- Employee, Manager, then an Owner" Tony Brinkman's answer in VO1 #27621 is a great example of a Type A Person -- one who looks out for his investment and has made the time to it. Another example can be the Owners of McDonalds -- you never see them only the managers. A Type B Person, instead, must be the one sweeping the floors, filling the toilet paper dispenser, and paying the employees to watch him (her) work. That person is part of the working schedule on the "Floor" and probably the only person working the floor -- Sounds familiar??? Larry Friedman from the Friedman's Group explains that the Type B person must learn to seperate from the "daily" task, learn to delegate the workload, learn to develop managers and learn to work their store as investment and not as an employee. We got to learn to teach our employees to "stand" on their feet without our meddling or get rid of them. We become the watcher like Tony, so we can develop, innovate and do things we are good at. Larry's favorite comment to managers from employees is "Let's put it to committee". It is very hard to break the Type B Mode -- I wish TruServe had 1 or 2 day seminars. But to finally answer your question Mike, I am trying to break that Type B Mold. Thanks for reminding me. Have fun Rick Schwartz Schwartz True Value P.S. Went to the Baltimore Show --- Paid $2.25 for a Bottle of Water!!@!#$ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 22 Oct 1997 20:23:21 -0400 From: Bud Howe Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27622 hardlines-request@cornells.com wrote: > > hardlines Digest Mon, 20 Oct 1997 00:01:30 -0500 V01 #27622 > > Today's topics: > 'Re: Sam's Train' > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Sun, 19 Oct 1997 12:18:58 -0400 (EDT) > From: LoggyF@aol.com > Subject: Re: Sam's Train > > I contacted Rick Paul's web site seeking permission to send a copy of Sam's > Train to our local newspaper in the form of a Letter to the Editor. > > In case some of you were thinking about doing something similar, I thought > you might be interested in the reply that I got: > > I AM RICK'S DAUGHTER, HANNAH. WE WOULD BE HONORED FOR YOU TO SEND "SAM'S > TRAIN" TO YOUR NEWSPAPER. YAGEL'S TRUE VALUE STORE IN FRANKFORT GAVE 500 > COPIES OF SAM'S TRAIN TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. I SUGGEST YOU SEND A COPY TO TRUE > VALUE HEADQUARTERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!! > > SINCERELY, > RICK PAUL AND HANNAH PAUL > > Fred Logsdon, > Nevada True Value Hardware > Nevada, IA > > ------------------------------ > > End of hardlines Digest V01 #27622 > ********************************** Is it possible to post " sam's train " again in hardlines digest, i missed it but would love have it for store meetings. Thanks Bud It can be e-mailed to budh@worldnet .att.net ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27623 ********************************** hardlines Digest Fri, 24 Oct 1997 00:01:16 -0500 V01 #27624 Today's topics: 'Triad' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27623' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27623' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 22 Oct 1997 22:34:41 -0700 From: "Ralph M. Witkin" Subject: Triad Is anyone using a computer system other than Triad? Which one(s)? I've found Triad to be "over-priced" and "under-flexible" in the past, but haven't discovered any worthwhile alternatives. RALPH WITKIN Sherman Oaks, CA. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 09:27:33 -0400 (EDT) From: LoggyF@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27623 Here is a repeat of Sam's Train for those that missed it. Sam's Train by Rick Paul --- Rick's White Light Diner--- Frankfort, KY As this country settled into small communities across America, the American people learned to trust and rely on each other. We traded with each other and we formed relationships based on our need for each other. We learned to recognize the unique way of being each of us had and to accept each business person's position in the community. This of course does not address discrimination. That is another article. In short we came to rely on each other for our existence and prosperity. You could say "The unity in commUNITY was solid." Our ability to respond to each other, in the community, began to disappear one day, when Sam's train arrived in town. Sam's train wasn't long and beautiful with merchandise hanging out all over the place. Many citizens of the commUNITY perceived this train to be a wonderful event. The train had many kinds of stores on board. It had a hardware store, drug store, restaurant, toy store, clothing store, gun store, sporting goods store, lawn and garden store, office supply store, camera and stereo store, video store, and a variety of other stores. The train engineer, being new in town, had to move quickly to gain the trust of the community. The quickest way to do that was to offer prices lower than the town shops. He had this idea that people based a significant part of their relationship on price and less on service and knowledge. He, sad to say, was right. Actually I don't believe he was right, I believe the razzle-dazzle overwhelmed the people. It was easy for Sam to price his goods cheaper than the smaller stores. Sam had made very large purchases of inventory items so he could stock his trains in the many communities across the