FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WM Automotive has spent three decades building relationships with our customers. We believe a good partnership is built on understanding and candor. We hope this information will help you develop an understanding of WM Automotive and the principles that guide us as we serve you.
Company history?
WM Automotive was founded in 1976 by Wilson & Pat McMillion. Wilson still owns and operates WM. The original small Fort Worth Location has now grown to 2 full warehouses and a corporate headquarters, plus additional businesses to serve PBE and DFW-area fleets.
Why WM Automotive?
Today more than ever, this automotive business is about partnerships. Even the strongest business entity is only as good as the bonds it develops with parties above and below in the distribution chain. WM Automotive was founded on the belief that the whole of the distributor-jobber-installer chain is stronger than the links, long before the concept became popular. Today, we offer the strength of a good partnership while preserving the independence and individual character of each member.
What areas do you service?
WM Automotive serves hundreds of jobbers with daily delivery to North, Central, East & West Texas, all of Oklahoma, and southern Kansas.
How often will you deliver to me?
Most of our jobbers receive stock orders 5 nights per week.
How much do you charge for delivery?
Delivery costs are determined by your location. We will give you a quote on request. WM has the lowest delivery costs of any of our competitors.
How much is my discount?
WM prices each line with two simple objectives: (1)Keep our customers competitive and in business and (2) pay the bills at WM
We provide custom pricing to meet our mutual objectives. Variance from manufacturer's print jobber sheet (if any) will vary by line and by the popularity of the part. Price-sensitive products will carry a narrower margin for WM and for you so we can all be competitive.
Do you have a Drop Ship program?
Many of our key vendors offer drop shipments at a discounted price. We support those that make sense. We believe that for most jobbers, the greater benefit comes from daily deliveries and a good, lean inventory. In most cases the savings from drop ships is offset by the cost of maintaining a higher inventory level.
Do you have a fleet rebate program?
Many of our vendors have a rebate program for commercial and government fleets. We encourage our jobbers to use these programs and have developed tools to make it easier for you. In addition, we will set up your JCON system to track and report sales as required by the vendors.
What are your service fees?
WM has no service fees. If you support WM as a full-line jobber, our standard services are provided as part of our partnership. No surprises.
Why Parts Plus?
Parts Plus is currently the only program group that offers effective retail marketing tools for the independent jobber. WM Automotive offers all these tools and augments those with additional services tailored to the needs of our service region.
Is Parts Plus Membership required to buy from WM?
Parts Plus membership is optional but highly recommended. Our marketing program gives us the tools to identify your store and build your presence in your market area. However, if you chose not to use the Parts Plus identity, WM will provide the same high level of service. We want to be your supply partner, the marketing program is a "Plus".
How many Parts Plus stores are in your group?
Current number is over 100 member stores
What does it cost to be Parts Plus?
There is no registration fee. WM shares the Initial cost of signage and store upgrades.
What is the ongoing cost to be Parts Plus?
Member stores pay a set amount each month into a ledger account, and WM matches that amount 100%. Higher levels are available for stores that want additional marketing funds.
How is the Marketing Ledger money used?
A set amount covers ongoing costs like dues to PP, monthly poster kits, etc.
Sale flyer distribution costs vary by store. The balance may be used by you for store upgrades, local advertising, Parts Plus apparel, and other marketing costs specific to your store. Typical discretionary funds exceed $1000 per year. All the money you pay in goes to advertise your store only.
What about my dealers?
Parts Plus Car Care Center program is available for your professional customers. CCC is as good or better than any other dealer program currently available. Ken Hanson is our CCC Coordinator. Ken and your WM rep can help you get them set up.
What can you do about my computer system?
In most cases we can extract your data and load it into a JCON system. An implementation includes installation, training, and data conversion on-site by our WM JCON support personnel. If necessary we will also correct inventory, and transfer A/R balances. The normal process is 5 days, with no downtime for your store.
How much does your computer system cost?
A complete JCON computer system for an average store costs about $250 per month on a 5-year lease, not including the support cost. This is a complete computer system with 2 or 3 screens, 2 printers. This cost does vary, and we are always seeking ways to reduce your computer costs, both initially and monthly. JCONs today cost much less than they did even a few years ago. We can give you an exact quote for your store on request.
It has been our experience that a WM-supported JCON adds an average 5% to your profit margin from the first day it is online.
What does JCON support consist of?
Typically Covers Hardware maintenance, software support, eCatalog, InterChange, price updating, hardware support, and training. WM Automotive provides the highest level of support in the industry.
Who do I call for computer support?
WM Automotive maintains a professional JCON Support staff dedicated to ensuring our customers' JCONs are running smoothly, with current pricing and cataloging. We will compare our support service with any in the industry. We want you selling parts, not maintaining your computer.
How many JCONs do you support?
Current number is just under 100 WM-supported JCON stores.
Can you supply me with paint and body shop supplies?
Our PBE Sales & Service branch operates from our Fort Worth Penland Street location. PBE Offers Sherwin Williams, Matrix, 3M and other top-quality lines that collision repair pros ask for.
Can you supply fixtures?
We can provide virtually anything it takes to get a store going. You secure a suitable building, and we will help you turn it into a Parts Plus Autostore
Do you offer shop equipment?
We offer equipment such as Rotary lifts, Ammco brake lathes, Coats tire changers and balancers, most on a drop-ship, freight prepaid basis. Quarterly specials are available on a wide range of professional service tools and equipment.
What about stock adjustments?
Our commitment is to be sure you always have the best inventory for the dollars invested. WM analyzes each major line at every store on an annual basis. Slow stock is pulled and replaced with new stock, based on our regional sales history and your local movement. JCON system inventories are analyzed by our warehouse system.
What is the return fee percentage?
There is no penalty for 30 day returns or annual stock adjustments.
How often are returns allowed?
You write up your own 30-day returns on the forms we provide, and send them back with your next delivery.
You may do this as frequently as you wish.
How long are return credits held?
WM makes every effort to issue routine credits the same month they are written. We have no backlog of pending credits on the 26th of any month.
How does a changeover work?
Depending on the product, we will rebox or relabel all product for which we have an equivalent. We endeavor to make line changes as promptly as possible, with the least disruption to your business. Invoicing/crediting are set aside until the process is completed so your cash flow is not affected. Once the process is complete we make adjustments and terms as necessary to the satisfaction of both parties. Our intention is to bring you to a clean, complete, current inventory with no surprises.
Who do I talk to if I have a problem?
Your first contact is your WM sales representative. He will provide you with contact information for all relevant WM offices. If you wish, you may contact the owner, Wilson McMillion directly, at any time, and he will welcome your call. All WM people are available via phone or email.
What's the next step?
Work with your WM representative to formulate an action plan to meet your goals. Elements to consider include:
- Location & building
- Signage
- Interior upgrades
- Dealers that will need the Parts Plus CCC program
- Computer system
- Inventory
Line commonality with WM
Additional coverage needed
Overstock or dead stock that can be converted
