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Posted

Ok guys, I just need to vent . Had a customer come in Monday with a Suburban needing a state inspection. Turns out, he has no brake lights and so he leaves it to have us look at it. Later on that day, my tech does the nessasary testing and so forth and determines he needs a multi-function switch. My SA makes a quote and calls his house and talks with his wife and gives her the quote. She says she will relay the info to her husband and get back to us. By now, it's close to closing time, so I'm not expecting to hear back from him today. I leave the shop and stop at a local national-chain parts store to pick- up some hose we will be needing first thing in the morning. Now this store is one we never have dealt with much over the years for various reasons, but their outside sales rep has been coming by a lot over the past several months trying to drum up business. So I've been warming up to them and "testing the waters" so to speak. I get out of my truck and run into, you guessed it, the owner of the Suburban! He tells me that he just can't afford the price we quoted him and he felt it was just to much. I talked to him about how we used only quality parts and insure trouble free operation and such, trying to build some value, but he keeps insisting that he feels it is too much. I told him I understand how he felt and if he refused the repairs, all he owed was a testing fee. Then he asks if he supplied the part, how much would I charge him to install it. I told him what the labor would be and that there would be no warranty. He agreed and handed me a new switch from said national-chain parts store and said to call him when it was ready. Then he said, " I know your in business and such, but your price for the switch is just too much. It only cost $162.00! " This is the part that ticks me off. My cost from the same part store is $184.90. That's right, they sold it to a guy off the street for less than I could get it for. I'm sorry, but if you want more of my business, this is not the way to do it. I'm cooling off some before I say anything. Should I take it up with the store manager, the sales rep, or call the owner of the company? :angry:

  • Like 1
Posted

Be wary of customers, they are not known for always telling the truth lol. I've given my parts store a earful in the past, and then without asking the manager looks up the transaction and it turns out the customer wasn't being truthful.

 

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

 

 

Posted

Ok guys, I just need to vent . Had a customer come in Monday with a Suburban needing a state inspection. Turns out, he has no brake lights and so he leaves it to have us look at it. Later on that day, my tech does the nessasary testing and so forth and determines he needs a multi-function switch. My SA makes a quote and calls his house and talks with his wife and gives her the quote. She says she will relay the info to her husband and get back to us. By now, it's close to closing time, so I'm not expecting to hear back from him today. I leave the shop and stop at a local national-chain parts store to pick- up some hose we will be needing first thing in the morning. Now this store is one we never have dealt with much over the years for various reasons, but their outside sales rep has been coming by a lot over the past several months trying to drum up business. So I've been warming up to them and "testing the waters" so to speak. I get out of my truck and run into, you guessed it, the owner of the Suburban! He tells me that he just can't afford the price we quoted him and he felt it was just to much. I talked to him about how we used only quality parts and insure trouble free operation and such, trying to build some value, but he keeps insisting that he feels it is too much. I told him I understand how he felt and if he refused the repairs, all he owed was a testing fee. Then he asks if he supplied the part, how much would I charge him to install it. I told him what the labor would be and that there would be no warranty. He agreed and handed me a new switch from said national-chain parts store and said to call him when it was ready. Then he said, " I know your in business and such, but your price for the switch is just too much. It only cost $162.00! " This is the part that ticks me off. My cost from the same part store is $184.90. That's right, they sold it to a guy off the street for less than I could get it for. I'm sorry, but if you want more of my business, this is not the way to do it. I'm cooling off some before I say anything. Should I take it up with the store manager, the sales rep, or call the owner of the company? :angry:

 

 

Sorry to hear this! Biggest reason I have a problem with parts suppliers that also sell to the public. It is a losing battle if you are marking up your parts then your customer see you walk into the same parts stores. I never do business with the Advanced Autos, Pep Boys, Auto Zone type. Hate to say this but they really are the enemy. They bring the industry down and makes life harder for guys like us.

 

Now in terms of this customer its your call if you want to use his supplied parts. I have let customers go when they don't want to play by my rules. My rules are that we provide a service which includes parts AND labor. We provide warranty and stand behind everything. The way I look at it even if you servicing 3000+ cars a year that is such a small percentage of the market. That being said there are plenty of good customers that will pay your price, follow your rules and be happy with the quality of service they are getting.

  • Like 3
Posted

Some customers are not your customers!