country. Grand opening day came and the whole community was excited about this new stranger in town. People flocked to the train from miles around to see the savings this man had brought to them. Almost instantaneously the members of the community began a new routine in their lives; shopping on Sam's train. Sam was excited. He was taking in large sums of money from these strangers and shipping it back to his far-away bank. As the very fabric of the community was being ripped to shreds, Sam could only concern himself with taking in the community's money. He did not care in the least what effect he was having on this well formed community. Well, not so surprising, the members of the business community began to suffer. They began to suffer in more ways than one. The citizens of the community began to bicker among themselves about how the local merchants had been cheating them all this time. They whined about how it took a perfect stranger to open their eyes. Their eyes had not been open by Sam, their eyes had been shut. Shut to the trust, the unity, the reliance, and the relationship each person had with the community. No more did they believe that the local merchant, who had treated and served them so well, was a fair trades person. The local merchant, complete with his knowledge and experience, was now a rip off. Our downtown communities are all but gone in many areas across the country. A hollow existence is being felt by many once thriving downtown shopping districts. The corporate sprawl on the outskirts of our communities is a clear sign that something so very important to us has been taken away. Our sense of belonging and our sense of order has been ripped away. We stand silently by as another small business person bites the dust because of the corporate giants crushing blow. We are content to shop on Sam's train and to shut our eyes to each others needs. We, in a large sense have become like Sam. If we do not again open our eyes to each other with respect and trust and a sense of unity, then the chaos will continue. What does the future hold for our communities when our very leaders stand by and allow even more corporate sprawl to happen? Example: Warehouse size chain stores--Are these stores the outgrowth of mom and pop operations that communities across America cried for? I don't think so. I don't think the local office supply store had much input, prior to going out of business, on whether the chain was placed around his neck or not. Seems to me, Sam forgot one very important thing. He forgot where he came from. He started out small and then greed caused him to step on the very reality he came from. He chose to step on others like him, even as they protested, because he wanted all the money. He simply could not be satisfied. You can prosper without compassion and without respect for others, for only so long. This miserable kind of existence the corporate world has, builds a silent rage among those they ravage. Sincerely, Rick Paul Fred Logsdon, Nevada True Value Hardware Nevada, IA P.S. The web sight is: http://www.rickpaul.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 23:22:46 -0400 (EDT) From: ROTENRAND@aol.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27623 anybody out there have any experience with Dura Deck stain? It looks good it sounds good, but is it really good? Randy Whetstone Nelsons True Value Claysburg Pa ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27624 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sat, 25 Oct 1997 00:00:24 -0500 V01 #27625 Today's topics: 'New Movers program' 'Intro and Misc.' 'Re: Intro and Misc.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 11:24:28 -0400 From: "John Fix 3rd" Subject: New Movers program Does anyone else use the New Movers program from Truserv (provided by MetroMail)? We've been using it for a few years now, and have found the "new owners" data MetroMail uses to be unreliable. I personally received a "welcome to the neighborhood" letter (singed by John Fix!), even though I've been in the same home for fifteen years. I traced it down as best I could through MetroMail, and still was unable to determine why I recevied the mailing. I've had old-time customers bring in mailings and laugh about the "welcome to the neighborhood" they received. Today, an irate woman mailed me a "welcome" note addressed to her ex-husband... he moved out of the house five years ago! Anyway, if you are using the program, do an audit of the names and addresses that MetroMail provides, and compare it to an old phone book. You might be surprised at how many "new movers" are the same old folks. John ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 19:46:42 -0400 (EDT) From: Richard Filion Subject: Intro and Misc. Hello: My name is Richard Filion and I own a small lumberyard/hardware store in a small town near the N.H. seacoast. I am new to the web, but not to computers, having become interested in them first around 1960. I have been using a Triad at my store since 1982 and prior to that had been using an Atari 800 with a spread sheet and a data base program to do some financial projections and inventory tracking. I just upgraded to an Eagle and learned of the existence of this group from my salesman. However, I was given the wrong address, gave up finding it, and then only came across it because I was looking for a TruServ web site. I joined American