Learn how to navigate and optimize Cat DB's advanced features with helpful tips and tricks. Streamline your workflow and take advantage of the app's powerful functionality to save time and effort, while fully utilizing the app's potential.
Our app’s search by Vehicle or VIN feature is a powerful tool for determining the value of your catalytic converters. Here are some ways to maximize the potential of this tool.
Fill in all the filters in the vehicle search
To get the most accurate response on your vehicle search, make sure to fill out as many as the optional fields as you can. This will give you an exact matched set of converters and will filter out any cats that would be different based on factors like trim package and drive type.
Use VIN over search by vehicle
If possible, use the VIN number search over the vehicle search as it will give refined results without needing to add any additional filters.
Buy based on price range
The “Get Better Results” section in the results page will default the price filter to the “fixed price”, which is the price the American recycling company will pay if no code is visible. However, it’s important to look at the price range, which is the worst-case or best-case price you will get if you CAN find the code. The lowest price in the price range will be lower than the fixed price, it’s the true worst-case scenario. By basing your junk car offer on the lowest price in the range, you can avoid losing money when selling the converter.
To make it easier for users to find the right catalytic converter the app features two search options: “search by code” and “search by no code.” Here we explain how to use both of these search options to find the pricing you need, as well as some tips and tricks for getting the most out of the available filters.
Search by Code
If you have the code or partial code of the catalytic converter, enter it into the “search by code” box. If you are only able to read part of the code, you can further narrow down the results by using any of the 28 specification filters, such as manufacturer or material type. Click on the “?” icon to get a description of what each filter means.
Search by No Code
The “search by no code” option is used when the code is missing or unreadable. Examples can be the cat is too rusty or the shield that contains the code fell off. There are 28 specification filters available for use with the “search by no code” option. Click on the “?” icon to get a description of what each filter means.
The 3D model view feature in our app is a powerful tool. By displaying a detailed 3D model of the converter, the tool can help you match the converter while it’s still on the junk car, so that you can confirm its OEM before doing the work of removing it. To make the most of this feature, we’ve provided some tips and tricks on how to use it effectively.
Reposition the pivot point & center
Once you are in the 3D model view, you can double-tap the screen to change the pivot point. It will also center the cat for you. By default, the pivot point is in the center of the model. Double-tapping will reposition the pivot point to wherever you tap on the screen. This is handy if you are zooming in to inspect a certain area such as where hidden bolts are located.
Double tap
If you need to reset the 3D model view, double-tap the screen to bring the pivot point back to the center of the screen.
Zooming
To zoom in or out of the 3D model view, use a pinching motion on the screen. This will allow you to get a closer look at specific parts of the model or see the model in its entirety.
Managing your inventory of catalytic converters can be a complex and time-consuming task. To simplify this process, Cat DB app features an advanced cart that allows you to track your inventory, monitor market trends, and maximize your profit.
Organized by count
No matter if you add a full or ½ of a converter, it will always keep the total converter count accurate. For example, if you add (1) full, (1) ½ and (2) ¼ it will count it as 4 total units. This will help your “average” price in the end, inventory counts, and selling in general. No need to worry about recounting how many total cats you have on hand.
Viewing your inventory
You can view the cart to see the inventory of what you have on hand and what its value is. If you need to edit any of the details of a particular catalytic converter, simply tap on the photo to make changes to both the fulls and partials. You can also swipe left to delete.
Organized by Price
If you have multiple catalytic converters that are the same but were purchased at different prices, the cart will automatically display them on different lines in your cart.
Initial price
The price you added the catalytic converter to the cart at will be displayed in the “Initial Price” view. This will always stay saved in your cart, you do not have to lose this information in order to see the current market price.
Current market value
Switch to the “Current Value” view to see the current market price which will calculate the difference from the initial price. Arrows up and down will be shown if the price changed for your convenience. We suggest talking to your buyer about locking in the price when the market is high and you are ready to sell, this keeps your quote secure regardless of what the market does in the following days.
The metals graph feature in our app is a tool for tracking the value of the platinum, palladium, and rhodium contained within a catalytic converter. This feature is particularly useful for knowing when to buy, sell or hold your converters to get the best prices. By keeping track of the market prices, you can make informed decisions on when to sell or hold on to your converters for the best value.
View all together or individually
The default view shows all three metal prices on the same graph. You can change the view to only see specific metals by tapping the metal name at the top of the graph.
Drag to adjust the date shown
To change the date, touch the graph and drag your finger across it. This will allow you to view the price changes for the selected metals over time. The view can be changed from a single day to up to 3 years back by tapping the small blue buttons above the metal prices.
Become a market expert
By using the historic market view, you can predict how the market will behave in the future or confirm what a buyer is telling you. For example, if a buyer says that the price is lower now because the market dropped, you can verify this information by viewing the historic market view.
In conclusion, navigating a new and advanced app like Cat DB can seem intimidating at first, but with a little bit of practice you’ll quickly be using it like a pro. By familiarizing yourself with the app’s interface, exploring its different features, and staying up-to-date with the latest new tools as they are released, you can maximize the app’s functionality and achieve better results.