Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Joe, it is very cool technology. I did look into it, but I just did not see enough potential for me in southern NH. I have not had a customer with a battery failure that was out of warranty yet. Also there is now some aftermarket availability on these batteries.

Posted

I think my family and I might have been among the first handful of shops to sign up as Hybrid Shop franchisees. My son and his wife heard the initial pitch at the ATI Superconference two years ago and were sold on the underlying concept. Later that year we attended the initial training that was held at Curry Automotive in Northern Virginia and stroked a check for the down payment. That summer our equipment was delivered (they do offer financing) and Dr. Mark Quarto came to our shop with Bob Curry who is now President of the operation and trained us. We have an exclusive agreement for a 25-mile radius, which really gives us the southern half of Virginia and North Carolina because there is not enough hybrid population nearby to support another shop.

 

The battery conditioning process really works, except for Hondas. We were seriously disappointed early in the game to find that Honda batteries would appear to condition, only to come back in a few weeks with codes for pack degradation. Turns out the Honda batteries are technically inferior. Add to that the fact that they have inadequate cooling that causes them to be damaged during normal operation. Toyotas, GM, Ford, on the other hand are very robust and reliable and respond well to conditioning. Bottom line is that the Hybrid Shop process produces a reliable, balanced documented battery that operates at approx 95% of original capacity. I have yet to see an aftermarket battery, including the dealer replacements, that can make that claim. The margins on this work are, well, fantastic. Add to that the fact that this is very clean, safe work that techs love.

 

But the real benefit is that this brings a whole new population of customers to your shop. Hybrid owners, more than any other segment of the driving population, have felt that they are shackled to the dealer for all of their repairs and maintenance. We now have a steady stream of hybrids coming to us for routine maintenance and repairs.

 

The Hybrid Shop management has been supportive, but hands-off. They don't place any demands on us that are typical with a full franchise (this is a fractional franchise). Technical support is excellent. Dr. Quarto and his staff at AR&D are extremely well versed in all of the technical aspects of this process and respond to tech queries very quickly. They offer (and expect you to attend) SAE certification training in hybrid/electrical technology.

 

I was talking to another shop owner who was considering joining and the subject of the cost of the equipment came up. I tossed out the current figure and he said "Huh, that's an alignment machine!" He was right - most of us consider that a necessity and we make it happen.

 

Anyone considering doing this who wants to talk one-on-one about our experience can email me at [email protected] and I will provide my cell phone number. I'm just thankful that I'm not going to wake up tomorrow an find that my competitor down the street beat me to this opportunity

  • Like 1
Posted

I've talked to the Hybrid shop people many many times. I even attended a class on using their equipment to refurbish the battery packs. Very likely this will be something to think about. They did do a case study to see how many hybrids are in my area and their numbers came back very strong. So, I did my own checking, calling dealer friends, and sales people. The numbers I came up with were totally different. In fact, the number of sold hybrids was half of what they showed.

 

The next thing I did was check with the service departments at some dealers. Very few service calls on the batteries or the regenerating systems.

 

My opinion; "This is with out a doubt a great concept. However, I don't think there is a market large enough yet (in my area) to invest that much money into it. The mile radius guarantee they offer sounds great, but what it states is that they will not put another hybrid shop within your area, but that doesn't stop a competitor to open up a hybrid store from another company doing the exact same thing next to yours."

 

If I was younger, and had the ambition to stay in this biz for another ... say 20 years ... I might consider it. But, for the time being I believe there isn't enough market for it unless you're in a large city area with lots and lots of these cars.

 

An example for ya; I had a hybrid (Honda) in a few weeks ago with codes for a failing battery pack. The car had over a 100k on the odometer. Once I gave him a quote (a very low profit quote too) the owner couldn't see putting that much money in a car with that many miles, even though I did my best to explain to the owner that the engine doesn't have that many miles on it. There has to be a change of attitude by the consumers out there that a car with 100k is worn out and worthless when it comes to these hybrids resale value. (that includes banks and insurance companies).

 

FYI - O'Reillys is selling recond. batteries at a price similar to the refurbished hybrid shop batteries too.

 

Is it worth the 69k? That's a big question... As fast as technology changes I'm also concerned about how long their equipment will be viable and not become obsolete. Hard to dish out that much cash. I'm waiting to see some return of investment dollars before I do anything.

  • Like 1
Posted

THS did give us an estimate of the hybrid population in our franchise area. I think it was a little bit optimistic and I don't have any idea where they got the data. We are not overwhelmed with hybrid business, but it has turned into a nice profit center for our shop.

