Special Tool Audit Conflict of Interest

[poppy]

My special tool audit was a mess from the beginning. We were notified on Friday at 4pm that Monday at 9am the audit would begin. The auditor was gracious and told us he was not here to "sell" tools. Because of the short amount of time to prepare he went through a lot of our tools on his own. The auditor found we were missing 70% of the tools on his inventory. We searched with him, however with no pictures and only a number, it was very difficult. None of the "cased" tool kits were on his sheet(tools less than 2 yr old!). When presented with a large "bill" totalling almost $30k, we contacted our zone and asked for a list of all tools required for a newly opened dealer with pic's or drawings. With this list we found the cases had most of the tools itemized individually, he came back and counted them, and we were down to $15k. He insisted that he "laid hands" on every tool in the bins, and the count was correct. Because of the doubt created by the obvious errors, we picked up the box closest to our hand and found every tool in it was shown as missing. We now had doubts about the entire audit, spent another two days counting for our selves and got the dollar down to $9k. We paid two of our employees to help on both of the auditor visits. We now find out that EAA(Engineering Analysis Associate) the "independent third party auditor" is a subsidary of Valley Forge which also owns SPX-Miller Tools.
Anyone else have similiar circumstances?:mad:

[birch3x]

We were notified months early and had time to do our own audit and reorganizing of our tool storage area. When the time came our expense for missing tools was very small. We had 2 lists, and the best one, by far, was generously posted on this forum by the XMAN on a thread titled 'special tool audit' that went to Area 51.

[XDCX]

We now find out that EAA(Engineering Analysis Associate) the "independent third party auditor" is a subsidary of Valley Forge which also owns SPX-Miller Tools.
Anyone else have similiar circumstances?:mad:

Poppy - Great first post - Welcome to DealershipForum. :wave:

Concerning the conflict of interest with EAA and SPX-Miller, that's an interesting piece of information. I never knew the two were part of the same parent corporation. It's almost like the time everyone here learned that Marchionne was the Chairman of SGS.

Concerning similar circumstances, there's a thread in AREA 51 where several members shared their experiences. The thread also has a copy of the list (with pictures) that Chrysler uses to conduct the audits. (I think the same list is available on DealerConnect.)

In fairness to Chrysler, it sounds like your Special Tool audit was far worse than most other dealers experienced.

[FixedOpsGuy]

In fairness to Chrysler, it sounds like your Special Tool audit was far worse than most other dealers experienced.

Fairness to Chrysler? I am with the mindset of...They automatically ship these tools to us once. That should be enough. No tool audit should ever be conducted. If the vehicle is repaired to "pre-loss" condition that should be good enough to get the claim paid. Enough for my rant.
With that said....

It is time for every dealer to start placing these valuable tools in the parts dept for proper inventory control. Do not let the parts manager get in the way of protecting your Capital $$$.

We are in the 21st century. There is no need to have a separate tool room in the middle of the shop that all have access to. These tools end up in the tech's tool box. And, unless you are ready to install airport security measures, these tools are going to end up missing. Say good-bye to pressure guages, belt/pulley pullers, ball joint press adaptors, especially anything that can be used as a general tool, and the like.

It is time consuming, but simple. Put the tools in the parts room and watch tech productivity sky-rocket. No more searching for tools. I have initiated this at every dealer I've been at for the last 25 years with great success.

There will be very negative reactions to the move, from Parts and Service staff and managers. But owners and GM's will understand and realize the savings, cost control, and capitol control.

[chryslersrt8]

I had a great service manager who went through and organized our special tools into plastic tote bins, gave them a location and used autosoft's special tool inventory to list and locate tools. when a tech needed tool # xxx-123 he looked it up in the inventory signed it out on the screen, used it, then signed it back in. It ran very smoothly and when we were audited by "the tool nazi's" we passed with flying colors.

Also, may I endorse using Doran Liquidators out of NJ area if a dealer is looking to buy or sell any tools. Eric drove and picked up all of our special tools and shop manuals for a fair price. Having all of our tools listed by number and location helped seal the deal.

[XDCX]

Do any of the other OEMs conduct Special Tool Audits, or is this something exclusive to Chrysler?

Assuming the information provided by poppy is correct, who wants to bet that Chrysler doesn't have to pay a dime to have the Special Tool Audits performed?