Hardware around twenty years ago, when it was well run. Since then it has become ServiStar and now TruServ. My nearest competition, for hardware, are two TruServ stores owned by the same person, one in this town and one about five miles away. So there are now three TruServ stores located within a five mile radius. I am not sure how that will work out. But I am more of a small lumberyard providing services to small builders and remodellers. My nearest lumberyard competition is two towns over. HQ and Home Depot both moved into the Portsmouth area, around eight miles away within the past two years. I do not have much experience with the web. I have been using a text browser for quite some time, but just recently joined up to a provider with a real powerful browser. My son is a freshman at U. Cal. Berkeley, so we have significantly increased our use of the web. I also signed up for ATT $.10 long distance service. Being new to your list, I do not know what you primarily use it for. I quickly glossed over some of your past messages and they seemed to be a potpourri of items. Is there any particular goal in mind for the group? I would like to think that exchanging information - networking - on our computer systems, successful sales, etc., would be one goal. I have always felt that one of the best ways for us independents to compete with larger corporations was by using the resources and advantages that we have in greater abundance than they, like motivation and flexibility. The greatest asset TruServ has is the experience and motivation of its member-owners. American Hardware recognized that. ServiStar downplayed and neglected it. It will be interesting to see whether TruServ, with Pentz responsible for developing that area, will reduce or enhance member input to corporate decisions. If any of you are looking for a great item to push onto anyone who uses 7 1/4" circular saw blades, I would strongly urge you to carry and highlight the Irwin Marathon blade Mfg # 24030, TruServ sku # 321896. It is an item I have recommended to people with great success. Everyone loves it and is appreciative of the recommendation. And you can sell it with a decent profit because the boxes do not have a clue about it. My theory is if you give people good advice, they will keep coming to you even if only for the advice. I consider it very important to ask my customers for their recommendations on products. I have also had significant success with the new contractor grade of tools Stanley is coming out with. At first I thought that they were overpriced, but serious tradesmen seem willing to part with the extra money for a better quality tool. Unfortunately, because ServiStar has been so slow to add them to inventory, I usually had to make my first purchases from another vendor. It is no wonder that they were unable to survive by themselves. Is there anyone out there who knows how to access my Triad's PC Access from an outside computer? I have tried everything I can think of and without success. Also, although I have not had the time to really check it out, it looks to me as if when you receive inventory with the option to not update cost - like for sale items - you also do not increase the departmental cost purchase history. I have told a number of people at Triad about this and asked them to verify it, but no one has yet gotten back to me. Why are they so secretive? Has anyone else run into the RP screen lock-up with the Eagle? How difficult would it be to tell everyone that Control-Q unlocks it? They just seem to love to waste our time and theirs fixing stupid programming errors. Well, enough for now. You people have more inportant things to do than listen to my complaints. See you on the list Richard Filion ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 20:32:25 -0400 From: John Fix 3rd Subject: Re: Intro and Misc. At 07:46 PM 10/24/97 -0400, Richard Filion wrote: >I have >been using a Triad at my store since 1982 and prior to that had been using >an Atari 800 with a spread sheet and a data base program to do some >financial projections and inventory tracking. Cool... an Atari 800! I had one of those, along with a TI-88 and a Timex Sinclair. Never used them in the business... we wnet right to a Triad in 82 also. >I have also had significant success with the >new contractor grade of tools Stanley is coming out with. At first I >thought that they were overpriced, but serious tradesmen seem willing to >part with the extra money for a better quality tool. We too have had good success with this line. The tape measures, utility knives, cusion grip jab saw, and pro nail sets are very good movers with devent margin. > Is there anyone out there who knows how to access my Triad's PC >Access from an outside computer? Are you trying to dial-in to your system from outside the store? I believe some folks have had success with PC Anywhere. You can also activate the remote modem and install PC Access on your home PC to dial in. >Also, although I have not had the time to really check it >out, it looks to me as if when you receive inventory with the option to not >update cost - like for sale items - you also do not increase the >departmental cost purchase history. There's probably some additional things going on here, as we receive about 1/2 our products without updating cost and our purchases are reasonably accurate. There's possibly some combination