JustTheBest

Hi Mail Shark! I agree with your comment - well, sort of. Like you, I find most shop owners don't want to promote an oil change because it's not a big paying job. No matter what you charge, a typical repair shop can't make money on doing JUST oil changes. I think everyone will agree with that. On the other hand, there is NO OTHER AUTO SERVICE that the typical car owner knows they need. Go ahead and advertise alignments, wheel bearings, timing belts - go ahead - if you like to waste your hard earned money. They don't work! Why? Because nobody got out of bed this morning thinking about the alignment on their car, or their timing belt - or any other service. On the other hand, remembering to "keep your oil change" is probably something that 'Dad' told them when they got their first car. The other point is the "FREE Seasonal Check-up". If it's free - what's it worth? Uh... nothing, right? Now, I'm not saying that it has no value - but most people look at FREE as worth nothing. Don't you? So that's why when I work with private clients, I set them up to use "Value Offers". What's the difference? First of all, it utilizes a headline. If you know anything about David Ogilvy, advertising tycoon, founder of Ogilvy & Mather, and known as the "Father of Advertising", David claimed that the headline is the FLAG that waves them down. Really. When you read a newspaper, do you read everything from front to back? I don't think so. On the other hand, you probably scan headlines, right? That way, you read what interests you. So then, my question is, what's so appealing about "Oil Change Specials"? (That's your headline, right?) On the other hand, would it be more appealing to have a headline like "Save $97.00 Today"? That's the biggest part of the difference. Oil change specials is about YOU (the shop) - whereas "saving" is about the customer. How do I know? I see it all the time with my private clients. How do you do that? Simple. Take all those FREE services and assign a value to them. Therefore, when you list brake inspection, check belts & hoses, check lights, check suspension, check fluid levels, etc. and assign a value to them, you have a total value of your offer of $WHATEVER... and then then sell the oil change at your regular price (if not more - but that's a killer strategy I don't have time to get into here - it's a decoy offer). In short - the success of any campaign - direct mail - facebook, newspaper or otherwise - is directly tied to the offer. That's why most say "it's all about your offer!" Lame "specials" don't attract attention. Save $97, or $67, or $59 or whatever is a headline that attracts attention. It's not the entire solution, but it's not a lame oil change special offer that dies on the paper it's printed on. I teach all of this in my Free Course, "How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days" - and do it all without wasting your hard earned dollars on money sucking advertising. The course is over 2 hours and 20 minutes of video training, broken into 16 short videos, delivered over 4 chapters - one every couple of days. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: FREE Course - How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days! P.P.S.: Car Count Hackers on You Tube P.P.P.S.: Like and Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook

I think "daves auto service" said it best. Overall, it's about being consistent. If it's newsletters, postcards, facebook - doesn't matter. Smart shops will do them all! But the key is being consistent. I agree, there are times when nothing makes the phone ring - but you can pretty much plan for those times (like Jan/Feb) Besides, marketing and advertising isn't an expense if it returns as much as what it costs you. Yes, even if you spend $200 on a promo and only get $400 in revenues, it's better than doing nothing. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Get Car Count Help at YouTube.com/CarCountHackers Like & Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook

Interesting topic. Thought I would chime in. First of all, do you understand that a lot of the industry (independent auto repair shops) are looking at rates close to $200/hour?? It's a fact and partially because the cost of parts. Can't tell you how many times shop owners tell me that as they prepare a quote - the customer is on Amazon looking up the part pricing. You can't stop that- but you CAN charge accordingly . As an alternative, anyone ever consider pricing tiers?? As an example; Our shop rate is $XXX/hour. For SPECIFIC JOBS... the rate changes. SPECIFIC could be anything from difficult electric work, high end import work, bring your parts work or whatever. It's not about WHAT SPECIFIC work is... you decided... but your rate doesn't have to be the same rate as a tire rotation. Secondly, I do this with all my clients - every 3 months, the shop owner reviews the labor rate. I didn't say change it or increase it - but reviews it. In most cases, the increase is somewhere between $2-$5 per hour. So think about it. Over the course of the year, you increase your shop rate $8/per hour or $15/per hour... or whatever. But in every case, the increase is small and incremental. From what most have confirmed (and I know it to be true) most people don't know or ask about your shop rate. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Get Car Count Help at YouTube.com/CarCountHackers Like & Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook

Hi Forum Beginner! Well, today is your lucky day! Here's the first response to your question. I read your post a couple of times and let me start with this. What I think is a problem: You said.... "have done almost all of my own work on my personal vehicles for nearly 30 years. " ... and "I've been in corporate positions for 20+ years. " Doing the work isn't what the business is about. Also, corporate life is 180 degrees away from small business, auto repair shop life. As an example, in corporate, they build a horse by committee. Ultimately, someone asks "does he really need two ears?" On the other hand, here's what I liked about what you said: "About a mile up the road, in a cluster, there are 6 name brand auto dealerships." You also indicated... " there are three tire shops, one local and two name brand, along with a Midas and another local 6 bay garage." Most fear competition. On the other hand, the competition PROVES there's business there. It's like opening a restaurant. Let MacDonald's do all the research - then open up beside them. So to answer your questions: 1) Is this an opportunity worth considering given the competitive landscape? YES! The competition is PROOF that there's enough business. Now, I can't tell you that some of them aren't starving, but that's because they built a business "thinking" people will come. You WILL need to work at getting customers. New customers are the most difficult. I explain it all in this video. In fact, understand this... it's critical. 2) If I were to open a shop, how quickly should I expect business to ramp up? That really depends... and it depends on YOU. Let me ask you this. How distracted do you think people are?? How many messages do you thing people see in a day. I know - difficult questions. Just trying to put it in perspective. You can do it if you spend the time (notice I didn't necessarily say money) to get out in front of your customers. Then have a killer customer referral program (I show you everything in this FREE TRAINING COURSE) and make a solid effort to stay in touch. There's a ton of things I could get into - but I really don't know what you already know or how much time you're willing to put into it. The biggest thing I can promise.... if you put your marketing into somebody else's hands... like outsource it... it will be a costly, expensive grind. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Get Car Count Help at YouTube.com/CarCountHackers Like & Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook

