Tap, Snap And Talk: The Electronic Inspection Sheet
Traditionally, auto technicians record the results of their vehicle inspections on pre-printed paper forms and, once completed, the inspection findings are re-entered into the shop management software application by a service advisor. And, finally, the motorist is notified by phone to ask them for authorization of an estimate based on the inspection results.
Knowing Your Numbers Helps Boost Shop Profitability
Over the last 22 years, I’ve been amazed to discover just how many shop owners are lost when it comes to knowing and understanding “the numbers.” In order to build a successful auto repair shop, you are going to need to know two sets of numbers: your “financial” benchmarks, and your “operational” benchmarks.
European Auto Tech Turns A Supplier Benefit Into An Effective Customer Loyalty Tool
Repairing today’s sophisticated cars can be expensive. John Ranney, owner of European Auto Tech, a seven-bay automotive repair garage in Tucson, AZ, understands that. Located near the University of Arizona, he sees how financial pressures affect his business and his customers, many of whom are students and their parents.
The Reality Of Social Media ROI
I’m going to level with you; there really isn’t some magic way to get the social media ROI you want (and think you need) as a shop owner. Sure, all the data may be there in one form or another, but it can take one heck of a lot of merging and purging to attribute that one sale to that one click on Facebook. Truth is; it’s a process that requires everyone involved to be all in. Yes, I am pointing directly and squarely at YOU.
Increased Cross-Selling Incidents Will Improve Your Shop’s Bottom Line
As miles rack up on your customers’ vehicles, are you getting the most mileage out of your oil change services and maximizing every service occasion? Oil change service is the leading driver of traffic through service bays and represents the greatest opportunity for cross-selling other services, according to new car care research from The NPD Group.
The Future Of Auto Repair
If you want to build a great auto repair business in the coming years, you’ll need to look into the future, and then make sure your business is on track with offering the right services, at the right time.
Are Discounts And Coupons Right For Your Shop?
Regardless of their income, the majority of your customers are very sensitive to price, even if they have been dealing with you for years. During these tough economic times they’re looking for value, and they determine value not by the lowest price, but by what they receive in return.
The Deadline Is 2 P.M. – A Quick Tip For Service Advisors
With the information we’ve attained from every customer panel we have moderated, with what we have learned from our focus groups, and with the feedback we have received from our members, one thing is certain: Customers like to know by 2:00 p.m. at the latest whether or not their vehicle will be finished that day.
Are Your Service Advisors Engaging Customers, Or Are They Part Of The Walking Dead?
Ok, I admit it. Let’s get it out in the open. I am a zombie movie fan. There is something about dead people shuffling around grunting in an expressionless, catatonic state that captivates me. The new TV series, The Walking Dead, is my current favorite show. However, when it comes to catatonic customer service people … well, that’s another story.
Want To Find Your Pathway To Success? Focus On People
Failing has a great way of teaching us valuable lessons. I learned the hard way that the skills of being a mechanic have nothing to do with the skills of running a business. So, in the early ’90s, I switched gears and began my quest to learn the skills of running a business.
Give Your Customers Options
Recently, I was at an affair with a few people I met for the first time. As usual, once they found out what I did for a living, the auto-related questions directed toward me flowed faster than the wine was flowing.
The Best-Kept Secrets To Servicing Fleet Accounts
We all know that the industry is continuing to evolve, and you will be seeing your customers less often as time goes on. Accordingly, you will need to find ways to keep your service bays full. One way is through commercial accounts, which we will call fleet accounts. Now, I realize that fleet accounts may not be practical for some of you, but for those of you who are open to servicing such accounts, here are some tips you may want to consider.