of system settings along with RRP options that are causing this to occur...if it really is happening. It's pretty easy to check. Create a new SKU and a new department, and receive it. MDE gets updated immediate for purchases, so you can tell if it's getting updated correctly. >Why are they (Triad) so secretive? I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. :-) Seriously, I'm surprised that you haven't gotten to know the in's and out's of Triad, especially owning a system since 1982. It's like TruServ, Microsoft, the Federal Government, etc.... deal with them long enough and you learn who to call, and who to avoid. I know folks who hate Triad with a passion, and others who love them. Same for TruServ (Cotter, ServiStar and Coast to Coast), Ace, Sentry, etc. (I know very few who love the Federal Government). I'm not sure what the point of my discussion is, but it made sense when I started typing it. Anyway, welcome to the list! Glad you found us (in spite of the incorrect directions). John Via the Dell at Home John3@cornells.com http://www.cornells.com/john.htm Webmaster/Manager/Cashier ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27625 ********************************** hardlines Digest Sun, 26 Oct 1997 00:00:42 -0400 V01 #27625 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27625' 'New Movers' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 20:29:17 -0500 From: "Cyndi Martini" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27625 Re: >> Is there anyone out there who knows how to access my Triad's PC >>Access from an outside computer? >Are you trying to dial-in to your system from outside the store? I believe >some folks have had success with PC Anywhere. You can also activate the >remote modem and install PC Access on your home PC to dial in. Another option to try is Cole Computer Products in California. I use their EZ_Software from home and Triad's at work. Haven't tried Triad's from home because I started out with Cole before it came available from Triad and got comfortable with their format. At work though we are using the Triad Program with our PC plugged directing into the Eagle. The Cole product is designed to work with Triad and he has several other hardware items (i.e. printers, scanners, etc. for the Triad system.) You can reach Cole Computer Products at 1-800-222-0039. Hope this helps some. Cyndi Martini Martini Hardware Houston, TX cmartini@hia.net ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 21:23:47 -0400 From: "WILLIAM H. ROUND" <102753.622@compuserve.com> Subject: New Movers Dear Folks, I had John's experience with the new movers mailing service. I had long-time customers coming in with coupons and letters. The service used refinancing data at that time, and with the declining home mortgage rates coupled with the variable rate mortgages and other creative stuff from the 80's, it seemed as though everybody in town got a "welcome to the neighborhood" letter from Round's True Value. I dropped the service several years ago. It seems they have not improved. These services are available elsewhere. There are lots of alternatives. With the TruServ organization, I expect programs presented to me to have been checked, tested and found to be effective. I don't have the time to review this stuff properly, and have usually taken the safer route by automatically assuming that a new program offered by Cotter would be ineffective until other members have used it. That's a damn cynical approach, and I don't like it. I welcome the evidence to change it. We have a commercial publication called THE BANKER AND TRADESMAN in the Boston area. It was my Father's favorite scandal sheet as it listed all the commercial and mortgage activity. I always thought that some extra cashier's time could be used to in-put circled transactions of interest likely to respond to an mailing. I also think a relationship with the local realestate offices would be more valuable. After they get their outragious commission on the no-sweat, no brainer, Dad's-basset-hound-could-have-made-the-sale house, they usually leave a fruit basket for the new owner. I have sold large quantities fo garden seed packages to dress up the basket for the some RE office. I have a 4-way screwdriver imprinted with my store name which I give to new movers I happen to encounter at the register. I tell them they should keep it in their back pocket because all the tools they have (if any) will be packed away when they need them. Regards, Bill Round Round's True Value Hardware. ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27625 ********************************** hardlines Digest Tue, 28 Oct 1997 00:02:56 -0500 V01 #27626 Today's topics: 'Manufacturers selling direct to consumer' 'Movers (Shakers?)' 