 

Just another story in the #shoplife that loosely pertains to this topic.

 

Had a guy call up today 2006 530XI. Wanted to bring the car in today for a battery. Gave him some possible times to bring the car in but got right down to why he thought he needed the battery. "I brought the car to the dealer a few months ago and they had told me I needed a battery" FIRST RED FLAG! "Also I have been having to jump start my car with a booster pack for a while but now thats not even working" SECOND RED FLAG! Anyway I schedule the guy in. He ends up canceling the first appt and reschedules for later on in the day. Customer drops the car off for a few and leaves. Before he left I told him I would take a look into his battery situation a bit further because the electrical and charging sys on newer model BMWs are very sensitive to voltage. Turns out as expected that he really needed a new alternator (leaking diodes), IBS cable and a new battery. Gave the guy some options on what we could do for him today which was either an IBS + AGM battery or IBS + Lead acid battery. Both options were north of $600. His response was "wow thats expensive, about the same price as the dealer" and finally "I think I am going to decline both" BIG SURPRISE! At that point I said, "ok sure no problem we can have your vehicle back together for you in 10 minutes. We normally charge a diagnostic fee however we are going to waive that for you today." He came 15 minutes later thanked me and left. Before he left he had mentioned he had called a few weeks ago and got an approx price of $300-400 for a battery. Yep a phone shopper and the worst kind. My fault for giving out prices over the phone.

 

GOOD RIDDANCE! Customers like that have no respect for themselves and the vehicles they drive. He was jump starting the car with a booster pack for months and he expected to get away with a $200 battery. GTFO. These types of people are a danger to themselves and you are better off wishing them well and sending them down the road. I didn't even bother charging him and its the best money I never made. Who knows what kind of vindictive nonsense would have came out of that if I would have charged him a charging sys diag. Wouldn't have been worth it. Instead I threw a smile on my face, shook his hand and sent him down the river.

 

 

Point of the story is there are plenty of people out there that will appreciate you and your service. Those are the customers to give your attention to. Send the yo-yos away.

 

Of course there are people out there that have to decline work due to economical situations. Totally understandable and i have bent over backwards for a lot of my customers. The problem with bending your own rules is what if that person comes into a better job and their financial situation changes? Do you think they will magically start paying you for your parts and not bring their own? Hell no. They got away with it the first time so that is now their expectation.

 

Anyway that is my rant on crappy customers which wasn't really the main point of your thread but I hope to have entertained some of you guys with that story.

  • Like 3
Posted

xrac, red flags all over the place. I know the battery swap is a rather expensive endeavor on a newer BMW but seriously what do these people think they are going to do? Change the game? It is how the vehicle was designed and it is the ONLY proper way to repair. Dealer told them first. Then I told them. Probably off to auto zone to get whatever they can get and throw it in there unregistered and bound to fail again.

Posted

Mspec, we do little European work for that very reason. People buy these cars at a bargin at a local used car lot and then don't understand why a repair costs more than it did on their mom's ford Taurus. Part of the problem, at least in a rural area like mine, is that almost everyone has a brother, father, uncle, cousin, or some other relative who works on cars and knows more about it than you do! These are usually the same people who don't want to pay a testing fee for their check engine light because "autozone told me it was an oxygen sensor" .

  • Like 3
Posted

Great forum! We have had encountered this in the past as well. Customer came in for a quote on plugs for an Expedition. Quoted her a total amount. The first word out of her mouth was "Wow!" I immediately thought to myself, heres another one of those customers <_< . She then gave me a long talk of how the auto parts store down the street said the parts were only X amount. At that point, I kindly told her heres our number, feel free to call and make an appointment. I proceeded to attend to my other customers who do not question price or compare us to part stores.

 

In regards to pricing customer supplied parts, we upcharge our labor to make up for the loss in parts (which is usually the amount we upcharged on the parts). We also document accordingly that the customer supplied the part and there is no warranty. One thing I have learned the hard way it is NOT WORTH the overall headache of customer supplied parts.

 

I would definately speak with your sales manager for the local auto parts stores. In our area our pricing is based off of tiers- which depend on how much you spend a week or month.

