FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ATCO?
ATCO is an automotive industry sales and marketing service. Our services are made available to the parts departments of new car dealerships. The relationship with our clients is exclusive to franchise and territory. Our company was founded in 1989, by Alan Wexler, and is privately owned and operated.

What does ATCO do?
ATCO generates exposure and stimulates growth for the parts departments of new car dealerships. We are a relationship marketing tool.  The strength of our program is providing a qualified and motivated outside wholesale parts representative to solicit business on behalf of our network clients.

How does ATCO operate?
In a predetermined geographic area an exclusive network of non conflicting O.E.M. dealerships is secured. One outside wholesale parts representative is assigned to that market. That individual solicits business from mechanical and body shops. New and existing customers are targeted. Establishing and cultivating relationships is our prime objective.

What tangible materials does ATCO provide?
A "Wholesale Parts Dealer Directory" Network Line Card is produced clearly highlighting each client, its franchises and their phone numbers. Each Network Manager is equipped with a pager and cell phone. Each client is mailed a contact report weekly containing shop name, contact person and phone number along with other pertinent data.

Is it necessary to have a contract?
Yes. A contract is a standard business procedure. It clarifies our mutual responsibilities, leaves nothing to speculation and eliminates the potential for misunderstandings. The Agreement ensures our clients franchises, products or services exclusive representation in the specified territory, at the agreed upon term and price.

What does it cost?
We have adopted a policy of standard pricing based on franchise market share. Prices are subject to change based on market dynamics. The pricing policy is to ensure a reasonable return on investment for all franchises. Please ask for formal proposal.

Will ATCO Parts work for my dealership?
Yes, if your commitment to the wholesale parts business is genuine. The ATCO Parts marketing program is a wise investment in the current and continued success of your wholesale parts operation. Working as a team, we will assist you in attaining your goals and executing your action plan to yield long-term growth and customer retention. Our program works for both established larger operations as well as blossoming dealers with an aggressive "can do" attitude. Our style of relationship marketing is proven and can work for you.

What are the guarantees?
ATCO guarantees that it will provide all services as outlined in our "Services Provided" brochure, "Guarantee" brochure and in our "Client Agreement". ATCO representation clearly differentiates our clients from their competition. Our suite of services is an exceptional value that a client can not duplicate at a lower cost. Our mission is to provide an exemplary level of service that exceeds your expectations thus helping to assure your success in the highly competitive wholesale parts business. Outside representation is a form of advertising, and like other methods of advertising the return on investment will vary.

What is our track record?
We have been providing our services since 1989. We are passionate about what we do and currently provide our services to over 110 clients who consider us an integral part of their success.

When will we see results?
Occasionally in the first 30 days. Historically, however, relationship marketing requires 90 to 120 days to begin to yield results. Repeated sales visits are typically required to obtain an opportunity to discover and meet a shop's needs. The longer a Client participates in our program the more trust can be established and maintained, creating an environment in which to be effective. The compounding effect of consistently and persistently asking for the shop's business, then exceeding their expectations when given the opportunity, solidifies our relationship.

Will ATCO service my existing customers?
We will assume a custodial role with your existing customers. If provided with activity reports, indicating shops that have not purchased recently, we will visit them to determine the reason. We will at the Clients direction organize special events, such as lunches at shops to express appreciation for their patronage.

Will ATCO target specific shops for me?
If provided with a "hit list" those shops will be targeted and feedback will be reported.

Will my ATCO Network Manager assist with deliveries?
Only on a very limited and emergency basis. Time spent delivering is time not spent selling.

Will my ATCO Network Manager assist with collections?
Only on a very limited and emergency basis. It is counter productive for our marketing representative's identity and role to become confused.

What shops will be solicited?
We will eventually and continually solicit every parts buying concern in the designated territory. We focus our efforts on collision shops and the larger mechanical facilities.

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