'New movers update' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27624' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 13:18:25 -0500 From: "John Fix 3rd" Subject: Manufacturers selling direct to consumer What's scarier than Home Depot or Wal-Mart selling products to your customer at prices lower than you can buy the same item? How about a manufacturer selling directly to the consumer, at a lower price than you can buy the same item? Black and Decker is now selling VersaPack flashlights and battery chargers directly to the consumer via their web site. A flashlight that costs me $20.65 direct ($21.35 from Truserv warehouse) is available for $19.99 from B&D. This is a current item (VP230T), not some discontinued closeout or "dog" product. There are only about five or six items available (all selling below retail, at or near our cost), so this is possibly an experiment on B&D's part, but it does show that manufacturers are looking at ways to bypass ALL retail channels. I'm sure Black & Decker is not the only manufacturer selling direct on the web, they're just the first one I've found. John ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 17:05:33 -0500 (EST) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Movers (Shakers?) essage-ID: <971025075703_863753307@emout04.mail.aol.com> To: hardlines@cornells.com Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27625 In a message dated 97-10-25 00:12:37 EDT, you write: << Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 11:24:28 -0400 From: "John Fix 3rd" Subject: New Movers program >> Hi: Yup, seen it, done it, and stopped the New Mover Program (Welcome Wagon..), too. We, too had customers coming in laughing and/or crying. The cryers were from the deceased! We did not renew the contract. We tried 2 programs with this kind of failures. One claimed they get the info from the Post Office --> Maybe that explains the poor data and poor results. Regarding: Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 19:46:42 -0400 (EDT) From: Richard Filion Subject: Intro and Misc. Good welcome. Rich did present one good question -- What is our "Goal"? Network or ............ Also, he presented the problem of the "Address" --> do you think one of TruServe's many Communications could do a write up on the "Network" this group has created with the address???????? Have fun Rick Schwartz Schwartz True Value ------ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 17:19:14 -0500 From: "John Fix 3rd" Subject: New movers update Truserv actually is changing providers of the "New Movers" mailers from Metromail to Chicago Tribune Direct (the folks who do the flyer direct mail addresses). I'd guess that results will be better, but I can't say for sure. I'll probably try a few months and see if any more old customers come in complaining about their "new" status. John ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 22:45:36 -0600 From: Chuck Hank Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27624 Rick Paul, As I read your "Sams Train" I could not help but recall an observation I made the other day while out eating lunch. I had noticed a window washer cleaning the windows at this resturant as I entered and when he was finished he moved on to his next job. A few moments later a young man came in and told the cashier/manager that the previous window washer had been in business 4 years and that he himself also had a window washing business and had been in business 8 plus years and would wash the windows for half price of what the original person had charged. She told him that she would pass on his card on to the owner and he left. Then she turned to two other customers eating there for lunch and said "can you believe the nerve of that guy. So and so has always done a good job and now this guy wants to crowd his way in and cut his price in half. My boss will NEVER see this business card!" As I sat there I wanted to say "excuse me but haven't you told me you shop at Wal-Mart and boast about their so-called great prices. Now what made you angry with this window washer competitor is the same thing you do to the local merchants when you shop at Wal-Mart." But I did not say anything because I knew how that would seem and how maybe my view might be a little biased. Take care, Chuck Hank Hank Bros. True Value Hardware ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27626 ********************************** hardlines Digest Wed, 29 Oct 1997 00:04:34 -0500 V01 #27627 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27626' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27626' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 20:03:22 -0500 From: Bud Howe Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27626 hardlines-request@cornells.com wrote: > > hardlines Digest Tue, 28 Oct 1997 00:02:56 -0500 V01 #27626 > > Today's topics: > 'Manufacturers selling direct to consumer' > 'Movers (Shakers?)' > 'New movers update' > 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27624' > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 13:18:25 -0500 > From: "John Fix 3rd" > Subject: Manufacturers selling direct to consumer > > What's scarier than Home Depot or Wal-Mart selling products to your > customer at prices lower than you can buy the same item? How about a > manufacturer selling directly to the consumer, at a lower price than you > can buy the same item? > > Black and Decker is now selling VersaPack flashlights and battery chargers > directly to the consumer via their web site. A flashlight that costs me > $20.65 direct ($21.35 from Truserv warehouse) is available for $19.99 from > B&D. This is a current item (VP230T), not some discontinued closeout or > "dog" product. There are only about five or six items available (all > selling below retail, at or near our cost), so this is possibly an > experiment on B&D's part, but it does show that manufacturers are looking > at ways to bypass ALL retail channels. I'm sure Black & Decker is not the > only manufacturer selling direct on the