Federated Member Vaca Valley 'Goes Green' -

Federated Member Vaca Valley ‘Goes Green’

With high gas prices leading to higher operating costs, Federated member Vaca Valley Auto Parts decided to take action. The Fairfield, CA-based company has added four Prius C Hybrids to its delivery fleet, resulting in immediate savings.

With high gas prices leading to higher operating costs, Federated member Vaca Valley Auto Parts decided to take action. The Fairfield, CA-based company has added four Prius C Hybrids to its delivery fleet, resulting in immediate savings.

“With the cost of fuel these days, we decided to take steps to reduce our delivery costs,” said Jack Martin, president and founder of Vaca Valley Auto Parts. “Finally, we took the leap, purchasing four Prius C Hybrids and putting them into service. We have seen a big reduction in fuel costs and expect the payback to come in two years.”

As part of introducing its new Prius C Hybrid delivery vehicles, Trevor Martin, vice president and general manager of Vaca Valley, designed a “Vaca Valley Goes Green” promotion for their customers.  To celebrate, Vaca Valley gave every customer with an invoice over $100 a Lotto Scratcher ticket for a chance to win some extra “green.”  In addition, those customers who did not have a winning lottery ticket were eligible for a second-chance bonus drawing to win such prizes as an iPad, LCD television and a Federated Racing hospitality package at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma.

Vaca Valley Auto Parts was formed in 1974 by Jack Martin, Richard Black and William Suter. In 1975, Martin purchased the shares of his other partners and Vaca Valley Auto Parts became the family owned corporation that it is today.  From the beginning, the company’s goal was simple, to be the best auto parts store in the region. The Vaca Valley Auto Parts staff of ASE-certified professional counterpeople serves a variety of customers including professional installers and do-it-yourselfers as well as fleet, industrial and marine customers. 

“We commend Jack and Trevor Martin on their proactive efforts to reduce costs while at the same time, being environmentally friendly,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “Vaca Valley has a long history of innovative ideas and programs that have helped set them apart from the competition.”

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The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

By Joe Marconi of Elite
Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track
all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue,
other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.
Here are a few things to consider:
• The loss of time when performing the comeback; time that the tech can use to
perform other work and generate profit;
• The misc costs, such as overhead costs, supplies, cleaners, etc.;
• Towing costs, rental, etc.;
• Cost to morale;
• Reputation damage; and
• Reduction to your profit margin.
For every part issue, you need to
inform your supplier. Sit down with suppliers on a regular basis. Don’t return defective
parts until you have listed the parts, and maintain a report. Document
everything.
Part issues are increasing. Every shop
owner I speak to is frustrated over this.
Remember, comebacks kill your bottom
line. The more comebacks you have, the more they’re killing your profits.
This article was contributed by Joe Marconi.
Joe is one of the 1-on-1 business coaches who helps shop owners through
the Elite Coaching Program, and is the
co-founder of autoshopowner.com.

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