thanks
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JC
The tool inventory is not something GM will be charging dealerships for unless it becomes a very time consuming process. If you have a tool room up and running by the time the tool inventory people come to visit your dealership, it is highly unlikely they will be charging you this $83.50 "run around" expense.
They are starting in the U.S. and are going to expand to Canada in the near future.
If not available, essential tools will be ordered on-the-spot.
Average cost of required tools ranges from a low (standalone Buick) of $22,000 for 150 tools to a high (standalone Chevy with Corvette) of 397 tools at a cost of about $35,000.
Rumor has it that average tool orders in surveyed stores are running about $4,000 (I would not be surprised to see some range into $10,000 for a multi-line store).
They will also verify the existance of "Critical Equipment" which includes a brake lathe, tire changer, tire balancer, alignment machine, A/C equipment and emission analyzer. Reps from the various equipment manufacturers will be called in to test calibration (at no charge to the dealer).
I have found most techs are supporting the idea while Service Managers remain split.
[This message has been edited by David Henson (edited 02-26-99).]
In the past when I have tried to help stores with this issue, it was a matter of going back over the past two or three year's records to find what was shipped and what was required at that time. Not the most accurate method.
As far as obsolete, I think (... and others should chime in here and correct me if I am wrong) that most shops will continue to inventory tools until they well past their useful life [you never know when you'll get a Olds Omega in the shop again.] However, most expense tools and manuals out as supplies which are depreciated to nothing very quickly (in just a few years.) So while inventory will be kept on them, they have no book value.
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** Rob, Editor WD&S **
Help is only a message post away!
robc@dealersedge.com
A package listing required tools will be shipped to the dealership 6 to 8 weeks before you are scheduled for the inventory. Dealers are telling me that it is taking them a minimum of 6 weeks to gather everything so it would be a good idea to get the list as far in advance as possible.
The system of having the parts department inventory tools is one that is considered a "best practice" by GM. Some stores pay the parts department a stocking fee to maintain their tool inventory. When you consider the cost, this doesn't seem like too bad an idea.
Also note that Kent-Moore mechanical tools are covered by a warranty similar to others (i.e. Snap-on, Craftsman, etc.) and may be replaced at no charge if broken during use.
[This message has been edited by David Henson (edited 03-09-99).]
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