Bring In More First-Time Callers
With vehicles being built better than ever before, and with service intervals continually being extended, you are going to see your customers less often. This means that your service advisors have to be razor sharp when that phone rings. Although there is no silver bullet that will allow you to bring in every first-time caller, there are a number of things you can do to get more appointments. In this article, I would like to share some of the best practices your advisors can use that will bring immediate results.
Marketing Budgets For Building World-Class Auto Repair Shops
In the world of auto repair and service, one thing is certain: You are going to lose customers. They will move, no longer have a need for their vehicle, turn to one of your competitors, or buy a new vehicle and then take it to the dealer for service.
Car Care Council Vehicle Check-Up Events Boost Customer Confidence And Help Shops Garner Unperformed Maintenance Opportunities
More than 100 vehicles were inspected in October during the first-ever consumer vehicle check-up event conducted by the Car Care Council in conjunction with the Northwood University International Auto Show in Midland, MI.
Transparency In Pricing: It’s Now A Mandate, Not An Option
There was a time in our industry when shop owners were the only ones who knew the cost of their parts. Additionally, the amount they charged for their repairs and services was typically not public knowledge. If customers wanted to know how much it would cost to perform a specific repair, they had limited options; they would have to either call for an estimate, or visit a repair facility.
Don’t Let Discounts Kill Your Business
The effects of the recent Great Recession have left many people with a sense of uncertainty over the economy. Perceived consumer attitude is pressuring some companies into lowering prices or offering discounts in order to attract new consumers or to maintain their customer base. I would urge all businesses to seriously consider and examine the effects of price reductions and discounting.
Remodeling Your Service Counter?
At Elite, we realize that the very first thing a service advisor needs to do with first-time customers is build rapport. Making good eye contact, smiling and shaking the customer’s hand are all part of that process, so when a customer comes in to your facility, the last thing in the world you need is a barrier between your advisor and the customer. Ironically, that’s exactly what most service counters are, and most shops have them for two reasons: it’s the way it has always been done, and it provides a workspace for the advisor.
Common Customer Service Myths Exposed
How to break down the myths of customer service, get into customers’ heads, and figure out the best way to serve them and turn a problem customer into a customer for life.
Ask The Customer Again
When your service advisors recommend additional services that are outside of the customer’s original concern, and the customer initially declines those additional services, in most cases, your advisors should call the customer back at the appropriate time to re-offer the services.
The Power Of An Assumptive Close
We all know that people love choices, especially when they are making a purchasing decision. But when selling diagnostic services, you need to use an “assumptive close.” This means you just assume that the customer is going to authorize your recommendation.
Appeal To All Senses To Keep Customers, Especially Female Customers
We know that women are the majority purchasers of all automotive items in North America today, so if you’re looking to step up your sales figures, you’re going to need to reach women. And in doing so, you’ll gain favor with all customers.
Marketing Auto Service In The Coming Years: Analyze Your Customer Base First To Help Determine Ideal Mediums For Your Message
For decades, shop owners have had the luxury of being able to rely on a short list of traditional media to bring in new customers. They’ve primarily utilized directory ads, print media, radio and TV, and, to some extent, local grassroots marketing programs.
The Customer Can Buy The Part For Less
A customer calls to tell you they discovered that they could have bought a part you sold them for less somewhere else. You can reduce those calls by doing a great car delivery that includes going over the repair order in detail, but when that call inevitably comes in, consider saying something like this …