  • Like 1
Posted

I know it's difficult to not get worked up when this happens. We recently had the same situation happen with our local NAPA sore where the customer could buy the part cheaper on line than we could. We are a NAPA Autocare center so I was livid when it happened. The part that they could buy cheaper was a third line ball joint that we do not sell and NAPA corporate had put it out as an online special. The "customer" asked if we would install the parts if he purchased them from NAPA because we are a NAPA Autocare, we refused.

I have kicked around the thought of changing my labor rate to around $140 per hour and lower my parts matrix to around 20%. We might not have the same conversations with customers who want to bring in their own parts, because we would be charging close to what they can buy the parts for at the parts stores.

  • Like 1
Posted

Russ, the increasing labor rate and reducing parts costs has been discussed. I personally think it would open up a slew of other problems. At the point of a customer complaining, there would be less justification as to why your labor rate is $40 more than everyone else whilst for parts we can fall back on warranty, sourcing, procurement etc.

Posted

Well,

I talked with the store manager today. I just asked if someone bought a particular part # on a particular day and how much they paid for it. I just said I had a warranty issue I was trying to work out with a customer and wanted some facts before I proceeded. He told me the time and date it was purchased ( which was correct ) and that he paid in cash in the amount of... wait for it.......$184.90! That's right, the same as my cost. He apparently ran it through the company he used to work for ( a county school bus garage ). I guess it goes to show that customers don't always tell the whole truth. Thanks ncautoshop. But you guys are right. I need to concentrate on the customers who recognize the value in the service we provide and not worry about the rest. My lot is packed as we speak with customers who value our work and know that it is a small price to pay. :D

Posted

That is still a problem as he does not work for them however is still taking advantage of a business account's pricing. It is bad enough your parts supplier has a store front and is actively competing against the same parts they are selling you.

Posted

Ok guys, I just need to vent . Had a customer come in Monday with a Suburban needing a state inspection. Turns out, he has no brake lights and so he leaves it to have us look at it. Later on that day, my tech does the nessasary testing and so forth and determines he needs a multi-function switch. My SA makes a quote and calls his house and talks with his wife and gives her the quote. She says she will relay the info to her husband and get back to us. By now, it's close to closing time, so I'm not expecting to hear back from him today. I leave the shop and stop at a local national-chain parts store to pick- up some hose we will be needing first thing in the morning. Now this store is one we never have dealt with much over the years for various reasons, but their outside sales rep has been coming by a lot over the past several months trying to drum up business. So I've been warming up to them and "testing the waters" so to speak. I get out of my truck and run into, you guessed it, the owner of the Suburban! He tells me that he just can't afford the price we quoted him and he felt it was just to much. I talked to him about how we used only quality parts and insure trouble free operation and such, trying to build some value, but he keeps insisting that he feels it is too much. I told him I understand how he felt and if he refused the repairs, all he owed was a testing fee. Then he asks if he supplied the part, how much would I charge him to install it. I told him what the labor would be and that there would be no warranty. He agreed and handed me a new switch from said national-chain parts store and said to call him when it was ready. Then he said, " I know your in business and such, but your price for the switch is just too much. It only cost $162.00! " This is the part that ticks me off. My cost from the same part store is $184.90. That's right, they sold it to a guy off the street for less than I could get it for. I'm sorry, but if you want more of my business, this is not the way to do it. I'm cooling off some before I say anything. Should I take it up with the store manager, the sales rep, or call the owner of the company? :angry:

must be vatozone. if you have a commercial account, automatically the person should get 10% off walk ins.

Posted

Some customers are not your customers!

 

Just another story in the #shoplife that loosely pertains to this topic.

 

Had a guy call up today 2006 530XI. Wanted to bring the car in today for a battery. Gave him some possible times to bring the car in but got right down to why he thought he needed the battery. "I brought the car to the dealer a few months ago and they had told me I needed a battery" FIRST RED FLAG! "Also I have been having to jump start my car with a booster pack for a while but now thats not even working" SECOND RED FLAG! Anyway I schedule the guy in. He ends up canceling the first appt and reschedules for later on in the day. Customer drops the car off for a few and leaves. Before he left I told him I would take a look into his battery situation a bit further because the electrical and charging sys on newer model BMWs are very sensitive to voltage. Turns out as expected that he really needed a new alternator (leaking diodes), IBS cable and a new battery. Gave the guy some options on what we could do for him today which was either an IBS + AGM battery or IBS + Lead acid battery. Both options were north of $600. His response was "wow thats expensive, about the same price as the dealer" and finally "I think I am going to decline both" BIG SURPRISE! At that point I said, "ok sure no problem we can have your vehicle back together for you in 10 minutes. We normally charge a diagnostic fee however we are going to waive that for you today." He came 15 minutes later thanked me and left. Before he left he had mentioned he had called a few weeks ago and got an approx price of $300-400 for a battery. Yep a phone shopper and the worst kind. My fault for giving out prices over the phone.