[FixedOpsGuy]

Do any of the other OEMs conduct Special Tool Audits, or is this something exclusive to Chrysler?


We just had a Hyundai Tool Audit; 3rd party auditor as well.
3k in missing tools.

[steve_biegler]

Do any of the other OEMs conduct Special Tool Audits, or is this something exclusive to Chrysler?

Assuming the information provided by poppy is correct, who wants to bet that Chrysler doesn't have to pay a dime to have the Special Tool Audits performed?
Wouldn't"t surprise me if they got a % of tools sold.

[Txflyer]

Wouldn't"t surprise me if they got a % of tools sold.

Wouldn't surprise me either. We refused the last two special tool audits. Other than not getting the SGS points there were no reprocussions. Personally, if you're in doubt and don't want to spend a bunch of money on unneeded tools I think that is the best route to take.

[XDCX]

Wouldn't"t surprise me if they got a % of tools sold.

Great point. :)

I could envision a company contacting the OEMs and offering to perform Special Tool Audits with the agreement that a percentage of the related sales are rebated back to the OEM. From the OEMs position it's a no-lose situation and they could always claim they're doing the Special Tool Audits in the name of "Customer Satisfaction."

[XDCX]

We just had a Hyundai Tool Audit; 3rd party auditor as well.
3k in missing tools.

Any idea if it was EAA (Engineering Analysis Associates) who performed the audit?

Does Hyundai use SPX (Miller) as the primary vendor for their Special Tools?

[gingersnap]

Our Audit is in the Morning waiting to see what happens. Guy wants to do 3 Dealers in the same day. Don't see how that is possible considering how far apart we are.

[XDCX]

Fairness to Chrysler?

I do try to keep the forum balanced. :)

Ironically, the one member who I most often think of when I type "In fairness to Chrysler" just sold his dealership and traded his wife's Grand Cherokee in for Honda Civic. :rolleyes:


With that said....

It is time for every dealer to start placing these valuable tools in the parts dept for proper inventory control. Do not let the parts manager get in the way of protecting your Capital $$$.

We are in the 21st century. There is no need to have a separate tool room in the middle of the shop that all have access to. These tools end up in the tech's tool box. And, unless you are ready to install airport security measures, these tools are going to end up missing. Say good-bye to pressure guages, belt/pulley pullers, ball joint press adaptors, especially anything that can be used as a general tool, and the like.

It is time consuming, but simple. Put the tools in the parts room and watch tech productivity sky-rocket. No more searching for tools. I have initiated this at every dealer I've been at for the last 25 years with great success.

There will be very negative reactions to the move, from Parts and Service staff and managers. But owners and GM's will understand and realize the savings, cost control, and capitol control.

Great comments - I think you're 100% right on. :thumbsup:

The part I liked the most about your post is the predictable "push-back" a dealer will receive from his Parts Manager and technicians. At the end of the day the Special Tools belong to the dealer and it's crazy to allow open access to them in the middle of the shop.

[XDCX]

We now find out that EAA(Engineering Analysis Associate) the "independent third party auditor" is a subsidary of Valley Forge which also owns SPX-Miller Tools.

A quick Google Search confirmed your statement about EAA being part of SPX - their website is even hosted on the SPX servers.

Here's a link to the Engineering Analysis Associates website - click here (http://eaa.spx.com/)

Not surprisingly, one of the services they promote is: "Dealer Layout and Facility Reviews"

[JoeRocket]

It is time for every dealer to start placing these valuable tools in the parts dept for proper inventory control. Do not let the parts manager get in the way of protecting your Capital $$$.


There will be very negative reactions to the move, from Parts and Service staff and managers. But owners and GM's will understand and realize the savings, cost control, and capitol control.

You better believe there will be negative reactions...lol.

If you convinced the GM to over-ride my objections to putting the special tools in my department, I'd d@mn sure make sure that I was allowed to charge a minimum $10 handling fee for every time I had to go get one for your techs. I definitely wouldn't do it for free.

I'd also require a easily-accessible special area constructed to house all of that stuff since we're already busting at the seams with everyone else's crap. A guy can't keep a nice, clean and well-organized parts department these days with everyone trying to use it for their own personal Store-All unit. Be it accounting files, extra keys for sales, spare computer/phone equipment, banners and balloons, etc. etc...it's ridiculous. Ends up looking like Sanford and Son took up residence.

