JustTheBest

Hey DAC, I get it. Actually, I've used QuickBooks in some applications when getting some things started and I've got nothing bad to say about it. Maybe it's not centered on the auto repair shop - but it's a lot better than scribbling down names and numbers on a napkin! And understand this - I'm not selling anything - and I can't tell you what app you should or shouldn't use because I haven't worked with any of them for a long time. But here's something I can tell you - You said you've got what you need with QuickBooks. Great. But I always ran my businesses with the "where do I want to go?" attitude (or question). I listened to sales people selling their stuff because that was the only way I could understand what their product/service could do. But the overall focus was me, asking myself, "will this take me to where I want to go?", and in all honesty, that's the real question you need to answer (for yourself - nobody else!) Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Follow me on YouTube @ Car Count Hackers P.P.S.: How to Get Car Count in 72 Hours or Less - Guaranteed! P.P.P.S.: Facebook?

Hey Xtreme Marine! Thought I would chime in on this. I currently do not own a repair shop - I did - and how I help repair shop owners to get the car count they want and need. Your question about value is one that only you can answer. But let me ask you this "How do you stay in touch with customers?" Do you send them Christmas cards; Reminders; Maybe even the odd promotion? What I'm really asking is "how do you mail or contact your customers?" Or do you just want to "churn and burn" - keep wasting money on getting new customers only to have to replace them in a few months. To get to the point, every business (repair shop) will have a loss in customers. Let's face it, some move away; change jobs; buy new cars and some even die. But the BIGGEST reason customers leave your business is "indifference". They think you don't care! So I can't speak to your specific requirements but from what you outlined, looks like you've got things "duct taped" together pretty well. That would be like my repair shop going across the street to borrow their floor jack to lift my car; and then driving down the street to borrow the other shop's oil filter wrench, just so you can do an oil chance on my car. You know - sort of "duct tape" it all together. Sorry if I'm being a smart a** - but your customer list is your most valued asset. After all, without customers you would be running a hobby. But once you go through the learning curve of getting a proper system up and running (because there WILL be a learning curve, I promise) , I'll bet that a good system set up well will prove to be worth the "weight". Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" More help? Join the conversation on YouTube @ Car Count Hackers

Sheesh! I was so excited when I saw this post title, figuring I was going to hear something new! But I know exactly what you mean. It was a common "objection" when I had my shop. ;-/ Of course this could be a real teaching moment... about answering objections and all that, but that would have been a long response. So after thinking about it a little longer, I figured the best thing you could have done would have been to make a "wine pairing" suggestion to go with the mouse! Just to be sure, when you're considering wine pairings, remember.... The wine should be more acidic than the food. The wine should be sweeter than the food. The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food. Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (e.g. red meat). White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (e.g. fish or chicken - guess when it comes to mice, okay?!?). Sometimes the response should be just as ridiculous. I would normally say "hope that helps" but today, I'm just going to leave it with I hope you got a chuckle! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" PS: Here's one of the latest videos: 14 Auto Repair Shop Marketing SECRETS! P.P.S.: This is 100 Years Old | Get More Car Count NOW!

You're right! No matter what people are doing (read that as pandemic or not), most are used to the "back to school" concept. Been around since time began. One of our users already ran this text message coupon with great results (the address has been redacted) but know that the customer can respond in 3 ways: 1) Complete a form when they scroll down (That emails direct to the shop owner's inbox) 2) One tap to text the shop back 3) One tap to call the shop directly from their text app. Works really well because it's a fact that digital coupons get a 10X better response over any other form of advertising. But don't forget, there's a ton of reasons to do promotions for your repair shop. In fact, I've got a list of 111 Reasons Repair Shop Owners can use to make offers! It's a totally free download and you're welcome to grab yours! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Find out How one shop owner made an EXTRA $22,470 in the middle of a lockdown!

In today's economy, my choice would be finding the shop owner looking to retire or get out of the business. I understand your review of EBITDA, but if you can, go for the list. The money is ALWAYS in the list. Hope that helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: How a shop owner generated an extra $22,470 in the middle of a lockdown!