 

GOOD RIDDANCE! Customers like that have no respect for themselves and the vehicles they drive. He was jump starting the car with a booster pack for months and he expected to get away with a $200 battery. GTFO. These types of people are a danger to themselves and you are better off wishing them well and sending them down the road. I didn't even bother charging him and its the best money I never made. Who knows what kind of vindictive nonsense would have came out of that if I would have charged him a charging sys diag. Wouldn't have been worth it. Instead I threw a smile on my face, shook his hand and sent him down the river.

 

 

Point of the story is there are plenty of people out there that will appreciate you and your service. Those are the customers to give your attention to. Send the yo-yos away.

 

Of course there are people out there that have to decline work due to economical situations. Totally understandable and i have bent over backwards for a lot of my customers. The problem with bending your own rules is what if that person comes into a better job and their financial situation changes? Do you think they will magically start paying you for your parts and not bring their own? Hell no. They got away with it the first time so that is now their expectation.

 

Anyway that is my rant on crappy customers which wasn't really the main point of your thread but I hope to have entertained some of you guys with that story.

more and more people like this everyday. seems like we are getting dumber and dumber by the year. hey I guess were number 1 in debt, number 1 in incarcerated people, number 1000 in schooling...

  • Like 1
Posted

Mspec, we do little European work for that very reason. People buy these cars at a bargin at a local used car lot and then don't understand why a repair costs more than it did on their mom's ford Taurus. Part of the problem, at least in a rural area like mine, is that almost everyone has a brother, father, uncle, cousin, or some other relative who works on cars and knows more about it than you do! These are usually the same people who don't want to pay a testing fee for their check engine light because "autozone told me it was an oxygen sensor" .

I tell them people to have vatozone fix it for them.

  • Like 1
Posted

xrac, red flags all over the place. I know the battery swap is a rather expensive endeavor on a newer BMW but seriously what do these people think they are going to do? Change the game? It is how the vehicle was designed and it is the ONLY proper way to repair. Dealer told them first. Then I told them. Probably off to auto zone to get whatever they can get and throw it in there unregistered and bound to fail again.

 

Some customers are not your customers!

 

Just another story in the #shoplife that loosely pertains to this topic.

 

Had a guy call up today 2006 530XI. Wanted to bring the car in today for a battery. Gave him some possible times to bring the car in but got right down to why he thought he needed the battery. "I brought the car to the dealer a few months ago and they had told me I needed a battery" FIRST RED FLAG! "Also I have been having to jump start my car with a booster pack for a while but now thats not even working" SECOND RED FLAG! Anyway I schedule the guy in. He ends up canceling the first appt and reschedules for later on in the day. Customer drops the car off for a few and leaves. Before he left I told him I would take a look into his battery situation a bit further because the electrical and charging sys on newer model BMWs are very sensitive to voltage. Turns out as expected that he really needed a new alternator (leaking diodes), IBS cable and a new battery. Gave the guy some options on what we could do for him today which was either an IBS + AGM battery or IBS + Lead acid battery. Both options were north of $600. His response was "wow thats expensive, about the same price as the dealer" and finally "I think I am going to decline both" BIG SURPRISE! At that point I said, "ok sure no problem we can have your vehicle back together for you in 10 minutes. We normally charge a diagnostic fee however we are going to waive that for you today." He came 15 minutes later thanked me and left. Before he left he had mentioned he had called a few weeks ago and got an approx price of $300-400 for a battery. Yep a phone shopper and the worst kind. My fault for giving out prices over the phone.

 

GOOD RIDDANCE! Customers like that have no respect for themselves and the vehicles they drive. He was jump starting the car with a booster pack for months and he expected to get away with a $200 battery. GTFO. These types of people are a danger to themselves and you are better off wishing them well and sending them down the road. I didn't even bother charging him and its the best money I never made. Who knows what kind of vindictive nonsense would have came out of that if I would have charged him a charging sys diag. Wouldn't have been worth it. Instead I threw a smile on my face, shook his hand and sent him down the river.