I have no idea why managers can't create accountability in their own departments, whether it's keys in Sales or special tools in Service. I see it all the time and all I can think of is 3 possibilities. Don't care, not smart enough or never trained properly. Build your own area, make it secure, make one person accountable for signing them out and in. I'm sure your parts manager would help you develop the area if you aren't sure how to hang tools by tool number (scary thought).

My $0.02.

[steve_biegler]

AH this is the adult daycare I do not miss at all. Can't we all just get along!

[XDCX]

AH this is the adult daycare I do not miss at all. Can't we all just get along!

I like the dissenting opinions - that's one of the cool things about having a forum that welcomes all departments.

JoeRocket makes some great points - it would be interesting to see if there's a way of managing Special Tools that all departments would support.

[JoeRocket]

AH this is the adult daycare I do not miss at all. Can't we all just get along!

Yeah. All it takes is a little consideration and responsibility. One-way-streets breed the "adult day care". You know, when someone shoves their department's needs to the top of the pecking order without regard for others. In my experience, Parts gets the shaft waaay more often than not. If your dealership is different, then I'm here to tell you that you're the exception rather than the rule...lol.

If I'm paid to sell parts (because GM/owners HATE salaried parts people...perish the thought) and you want me to be chasing your special tools for your techs because you can't keep up with your stuff, that's taking away from my time to make my check. And that's BS. Some might call that whining or being a baby...I call it taking up for myself. I guess it depends on where you stand.

[JoeRocket]

it would be interesting to see if there's a way of managing Special Tools that all departments would support.

If I was allowed to make money on it and had the room provided to house the stuff, why not? But you wanna talk about "push back"...lol. D@mn. It would be on an epic scale. :roflolk:


It's only "negative" if the guy getting pushed around resists.

:D




But ya know? This is what your parts manager is thinking. He just won't tell you because he's worried about paying his mortgage.

[steve_biegler]

Yeah. All it takes is a little consideration and responsibility. One-way-streets breed the "adult day care". You know, when someone shoves their department's needs to the top of the pecking order without regard for others. In my experience, Parts gets the shaft waaay more often than not. If your dealership is different, then I'm here to tell you that you're the exception rather than the rule...lol.

If I'm paid to sell parts (because GM/owners HATE salaried parts people...perish the thought) and you want me to be chasing your special tools for your techs because you can't keep up with your stuff, that's taking away from my time to make my check. And that's BS. Some might call that whining or being a baby...I call it taking up for myself. I guess it depends on where you stand.
I knew I'd get a rise out of you. hahahaha. Thats OK as a matter of fact it tells me you care about your job and how you do it!! As an owne.......ahem..EX dealer I understand. Rather than pay each department separately pay them on DEALER NET for the whole store, I believe that got everyone working together. Didn't mean to piss you off, have a great day and could you get me that tie rod fork PLEASSSSSE.

[JoeRocket]

Didn't mean to piss you off

Nah, no worries. I'm just opinionated. :D

[LJS]

Rather than pay each department separately pay them on DEALER NET for the whole store, I believe that got everyone working together.

I agree, if you could get everyone working towards the same goal you'd have the world by the tail. In my experience, it seems like every department pretty much says screw the other departments. Doesn't matter what is really going on, somebody always thinks their getting the shaft, and has to bitch about it.

[XDCX]

In my experience, it seems like every department pretty much says screw the other departments. Doesn't matter what is really going on, somebody always thinks their getting the shaft, and has to bitch about it.

Great comments - I think most people would be 100% in agreement with your assessment.

Concerning a pay plan where department managers get paid off of the dealership net, it's an interesting concept but I don't think I've ever heard of a dealership that actually had a pay plan like that in place.

[steve_biegler]

Great comments - I think most people would be 100% in agreement with your assessment.

Concerning a pay plan where department managers get paid off of the dealership net, it's an interesting concept but I don't think I've ever heard of a dealership that actually had a pay plan like that in place.
I have a very good friend that is a Chev-Buick store and does just that. Small rural store but has NEVER had a red month since starting 12 years ago. I used to pay that way, but with just Jeep it was hard, the profits were not there after Daimler neglected Jeep. You just have to have the testicular fortitude to show what the store is doing and be honest about it, not to mention trust your employees.

