Advance Auto Parts completes deal to purchase GPI-CARQUEST

[Joe Marconi]

Below is a link to an article featuring the completion of deal in which Advance Auto Parts purchased GPI CARQUEST. This is a huge deal and will no doubt have other major part companies following this real close in 2014 and beyond.

 

Last year Advance Auto Parts aquired BWP CARQUEST, in the North East area. This is where I am located. So, far the transition has been smooth and I am still dealing with the same sales people and parts counter people, which is great. New product lines are slowly being introduced to us, and I am curious to see how we address training, their new banner program for shops, the DIY issue, and other things that Advance brings to the shop owners.

 

Just wondering how shop owners feel about this latest aquistion?

 

http://www.aftermarketnews.com/Item/122323/advance_auto_parts_completes_gpi_acquisition.aspx

[JimO]

I did quite a bit of business with CARQUEST and was concerned about the changeover. As Joe said the sales and counter people have remained the same and that was a relief. What did change however was my cost and list price for most lines. If you have been switched over to Advance please take some time to compare pricing.

Example - Cabin filter for a 2003 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L

Napa #24897 Cost $10.99 List $20.61

OEM Cost $17.99 List $27.99

Advance #C45459 Cost $21-99 List $55.98

 

There is nothing that can be said that can justify the above pricing issue. Can you imagine invoicing a cabin filter for $55.98 and the customer comes in the next day armed with the OEM list price that 50% less! We try our best to establish a good reputation that could be tarnished by things like this. The above example is NOT unique. I have documented 20 to 30 price comparisons all ending with Advance having inflated cost and list pricing. Wipers, steering/suspension and exhaust prices so far have checked out OK with a fair cost and list.

[xrac]

I have found Advance, Auto Zone, and O'Rielly to be higher on filters. In our market I have found O'reilly to be our most expensive call. Recently a gasket was $9.95 from NAPA and $18.95 from O'Reilly.

[phynny]

The list prices autozone and advance spit out are moronic. Many many times I've climbed all over the territory managers for its stupidity.

[ATLAuto]

The list prices autozone and advance spit out are moronic. Many many times I've climbed all over the territory managers for its stupidity.

 

Phynny, I've never understood why "list price" even exists as everyone pays "cost" or less. What did the managers say about it?

[phynny]

Always the same answer, "corporate does it, we don't agree with it." I believe it's to keep the customers buying directly from them since they can sell it for a higher price directly to the customer.

[AlohaAutoLasVegas]

Wow... I find I quite amusing how people bash certain auto parts suppliers and say that their employees are "wanna be mechanics " but yet those persons that bash on those parts supplier buy parts from them.arent those wanna be mechanics the same person that are selling you those parts ?? And NO I don't work for them..,it just irritates me to think that just because we may or think we know more than someone else in a lower position then us,we put them down..It is really dumb..And yes I was a wanna be mechanic.,, but you know what WE all was once A

Wanna be.. And now we

Are IT.. "THE BEST OF

THE BEST"...i didn't,and WILL never

Forget where I came from..

JUST SAYIN.... We just need

To keep humble...

[Jeff]

Humble yes....BUT...when I have customers coming in and telling me that they need a part installed, that was recommended by someone at a parts house, that has no real working knowledge of the vehicle, solely based on a code check then yea, I get a little testy!

And the only time I will buy parts from them is when my regulars simply cant get it or on a weekend when no one else is open!