Quantcast
Jump to content

Car 54 - - - - A customer unwilling to wait, but not unwilling to leave an insult.


Recommended Posts

Posted

Car 54

Now it's one thing to be called the south end of a north bound horse, or different parts of the human anatomy. But anal? Now that's a new one. And here I thought I had been called every name they could think of… this guy came up with one I've not heard used in the way he did.

 

In my business I see all kinds of people. I get so many different walks of life in my shop it's hard to tell what insult is going to spew from the bowels of hell this time. This last episode was a Duesie… I'm not sure if this guy was just trying to be politically correct, or the word "anal" was his "word" choice of the day.

 

It was an average day at the shop, not that busy, but busy enough to keep me on my toes all day. I was in the shop trying to figure out a job while running back and forth from the PC gathering more information. I was definitely in one of those spots where I needed to keep focused and concentrate on the task at hand.

 

The front door bell was ringing loud and clear as someone came into the lobby. My daughter, Mandy, was in the front office that day helping old dad. She's pretty good at running the front office; she's been around the shop since she was little and knows a thing or two about cars. But, if she has any questions she'll make her way out into the shop and ask her questions to me then relay it back to the customer in the front office.

 

The story goes that this guy came in with a partially restored 54' pickup and wanted turn signals added to it. When Mandy came to me about it she told me the guy only wanted an estimate and didn't want anything else diagnosed or spend a dime.

 

Well, that's fine for now, but it's a little hard to tell how much when you say it's a partially restored 54', you need to ask a few questions. Like, does it have turn signals at all, is it the original steering column, are there one or two rear lights, and are there any dash indicators? Stuff like that.

 

Mandy went back up front to ask the questions while I kept my head under the dash trying to sort out the problem I was currently dealing with. A few minutes later she came back out and filled me in with as much information as she could gather. There were still some unanswered questions I needed to know or his "guesstimate" was going to be really wrong. Since I was stretched out under this dash (pretty much wedged in there), I wasn't about to try to crawl out from under the dash until I got the job done. Which shouldn't be more than 10 or 15 minutes.. tops.

 

"Tell him to give me a few minutes or so and I'll take a look at what he's got to work with."

 

Mandy went back up front and told the customer what I said. When I finished up under the dash I came up front, (about 10 minutes) no guy, no car… where'd ya go car 54? Mandy says, "He left all pissed off, called you a horse's ass on the way out too."

 

An hour or so later the phone rang… Mandy answers it……it's car 54 again…. "Do you know any other repair shops that can do the same kind of work that you do there?" he asked.

 

Mandy was a little shocked at his question. She had to stop for a minute and think about her answer, she was actually quite ticked that somebody would call and ask that in the first place. "No sir, most repair shops in the area refer work to us when it comes to specialized wiring jobs such as yours," She answered.

 

"I was referred to you by two different shops; they said you guys are the best in town. I would use you guys but your tech is obviously too "anal" to stop and help me with my problem," He answered.

 

Tell me this, since when does the ringing of the front door bell mean; "Drop what I'm doing and do what you want… RIGHT NOW!" Hey, how about a little professional courtesy here buddy, I don't think it's fair to say I could get a doctor to stop in the middle of an examination the minute I walk into his office. It wasn't my choice to be stuck under the dash at that moment in time. But that's the way it was. Why should it be any different for automotive repair, but seriously… … anal?? Anal because I want to finish what I'm working on? Anal because I'd rather finish what I'm doing, because it's such a tight spot to be in and it is only going to take a few more minutes to do so?

 

Really, you mean to tell me that your 54' turn signals are so important that you need an answer right this second and not a few minutes later? Well, then I guess you're right… I'm anal, and I suppose if I was working on this 54 and had to stop in the middle of it to talk to the next impatient customer about their turn signals that would be unacceptable to you too. How's that old saying go: "You're first, right after me…" This guy takes it to extremes.

