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Posted

This may be the wrong forum. I'm looking to start sending service reminders and would like to incorporate something to the tune of "our records indicate your due for an oil change", I've also considered calling customers as opposed to mail/email. When do you send your reminders? I was thinking at the 3 month mark. An examples of service reminder letters or customer follow up letters that you might use would be a great help as well!

 

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Posted

What kind of time frame are you thinking.

All data manage offers a follow up system but the letters seem real cheesy and "fake". If like something more personal and professional.

 

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Posted

I send out email reminders and mail reminders weekly to any customer we have not seen in the last 4 months. I usually send out the email reminders a week ahead of the mail. That way if the customer responds to the email, I will save the cost of the mail. I'm going to plug my shop management web site here because that is what I use to send them. It's Smotgo.com. You can use the generic messages there or create your own. If you already have a shop management program and you can export your customers, you can upload them to the site and just use the communications tools.

 

We call customers 3 days after they have been in to say thanks and at times call customers that we have not seen or who have come up as being due for service. This has had minimal success.

 

Scott

Posted

Service reminders are a great idea. With everyone’s busy schedules, it helps to ensure that customers keep up with important vehicle services.

 

I would expand on just sending reminders at the three-month mark, though. Every driver has different driving habits; some drive 3000 miles in 3 months, others drive it in just a month and a half, and so on.

You need a means of recording and calculating reminders around each customer’s individual driving habits. For instance, software exists that does just that. As customers come to your shop, the software records and calculates the next likely service need, based on the specific driving habits involved. It then sends automatic reminders for you. The process is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

Just like dentists, doctors and hair salons, vehicle maintenance can be predicted and arranged ahead of time.

 

Posted

Service reminders are a great idea. With everyone’s busy schedules, it helps to ensure that customers keep up with important vehicle services.

I would expand on just sending reminders at the three-month mark, though. Every driver has different driving habits; some drive 3000 miles in 3 months, others drive it in just a month and a half, and so on.

You need a means of recording and calculating reminders around each customer’s individual driving habits. For instance, software exists that does just that. As customers come to your shop, the software records and calculates the next likely service need, based on the specific driving habits involved. It then sends automatic reminders for you. The process is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

Just like dentists, doctors and hair salons, vehicle maintenance can be predicted and arranged ahead of time.

That's what I'm trying to do, based off guess work. What software does this?

 

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Posted

I recommend a software that does text and email reminders. It seems to get a quicker response and is more user-friendly. Some examples of these offerings include Lube Sticker Pro and SocialCRM.

Posted (edited)

I use the lubesticker Pro software that Mike talks about. It is very accurate in determining the approximate next oil change date and allows me to review the calendar to see who is due for service. We can make phone calls to those customers in advance of their appointment date.

Edited by Gary A

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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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