web, they're just the first one > I've found. > > John > > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 17:05:33 -0500 (EST) > From: RICKSS1@aol.com > Subject: Movers (Shakers?) > > essage-ID: <971025075703_863753307@emout04.mail.aol.com> > To: hardlines@cornells.com > Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27625 > > In a message dated 97-10-25 00:12:37 EDT, you write: > > << > Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 11:24:28 -0400 > From: "John Fix 3rd" > Subject: New Movers program > >> > Hi: > > Yup, seen it, done it, and stopped the New Mover Program (Welcome Wagon..), > too. We, too had customers coming in laughing and/or crying. The cryers > were from the deceased! We did not renew the contract. We tried 2 programs > with this kind of failures. One claimed they get the info from the Post > Office --> Maybe that explains the poor data and poor results. > > Regarding: > Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 19:46:42 -0400 (EDT) > From: Richard Filion > Subject: Intro and Misc. > > Good welcome. Rich did present one good question -- What is our "Goal"? > Network or ............ > > Also, he presented the problem of the "Address" --> do you think one of > TruServe's many Communications could do a write up on the "Network" this > group has created with the address???????? > > Have fun > > Rick Schwartz > Schwartz True Value > > ------ > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 17:19:14 -0500 > From: "John Fix 3rd" > Subject: New movers update > > Truserv actually is changing providers of the "New Movers" mailers from > Metromail to Chicago Tribune Direct (the folks who do the flyer direct mail > addresses). I'd guess that results will be better, but I can't say for > sure. I'll probably try a few months and see if any more old customers > come in complaining about their "new" status. > > John > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 22:45:36 -0600 > From: Chuck Hank > Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27624 > > Rick Paul, As I read your "Sams Train" I could not help but recall an > observation I made the other day while out eating lunch. I had noticed > a window washer cleaning the windows at this resturant as I entered and > when he was finished he moved on to his next job. A few moments later a > young man came in and told the cashier/manager that the previous window > washer had been in business 4 years and that he himself also had a > window washing business and had been in business 8 plus years and would > wash the windows for half price of what the original person had charged. > She told him that she would pass on his card on to the owner and he > left. Then she turned to two other customers eating there for lunch and > said "can you believe the nerve of that guy. So and so has always done > a good job and now this guy wants to crowd his way in and cut his price > in half. My boss will NEVER see this business card!" As I sat there I > wanted to say "excuse me but haven't you told me you shop at Wal-Mart > and boast about their so-called great prices. Now what made you angry > with this window washer competitor is the same thing you do to the local > merchants when you shop at Wal-Mart." But I did not say anything > because I knew how that would seem and how maybe my view might be a > little biased. > > Take care, > Chuck Hank > Hank Bros. True Value Hardware > > ------------------------------ > > End of hardlines Digest V01 #27626 > ********************************** Question. Am i the only one that has problems returning items to cotter??????? First you submit the request for adjustment via land mail. Then you start the long wait for paper authorization to be returned to you. You then return it on the cotter truck after receiving the returned o.k.. Then starts the long wait for the credit to finally appear on your statement. Time to finalize about one or one and a half months. Poor to say the least. Their much be a faster way to get your dollars back. Any comments!!!! Their automatic shipment leaves alot to be desired. Anyone need some trash bags. Bud ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 21:32:46 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Filion Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27626 At 12:02 AM 10/28/97 -0500, you wrote: >hardlines Digest Tue, 28 Oct 1997 00:02:56 -0500 V01 #27626 > >Today's topics: > 'Manufacturers selling direct to consumer' > 'Movers (Shakers?)' > 'New movers update' > 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27624' > > We have used "Welcome Wagon" for years and would be hard pressed to change. The little old lady who does it is a neighbor, a widow, and as "Yankee" (i.e. cheap, thrifty) as I am and would never dream of charging for dead people or those long established in the community. What little she gets probably keeps up her supply of medicinal gin and maintains one of the town "characters." We provide a $5.00 gift certificate and a paint stirrer for the "basket of welcome gifts". She does not drive, but contacts the people by phone and arranges to meet them at the local Town Recreation Center. Many times, we have told new arrivals to contact her for the gifts etc. My theory is if you can get them into your store once and give them memorable service you have a good chance of creating a loyal customer. I am sure she does a better job of