Great points Joe! You’re correct on every one. I’ve only got two short points to make. One - I would move “Get your plan in place” to the top of the list because without a plan, you don’t know where you are or where you’re going. Secondly, I would be concerned about what I would call “collateral damage” that could take the wheels off the best laid plans. You made no mention of it - but I think it’s important. It’s the little issues like Stimulus money? Unemployment money? Is there going to be a mortgage crisis? Real Estate crisis? And those are just a few. When I look at the broader picture, I have to ask, "Will the car owners survive (financially) long enough for you to take advantage of all the opportunity?" All the 12 year old cars are great for service - if your customer still has the money left to pay for service. The truth of the matter is, yes, some will. The important part of that statement is the word “some”. So now, how important is each customer you have today? How important is the follow up with each of them? When I say “follow up”, I mean the little things like a meaningful thank you; getting a good customer review; getting customer referrals; sending out simple oil change reminders; sending out “bounce back” coupons just so you have a shot at getting them back in the door! So you’re correct about the opportunity. But, if half of the customers disappear, each one you have today just became TWICE AS VALUABLE. Sort of makes you want to download a customer list and organize a piece of mail, no? Hope this helps. Matthew “The Car Count Fixer” P.S.: Join the conversation on YouTube at Car Count Hackers! See 'ya there!

You're right! It's NOT 1995! Getting the typical customer in the door 3 times a year can be a struggle - never mind 5 or 6! But with that said, it always was and still is about car count. Call it cars - call it customers - you need the "churn". Without actually having customers, you've got nothing to measure. Your entire post was a look at "what's going on" in your shop. Sure, you may be seeing a change in ARO - but because you've got the business, you've got something to compare to. That's why I was a little puzzled (by a recent post you made) about changing all the marketing you were doing - or eliminating some of it. I agree, we're in the middle of a pandemic and nobody has a playbook as to how this is going to work out - or what to do. Maybe this post should have been What are YOUR numbers? My issue always was that recession, depression or new competitors - you've got to keep up the grind. Not saying that you don't make changes - but you've got to stay in touch. Then - the key - which is what you've already proven is- you're got to track it. You're watching your numbers. At least you have the details and information to make good decisions. I can't tell you the shop owners I talk to that can't tell me their ARO, how many "real" customers in their database (no, the 9,000 people are just names and addresses) - or even access their customer list to do mailing or anything. So you can argue cars or customers. It doesn't matter - It's all about MEASURING. Unless you're MEASURING what you're doing - where things are going - and making decisions on the numbers, cars, customers or covid doesn't matter. Running a repair shop isn't a "what I feel like doing" type of business, but I still get surprised! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Join the conversation at YouTube at Car Count Hackers

Welcome! Thought it would be a good conversation to understand how your shop is doing through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thought the best way to get a grip on it all would be to get your response to these 3 questions. 1- How was your shop doing in early March - pre-pandemic? Were your numbers better, worse or about the same as last year. 2- What’s the biggest challenge you faced when the pandemic spread? 3- What’s your forecast for your shop moving forward? Is business getting better? About the same - like nothing has happened? Or are you struggling to get customers through the door? Look forward to hearing your BEFORE-DURING-AND AFTER to understand where the industry is at. Hope this generates a better “picture” of what’s going on. Matthew “The Car Count Fixer” P.S.: Join my on YouTube at Car Count Hackers Grabbed this shot of a crazy 68 Camaro (with wild Mickey Thompsons!) at a car show last week! Thought I would share it to help you remember "where we came from!" - Enjoy!

I agree 100%! Masks are a pain; they're uncomfortable; they make my sunglasses fog up; and they're a real pain in the heat! Then I stop and think - how uncomfortable would it be to be on a respirator? Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Join me live on chat as I premiere this video - This TOTALLY NEW and NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE! (No, I'm not selling anything!)

Joe, funny you say that. Just as an aside... I really don't think you ELIMINATED expenses as much as re-assigned them. Most shop owners forget about the little things like the follow up - and it really does help! In fact, I still get comments about a strategy I've been teaching for years - and that's just using simple "thank you" cards (no, not "billboard" type postcards that are nothing more than shameless advertising - I mean simple (cheap) thank you cards. This video continues to get view and comments! In addition, shop owners have had a lot of success just telling people what to expect when they visit! I know, YOU know you're open - but do your customer? Here's a simple way to remove the confusion before they visit! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Join me on Monday when I Premier this VIDEO - This is BRAND NEW

Hey, thanks for stopping by. Join me Monday, July 20th as I premier this video - How to Make Your Offers IRRESISTIBLE! I'll be live on the chat to answer any questions! See you there! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

Can you really get the car count you need in the middle of a COVID-19 LOCKDOWN? I wanted to share exactly what one shop owner did. I include the exact email he sent me that details HIS NUMBERS - and then show you exactly what he did - and even how much it cost him. Let me know if you have any questions. Hope this helps! Matthew “The Car Count Fixer” P.S.: Get 100% FREE & UNLIMITED ACCESS to your own Private Text Number on the GO-MO Dashboard!

