Business Archives - Page 32 of 39 -
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.

10 Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Business: An Insider’s Guide, Part 1

The majority of challenges and frustrations experienced by sellers can be avoided with solid information about the pitfalls of selling a business in today’s market. While there are dozens of challenges to overcome, here are the first five of 10 of the most common mistakes that can have drastic repercussions and cause both stress and loss of value on a business sale.

Web University: Part 3

And here we are again. With all the Google changes, small businesses are scrambling to avoid being relegated to the Internet’s junk bin. Let’s stay on top of it. Whether it’s Google Search, social media or what to do with Google+, you’ll find answers to the most challenging questions, in both a “Go Deep” and “Quick Bites” format.

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.

Call The Top 3% Of Your Customers In December

The holiday season is right around the corner, so do what your competition will never think to do. Identify the top 3 percent of your active customers, as well as the individuals who have referred the most people to you over the past year. Then set aside time to call them during the middle of December.

Want More Customers In January? Touch The Right Hearts In December

So your business is going to be closed on Christmas day, and you’ll be at home with your family. Lucky you. Unfortunately, this is not the case with many who work in your local police department, fire department, emergency rooms and animal rescue services.

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.

Selling an Independent Auto Service Business: An ‘Emotional Rollercoaster’ For Both The Buyer And The Seller

“Am I supposed to just keep working until I drop dead?” is a question many Baby Boomer generation business owners may ask themselves sooner or later. Jim Hermansader, a veteran of the automotive service industry who had spent 43 years, since he was 18 years old and fresh out of high school, in a family-owned business, had to ask the question out loud when he received some pushback from those who challenged his decision that it was time for his business to change hands.

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.

Web University: Part 1

Beginning with this issue, we will answer shop owners’ questions about the most dynamic and increasingly important marketing channel, the Web. Whether it’s Google search, social media or what to do with Google+, you’ll find answers to the most challenging questions, in both a “Go Deep” and “Quick Bites” format. Questions submitted by shop owners will be answered by Uwe Kleinschmidt, CEO of AutoVitals, a leading supplier of web-based marketing and service advisor productivity tools.

Conducting A Successful Focus Group

The research tool known as the Focus Group has been around for many years. The idea is to assemble a small group of individuals to discuss specific topics, view advertising concepts or, otherwise, offer their opinions.

The Secrets To Follow-Up Calls

When it comes to customer follow-up calls, let’s first talk about “who” you should call. You should call all first time customers (even if they just came in for an oil service) to thank them for choosing your facility. Secondly, you should call all “repair” customers to confirm that the repair, and the quality of your service, met with their expectations.