This conditioning process only works on nickel metal hydride batteries. Toyota and others seem to be locked into that technology for at least the near future. Some of the new EV / HEV vehicles are starting to use lithium ion but it's going to take a long time for that technology to populate the market. In the meantime, Prius batteries are aging rapidly and Prius owners seem, more than other car owners, willing to spend big chunks of money to keep their little babies going. One of the first cars we did was a Gen 1 Prius that we converted to gen2 cell packs and replaced the transmission to the tune of 3500 dollars on a car with 250,000 miles on it.

Our Honda customers seem to be split 50 / 50 on their willingness to spend 2800 dollars to put a new battery in their car, but we have done a few of them.

You could go broke and crazy trying to second guess your customers' willingness to spend large amounts of money on their car. You give them the estimate and wait for the answer. Sometimes the answer will surprise you.

  • 1 month later...
Posted

I work on hybrids, no membership fee. Prius batteries last what, 150k-200k miles? Dorman makes a reman, takes an hour or so to install. Simple really. No forklift or electrician needed. I think when hybrids first came out there was a lot of mystery, now anyone with YouTube knows you take out the fuse and the bolts and your done.

Posted

Alfredauto is correct. Anybody with tools can remove/install a hybrid battery, but any shop that goes into this without safety training and equipment is facing a major liability. Keep in mind these are lethal voltages we are talking about. When you turn off the master switch, the car is supposed to self-discharge - but does it? If not, those lethal voltages are still there.

 

With THS you get that training and more. Training covers control systems, inverters, DC to DC converters as well as drivetrain and battery theory. A week of theory and practical for your techs plus you get to send a tech to SAE cert training. Then you have ongoing access to expert support people.

 

As regards aftermarket batteries, I challenge any aftermarket supplier to let me run one of their off-the-shelf units through the THS testing process to document whether it is in balance and capable of supplying rated power and energy. Every battery I condition comes with documentation to show that it is performing at 95% of new specs. Also, these batteries discharge while sitting in storage. The battery should be charged to 60% of full capacity just before installation.

 

It's analogous to engine replacement. An aftermarket battery is like a used engine from a junkyard you trust. A THS battery is like a remanufactured engine from a reputable machine shop/supplier. Each cell pack has been tested for total performance (not just voltage) just prior to installation. That performance is documented and the warranty is backed by a nationwide chain of THS shops. The THS process and equipment let you control the quality of the product you are installing.

 

There is a lot of discussion on this forum about providing value for our customers. This is a classic example.