Here's 14 Secrets that virtually guarantee car count - in ANY Economy! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

With all due respect, I think we'll be lucky if this only goes on for two more weeks. From what I'm hearing from various sources is that it could easily go on until the end of June... and some say that's in a "best case scenario". I said it before, but if you're the type of shop owner that complained about buying fire insurance and are now trying to get insurance while your house is on fire, you may not survive the new economy. (Sorry to rain on anyone's parade, but right now, there isn't any sugar to make the medicine go down easier). ;-/ Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Join me on this brand new training - How to Protect Your Repair Shop and Prosper

Agreed! The issue that I'm seeing more and more of is best wrapped up by saying that are so many shop owners "trying to buy fire insurance when the house is on fire!" Really?!? At no other time would you want to be a month too early then a day too late! In so many that I talk with, they're (almost) too late. With that said, it's not about getting car count today. Sure, there are repairs out there that need to be completed - and there's safe ways to make that happen. But the reality is that it's about maintaining the car count you've had so it comes back to you when this blows over. Right now, it's about communicating with customers. Yes, tell them you're open (if you are) and the steps you're taking to make it safe. Remember, those car owners have busy lives that are interrupted. But they still need to get out to get groceries, medications and other things. It's time the repair shop market step up to the plate and communicate with their customers. And for a majority of shops who haven't looked at their customer list for years... thinking that they're all customers (not just names, ha!) they could find themselves being a day to late. I just released this brand new training about 3 things shop owners need to do right now to not only protect their business, but prosper in the future.... because if you haven't noticed, we ARE in a new economy. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

Thanks for stopping by! Obviously we’re entering a new economy. At no other time have we witnessed wide sweeping changes to how we do business; what’s expected of us; how customers respond and what we need to do. I released this brand new training to show you three things you can do right now. Shop owners who have done at least one of the strategies I explain in the training, have already got results booking appointments. You’re welcome to grab a pad and pen and copy any of the details to help you. Hope this helps Matthew “The Car Count Fixer”

... and if you are remaining open - communicate that with your customers! Above that, tell them what you're doing - tell them the steps you're taking to make it safe for them. Yes, this will pass. But the problem is you need to communicate this message now! If you're looking for what to say, I just released a video that details what Car Count Hackers are doing - and they're getting calls and thanks and return text messages too! Oh, some are even booking appointments - because let's face it - the virus doesn't know when your car is due for service! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count FIxer" P.S.: Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers! FREE Help to grow your Car Count, Income and Profit! P.P.S.: Like and Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook P.P.P.S: Start texting your customers TOMORROW - GET A FREE 7 DAY TRIAL NOW!

Hi DUFRESNES and all! You're 100% correct! What's important is that you actually took the steps to reach out and contact customers! Your response is pretty much the same as my group of car count hackers experienced when they did this. I detail it all in this video and you're welcome to grab a pad and pen and copy down the notice used. If you're a shop owner and you're not using text messaging, you can start tomorrow! We're offering a 100% totally FREE 7 DAY TRIAL on the GO-MO TEXT PLATFORM NOW! (Note the site still says 14 day trial - but because we've been overwhelmed with requests, we've been forced to shorten it to a 7 day trial - but it's 100% FREE!) Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count FIxer" P.S.: Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers! FREE Help to grow your Car Count, Income and Profit! P.P.S.: ** FREE DOWNLOAD - My Kick-Butt Offers P.P.P.S.: Start TEXTING TOMORROW for FREE 7 DAY TRIAL

Agreed Joe. The most important part is communication. Get in touch with your customer. Let them know you are thinking about them. Let them know you care. And yes, (if you are) let them know you're open and available for them. My group of car count hackers have all reached out and have gone as far as telling customer what they're doing. I detailed it all in this video, and you're welcome to take notes and use the exact wording that I detail in the video. Stay safe. Keep calm. We ARE in this together! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

We're in strange times. I've published this video in hopes to help shop owners in these difficult times Matthew "The Car Count Fixer:

Joe, I agree with your comments 100%. For most, it's the FEAR that's driving them to make decisions that don't make sense. They PANIC. Now, the drop in business is real, but like most others, it's a bump in the road. If we all simply rely on the hard facts (like WHO information) and stay away from all the FEAR and PANIC, we'll do fine. I posted about this too with the best advice I've got. You can read that here: Thanks again for your calm sensible approach and comments. Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

