Builders,
Many of you who have met us in person know that one leg of our builder records are on paper. (This backs up of computer records) Grace tends to work with the computers, but I like the Card system. It revolves around how we work with builders; Grace tends to communicate by email, I generally call builders.
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For example, If I am calling builders in the evening, I generally pull their card out of the files, and review from it the progress of their project, give them a call and cover questions and ideas with them. When I head to an airshow, I bring both existing cards and new blank ones to fill out. I find this a better way to lay out a progress plan with builders picking up or ordering parts.
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Most builders know about how our full on line catalog also doubles as a checklist for a complete engine build with all the group numbers and the part numbers in each group. You can see it at this link:http://www.flycorvair.com/products.html. But, it is a long 10 page print out with a lot of detailed info. The Builder card is an abbreviated version of this, stripped down to just list the most popular parts that builders get from us. It leaves off all the items that come with the core engine, come from other sources like Clark’s Corvair or the Wesemans and the ordering notes.
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Yesterday, Grace and I spent a two hours revising the card to reflect all the most current part numbers. As you are giving it a look, keep in mind that the total of the prices listed is very high if totaled because several choices for systems are listed. Example, both E/P and E/P/X distributors are listed, but your engine needs only one. Likewise, there are four stainless exhaust systems listed, but obviously a plane needs just one. If you are looking at the Card and something isn’t clear, the first stop is back at the main catalog page, where the descriptions are expanded and there are further notes. I wanted to give new builders an advance look at things they will likely need from us. Note that some items don’t have prices, these items are place holders that may be developed later.
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tying
Here’s a link to a pdf which might be easier for some to print:
EngineTwoPageCard060614PDF
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Communications:
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In the last 90 days we have been hit with both, a number of family obligations and a deluge of email and calls. The family obligations are the same things that nearly everyone faces at one time, and we appreciate the people who expresses understanding. The Email has been caused by a string of favorable magazine articles and interest coming off the four 2014 colleges. I understand that it can be frustrating at times to work with this, but we are putting great effort into getting back ahead of the curve. The new builders cards above are a very small part of a comprehensive re-organization, all done to make things work smoother. I have taken behind the scenes, but real, steps to prioritize existing builders. If you are a builder who I still have to call back, you may not feel this yet, but we are working on it.
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A while back, I wrote two stories that explained how we are a small mom and pop business in an industry characterized by big flashy, often short lived outfits. We have a different mission, approach and capability. For people who can meet us half way, there are rewards you can’t get from salesmen. The two stories are: Back from the road, notes on Communications and Improving communications……a little reading goes a long way. Below is an excerpt from the first story, it is the most important element that builders can do to help things work better:
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“When leaving a message, please leave me a number that I can call you on in the evening, and how late I can return your call. I can cover a lot of calls in the evening. I often spend several hours between 7 and 12 pm answering questions in great detail. You are always welcome to call 904 -529-0006 as late as you like. It only rings in the hangar, and it will not disturb us if you call late. About 1/2 the nights of the week I am in the hangar until midnight. If you ever ring the phone and it tells you the mail box is full, it is an electronic fluke caused by me not having call waiting, but also having some type of phone company complementary voice mail that I don’t want. This message just means I am on the line with a builder already.
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The absolute best way of contacting us: Send me a short email that looks like this:
“Subject: Corvair engines, question from Bob Smith
Bob smith here: Please give me a call back on my house line 608-123-3456 or cell, 608-234-5467 any time up to 8pm CST. I have a number of questions about a Zenith 750. Thanks.”
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