 

 

Point of the story is there are plenty of people out there that will appreciate you and your service. Those are the customers to give your attention to. Send the yo-yos away.

 

Of course there are people out there that have to decline work due to economical situations. Totally understandable and i have bent over backwards for a lot of my customers. The problem with bending your own rules is what if that person comes into a better job and their financial situation changes? Do you think they will magically start paying you for your parts and not bring their own? Hell no. They got away with it the first time so that is now their expectation.

 

Anyway that is my rant on crappy customers which wasn't really the main point of your thread but I hope to have entertained some of you guys with that story.

I don't get you guys. I always give a customer what they want. Had a guy coming with a 2010 Audi A6 asking for a new battery. I gave him a good price on a Bosch battery.

He went for it. Later that day I checked his old battery and it was in fine shape. Took that one home to use it in my boat. In the end the customer was happy , and I am happy.

Why mess with that?

As far as why he wanted a new battery, I don't know and don't really care. Maybe he read something on the internet. You know how that goes.

 

Gene

Posted

Gene I think you are missing the big picture. If the customer's real reason for wanting a new battery was because he was experiencing electrical or voltage issues, you did not do him a service. In fact there is a chance the customer will put some blame on you as the shop for not advising him better. Because that customer's needs were not properly met, they could also end up going to another shop that will ask questions and service them properly which totally makes you look bad.

 

I believe as auto care professionals it is our duty to look out for our customers. To ask questions and find out what the customer actually needs. Doctor's don't leave it up the patients to determine the course of treatment to cure them. We shouldn't either.

 

In the particular case I made a post about, the customer would surely get stuck with a vehicle that did not start again due to a dead battery. We are looking at the bigger picture. Long term instead of short term.

  • Like 1
Posted

Does anyone know where McDonalds gets their beef? I want to see what it cost's so I can argue the price of my Big Mac.

 

The point is that no one does this to most other businesses. Why do they do it with their auto repair shop?
How has it come to be where customers think this is okay? I had a hot water heater installed this fall at my house. It was $632.56. I didn't tell my plumber that Home Depot had the heater for $239.

 

I am on a quest. A quest to find 1,200 customers who will cheerfully pay me any price I ask.

  • Like 2
Posted

Don't let people rent space in your head. I have to work my vendors against each other on each sale. I state my price parts and labor knowing that i will have room for a discount at the end. Other that that i encourage the customer best of luck and i hope he has a blessed New Year. I remind the customer that if they go somewhere else Iwill not be able to help them.

Posted

I run into pricing issues all the time. A lot of people around us call and get pricing on parts so I often have to explain our more expensive part. But I give my parts guys grief all the time - we buy from several vendors and often when I check "my" price and then the retail they are often the same. In these instances the guys will reduce my cost even more - but sometimes the customer can get even cheaper by purchasing online (Advance for ex. 15% off and $25 gift card and even though they are ordering "online" they can opt to pick up in local store!)

 

We used to try to meet local retail prices, but often I am not making any money and esp if the labor is 30 min on repair - I have no choice but to increase part price just to make it worth our while. Many arguments with my partner about the part pricing issue but i think now even he is getting sick of losing money.

Posted

in regard to the "i can't afford to fix the car I had to have" people - I really think new car dealers esp should be required to disclose repair costs associated with even the most mundane of repairs. My favorite is trying to explain to the CTS owner why changing out their $3 turn signal bulb is going to cost them over $100 because we have to remove their bumper. That always seems to go over like a lead balloon.

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

Gene I think you are missing the big picture. If the customer's real reason for wanting a new battery was because he was experiencing electrical or voltage issues, you did not do him a service. In fact there is a chance the customer will put some blame on you as the shop for not advising him better. Because that customer's needs were not properly met, they could also end up going to another shop that will ask questions and service them properly which totally makes you look bad.

 

I believe as auto care professionals it is our duty to look out for our customers. To ask questions and find out what the customer actually needs. Doctor's don't leave it up the patients to determine the course of treatment to cure them. We shouldn't either.

 

In the particular case I made a post about, the customer would surely get stuck with a vehicle that did not start again due to a dead battery. We are looking at the bigger picture. Long term instead of short term.