  • Like 2

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • 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 Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Marketing isn’t just about spending money; it’s about strategy, creativity, and knowing what actually works. That’s exactly what Brian and Kim Walker unpack in this conversation with Doug DeLuca, owner of Boca AutoFix, who built a thriving auto repair shop without ever working as a technician before opening his doors.
      Doug’s IT background gave him an edge, helping him master SEO, content marketing, and social media, all while running his shop. He shares with Brian and Kim how he tracks data, refines his messaging, and attracts the right clients using unconventional but effective methods. From leveraging Facebook groups to pull in college students to secret-shopping a quick-lube competitor for blog content, Doug proves that marketing success comes from being proactive and intentional.
      This conversation tackles why not every shop needs Google Ads, how to structure diagnostic fees without scaring off clients, and the importance of community involvement. Doug’s hands-on, data-driven approach to marketing offers real insights for shop owners looking to take control of their marketing and maximize results.
      Brian, Kim, and Doug break it all down, giving shop owners a blueprint for smarter, more effective marketing.
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. Learn more at
      RepairPal.com/shops.
      Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all—email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.
      How To Get In Touch With The Guest
      Doug DeLucca’s Facebook account 
      [email protected]
      BOCA Auto Fix - (561) 826-8834
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      ASTA
      They Ask You Answer
      They Ask You Answer Podcast Episode 093
      Which is the right fit for you? A quick lube or an independent auto repair shop?
      Google Local Service Ads
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01)  The podcast begins with a welcome message from the host, Brian Walker. Guest Introduction (00:00:10)  Brian introduces co-host Kim and guest Doug DeLuca, owner of Boca Auto Fix. Overview of Boca Auto Fix (00:00:51)  Doug shares details about his auto repair shop, including its location and age. Hiring an Apprentice (00:01:09)  Doug discusses the recent hiring of an apprentice and the journey leading to this decision. Challenges in Hiring (00:02:13)  The speakers reflect on the difficulties shop owners face in finding and hiring young talent. Marketing Journey Begins (00:03:02)  Discussion shifts to Doug's initial marketing efforts and his involvement in content creation. Background in Technology (00:04:07)  Doug explains his previous technology background and how it influenced his approach to marketing. Learning SEO and Marketing (00:04:45)  Doug describes his self-taught journey in SEO and digital marketing after opening his shop. Realizing Marketing Needs (00:06:14)  Doug reflects on his initial assumptions about marketing and the reality of attracting customers. Understanding SEO Basics (00:08:09)  Doug shares his insights on SEO and the learning process involved in mastering it. Frameworks in Marketing (00:10:25)  The conversation explores the use of frameworks in both auto repair and marketing strategies. Adopting "They Ask, You Answer" (00:11:23)  Doug discusses his experience with the "They Ask, You Answer" philosophy in content creation. Writing Blogs for Customer Engagement (00:12:21)  Doug explains how he uses customer inquiries to create relevant blog content for his shop. Experience at a Quick Lube (00:13:29)  Doug shares his firsthand experience at a quick lube to highlight differences in service quality. Experience Comparison (00:14:06) Doug shares his experience of visiting a competitor's shop to understand customer perception and service quality. Proactive Client Advocacy (00:14:57) The team discusses the importance of guiding potential clients to the right service provider based on their needs. Sponsorship and Marketing Tools (00:16:13) Brian introduces RepairPal, highlighting its benefits for attracting new customers and building trust. Customer Loyalty Apps (00:17:51) Brian discusses the advantages of using App Fueled to create customer loyalty programs for auto repair shops. Incognito Visits (00:18:20) Doug talks about visiting a competitor's shop incognito to gain insights without revealing their identity. Collaboration Over Competition (00:19:09) The speakers explore the idea of referring customers to other shops and building relationships in the industry. Challenging Competition Norms (00:20:20) Brian reflects on inviting competitors to the podcast, emphasizing collaboration over traditional competition. Marketing Involvement (00:22:42) Doug explains the ad hoc nature of their marketing efforts and the role of social media in their strategy. Community Involvement (00:27:41) Doug shares their family's volunteer work and how it integrates with their business's social media presence. Engaging the College Market (00:28:51) Doug discusses how 30% of his clients are college students and their marketing strategies. Collaborating with Local Professors (00:31:18) Doug shares his experience working with a marketing professor for student analysis of his business. Challenges of Seasonal Demand (00:32:24) Discussion on the impact of seasonal changes on business demand and local marketing efforts. Starting with Marketing (00:34:02) Doug advises new shop owners to listen to podcasts and conduct online research for marketing. SEO as a Long-Term Strategy (00:35:08) Doug explains the importance of SEO and its long-term benefits for business growth. Understanding Competition (00:36:44) Doug emphasizes the need to analyze competition and not assume marketing strategies will work universally. The Importance of Data (00:39:08) Doug highlights the role of data in assessing marketing effectiveness and making informed decisions. Nuances of Market Dynamics (00:41:14) Discussion on how geographical and seasonal factors affect marketing strategies in auto repair. Client Avatar and Marketing Alignment (00:42:13) Doug explains the significance of understanding the ideal customer for effective marketing strategies.  Overcoming Diagnostic Fee Challenges (00:43:09) Discussion on how Doug has adjusted his approach to diagnostic fees to improve customer conversion. The Importance of Evaluation Fees (00:43:40) Discussion on the role of evaluation fees and their impact on shop maturity. Improving Customer Communication (00:44:09)  Insights on enhancing customer explanations regarding services and processes. Coaching and Competitive Analysis (00:45:03)  How coaching helped refine service policies and improve customer relations. Content Creation and Marketing Strategy (00:46:32)  The significance of creating content for customer engagement and marketing. Duck Duck Jeep Initiative (00:47:05)  Fun marketing strategy involving ducks to engage with the local Jeep community. Value of Customer Feedback (00:48:46)  Importance of understanding customer inquiries and improving service based on feedback. Contact Information for Doug DeLuca (00:49:29)   Doug shares how listeners can reach him for further inquiries.
      How To Get In Touch
      Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
      Meet The Pros
      Follow SMP on Facebook
      Follow SMP on Instagram
      Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
      Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics 
      Thanks again for listening to The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast on Aftermarket Radio Network. There are some other great shows on the network and you can find them at AftermarketRadioNetwork.com or on your favorite podcast listening apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and many others
      Thanks to our Partners,
      RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.
      App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Two Shop Owners React: PartsTech's Industry Survey for 2025
    • By carmcapriotto
      Sometimes life just doesn’t slow down, does it? Between running a business, managing a team, and balancing everything else, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in tasks. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
      Hi, I’m Kim Walker, and today I’m sharing my personal journey through a season of overwhelm—and how I’m finding my way back to productivity and peace. This episode isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about giving yourself the grace to start where you are and take small, meaningful steps forward.
      So, take a deep breath, grab a notebook, and let’s get organized—because even in the chaos, we’ve got this
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.
      Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com 
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Stephen Covey's Time Managment Matrix 
      Remarkable Tablet 
      Time Blocking
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By nptrb

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.



  • Similar Tagged Content

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...