selling us than any outside source. Back many issues ago I saw some discussion of Eagle lock-ups. Having just recently upgraded from a sturdy and reliable DX-10 I was quite shocked to have experienced two lock-ups fairly quickly. The first resulted when, in my joy of having finally figured out how to fax quotes and invoices directly from a POS, which my educator had just recently assured me was impossible without QuickRecall, I was showing my manager how to do it. Since I was no longer in the back-office and unable to hear the modem dial out, I looked up the status of the fax on the screen. The fax had not yet gone out, but the request for status and the fax somehow collided and locked-up the entire system. The second lock-up occurred with absolutely no possible cause. I was removing the old back-up tape, after getting MBC to verify that a back-up had been done previously and to confirm the next tape. When I tried to type "quit" I realized that the screen was frozen. I went to the VDT POS's and realized that they were still functional. In hopes that somehow the system checks and automated maintenance? would clear the problem up, I went home. The next morning the system was completely frozen. I then did a power down and after only 45 minutes when the system shut down I rebooted with my techie on the line and the system restored itself miraculously. The only possible explanation is that somehow I hit a function key as I was removing the old back-up tape. Needless to say I no longer check on the status of faxes except through syslog, and I am very careful removing the old back-up tapes. Regarding B&D selling direct: I think TruServ should adopt a policy of refusing to sell any item which is sold by a manufacturer directly to a customer. That B&D item should be removed from all TruServ warehouses and stores and returned to B&D for credit. Richard Filion ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27627 ********************************** hardlines Digest Thu, 30 Oct 1997 00:02:06 -0500 V01 #27628 Today's topics: 'Re: tru*serv returns' 'Re: Warehouse Adjustments' 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27627' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 07:37:33 -0500 From: jack swift Subject: Re: tru*serv returns i've gotten the opinion over 20 years that the reason the reported warehouse error rate is so low is that members won't go through the hassle of (paying for and) filling out the forms just to send something back that the warehouse over-shipped. i suspect that in many cases the dealer actually profits by under-reporting errors especially if they only report significant shortages and very few overages. we're currently doing a study of how much we'd lose (or gain) if we hadn't filed any claims. we plan on including the cost of the forms and the labor cost of filling them out which is actually significant. we won't include the cost of discovering the errors in the first place. i'll bet 'washers to water heaters' that we'd save/gain a lot by ceasing to file claims even if we ended up discarding some of the 'substitutions'. the old system wasn't as bad as the new system where one form by us ends up as multiple numbers on multiple credit memos mixed with other claim form lines. on this we've given up trying to reconcile claims with credits -- when we file a claim, we debit "cost of sales-claims" and when/if we get a credit, we credit that account. i'm guessing that the dollar loss will be less than the cost of reconciling. At 08:03 PM EST 10/28/97 -0500, you wrote: >Question. Am i the only one that has problems returning items to >cotter??????? First you submit the request for adjustment via land >mail. Then you start the long wait for paper authorization to be >returned to you. You then return it on the cotter truck after receiving >the returned o.k.. Then starts the long wait for the credit to finally >appear on your statement. Time to finalize about one or one and a half >months. Poor to say the least. Their much be a faster way to get your >dollars back. Any comments!!!! Their automatic shipment leaves alot to >be desired. Anyone need some trash bags. Bud >*************************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 10:22:32 -0500 (EST) From: RICKSS1@aol.com Subject: Re: Warehouse Adjustments In a message dated 97-10-29 08:05:49 EST, you write: << e returned o.k.. Then starts the long wait for the credit to finally appear on your statement. Time to finalize about one or one and a half months. Poor to say the least. Their much be a faster way to get your dolla >> Gee only 1-2 months --->not picking on Manchester (who has gotten better lately) has been up to 6 months!!! Heard rumors that the adjustments may become automated, but there will still be down time for RDC Research. Another delay is just getting the adjustment pages --caused by 2 deliveries a week -- > also being worked on. > The second lock-up occurred with absolutely no possible cause. I >was removing the old back-up tape, after getting MBC to verify that a >bac Rich - this sounds more like terminal lockup first -- happens randomly but.... next time from another terminal try QUITCRT to quit the down terminal. Rick Schwartz Schwartz True Value ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 09:33:47 -0600 From: "Cyndi Martini" Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27627 Re: Returns >Any