He didn't ask me to do any diagnostics. Just The battery. So I gave him what he wanted. Iam in the service business I am not his mother.

"I believe as auto care professionals it is our duty to look out for our customers" I think you live in a fantasy world.

I gave up on that idea decades ego.

I have three other shops next to me. If I dont make the customer happy , the other shops will be more than happy to do it.

Gene

Edited by _2080
Posted

Does anyone know where McDonalds gets their beef? I want to see what it cost's so I can argue the price of my Big Mac.

 

The point is that no one does this to most other businesses. Why do they do it with their auto repair shop?

How has it come to be where customers think this is okay? I had a hot water heater installed this fall at my house. It was $632.56. I didn't tell my plumber that Home Depot had the heater for $239.

 

I am on a quest. A quest to find 1,200 customers who will cheerfully pay me any price I ask.

How come you didn't get it done your self? The water Heater.

"I am on a quest. A quest to find 1,200 customers who will cheerfully pay me any price I ask." There was a black man ones who also had a dream.

We all know what happened to that.

Gene.

Posted

He didn't ask me to do any diagnostics. Just The battery. So I gave him what he wanted. Iam in the service business I am not his mother.

"I believe as auto care professionals it is our duty to look out for our customers" I think you live in a fantasy world.

I gave up on that idea decades ego.

I have three other shops next to me. If I dont make the customer happy , the other shops will be more than happy to do it.

Gene

 

We all thought you were trolling but i guess you are a real person lol

 

If you dont subscribe to our "fantasy world" thats perfectly fine Gene but i dont think all the successful shop owners i know are wrong in their business philosophy. I think its time for you to wake up and smell the... Ill let you finish that line :)

  • Like 1
Posted

In California we can be held liable for customer supplied parts. Under most circumstances we will not install customer supplied parts, however if they insist we charge enough labor to cover the cost of the part and the labor to redo the job. We make sure they understand this. So, if it is a 1 hour job we charge 2 hours plus the cost of the part. I then tell them when we supply the parts they are also receiving a 2 year 24K warranty which includes lodging, towing, etc. should that part fail. I've only had 1 pot grower decline the warranty and had us supply his Orielly diesel injectors at double the labor and an extra $750 to cover the injectors....stubborn, stoned or stupid!

Posted

I have actually had to tell a few customers to get rid of their BMWs. Some people just don't understand what it takes, ex: cost, to repair some vehicles. I had one in today that needed front brakes, almost metal to metal. I gave him a price, and he told me his friend down the road can do it for cheaper. I agreed with him. I also told him to make sure his friend uses ceramic pads, new sensor, and new rotors. I found out a long time ago once you sense this type of customer there is no reason to try. Just send them on their way.

  • Like 1
Posted

When I have a problem with a discount tire customer I call the store manager as the customer leaves my shop. They deal with problem customers as well. I also pray for the problem customer because he has other problems other that car problems.

  • Like 1
Posted

You can only stay calm for so long. The guy put his own foot in his mouth when he told you about the switch. Call him out on it. This is what I do. I found it easier to ask if there are any other concerns or issues during customer write-up. That way these thing get nipped in the butt up front (most of the time). I will never let any customers downgrade our employees or ethics. I always say, "We repair cars, not break them."

