The Paperless Back Shop: Mission Accomplished!
Time flies and here we are again with an update of our mission to make the back shop completely paperless. Of course we save trees by doing this, but the most exciting benefits are about boosting technician productivity, freeing up the service advisor from doing busy work and focusing on educating the motorist.
Creating Lasting Customer Loyalty Means Separating Your Shop From The Pack
With visits to repair shops on the decline, building customer loyalty is more important than ever. Developing a large and stable database of regular customers can help eliminate the constant need to acquire new customers. Your loyal customers can also serve as a great referral source for your shop. According to the research firm The Gartner Group, 20% of a business’ existing customers generate 80% of that business’ profits.
Managers Set The Tone For Employee Morale
Morale as defined in Merriam-Webster is the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, confidence or loyalty) of an individual or group with regard to the function or task at hand. As independent repair shop owners, we all strive to have a successful, profitable business that secures a great lifestyle for us and our family.
Executive Q&A, Part 1: Art Blumenthal MBA, CBI Nationwide Automotive Aftermarket Business Broker
In the first of a two-part series, we delve deep into the process of selling a business by interviewing Art Blumenthal, nationwide automotive aftermarket business broker, who provides business valuations, exit planning, and buying and selling advisor services.
Japanese Auto Masters: Shop’s Customer Service Philosophy Hinges On The ‘Golden Rule’
Tom and Cindi Potter have had quite the adventure when it comes to the location of their successful import shop, Japanese Auto Masters in Virginia Beach, VA. The husband-and-wife team opened the shop in 1982 at a time when few independent repair shops focused on Asian vehicles. Originally located in a small shop near the oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Japanese Auto Masters had outgrown its small beginnings, and, in 1996, the couple started operations in a new 7,000-square-foot facility next to Oceana Naval Air Station.
Identifying Your Target Customer Helps Maximize Your Marketing Dollars
Ever notice how in upscale neighborhoods, even the fast food restaurants are nicer? Instead of a bright red roof and the famous golden arches, the McDonald’s in ritzy Aspen, CO, for example, boasts a second-floor fireplace and is housed in a sedate red brick building that blends in seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. The fancier digs reflect McDonald’s understanding that its target market in Aspen is far different than its target market in Akron, OH. The same idea holds true in the automotive repair world, but, unfortunately, too many shop owners fail to realistically identify their ideal market or customer.
The Challenges And Opportunities Of ‘Family’ In A Family-Owned Business
The phrase “Family Owned and Operated” creates a warm flow of positive emotions when you talk about your company to your customers, especially your female customers. But having family as a part of your business creates a whole new dynamic of which most people are unaware.
Integrity Automotive: Tucson Shop Capitalizes On Quality Repairs And Top-Notch Customer Service
The owners of Integrity Automotive make one thing very clear on their website: Integrity isn’t just part of the shop’s name; it’s the basis of everything they do. That was the mutual goal when Charlie and Julee Baxley, and Don and Barb Meeker decided to open an automotive repair business in Tucson, AZ, more than seven years ago in February 2006.
Executive Interview: Fran Labun, Vice President, Sales Group, DENSO Products & Services Americas, Inc.
Fran Labun is vice president of the Sales Group for DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc., the Long Beach-based affiliate of Japan-based DENSO Corporation. He oversees automotive aftermarket and OES sales for the Americas; U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin and South Americas. Labun also oversees the product development and sales for Heavy Duty OES and aftermarket channels and directs the DENSO non-automotive product lines for robotics, heat management and hand scanners.
A Shop Owner’s Guide To Turning Advisors Into Superstars
Far too many shop owners hire service advisors who they feel are good at what they do, and then prefer to “get out of their way and let them do their thing.” Unfortunately, that’s a mistake. Here are some tips that you can use as a guide to help you turn your service advisors into superstars.
A Powerful Tip For Shop Owners
Competition continues to heat up in this industry. New car dealer operations continue to close, franchise operations are consolidating, and, sadly, some independent shops are going away. What can you do? I’ve worked with a few very bright shop owners who do a great job of keeping their fingers on the pulse of the industry.
Three Management Mistakes That Can Cost You A Fortune
We all can agree that competition among employees is good, but there is a right way, and there’s a wrong way. The wrong way is to tell your techs that you’re going to post the hours they each flag, and at the end of the pay period the winner will receive a reward. Although that sounds good, you’ll inevitably end up with one winner, and no matter how you cut it, the rest of your techs are going to be losers.