Re-Inventing Rebates Drives ROI, Enhances Customer Loyalty and Delivers Value-Added Benefits
Bringing in more revenue is at the top of the list of things to do for most shop owners in 2011. Selling more and cutting costs are the tried and true methods for doing this but, often, both are easier said than done. That is why some smart automotive repair shop owners are considering alternatives.
Stephens Automotive Earns Rave Reviews with Customer-Centric Focus
In tough economic times, retail customers can neglect vehicle maintenance, severely impacting the bottom line of some independent service centers. But Stephens Automotive owner Joe Stephens, who says his fleet business started because he was, “in the right place at the right time,” has seen his Palatine, IL-based business continue to thrive as it’s evolved from a single-nameplate shop when he first opened his doors 16-plus years ago to a profitable shop that services a wide range of makes as well as a full fleet of service vans.
Direct Mail Campaigns: Targeted Marketing Strategies, Part 2
In the January/February issue of Shop Owner magazine, I discussed why I believe direct mail is the most effective advertising tool for shop owners. This month, I’m going to provide some guidance to help you measure your direct mail campaign efforts.
‘Light ‘Em Up 2011!’ Spark Plug Rebate Rewards Installing Premium Bosch Spark Plugs
Now could be the time for your customers to save money on fresh spark plugs for their vehicle and enjoy improved driving performance and efficiency. Once again, Bosch is offering motorists the opportunity to get cash back by mail when they install Bosch premium spark plugs, and, at the same time, enjoy the benefit of a properly tuned vehicle that performs better, runs more efficiently and saves money at the gas pump.
National Car Care Month: A Great Business-Building Opportunity
April is National Car Care Month and there is no better time to improve your customer relationships while at the same time growing your business. Each year, $50 billion in vehicle maintenance and repairs go unperformed. That’s a lot of service, repair and parts sales sitting on the sidelines because so many consumers don’t know what needs to be done to their vehicle and why it’s important.
Business Maintenance for Peak Performance: Internal Analysis Will Rev Up Your Business, Part 2
In Part 1 of this article, we discussed how shop owners should follow a routine of daily monitoring and maintenance to ensure that performance is meeting business targets. Now, we turn to monthly, quarterly and annual checks to keep your business running smoothly and profitably all year long.
Things to Consider Before Opening Your Second Shop, Part 3
If you talk with my wife or my clients, you would quickly learn that I have issues regarding control. I want to have control of my life and my future, and knowing the individuals who run automotive service businesses as I do, I know that control of your life, control of your destiny and control of your property is very important to you as well.
Direct Mail Campaigns: Targeted Marketing Strategies Yield Great ROI
For repair shop owners, advertising was once as simple as buying a large advertisement in the local Yellow Pages. Those bulky directories were the best way for customers to locate a shop when they needed repairs.
Mudlick Mail Triples Sales and Customers in 2010
Despite a struggling economy, direct mail service provider Mudlick Mail tripled its sales and customer base in 2010. The company, which caters to the automotive repair industry, grew sales to more than $7 million in 2010. The company’s customer base also increased significantly, expanding from just under 100 in 2009 to more than 350 in 2010.
Volz Bros. Auto Service – Brand-Building Efforts Pay Dividends in Customer Loyalty
There’s no place like home, and for John Volz, home in this reference is the Volz Bros. Auto Service shop that he started 28 years ago. After 20 years of working 50-60 hours a week building his business, Volz sold the Grass Valley, CA, repair shop in 2001 to shop foreman Bill Greenman to retire to the Oregon coast where he spent seven years. Then, moved back to Northern California in 2008 to work in the auto parts business.