Want To Increase A/C Sales? -

Want To Increase A/C Sales?

Have your techs, as part of their preliminary checks, turn on the A/C and see if the system is working. Is the compressor turning on? Are all the fan speeds working? Is the system getting cold? Is there a smell from the vents?

By Joe Marconi

Have your techs, as part of their
preliminary checks, turn on the A/C and see if the system is working. Is the
compressor turning on? Are all the fan speeds working? Is the system getting
cold? Is there a smell from the vents?  I am not suggesting to start
hooking up gauges and diagnosing air conditioner problems for free. This is
just a simple check that gives you a direction, and something you can discuss
with the customer.

Oh, just inform the customer that you
will do this before you work on the car.

The goal is to spot a problem
before that first really hot day when the customer turns on the A/C for the
first time and finds only hot air coming from the vents.

Try it and let me know how it works out
for you.

This
article was contributed by Joe Marconi of Elite. For additional help increasing
your shop’s sales, learn more about Elite’s industry acclaimed
Masters
Service Advisor Training Program
.

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The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

By Joe Marconi of Elite
Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track
all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue,
other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.
Here are a few things to consider:
• The loss of time when performing the comeback; time that the tech can use to
perform other work and generate profit;
• The misc costs, such as overhead costs, supplies, cleaners, etc.;
• Towing costs, rental, etc.;
• Cost to morale;
• Reputation damage; and
• Reduction to your profit margin.
For every part issue, you need to
inform your supplier. Sit down with suppliers on a regular basis. Don’t return defective
parts until you have listed the parts, and maintain a report. Document
everything.
Part issues are increasing. Every shop
owner I speak to is frustrated over this.
Remember, comebacks kill your bottom
line. The more comebacks you have, the more they’re killing your profits.
This article was contributed by Joe Marconi.
Joe is one of the 1-on-1 business coaches who helps shop owners through
the Elite Coaching Program, and is the
co-founder of autoshopowner.com.

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