ACDelco Introduces New WIP Community For Members

ACDelco has launched the WIP Community, a new online forum and social gathering place available to WIP (WISE Internet Parts) catalog users.

The new WIP Community was designed to give members an opportunity to share insights on repairs, ask questions or discuss other related topics. Input from fellow WIP Community users can provide useful peer-to-peer feedback on new parts, tough repairs, business best practices and more, according to ACDelco. The community operates on gaming dynamics, so the more users engage in the community, the more they can move up in rank to earn additional permissions and privileges.

“The Internet has transformed how so many of our customers order parts and run their businesses, so it seemed fitting to use it to help our customers share their experiences and learn from one another,” said Kelli Abbott, eBusiness marketing/integration manager, ACDelco.

The WIP Community is easy to join and use, the company says. Click the ACDelco Community link on the WIP catalog home page. Once registered, bookmark the site to log in from any public computer or mobile device. Every technician and parts person will have unique log-in credentials and an individual profile.

The WIP Community features a variety of topics and discussions organized by part categories. Community topics include:

• Air, Fuel, Emissions and Exhaust

• Batteries, Electrical and Wiring

• Brakes, Steering and Suspension

• Chemicals, Waxes and Lube

• Cooling and Heating

• Electronics and Navigation

• Engine and Ignition

• Transmission and Drivetrain

• WIP Catalog Discussions

Community members also can search for topics to quickly find the latest information, such as by part or by vehicle. Users also can share their knowledge about a topic or help spread the word about an upcoming event, including training seminars, business open houses or other activities. They also can include pictures, videos or document attachments with their posts.

For more information about the WIP Community, WIP catalog and ACDelco catalogs, visit acdelcotechconnect.com and click the eBusiness tab.

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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