Jeff

I have said for years "Anyone can go to Sears and buy a box full of tools and call themselves a mechanic". How do you think "Sum Guy" got his start. Yea we all know him..it's the neighbors sons best friends fathers half brothers second wife's third cousin! You know, the fella that put the brakes on in the driveway and put the calipers on up-side down!

I have had more than one person want to "partner up" over the years. Most were for self serving reasons. One guy came into a bunch of money and wanted a place to "tinker" on his cars. Another thought that we could expand on the hybrid "craze". The problem I had was none of them understood my business model. I may never be rich but I treat people right. These folks thought we could raise rates and margins, make more money and basically plunder and pillage their way to the top. Its funny how so many people on the "outside" think we are raking in the dough!

I will often tell my son "Good job" as I walk by. He has come a long way and is beginning to show more interest in the management side. I may be able to retire after all!

WOW...didn't realize how long I had neglected to check BACK in here at ASO! Finished physical therapy this week. Still have a slight limp but the therapist thinks that will go away with time. I just need to focus on not limping. The shop has been rocking and we are close to setting records. ANSWERED PRAYERS!! Thanks again everyone! Will try to check in again soon as I get a minute!

Thanks for the input folks. Car counts and aro are down. Really don't have any good answers. Will be spending more time going over the reports to see who is due, who hasnt returned etc. Like I said I am not hard to find and my reviews are stellar.

I gotta go with MSpec on this. More new sales means more used inventory. A glut of used will drive down prices. Those buyers will become our customers quickly.Plus if they are selling at a discount there will be more cash for repairs. Just my way of seeing it.

Well then John you are to old to be flashed. lol

Deal

Middle Village..in the heart of Queens, ie: New York City Bellevue..suburb of Seattle. Let me think...which city is bigger. Kinda hard for a stupid redneck!

I been doing this over 25 years. The only techs I ever met that did 200% consistently were 1) Liars, 2) Thieves or 3) Arse Kissers. Now if you had said 120-130% then I might have bought it. Call it like it is.BULL!!

I understand your apprehension. That fact is you didn't sell the warranty. If they had saved the thousands they paid for the contract they could be paying you! I fully explain to the customer before any work is started what problems may arise with the contract company. take it from me...DON'T GIVE AWAY PROFIT! That's why I am in hot water now.

Add an "administrative cost" line to the estimate. When they tell me they will only pay $xx.xx then I tell them I will get in touch with the client for the balance. Parts cost the same. Some will fight it, the good ones will pay it. At any rate anything the warranty company don't pay the client must.

Thanks for the replays. I am basically a one man show. No wife, son grown. My son helps out when needed. Broke my leg back in November and that put a crimp on things. Usually by this time of year we are loaded with "snow birds". That has not came thru. Had an a/c company fleet that kept us busy but they lost a big account and cut way back. I just know that the independent shops, as well as most dealer service depts., all close around 5 pm. Same time everyone is getting home from a 30-60 minute commute. Now where they gonna go to get that check engine light, tpms light, abs light, wheel vibration, brake pulsation, etc. taken care of? Goodyear...Firestone? Why not Able Auto? Being an old farm boy we worked till the work was done. When I worked for dealers I would stay late to take care of a problem cars that I couldn't focus on during the day. What would be so horrible about adding a few hours at the end of the day? As it is now if I ain't working late on a car I am doing paper work and balancing the checkbook. I have not ADVERTISED late hours. With the counts and aro trending down it is a plan to get more in. I do use a CRM program and generally am on the first page of a google search with Facebook and Google places. hand out cards every chance I get. Hood up in a parking lot...I am there. Just dont have any good answers for the drop other than increased shops. Most unliscened. Lost an oil pump job this week to an unregulated shop 3 doors down. I offer warranty, road service and follow up. The deciding factor...hold your breath....PRICE. Dude even stopped in to say "sorry but he was cheaper". Service and quality went screeeaaammming down the street! There again if I am here at 6 or 7, and the cut throats have all gone home to drink their pay, I will be here to offer a QUALITY service.

I am considering offering late night hours, maybe till 8 or 9 pm. I am in a primarily working class town with a fair population of retirees. I don't see a lot of options for folks who don't get home from work till 6-7 pm. Having had some of the worst months I have ever had in business I am trying to find ways to boost revenues. I really hate having to use the DIY stores for parts but if I can add cash flow then ?? I am already flexible for my regulars but I don't promote it. What are you thoughts? Thanks for the input.

Thanks Joe

30 years ago I had an old mechanic tell me "one day the hoods will be welded shut and the computers will fix everything". I wonder if that old man is still alive and realizes how true it all was!

Oh no don't get me wrong. The electrician installed the new panel. I just watched! Been bit by 220 volts! I leave that to the pros!

I got the perfect example for ya. Last week I was here late finishing a job. The compressor started but made that "funny" sound" electric motors make before they crap out. ( nothing funny about it considering the last few months ! ). I looked up at it just in time to see a flash and it quit. #^%$#&^%@! was all I could think ! I called my son, an electrician. He says "Dad, I wire homes I don't work on motors." Ok called a friend of mine that does industrial type electric and asked him. He says "gimme a min and I will put my boots on and come look at it. I ain't a motor man but I can call someone that is" In 15 minutes I have the electrician here as well as the lady who rebuild electric motors locally. She determined there was nothing wrong with the motor. Turns out the flash was from the breaker box next to the compressor. Wound up having to install a new panel because the previous "electrician" had rigged a bus bar into the panel that was incorrect causing all sorts of problems.

By the grace of God and good friends, YES! With the kindness of you folks here at ASO and answered prayers we made it. Work picked up and by Thursday we were able to cover the bills and keep everything turned on. Thank you all for your prayers and contributions. I was trying to explain to my girlfriend what you folks here at ASO were doing for me. I began to tear up and could barely finish what I was saying. To that end, THANK YOU FRIENDS AT ASO!

I am sorry to say the profile was out of date. I have corrected the address. Thanks folks!

Gonzo where are you going to be?

Thank you Frank! I am kind of at a loss here. Just dont know what else to say. THANK YOU!

Email is [email protected]. Sorry I didnt reply sooner. Had a physical therapy appointment yesterday afternoon.

I guess I did have an account. i remember now setting it up several years ago in order to buy a users manual for an old wheel balancer I had. I just updated all the info. And I want to say thanks in advance to everyone here in ASO. Regardless how this turns out I can say this is one of the best forums I have participated in. You all have made a huge difference in my business as well as personally. Thank you all !

Frank I don't. Never set one up, never traded on the internet. I will check into it. Thank you!