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Jeff

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Everything posted by Jeff

  1. Jeff
    Congrats!!!
  2. Jeff
    Let me see...I have worked in agriculture (6000 acre farm), trucking (local and otr ), asst. service manager at a 4 line dealer, lumber distributor, etc. I have experience in a variety of trades and positions. I had a vested interest in each one...the more profitable they became the more I made. Would that not be a lower level form of management? I have had employees and been all on my own. The point I am trying to make is we all learned/started somewhere! We are blessed with 2 ears and 2 eyes, but only one mouth, so that we can better watch and listen! I personally am open to any question or criticism..it will only make me better!
  3. Jeff
    I started as a tech. Last dealership I worked for I was involved in management. Long before I opened my own shop I was doing the research. Numbers, locations, ARO, GP,NP, PL Ratios, etc. So to that end as a tech I WAS NOT CLUELESS! If as a tech you know what is involved in management it SHOULD help to be a better employee! And when a tech post a problem or question in here, it may awaken us to a un-noticed problem we have in our own facility. Phnny I would ask where you got your management experience?
  4. Jeff
    I have a lathe and use it often. We check the rotors before and after machining. If near minimums I advise customer. I have very few come backs for vibrations. If I feel the rotors will be an issue I advise the customer and let them decide.
  5. Jeff
    Glad I could help.
  6. Jeff
    Welcome! Lots of great folks and info here!
  7. Jeff
    It has been tough here also. Generally this time of year in Florida we see the northerners running from the cold. Haven"t seen it yet. And like yourself I don"t have a big advertising budget. Just getting out and meeting people, passing out cards, etc. I signed up for a "Top Shop" listing with repair pal 6 months ago. That has not generated enough revenue to pay for it. I have a meeting set up today to go over the CRM products available through Mitchell. Next step is to get back to sending out a regular newsletter to my existing customers. I stopped sending out letters when I got over 20% returned with no forwarding address or just not deliverable.. The foreclosures and general economy here have not recovered yet. At this point I have gone into survival mode. Will have to see what the next few weeks hold.
  8. Jeff
    That is the reason I upgraded. My old tool had no way to connect to the car. And I was finding more of them that had to be programmed thru the obd port.
  9. Jeff
    Humble yes....BUT...when I have customers coming in and telling me that they need a part installed, that was recommended by someone at a parts house, that has no real working knowledge of the vehicle, solely based on a code check then yea, I get a little testy! And the only time I will buy parts from them is when my regulars simply cant get it or on a weekend when no one else is open!
  10. Jeff
    Try this link. http://www.ideaautorepair.com/
  11. Jeff
    Welcome! Check in often, lots of great folks in here!
  12. Jeff
    Are you generating enough revenue from the service to pay for it. At $1000 a month that would equate to 12 customers a month at avg ro. I Have tried several internet services thru the years and have yet had one that would carry its own. I have had a "Top Shop" listing with Repair Pal for 6 months. It has yet generate enough revenue to pay for itself. It gets old paying for this crap and not seeing the claimed returns that are used to promote it.
  13. Jeff
    Me too. The problem is my wish list is pushing the point I would have to rob a bank to fill it!
  14. Jeff
    I just upgraded to the snap on tpms3. Really like it. easy to use, internet upgradeable.
  15. Jeff
    I prioritize repairs to 1) safety, 2) performance/maintenance/economy, 3) convenience. Folks come in and want a/c repaiered and brakes are worn out. Decline the brakes...OK I fix the a/c and there is a LARGE disclaimer as th the safety of the vehicle and it is reviewed and signed by the customer. As far as the tow away for safety I have never been in that situation.
  16. Jeff
    I use Mitchell. Just upgraded to the Pro Demand and going thru a learning curve. I used Alldata when I first opened and switched to Mitchell based on their management program. I can say the new Pro Demand search features are good. I expect to be able to drop Identifix after I get thru the process of learning the new system. They do have hyper links in-bedded in articles that will take to you to additional info. I like it.
  17. Jeff
    Nice!
  18. Jeff
    State of Florida...3 days after notification of completion of repairs storage charges start. 30 days later I file a lien with the state. Customer receives a certified letter return receipt. Notice is posted in local paper. After that it has to be offered for sale to highest bid above fees and repairs. If no one shows up I own the car. Cost me $350 per car to get all the paperwork done. Keeps me outta trouble and the customer has no recourse after that.
  19. Jeff
    For what it's worth I work 7 days a week if I have the work in the shop. I do not have a family at home and my girl works many weekends (waitress). My son works for me but I don't require him to work weekends. To that end I try not to give my customers any reason to go anywhere else. My cell is my company number so I even get all my calls (even at midnight sometimes). I feel we are a service industry. We have to provide that service when it is needed or they will go else where.
  20. Jeff
    MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.....REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!
  21. Jeff
    Thanks to you Joe. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours and all those here in the forums.
  22. Jeff
    Yes I have built a few motors in my day. Stock car, pulling truck, drag,etc. And yes we ran them on conventional oils. And as for the turbos I have worked on trucks and heavy equipment that was run on conventional oils that lived a long life. Worked at Dodge (Viper), Nissan (300Z) and many customers opted for conventional oils when following a 3k service schedule. I guess my qualification is my age and experience...time and grade if you will. I am not saying synthetics dont have their place, I just feel they are grossly oversold and over rated.
  23. Jeff
    But your market will support you doing the work over and over and over ..... I know you said you get labor reimbursement but what about diag time, service writer time, etc. I use quality parts, charge my matrix mark-up and labor. If I go used parts or econo I make sure it is clearly understood by the customer that is their decision. If I have to redo one then I will submit for reimbursement but not worry because I made a reasonable profit up front. Maybe you could offer your customers the option of quality or economy....labor stays the same. Then it was their decision if/when it craps out.
  24. Jeff
    What I find, especially with the euro's, is people own more car than they can afford. I get em all day...I got a (insert your fav euro) and I think it needs..... When I tell them it needs to be tested and I would gladly do it, then the question comes...how much is it? Usually I get "That is ALMOST as much as the dealer". Yea ok? Then it is the "I will call you back". Some do, some dont!
  25. Jeff
    Value added...that is what we have to put forward in order to "beat" the dealers and big boxes. Tires are just tires but we put them on better than anyone else!

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