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Posted

It's just beginning. AAA has partnered with Driver's Side. I got this from another shop owner.

"AAA makes a CRM deal with Driverside.com. Driverside.com is owned by Advanced Auto Parts. AAA wants to collect all member and NON-Member information from your management system. AAA wants to build brick and mortar locations to compete in the automotive service space. Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture??"

 

 

I don't think we can stop the trend of customer's looking for information online. The question becomes, How do we use the technology to help our business?

Posted

Today's customers (generational customers) are internet savvy, however, they are NOT technical savvy when it comes to the complexities of today's modern car. But, they are willing to go to Auto Zone for their car needs, and I believe that's from years of hearing from their older siblings and parents how expensive car repair is and/or how much they believe they've been ripped by a mechanic. Not realizing their parents probably have the same level of "expertise" in the field of automotive repair. As we all know, even a simple repair can be made difficult because of a broken bolt, poor previous maintenance practices, or some screwed up aftermarket add on device. In my position, as a shop owner/mechanic I feel it is part of my job to inform them how wrong they are about comparing AZ parts to OEM. The thought of Auto Zone giving out advice on which mechanic or which shop to go to is simply absurd.

 

What I've noticed is most people will go to Auto Zone first, and after they've tried their alternator (for example) and it still doesn't fix their problem they head to a shop that ... usually...is found by word of mouth. AND, that's usually the last time they shop AZ, or at least until their memory fades to the point that they're willing to take another chance with one of their parts.

 

This whole thing sounds like some CEO's gimmick to make a fast buck. Will it draw customers? YEP, sure will... maybe once, maybe once in a while. But, the trust between a mechanic/shop and the customer is something that is earned and respected...the AZ shoppers in my opinion, are only looking for cheap... not loyalty or quality.

Posted

One more reason not to by Autozone parts... We all already know they are attempting to destroy repair shops. It started with the "free scan" then the "loaner tool" program and now "Openbay". Okay autozone, we hear what you're saying, now go peddle your parts elsewhere.

  • Like 2
  • 1 month later...
Posted

You will have to forgive me for I don't see using an internet based company's valuable customer base as a bad thing. Much like the market that we work in right now, the low ball grimey shops deliver poor experiences and customers don't go back. Rack up a half dozen awful ratings and see how many jobs you get no matter how low your price is on one of these sites.

 

I don't go for the lowest price, I provide an honest fair quote and find myself among the other several shops that have done the same with great ratings. I am taking business AWAY from those grimey shops that may have otherwise got the business had the customer not used the web platform (perhaps they just called them, got a low price and went there) and saw that they sucked.

 

I also think that I tend to retain these customers better and see them more frequently for maintenance items because these online platforms almost automatically schedule routine work that they need. They are also less likely to push items out. What this means to me is that I am likely to change a particularly customer's tires an extra time or two over the many years I service them. Making up for the 10% they are asking two fold. And quotes are still provided by me, so there is nothing stopping me from quoting something $105 that would have been $100 as a walk in. Customers want to use the internet and they are okay paying for that convenience.

 

Sounds like I am alone on this?

Posted

You will have to forgive me for I don't see using an internet based company's valuable customer base as a bad thing. Much like the market that we work in right now, the low ball grimey shops deliver poor experiences and customers don't go back. Rack up a half dozen awful ratings and see how many jobs you get no matter how low your price is on one of these sites.

 

I don't go for the lowest price, I provide an honest fair quote and find myself among the other several shops that have done the same with great ratings. I am taking business AWAY from those grimey shops that may have otherwise got the business had the customer not used the web platform (perhaps they just called them, got a low price and went there) and saw that they sucked.

 

I also think that I tend to retain these customers better and see them more frequently for maintenance items because these online platforms almost automatically schedule routine work that they need. They are also less likely to push items out. What this means to me is that I am likely to change a particularly customer's tires an extra time or two over the many years I service them. Making up for the 10% they are asking two fold. And quotes are still provided by me, so there is nothing stopping me from quoting something $105 that would have been $100 as a walk in. Customers want to use the internet and they are okay paying for that convenience.

 

Sounds like I am alone on this?

nope, we are in it too. Look, i know you old heads (no offense) dont want to see this and i have seen your reasons and they are valid. You cannot stop this, the consumer is tired of the guy that is ripping them off and they want answers. It just so happens that these "online" companys are doing what we want, gathering customers. Why would you not want to be apart of this? I am signed up with repairpal (he you cant get your pricing in between there scale then i wouldnt be taking my car to you anyway), openbay and other thing that i can get our name out there on. I give our price, if they dont want it then they move on, but we are participating. We just recently signed up with openbay and have done a few quotes, nothing has come of it but i didnt sign up to expect it. TBH i dont know what to expect from it but the internet is going to be changing things in EVERY industry and it will continue, so, again, adapt or die.

  • Like 1
  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

Lately our local Auto zone has been quoting labor prices, I wonder if this is the result of openbay . People call all the time, AZ says its $60 to change my xxxx. I say let AZ do it then I can't quote a price without looking at your car.

Posted

Lately our local Auto zone has been quoting labor prices, I wonder if this is the result of openbay . People call all the time, AZ says its $60 to change my xxxx. I say let AZ do it then I can't quote a price without looking at your car.

I am the same way. As soon as a customer tells me they can get it done at the shop down the road for x amount I tell them you better go back there cause that is a hell of a deal. They usually end up leaving the car or if they leave you will see them back a few hours later after they have exhausted all other options in the area. I also tend to match a customers attitude, If they come at me sort of abrasive or demanding I am the same way with them. The funny thing is when you match their attitude they seem to respond better.

Posted

I feel most customers are more knowledgeable , also more confused. Auto Zone is in my office twice a week now. I think they know the DIYr is stopping quickly. Most of the AZ employees were working in Walmrt Produce 2 months ago. I see nothing but good times for the ethical independent shops in the next 10 years.

  • Like 4
Posted

The good news is the local garage can't be easily replaced. Anyone can buy pop tarts or glue at Walmart vs mom's grocery, and with no detrimental effects to the consumer. That's why mom and pop grocer's and hardware stores disappeared. Same product, easier acessability, lower prices. Walmart and AZ cannot simplify complex unique repairs. I don't forsee it happening in my lifetime. They try with batteries but even that will probably go away soon, too costly when burger man hooks up a battery wrong.

Posted (edited)

We will all be wearing body cams at some point. I serve those that allow me to and wish the others all the best. You have to attract the small fish if you want the big fish to come.

Edited by FROGFINDER

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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