[FixedOpsGuy]

If the Parts and Service Manager were paid on the same bottom line in "Joe Rocket's" store, they just might be able to both realize the importance of tracking and monitoring the tools. Again, it is not the cost of the tool that has the biggest effect. And, it is not the cost incurred when the auditor does not find that tool. ...
It is the tech productivity, quality work, Fixed-Right-First-Time, and ultimately CUSTOMER LOYALTY, that makes all the difference in the decision to putting those tools in the parts dept.

Do you know what is closely related to this?
Anyone every heard of the old mentality of giving a huge discount to the UCD for all used vehicle reconditioning? Cheaper repair cost to recon a vehicle could possibly mean additional sales. The kickback to the Service dept? Put the service manager on a payplan that allows him/her to benefit on the bottom line of "front gross".

20 groups are still telling you that you are leaving $ on the table when you do not sell at retail to the UCD for recon work. Well, maybe. But, If you are in a tight market area, and need a few extra used units across the curb each month, then maybe a few hundred less on the window sticker may be the extra kick needed to win over a customer that has done his homework on pricing around your area for a similar used vehicle. In addition to that, you may have a cleaner and more road-ready vehicle on the lot if the UCD manager knows that he can get more work done for less $. This may also decrease UCD policy on come-back work to the service dept for a vehicle just sold and has a problem.

[gingersnap]

Tool guy was a NO SHOW yesterday bad weather. Showed up today at 11:22 and at 12:28 he was out of here. Sat at a desk with my Parts and Service Manger and went down through the list. He read the numbers off and my guy said yes or no. We were missing 18 total and the guy said 6 of them nobody has. Wanted to see tire machines and stuff like that. Shook hands and C-YA later.

[JoeRocket]

If the Parts and Service Manager were paid on the same bottom line in "Joe Rocket's" store, they just might be able to both realize the importance of tracking and monitoring the tools.

I realize it, regardless of my pay plan. I can see how it's important for the Service Department to not lose their expensive specialty tools. I realize that people view the parts department as the ideal place to store them (and everything else...lol). I also realize that you don't have to hand it off to parts to be successful at holding on to them. Trust me, the last thing we want is a bunch more expensive stuff that we are responsible for tracking. (Who pays for it if the tool comes up missing?)

You have a dispatcher? Give the dispatcher the key to the secure area where the tools are kept. Give the dispatcher a log. A pen, too, while we're at it. Do a monthly inventory and penalize the dispatcher for any tool not found in the are that he can't account for in his log. This isn't rocket science. I guarantee you that would work perfectly. I've seen it happen.

I just get riled up when someone gets to the point of "I can't get my guys to be responsible so I have to hand this off to someone that will be." Bull****. Make your guys responsible. That's the bottom line.

[birch3x]

Ever since the Big Scare tool audit we've had all the tools entered as parts inventory with their own separate, no $ figure account. Now we can inventory them very quickly.

[79LilRedExpress]

Tool guy was a NO SHOW yesterday bad weather. Showed up today at 11:22 and at 12:28 he was out of here. Sat at a desk with my Parts and Service Manger and went down through the list. He read the numbers off and my guy said yes or no. We were missing 18 total and the guy said 6 of them nobody has. Wanted to see tire machines and stuff like that. Shook hands and C-YA later.

Would you mind listing the six tools that "no one" has ? :)

[FixedOpsGuy]

I just get riled up when someone gets to the point of "I can't get my guys to be responsible so I have to hand this off to someone that will be." Bull****. Make your guys responsible. That's the bottom line.


It's not a matter of "who's responsible". Believe me; I've fought the fight that you are stating. I've been a part's manager and currently fixed ops director. But, a wise owner told me once... your return on investment is only as good as the security measures that are in place to protect your capital, whatever that might be. In this case, productivity suffers if the capital (special tools) are not readily available at the time of need. It's not the value of the tool, it's the protection of that investment that matters.

To your point, a nominated person in the shop could have control of the tool room, monitor the tools, inventory the tools, maintain a log, etc. And, that person, or persons, could be held liable for missing tool(s). We could go as far as having them reimburse the company for missing tools, have a "write-up" of the employee, and ultimately "termination". But, that only puts the "blame" on someone.

The dealers that initiated a parts department controlled tool room are not trying to determine the culprit of missing /stolen tools; they are trying to promote efficiency, productivity, and net profit.

