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.
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.
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 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.
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.”
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.
7 Steps To A New Shop Location: Strategies For A Successful Business Expansion
In July, I opened my 25th auto repair shop in Marietta, GA. The shop, which operates under the Service Street banner, is located on a busy highway, northwest of Atlanta. The store launched strong, posting the third-best opening, sales-wise, of all my shops. Once it matures, I expect it to be my top-performer.
How To Prepare Your Shop For The Next Opportunity … Or Obstacle
As every shop owner knows, both money-making opportunities and unexpected situations present themselves on a regular basis. A deal to buy a new sign for your shop, a chance to buy inventory at a discount or forging ahead with an equipment upgrade are all ways to grow and develop your business.
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.
Thinking Outside The Box: The Key To Higher Car Counts
Institutional advertising programs, like print media, TV and radio, and electronic media, all have their place. Clearly they can help you keep the name of your company top of mind with your customers, which, in the world of advertising, is a good place to be. But regardless of how much name awareness your company carries, one thing is for certain: You sell a service, not a product.
Autoscope Perfects The Art Of Automotive Repair: Training, Customer Service Are Key Elements To Shop’s Success
According to Autoscope President Nerces Mavelian, “Superstar Technicians” are “built, not born.” It all starts with what can’t be avoided and what is usually a lengthy and arduous task: finding the right candidate in the first place.