Waste Not, Want Not: Waste Oil Heaters Can Drastically Cut Costly Shop Heating Bills
The first time I was introduced to a waste oil heater was more than 20 years ago while I was working for Toyota. The heater burned the waste oil that accumulated from oil changes and transmission flushes to produce heat for the shop. It was a great way of getting around the high costs of natural gas used in conventional heaters, plus it got rid of all the used oil that the shop produced.
With Today’s Customer … It’s Value That Sells
Value has always been a powerful motivator in marketing and sales, but with the uncertainty in today’s tough economic times, an emphasis on value is more important than ever before. Although you’ll find many definitions, I believe we can all agree that in the mind of your customers, value means getting the most bang for their buck.
Protecting Customer Information: The Safeguards Rule
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information on May 23, 2003. By now, most repair shops should have implemented their information security programs and taken steps to ensure compliance with the Safeguards Rule. If you have not, we recommend taking steps to get in compliance immediately. If you have, it’s still important to periodically review and assess your program to ensure you remain in compliance.
Drive Up Car Counts And Employee Morale
After your employees have been with you for a probationary period of time, they should all be given their own business cards. This includes your technicians, shuttle drivers, lot attendants, etc. First of all, just like with your managers and services advisors, this shows that you view them as an important part of your company, too. This will create a greater sense of pride, and will increase the probability that these employees will actively promote your company.
5 Telephone Tips That Will Increase Your Auto Repair Sales
During tough economic times you need to make the most of every opportunity that you have at your disposal to generate more sales. Follow these five tips to convert more first-time callers into happy customers.
5 Things You Should Do To Increase Your CSI Scores
We can all agree that generating happy customers is critical to the success of your shop. Below you’ll find five tips that are going to help you do just that. Apply them, and you’ll be pleased to see the positive results that come from making just a few simple changes!
Goal Setting For 2012: Combine A Well-Cast Vision With A Charted Course
On June 6, 1944, the Allied Invasion Forces landed across 60 miles of French coastline beginning one of the bloodiest battles in history, and resulting in the liberation of Europe that ultimately occurred on May 8, 1945, also known as V.E. Day. As Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, Dwight D. Eisenhower had to set the objective first – European liberation from Nazi Germany.
Deliver World-Beating Customer Service, Part 2
Part 1 of this article in the July/August issue discussed how great customer service is not as easily defined as having clean restrooms. Customer service is a tangible, measurable attribute, so your customer always decides whether or not you’re delivering exceptional customer service.
Is Your Used Equipment Safe? Does It Comply To SAE, UL, ALI Standards?
If your town is anything like mine, from time to time an automotive repair shop will close and, inevitably, the equipment will be listed for sale. I’ve seen this trend during good times and bad, and I’ve had the opportunity to purchase some of this equipment. When I’m in the market for a lift, this is what I look for.
Learning To Manage The Changing Workforce
If you’re like me, in the over-50 age bracket, it’s no surprise that you view the world a lot differently than the younger generation. On the other hand, people from the younger generation will struggle with many of the values and ethics of the older generation. When you consider the diverse demographics of today combined with a multi-generational workforce, it’s easy to see how the differences in values and behavior are having a profound impact in the workplace.
Pay Yourself First: It’s Your Job To Look Out For Your Financial Future
The other day, a colleague and I were discussing business strategies for the coming year. He asked me what was my number one priority for the coming year as it related to my business. Without hesitation I responded, “taking care of the financial future of my family.”
Sales Down? Before You Blame Your Service Advisors …
If you are falling short of your sales goals, before you start blaming your service advisors, you need to make sure that your technicians are providing them with the adequate recommendations.