 

Here I am, jammed under a dash working on a paying customer's car and all this guy wants is free advice… hmm, let me think about this… what should I do? Work for a living, or work for A living. There's not much chance I'm going to work that hard to get every job in the shop these days. Could be I'm getting older, could be I just don't want to put up with all the BS from people like car 54 anymore. Pretty easy decision, I'll finish the dash job, then, look at Mr. 54's turn signals if he could've waited.

 

Shortly after this guy came in the shop a buddy of mine who owns an office supply company came to me with a big button badge he made. It has the tail end of a horse proudly printed on it with the words to match. There's no mistaking the meaning of it. I guess that makes me official.

 

So if you think calling me up and informing me of your opinion is going to affect me in some small way, well… sorry fella… too late, been there, done that, you're not the first. I'm already a member of the club, and I've got the badge to prove it.

 

 

Thanks for reading my articles, most eventually will get published in one of my columns across the country. I never know which ones (editors really don't tell me beforehand) But I do get to let them know which ones YOU like. It does help to influence which stories get into next months magazines. Want to help ... leave a comment... let me know which story you would like to see. It really makes a difference.

 

Thanx again.


View full article

Posted

From one cave dweller to another... U heapum right, blood pressure high, me thinks should have used big club and thwack the neanderthal when I had em' chance... ugh!

 

Love the story, Gonzo, and I feel your frustration. Just think about this; technically as a species we are amazing, but socially, we have not improved since we jumped out the trees and left the cave!

 

Oh, by the way, I think your blood pressure exceeded mine this time....

Posted

You guys made my day... I haven't stopped laughin' yet. And you're right sometimes the resto people can be the worst... but in some cases the best... Each case is different. I'll save judgement when I see the green stuff on the counter. LOL

 

 

Thanks guys, you've really, really made my day. For all the frustration and humilation we go thru in a day, it's nice to know we all can laugh about it once in a while. Kudos guys... thanx

 

The people with old car restoration and old hot rods are the worse customers of all.

  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      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.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Zenoo
      Hi my name is Zenas and I am 26 years old from Alberta, Canada. I started my own automotive repair shop in December 2023. After running it for 1 year I made a little bit of profit. I needed some advice on how I could increase it. Its a 3 bay shop with two 2 post hoists and one 4 post hoist with alignment. I am the only mechanic in the shop as I can't afford to hire anyone at this point. I am charging about $120 per hour for the labor and very minimal mark up on parts. The shop had no customer base when I got it so it took me sometime to build returning customers. If I try to increase the prices on parts the customers run away. Seems like they are calling around the city and going to the cheapest person. My monthly over head cost is about $7000. Whatever I make in a month goes back into next month's rent. Any advices on how to manage this properly from other shop owners?
    • By Changing The Industry
      Why Used Car Parts Can Be Risk
    • By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
      Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.




      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/


      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind


      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Coach Chris Cotton opens up about his deeply personal journey with grief following the passing of his beloved wife Kimberly's mother on New Year's Eve. With heartfelt sincerity, he delves into the complex and often overwhelming stages of grief, sharing insights and reflections from his own experience. Chris emphasizes the crucial importance of being prepared for the inevitable reality of loss, introducing listeners to the "red envelope yellow envelope" concept. This thoughtful approach involves meticulously documenting essential information and end-of-life plans, ensuring that loved ones are not left in the dark during times of emotional turmoil.


      Chris underscores the necessity of having those often uncomfortable yet vital conversations about end-of-life wishes and preparations. By addressing these topics head-on, individuals can significantly ease the burden on their families and friends, allowing them to focus on healing and remembrance rather than logistical challenges. Throughout the episode, Chris also touches on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of grief, offering guidance and support to those navigating similar paths.
      He encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and preparedness, not only in their personal lives but also within their business endeavors. By fostering a mindset of readiness and resilience, individuals can better cope with the unpredictable nature of life and loss. Through his candid storytelling and practical advice, Coach Chris Cotton provides a compassionate and empowering message, reminding us all of the strength found in vulnerability and the peace that comes from being prepared.