THIS IS DIFFERENT I know, I know. Yet ANOTHER message about the Coronavirus. But this one's different. Let's get to work. Here’s What I know: 1. What's going to happen: Things are going to get weird. Then they will get better. It's a new virus. It's contagious. It gets people really sick. A small percentage of those people die. That sucks. 2. What is "everybody" going to do? People are going to continue to panic and then they'll stop. They're going to panic for two reasons. First, because this is a new virus and it's pretty nasty and that's pretty scary. Second, because of the media ...specifically social media. It's full of anecdotal "reports" ...and light on facts.We humans like to pass on "information" without checking it out. And traditional media (the news) gets paid for viewership ...and nothing drives viewership like FEAR. In my opinion, World Health Organization is probably the best place to get your info about this situation. 3. What this means for Your Repair Shop: The best answer I can give you here is ...IT DEPENDS. The best advice I can give you is actually a quote from one of my long time mentors, Mr. Jim Rohn. Mr. Rohn once said… (this isn’t a direct quote, but you’ll get the gist of it)... “You can not change the direction of the winds. You can change the setting of your sails.” Are you going to spend your time browsing social media, watching the news all day, and talking back and forth with people about this situation? Or are you going to FOCUS on business? I'd suggest you focus on business, avoid crowds, and wash your hands. If you step up and LEAD them, you'll stand out. (And it's good Karma.) Think about it this way. Most of your competition will be following the herd and doing the whole "let's sit around and talk about the corona virus ...while simultaneously browsing social media and reading stuff about the coronavirus...while simultaneously watching the news for updates on the coronavirus thing. That means they're NOT promoting. They're NOT in front of the market. They're NOT in the game. What I'm doing personally: 1. Avoiding large crowds, washing my hands, and keeping my immune system strong. 2. Not paying attention to anyone other than non-biased expert health organizations. That means no social media.No news media. Just the facts. 3, I’ve got new free training being released in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted. If you have any specific questions or need some help right now - it’s 100% totally free to talk to me about your specific problem. Just AskTheCarCountFixer.com Stay safe - Talk soon! Matthew “The Car Count Fixer” P.S.: You could take this FREE TRAINING: How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days. Over 2 hours and 20 minutes of video on demand. P.P.S.: Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers! FREE Help to grow your Car Count, Income and Profit! P.P.P.S.: Like and Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook

I get the issue of the dealer looking for that "fee" from shops. But I think what's being overlooked is what they're doing with their customers. Like, the lesson is ,"do be worried about what I'm doing... LOOK at what I'm doing... AND DO THAT!" If you're not reaching your customers on their phones.. somebody else will... but YOU may not like what they do to your business! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count FIxer" P.S.: Can you text your customers? And actually put car count in your shop? Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers! FREE Help to grow your Car Count, Income and Profit!

Dabbling? Don't be worried. Here's a simple, easy and painless way to do this. First, just about every shop owner I talk to tells me that people "typically" don't ask what the shop rate is. If they do, don't be ashamed of your rate. But better than that, get a calendar out (yeah, one you can scribble on) and review your shop rate MONTHLY! I didn't say raise it monthly, but at least review it. If you start keeping track, you'll be surprised of how long it's been since your last price increase. With that said, my clients review every month and typically raise their prices every 2-3 months. I know, sounds crazy, right? But wait. Those increases are small. In some cases, just $2-$4/hour. Then look at your most recent RO's. If you calculated those jobs with that increase, would it have made a difference? I'm going to go out on the limb here and say "NO!". With a typical RO being 2-3 hours of labor, raising it $4-$8 in total wouldn't make a difference. But here's where you win! Calculate the total number of hours you provide a year. That $3-$4 increase really adds up. With one of my clients, I asked him to raise his rates $6/hour. At the end of the year, he made an extra $22,000 and didn't work harder, come in earlier or stay later. Could you use that extra $22,000? Figured you said yes! But the best part... every shop I've worked with... and I mean every one of them... never had a complaint about the increase! And why the calendar? You should be planning/reviewing every month with small incremental changes evert 2-3 months. It really adds up at the end of the year. It's simple math - run your numbers and let me know what you find! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count FIxer" P.S.: Your text message program can't do this! P.S.: Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers! FREE Help to grow your Car Count, Income and Profit! P.P.S.: Like and Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook P.P.P.S.: Have you registered in my FREE Training? "How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days"

Agreed! You're 100% right! But why not use a tool that lets you do that + schedule appointments, get customer reviews posted wherever you want (Google, Yelp, etc) get customer referrals and even send coupons that put car count in your shop. I am crazy busy and don't have the time to write it all out - but I would be happy to get on the phone and explain it all in 10 minutes. Just use the link http://askthecarcountfixer.com/