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  • 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.
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      The objective of this episode is to empower our listener with actionable insights that can lead to improved profitability and operational efficiency in their businesses.
      Takeaways:
      The podcast discusses the critical issue of accurately recording technician costs in shop management systems, which is often miscalculated, leading to significant profit discrepancies. The episode emphasizes the importance of revising technician cost methods to reflect true expenses, thereby enhancing financial transparency and operational efficiency. Listeners are urged to assess their current payroll structures and make necessary adjustments to ensure more precise financial forecasting. Understanding the relationship between productivity and payroll costs is vital for maintaining profitability, with practical strategies provided to achieve this.
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • 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
      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.
      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 episode 202 of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton takes a deep dive into the financial performance of auto repair shops, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis based on insights from the January edition of Ratchet & Wrench magazine. Throughout the episode, Coach Chris emphasizes the critical importance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as annual revenue, gross profit margins, and net profit margins. These metrics are essential for shop owners who aim to understand and enhance their business's financial health.
      Coach Chris shares compelling survey statistics that reveal significant revenue growth within the auto repair industry over the past 15 years. This growth underscores the dynamic nature of the industry and the opportunities available for shop owners who are proactive in managing their finances. He highlights the necessity for shop owners to focus on improving their financial metrics, as doing so can lead to increased profitability and long-term success.
      In addition to discussing financial performance, the episode also promotes Shop Marketing Pros, a specialized marketing company dedicated to serving auto repair shops. Shop Marketing Pros offers tailored marketing solutions designed to help shop owners attract more customers and build a strong brand presence in their local markets.
      Listeners of this episode will gain valuable insights into the financial aspects of running an auto repair shop and learn strategies to boost their business's performance. Coach Chris's expert advice, combined with the resources provided by Shop Marketing Pros, equips shop owners with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive industry.
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:08)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its purpose to supercharge auto repair businesses.
      Overview of Ratchet & Wrench Magazine (00:01:04)
      Discussion on insights from the January edition of Ratchet & Wrench magazine regarding shop performance.
      15-Year Industry Comparison (00:02:15)
      Chris highlights changes in annual revenue and profit margins in the auto repair industry over 15 years.
      Importance of Tracking KPIs (00:03:15)
      Emphasis on the significance of key performance indicators for making informed financial decisions.
      KPI Awareness Among Shop Owners (00:04:20)
      Chris shares his experience teaching shop owners about KPIs, revealing a lack of awareness.
      Current Revenue Statistics (00:05:20)
      Over 50% of surveyed shops now report annual revenues exceeding $1 million, a significant increase from 15 years ago.
      Gross Profit Margin Insights (00:06:18)
      Discussion on gross profit margins, with over 50% of shops reporting margins above 50%.
      Revenue Breakdown of Surveyed Shops (00:07:17)
      Detailed statistics on revenue ranges among surveyed shops, highlighting growth trends.
      Industry Consolidation Factors (00:09:35)
      Analysis of industry consolidation and growth potential as more shops exceed $25 million in revenue.
      Gross Profit Margin Categories (00:10:49)
      Breakdown of gross profit margins among surveyed shops, with insights on profitability levels.
      Net Profit Margin Overview (00:12:59)
      Discussion on net profit margins, noting a concerning percentage of shops not generating profit.
      Encouragement for Improvement (00:14:07)
      Chris encourages shop owners to make small tweaks for improved profitability and performance.
      Tracking and Measuring KPIs (00:16:12)
      Final thoughts on the importance of tracking KPIs and using data to drive business improvements.
      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 carmcapriotto
      Marketing your auto repair shop can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. Brian and Kim Walker break down essential marketing tools and tech to make the process easier, more effective, and even enjoyable.
      Discover how to simplify your social media strategy with tools like Meta Business Suite and Canva, optimize your website performance with SEMrush and Google Analytics, and create better customer engagement with NFC tap technology and HiHello digital business cards. They also dive into practical tips for video content creation, email marketing, and measuring ROI to ensure your efforts are paying off.
      If you’re ready to elevate your marketing without the hassle, this conversation will equip you with the insights and tools you need to succeed.
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at
      RepairPal.com/shops. 
      Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01) The podcast introduces the hosts and sets the stage for discussing marketing tools. Marketing Tools Overview (00:01:22) Brian discusses the importance of using effective marketing tools for auto repair shops. Social Media Planning (00:02:39) Kim emphasizes the need for strategic planning in social media marketing. Meta Business Suite (00:03:32) Discussion on using Meta Business Suite for scheduling posts on Facebook and Instagram. Social Media Scheduling Tools (00:04:11) Kim shares various tools for scheduling social media content, including Plantable and Hootsuite. Canva for Graphics (00:05:14) Introduction to Canva as a user-friendly graphic design tool for non-designers. Accessing the Meta Planner (00:05:39) Instructions on how to access the Meta planner within Facebook's business settings. Facebook Group for Shop Owners (00:06:07) Promotion of the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Facebook group for shop owners to share ideas. Tracking Social Media Engagement (00:08:10) Importance of using link shorteners like Bitly to track social media engagement. Link Tree for Instagram (00:09:12) Discussion on using Link Tree to manage multiple links from an Instagram bio. Search Engine Optimization Tools (00:10:21) Brian introduces SEO tools that can simplify the process of optimizing website content. SEMrush Overview (00:10:57)  Detailed look at SEMrush as a comprehensive tool for SEO tasks. Ahrefs for Backlink Audits (00:12:21) Introduction to Ahrefs for managing backlinks in competitive SEO environments. Local SEO Tools (00:13:51)  Discussion on Local Viking and Local Falcon for tracking Google Business Profile rankings.  UVA's Auto Biz IQ (00:14:37) Mention of a specific tool for auto repair shops to analyze local SEO performance. Digital Advertising Planning (00:14:49) Importance of careful planning in digital advertising to avoid unnecessary spending. Using Google Sheets for Ads (00:15:53) Emphasizing organization with spreadsheets for tracking and analyzing digital ads. Keyword Planning for Ads (00:16:59) Discussing the necessity of keyword planning tools for effective ad targeting. Understanding UTM Tracking (00:17:36)   Explaining UTM tracking parameters for detailed insights into marketing performance. Combining UTM with Link Shorteners (00:19:32) Using link shorteners like Bitly to manage long UTM links effectively. RepairPal Introduction (00:21:05) Highlighting RepairPal as a resource for connecting auto repair shops with new customers. Customer Loyalty Apps (00:22:12) Promoting App Fueled for creating custom loyalty apps for auto repair businesses. Video Marketing Tools (00:22:21) Discussing essential video tools for auto repair shops without needing professional help. Simplicity in Video Creation (00:23:15) Encouraging simplicity in video production to avoid overcomplication and promote consistency. Website Tools for Auto Repair Shops (00:27:17)  Recommending Auto Ops as a top scheduling tool for auto repair shops. Website Building Recommendations (00:28:01)  Suggesting Squarespace for easy website building for beginners in auto repair. Importance of Original Photos (00:29:06)  Encouraging the use of original photography for websites instead of stock images. Photography Tips (00:30:13)  Discusses the value of good photography, even with basic tools like cell phones. Email Marketing Tools (00:30:31)  Introduces Constant Contact and Mailchimp for effective email marketing strategies. CRM Capabilities (00:31:15)  Highlights the importance of utilizing built-in email features within CRMs for customer communication. App Fuelled Overview (00:31:17)  Explains App Fuelled as a comprehensive CRM beyond just app creation for auto shops. Monthly Email Strategy (00:32:14)  Encourages sending monthly emails to clients for better engagement and communication. Marketing Insights (00:33:02)  Discusses measuring marketing effectiveness through Meta insights and analytics tools. Google Analytics Overview (00:35:19)  Explains how Google Analytics and Search Console provide website performance insights. Looker Studio Introduction (00:36:15)  Introduces Looker Studio as a free tool for creating KPI dashboards similar to agency analytics. ChatGPT in Marketing (00:37:17)  Covers the potential and risks of using AI tools like ChatGPT for content creation. Follower Counter Gadget (00:39:33)  Describes a fun gadget that tracks social media followers in real-time at physical locations. NFC Tap Technology (00:41:11)  Explains how NFC technology can simplify sharing contact information for auto repair shops. Digital Business Cards (00:43:36)  Promotes using digital business cards for easy sharing of contact information. Podcasting for Auto Shops (00:45:10)  Suggests that auto repair shops consider starting a podcast to connect with their audience. Digital Notebook Discussion (00:45:15)  Kim shares her experience with the Remarkable digital notebook for note-taking and organization. Organizing Notes (00:46:11)  She explains how she uses the notebook for various categories like faith, business, and conference notes. Features of the Remarkable (00:47:06)  Discussion on the features of the Remarkable, including customizable templates and pen options. Podcast Promotion (00:47:58)  Brian promotes episode 57, discussing whether auto repair shops should have their own podcasts. Final Thoughts and Contact (00:48:12)  Kim invites listeners to share tech tools and podcast ideas via email. Community Engagement (00:49:07)  Brian encourages joining their Facebook group, the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind. Acknowledging Sponsors (00:49:16)  Brian thanks the sponsors, Repair Pal and App Field, for their support of the podcast.
      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]
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-057-should-your-shop-have-a-podcast/ - Should Your Shop Have a Podcast?
      https://remarkable.com/ - Remarkable Notebook
      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.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 202 - A Conversation with Launch Tech's Haresh Gobin On The Future of Diagnostics
    • 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?


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