By Bob Cooper

It’s only natural that most of your employees would like to take their vacations during the summer. Unfortunately, that’s typically your busiest time, right?

Let’s say you have a technician who typically produces 50 hours a week during your peak summer months, but during the month of February, when your car counts are lower, he typically produces just 38 hours a week. If you bill at $90.00 per hour, and if you are operating at a part to labor ratio of .75 to 1, then those twelve additional hours would represent an additional $1,890.00 in sales! So rather than losing that additional income, do this…

Review your shop’s historical performance to determine the months when your techs typically produce the least amount of billable hours. Compare those months to your peak summer months, and then provide off-season vacation incentives that will work for you as well as your technicians. You can tell them if they take their vacations during one of the off-season months, you’ll be happy to provide them with a ski-pass, an extra day of vacation, etc. Obviously they are not forced to take advantage of the offer, but if they decide to do so, it can be a big win for them, and a win for your bank account at the same time.

Since 1990, Bob Cooper has been the president of Elite, a company that strives to help shop owners reach their goals and live happier lives, while elevating the industry at the same time. The company offers coaching and training from the industry’s top shop owners, service advisor training, peer groups, along with sales, marketing and shop management courses. You learn more about Elite by visiting www.EliteWorldwide.com