comments!!!! Their automatic shipment leaves alot to >be desired. Anyone need some trash bags. Bud Bud on any auto ship the return authorization does NOT have to be mailed in for approval. Just fill it out and put the merchandise and authorization on the next truck. Credits will usually show up on the next billing cycle this way. Cyndi Martini ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27628 ********************************** hardlines Digest Fri, 31 Oct 1997 00:00:10 -0500 V01 #27629 Today's topics: 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27628' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1997 14:29:49 -0500 From: Bud Howe Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27628 hardlines-request@cornells.com wrote: > > hardlines Digest Thu, 30 Oct 1997 00:02:06 -0500 V01 #27628 > > Today's topics: > 'Re: tru*serv returns' > 'Re: Warehouse Adjustments' > 'Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27627' > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 07:37:33 -0500 > From: jack swift > Subject: Re: tru*serv returns > > i've gotten the opinion over 20 years that the reason the reported > warehouse error rate is so low is that members won't go through the hassle > of (paying for and) filling out the forms just to send something back that > the warehouse over-shipped. i suspect that in many cases the dealer > actually profits by under-reporting errors especially if they only report > significant shortages and very few overages. we're currently doing a study > of how much we'd lose (or gain) if we hadn't filed any claims. we plan on > including the cost of the forms and the labor cost of filling them out > which is actually significant. we won't include the cost of discovering the > errors in the first place. i'll bet 'washers to water heaters' that we'd > save/gain a lot by ceasing to file claims even if we ended up discarding > some of the 'substitutions'. > the old system wasn't as bad as the new system where one form by us ends > up as multiple numbers on multiple credit memos mixed with other claim form > lines. on this we've given up trying to reconcile claims with credits -- > when we file a claim, we debit "cost of sales-claims" and when/if we get a > credit, we credit that account. i'm guessing that the dollar loss will be > less than the cost of reconciling. > > At 08:03 PM EST 10/28/97 -0500, you wrote: > >Question. Am i the only one that has problems returning items to > >cotter??????? First you submit the request for adjustment via land > >mail. Then you start the long wait for paper authorization to be > >returned to you. You then return it on the cotter truck after receiving > >the returned o.k.. Then starts the long wait for the credit to finally > >appear on your statement. Time to finalize about one or one and a half > >months. Poor to say the least. Their much be a faster way to get your > >dollars back. Any comments!!!! Their automatic shipment leaves alot to > >be desired. Anyone need some trash bags. Bud > >*************************************************************** > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 10:22:32 -0500 (EST) > From: RICKSS1@aol.com > Subject: Re: Warehouse Adjustments > > In a message dated 97-10-29 08:05:49 EST, you write: > > << e returned o.k.. Then starts the long wait for the credit to finally > appear on your statement. Time to finalize about one or one and a half > months. Poor to say the least. Their much be a faster way to get your > dolla >> > > Gee only 1-2 months --->not picking on Manchester (who has gotten better > lately) has been up to 6 months!!! Heard rumors that the adjustments may > become automated, but there will still be down time for RDC Research. > Another delay is just getting the adjustment pages --caused by 2 deliveries > a week -- > also being worked on. > > > The second lock-up occurred with absolutely no possible cause. I > >was removing the old back-up tape, after getting MBC to verify that a > >bac > > Rich - this sounds more like terminal lockup first -- happens randomly > but.... > next time from another terminal try QUITCRT to quit the down > terminal. > > Rick Schwartz > Schwartz True Value > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 09:33:47 -0600 > From: "Cyndi Martini" > Subject: Re: hardlines Digest - V01 #27627 > > Re: Returns > > >Any comments!!!! Their automatic shipment leaves alot to > >be desired. Anyone need some trash bags. Bud > > Bud on any auto ship the return authorization does NOT have to be mailed in > for approval. Just fill it out and put the merchandise and authorization > on the next truck. Credits will usually show up on the next billing cycle > this way. > > Cyndi Martini > > ------------------------------ > > End of hardlines Digest V01 #27628 > ********************************** Cyndi, Thanks for the comments but the Jonesboro, ga. rdc does not work that way. The driver will not take any thing back that does not have prior rdc approval. We have more man hours spent on form filling, checking, faxing dupilicate copies of previous requests that are aging with no action then i care to know. Cotter was alot easier to work with 25 years ago when John Cotter was alive. Oh! well as we grow i guess we forget what made us grow. My thought for the day. Bud ------------------------------ End of hardlines Digest V01 #27629 **********************************