Prior users will immediately notice that the service has been redesigned with a cleaner interface and several new controls. Address, city and state or postal code information will now be entered at the left and a new Google maps interface will display results based on the information entered. A new text list feature will list all Dealer and Installer locations which appear on the map to avoid overlapping location markers in crowded areas. Users will have the option of clicking on a new “Installers” tab just next to the default “Dealers” tab which will refresh the data to include only locations that install AMSOIL products. Clicking on any of the mapped results will bring up information regarding that location, including address, with additional features including a satellite street-level view and driving directions to assist in locating the installer.
As an added benefit to the Dealers who have installers in the system, users who search under the “Dealers” tab will be able to click on a link provided next to their listing to see all of the installers that Dealer has in the area searched.
To remain eligible for inclusion in the service, retail accounts must be registered with AMSOIL INC. and must have a “brick and mortar” location, with at least a segment of the operation focused on oil installation. Accounts must also meet a minimum purchasing requirement of $500 (U.S.) in the previous six months. The tools needed to administrate the retail installer contact information are available in both the AMSOIL Dealer Zone and Retail Account Zone. Two instructional videos are hosted at the administration screen: the first describes the functionality of the Installer Locator, and the second demonstrates how to administrate the installer location information required for an account to appear on the locator.
This is the first phase of the improvements to the location-based locator. AMSOIL is aware that there are Dealers who run or own installer locations and are not registered as retail accounts. The next phase of improvements will include the ability for AMSOIL Dealers who also own brick and mortar businesses that install AMSOIL products to be listed on the Installer Locator. This phase is expected to be completed in early 2012. In the meantime, Dealers who install and are T-1 Certified will continue to be listed on the standard Dealer Locator. Future locator development will also include a Retail Locator for registered AMSOIL Retail Accounts that sell AMSOIL products on the shelf, but do not provide installation services.
