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Posted

So funny because this is something I was just thinking about. We were a bit light on appointments going into the end of this week and our next week looks a bit thin on appointments. "Slow Days" should most certainly be a procedure that is strategic and ready to be implemented. Morale can most certainly be affected when cars are not coming through the doors. Along with what Joe had mentioned on his list, it is also a great time to knock out the things that you haven't gotten around to doing. Cleaning, maintenance of equipment, painting, team meetings, filing paper work, putting together marketing plans, going over your budget and see where you can cut the fat, training, etc. The list goes on and on. I am going to personally put together a Slow Days list and also a Slow days procedure that is written on paper. I urge you guys to do the same!

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Posted

A common discussion this time of the year is how business slows down in the mid-winter months. Not that you can always predict it. I have experienced some winters that were banner sales months. But in general, business does slow down for a number of reasons, especially in the colder climates: Credit Card bills from holiday spending, home heating bills, tax season, lost days due to storms and more.

 

So, the question is, how does a shop prepare?

 

Here's a few things that I do. Perhaps you add your owner strategies, which would benefit all ASO members:

 

* Prepare in advance and flood your customer base with service reminders, winter promotions and other recommended services during the slower months. Try to increase traffic to your shop during the months that are typically slower

 

* Review the history on all vehicles the day before the appointment. Look for previous notes and recommended service and repairs. Be prepared to discuss at write-up.

 

* Make sure all cars get a multi-point inspection - identify needed service and repairs

 

* Review the service history for all vehicles. Check for services due, services due soon and services never done. Again, this can be done prior to the appointment date and discussed at the write-up

 

* At write-up, don't forget to ask, Is there anything else we can do for you today? Wipers? Tire Rotation? An oil change?

 

* If you use email promotions, create email blasts around winter events, for example:

"Its Valentines Day! Show your car some love!" Include a few winter tips and links back to your website and to book appointments

OR...

"Winter Driving Advisory: Is your car prepared for the upcoming storm?"

Include a few tips; wipers, tires, washer fluid top off, heater working right, antifreeze, battery. And of course, links back to your website and appointments.

 

* Check your CRM for customers that did not show up for their recommended service or repair. CALL THESE CUSTOMERS. Here's a tip; start calling your best customers, those are the ones most likely to come in.

 

* Go back and review all invoices for the past 4 weeks. Look over the work orders and check service history too. You will find work that was missed, not sold and services that are due. Call these customers too.

 

As you can see, a proactive approach is better than hoping people will come in.

 

What strategies to you have?

*occaisional Downtime is the best time for a creative mind.

So funny because this is something I was just thinking about. We were a bit light on appointments going into the end of this week and our next week looks a bit thin on appointments. "Slow Days" should most certainly be a procedure that is strategic and ready to be implemented. Morale can most certainly be affected when cars are not coming through the doors. Along with what Joe had mentioned on his list, it is also a great time to knock out the things that you haven't gotten around to doing. Cleaning, maintenance of equipment, painting, team meetings, filing paper work, putting together marketing plans, going over your budget and see where you can cut the fat, training, etc. The list goes on and on. I am going to personally put together a Slow Days list and also a Slow days procedure that is written on paper. I urge you guys to do the same!

 

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

Posted

Super slow here the last few weeks. I got my toolboxes organized, reviewed procedures with the guys, greased all the equipment, put up some new pos material. I also restocked all odds and ends like drain plugs cotter pins you name it. Down time is good for getting everything in order. I'm going to update my business plan next, maybe take a short vacation. The lack of work is widespread, around here everybody is quiet.

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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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