      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business insights.
      Happy New Year Message (00:01:13)
      Chris shares a New Year greeting and hints at personal challenges faced recently.
      Discussion of Loss (00:02:29)
      Chris reflects on the passing of Kimberly's mother and the impact on their family.
      Red Envelope Yellow Envelope Concept (00:03:46)
      Importance of planning for unexpected events is emphasized through personal experiences.
      The Emotional Toll of Grief (00:06:50)
      Chris describes the emotional reactions and support needed during grief.
      Organizing Affairs for Loved Ones (00:08:18)
      Advice on preparing personal and business affairs to ease burdens on family.
      The Stages of Grief (00:10:27)
      Chris outlines the stages of grief observed in Kimberly's reactions to loss.
      Denial and Anger Stages (00:11:38)
      Discussion of denial and anger stages in the grieving process.
      Bargaining Stage of Grief (00:13:08)
      Explains how bargaining manifests in thoughts of regret and "what if" scenarios.
      Depression and Acceptance Stages (00:15:12)
      Chris describes the transition between depression and acceptance in the grieving process.
      Call to Action for Planning (00:16:28)
      Encouragement to have plans in place for end-of-life situations to support loved ones.
      Importance of Life Stories (00:17:47)
      Chris stresses the need to document loved ones' life stories before it's too late.
      Final Thoughts on Grief and Readiness (00:19:00)
      Reflection on being spiritually and emotionally prepared for life's uncertainties.


      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae


      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 197 - Used Parts & Bad Practices In Auto Repair With Jeff Compton & Keith Perkins
    • By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching provides an in-depth exploration of managing parts costs in auto repair businesses, a critical aspect of maintaining profitability and efficiency. He begins by outlining effective strategies for handling core returns, which are essential for recouping costs and maintaining good relationships with suppliers. Chris emphasizes the importance of having a systematic approach to managing new part returns, ensuring that any defective or unnecessary parts are returned promptly to avoid unnecessary expenses.
      Furthermore, Chris highlights the significance of a well-organized receiving process. By implementing clear procedures and assigning accountability, auto repair shops can minimize errors and streamline operations. This organized approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the overall workflow within the shop.
      In addition to parts management, Chris discusses the often-overlooked area of shop supplies. He stresses the need for careful monitoring and management of these supplies to prevent waste and ensure that they contribute positively to the shop's bottom line. Implementing a structured parts matrix is another key strategy Chris recommends. This matrix helps in setting appropriate pricing levels for parts, ensuring that the shop remains competitive while also maintaining healthy profit margins.
      Chris also underscores the necessity of regularly evaluating these processes. By doing so, auto repair businesses can adapt to market trends and inflation, ensuring that their strategies remain effective and relevant in a constantly changing industry landscape.
      Sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, the episode also highlights the critical role of effective marketing strategies for auto repair shops. Chris points out that in addition to managing costs, attracting and retaining customers through strategic marketing is vital for the long-term success of any auto repair business. The sponsorship by Shop Marketing Pros serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of operational efficiency and marketing prowess in driving business growth.
      Introduction to Parts Management (00:00:11)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the importance of managing parts costs in auto repair shops.
      Core Returns Importance (00:02:13)
      Discusses the significance of tracking core returns to avoid losing money on refundable deposits.
      New Part Returns Management (00:04:40)
      Explains how to manage new part returns to minimize errors and losses.
      Receiving Process for Parts (00:07:57)
      Emphasizes the need for an organized receiving process to prevent mix-ups and errors.
      Shop Supplies Overview (00:10:49)
      Highlights the importance of shop supplies in parts costs and how to manage them effectively.
      Parts Matrix Implementation (00:14:28)
      Discusses the necessity of using a structured parts matrix for pricing and profitability.
      Regular Evaluation of Processes (00:16:45)
      Encourages regular evaluation of parts processes to ensure efficiency and adaptability in the business.


      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae


      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...