As for your other statement about storing supplies, files, etc...in the parts room; the only option I have for you to help you plead your case is..."Sell more parts. Increase your profitability. Sell more wholesale." When more room is required, I'm sure the owner will recognize the need because I am sure R.O.I. is the only thing that motivates him/her. Until then, it's a lost cause. I fought that fight too.:rolleyes:

Sorry for my rant;) But, the last 18 months of challenges has done it to me.

[JoeRocket]

It's not a matter of "who's responsible". Believe me; I've fought the fight that you are stating. I've been a part's manager and currently fixed ops director. But, a wise owner told me once... your return on investment is only as good as the security measures that are in place to protect your capital, whatever that might be. In this case, productivity suffers if the capital (special tools) are not readily available at the time of need. It's not the value of the tool, it's the protection of that investment that matters.

To your point, a nominated person in the shop could have control of the tool room, monitor the tools, inventory the tools, maintain a log, etc. And, that person, or persons, could be held liable for missing tool(s). We could go as far as having them reimburse the company for missing tools, have a "write-up" of the employee, and ultimately "termination". But, that only puts the "blame" on someone.



http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/images/smilies/sneaky.gif

We'll just have to "agree to disagree" on that logic.



That said, I will agree with you that it's a losing battle. What's done is what's easiest to do. And we all know that "easy" and "right" don't often hold hands and take long walks on the beach together...

[bos]

JoeRocket
You have to look at as who is your BEST CUSTOMER. I would say it is your own DEALERSHIP, service and new/used car sales. If you have to stock and keep track of special tools for your dealership that will help them fix more vehicles and sell more parts (that will benifit your bottomline) then do it. The used car dept. If you have to find used parts to make the deal a money maker then do it. The accesories dept, make it easier on the salesperson trying to sell add-ons.The whole dealership network is based upon a TEAM network. Be part of it. You can't be looking for a payback for every thing you do. You will make mistakes. We all do. Just don't make too many. TEAM

[LJS]

JoeRocket
You have to look at as who is your BEST CUSTOMER. I would say it is your own DEALERSHIP, service and new/used car sales. If you have to stock and keep track of special tools for your dealership that will help them fix more vehicles and sell more parts (that will benifit your bottomline) then do it. The used car dept. If you have to find used parts to make the deal a money maker then do it. The accesories dept, make it easier on the salesperson trying to sell add-ons.The whole dealership network is based upon a TEAM network. Be part of it. You can't be looking for a payback for every thing you do. You will make mistakes. We all do. Just don't make too many. TEAM

Good post.

[JoeRocket]

JoeRocket
You have to look at as who is your BEST CUSTOMER. I would say it is your own DEALERSHIP, service and new/used car sales. If you have to stock and keep track of special tools for your dealership that will help them fix more vehicles and sell more parts (that will benifit your bottomline) then do it. The used car dept. If you have to find used parts to make the deal a money maker then do it. The accesories dept, make it easier on the salesperson trying to sell add-ons.The whole dealership network is based upon a TEAM network. Be part of it. You can't be looking for a payback for every thing you do. You will make mistakes. We all do. Just don't make too many. TEAM


I don't think you see my point, but I do see yours. I really do. If it comes across as strictly money-oriented, then I must not be expressing my point correctly. My objection less about $$ than it is about principle.

I take it most of you are GMs or dealers, yeah? Any of you, besides FixedOpsGuy, work in Parts for any reasonable length of time? That might explain a lot.

[LJS]

I take it most of you are GMs or dealers, yeah? Any of you, besides FixedOpsGuy, work in Parts for any reasonable length of time? That might explain a lot.

You ever tried to run a whole dealership any length of time? Take your parts problems and magnify them by 100.

[FixedOpsGuy]

You ever tried to run a whole dealership any length of time? Take your parts problems and magnify them by 100.

:roflolk::roflolk::roflolk:

:machinegun::machinegun::machinegun:

[steve_biegler]

YEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAA......just sold 2513.78 worth of special tools to another dealer for 1750.00. I think I did OK. Now what to do with the other 43K thats left. Glad I could take the sale away from Chrysler and save him some on their audit.

[JoeRocket]

You ever tried to run a whole dealership any length of time? Take your parts problems and magnify them by 100.

While witty, that doesn't apply to the conversation. :p

[nightrain756]

Thank you Rob in was very nice to meet you both maybe next time the weather will be warmer.Also if you like I will provide the parts buyer with your contact info.Thank you Eric Doran

[XDCX]

YEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAA......just sold 2513.78 worth of special tools to another dealer for 1750.00. I think I did OK. Now what to do with the other 43K thats left. Glad I could take the sale away from Chrysler and save him some on their audit.

That's awesome - a definite "win-win" for both dealers. :thumbsup:

[XDCX]

Thank you Rob in was very nice to meet you both maybe next time the weather will be warmer.Also if you like I will provide the parts buyer with your contact info.Thank you Eric Doran

Who's Rob? :parnoid:

Never mind, it's none of my business I'm just happy to hear you were able to make contact with another member and work out a deal. :)

[chryslersrt8]

I had a great service manager who went through and organized our special tools into plastic tote bins, gave them a location and used autosoft's special tool inventory to list and locate tools. when a tech needed tool # xxx-123 he looked it up in the inventory signed it out on the screen, used it, then signed it back in. It ran very smoothly and when we were audited by "the tool nazi's" we passed with flying colors.

Also, may I endorse using Doran Liquidators out of NJ area if a dealer is looking to buy or sell any tools. Eric drove and picked up all of our special tools and shop manuals for a fair price. Having all of our tools listed by number and location helped seal the deal.

i am assuming it is in response to this.

if keeping accurate inventory of service special tools is a problem in any dealership, i have to ask the question, "what else is not being kept secure in your service and/or parts department"?

and yes, besides being the dealer before chrysler stole our franchise, i had spent 10 years as parts manager and 5 years as service manager. so i know about the issues of security and inventory in those departments.

[JoeRocket]

and yes, besides being the dealer before chrysler stole our franchise, i had spent 10 years as parts manager and 5 years as service manager. so i know about the issues of security and inventory in those departments.

Yep. Looks like you had your people responsible for their own property. Great job. Puts a big exclamation mark on my point.

[marshmotors]

Has anyone else come to the conclusion that many of the tools missing are complete kits and that perhaps they were never shipped in the first place?

After going through our entire inventory and arranging the tools, we are still missing about 110 tools from our list. We are preparing for an audit on May 8th and it seems like through poor record keeping and checks over the past few years, Chrysler has billed us for special tools that we actually never received, whether it be they were never sent or they were mishandled through shipping.

It's too late to go back at this point and play the blame game, but I was wondering if any fellow dealers noticed entire kits missing that have perhaps started to think they never received them from the start.

[possum]

Find a friend, and be ready for the 8th.

[marshmotors]

Does anyone know if the person auditing marks the tools in any way or just quickly checks them off the list and leaves them as-is

[gingersnap]

Our guy sat at a desk with our Parts mgr and it was yes or no. Took some pictures and was out of here. But we just went through a follow check as part of spring cleaning. That was pretty simple.

[marshmotors]

Alright that sounds good.

Didn't know if they'd do anything to the tools to indicate that the tool had already been previously inspected or not.

:)

[XDCX]

Alright that sounds good.

Didn't know if they'd do anything to the tools to indicate that the tool had already been previously inspected or not.

:)

Most of the feedback from the dealers following their Special Tool audit has been positive. The people performing the audits seemed reasonable and they were professional in their approach.

That said, I still think the primary agenda behind the Special Tool audits is more focused on selling tools than it is in increasing customer satisfaction.

[marshmotors]

Most of the feedback from the dealers following their Special Tool audit has been positive. The people performing the audits seemed reasonable and they were professional in their approach.

That said, I still think the primary agenda behind the Special Tool audits is more focused on selling tools than it is in increasing customer satisfaction.

Haha no kidding. I am highly certain there are no customer satisfaction issues whatsoever. Through the knowledge that EAA is a conflict of interest to begin with, I'd venture a guess that Miller had a warehouse full of tools they couldn't sell so they figure they'd pawn them off on dealers

[steve_biegler]

Haha no kidding. I am highly certain there are no customer satisfaction issues whatsoever. Through the knowledge that EAA is a conflict of interest to begin with, I'd venture a guess that Miller had a warehouse full of tools they couldn't sell so they figure they'd pawn them off on dealers
Steve, what you said just hit me like a ton of bricks.....they have a warehouse full of tools and 789 less dealers to sell them to, so they have got to raise sales numbers somehow.....How did I miss that? I must be getting old.