Just thinking... how far away the this new location from your existing one?? And, can you provide any clue about the current car count at your existing shop? Not trying to be smart - but are you currently doing 150 cars a month? Or, if you're willing to share, what is your current car count and ARO? Trying to put some details into this to help you the best. I also (I think) sent you a direct message - if you want to get on the phone and talk about it I would be pleased to help you any way I can. No sneaky sales pitch (too busy for that BS), but we can talk a little more in the open. The easiest way is to head over to http://askthecarcountfixer.com and let me know. Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

Hi jfuhrmad! Good question but a little difficult to answer. Mostly because car count, profits, revenues will depend a lot on your overhead and fixed costs. With that said, I will respectfully disagree with parts of things CAR_AutoReports says. First of all, you didn't state what term the 150 was - so I am assuming it's per month, right? If that is correct, then just apply a little math. On average, there's typically 22 working days in a month. 150 cars/month would mean 6.8 cars per working day. That leads directly to another question. Can you handle 7 cars a day?? I'm serious. If you're a one man shop, don't forget you've got to answer the phone, move the cars, test drive jobs, quote jobs, write up quotes, and oh yeah... fix the car too! I will say - and I have no idea what your background, experience or anything is - your target of 150 may be a little high. You may want to start by getting REGULAR; Maybe 2, 3, or 4 a day - and then figure out what you need to change to get the rest. I also disagree with CAR_AutoReports with respect to density and the area your shop is in. Again, some of this will rely on your reputation and what you've done already in the industry. My attitude is that I wouldn't want to be the first or second mechanic my customer thinks of - I WANT TO BE THE ONLY ONE THEY THINK OF - and that doesn't happen overnight. You've got to work on that and it takes time! This short video explains it best! Additionally, I DO agree with the type of work you target - but let's face it, there isn't a customer out there that KNOWS what they need - THE ONLY Thing they KNOW they need is an oil change. So don't crap all over the idea of getting customers to stop in to get that oil change. Because, when you think about it - no matter how good a tech you are - YOU CAN'T FIX THEM DRIVING BY YOUR DOOR! In reality, I would tell you to re-think what your targets are - again, I don't know enough about you and your experience - and think about the ways you're going to get car owners to stop in. That's the first step to getting the work and the customer. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Join me on YouTube Like & Follow on Facebook ** DOUBLE YOUR CAR COUNT FREE COURSE

Do you realize that they actually have a service "specifically" for auto repair shops? Just Google "uber for auto repair shops" and you'll get a bunch of links. Once that came up that isn't a bad place to start is here: https://www.geekwire.com/2018/review-like-use-wrench-uber-auto-repair-sends-mechanic-car/ Hope this helps! In short, why wouldn't you use them?? Does your competition?? If not, that the reason I would run to get it set up in my shop! Make yourself stand out in your market. Offer the service, experience, etc. that makes people want to do business with you. In other words, "make it frictionless!" Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Join me on YouTube Like & Follow on Facebook ** DOUBLE YOUR CAR COUNT FREE COURSE

My bet is that within 10 minutes of talking to this person, you're going to know if he's there to help YOU or HIMSELF. You've got absolutely nothing to lost to respond - and maybe lots to gain. I'm pretty sure that when you've done a lot of companies in the same industry you get to see where shop owners make mistakes. I see it with all the shop owners I talk to - and I talk to shop owners virtually every day. Not picking on anyone - it's just that like any business, shop owners start looking at what others in the market are doing, and then do the same thing. That's what I would call "Incest" You would be smart to get another opinion - if nothing else. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer' P.S.: Visit Car Count Hackers on YouTube P.P.S.: Like and Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook

Hi Dakotaj96! Welcome to ASO Forums - glad to see you. I've sent you a PM on this forum but feel free to review the over 100 videos posted at Car Count Hackers on YouTube! I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you've got to starting your shop and organizing strategies to get more car count. Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

I hear you. Problem today is that they (the dealers) understand where the money is - and they're going after it. As far as I'm concerned, most should be really happy that they haven't figured a way to service cars at Amazon. Don't want to be a smart a**, but really. I can't tell you how many shop owners I speak with weekly... and when I ask them when the last time they contacted their customers (through email campaign, direct mail, newsletter, etc.) and I get the proverbial "deer in the headlights" stare. It's not just that the dealers are coming - but the shop owners are holding the door open for them! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer' Follow Car Count Hackers on YouTube - Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook

Oh, you're not?

Well, the book stores didn't worry about selling books on-line. But Amazon changed that. Online dating was creepy 10 years ago. Today it's the norm. Who would let their daughter get in a car with a total stranger? Uber changed a lot of that. The hotel industry got blind-sided by Air BnB. And if that's not enough, countless other industries are being changed RIGHT NOW in ways most never even thought about. To top it off - it's been said that the focus of Tesla and self driving is to take out the Ubers and Lyfts of this world. Auto repair shops would just be the collateral damage. Can't predict the future, but 1,000's of business owners watched while some "crazy" idea "ate their lunch". I know it's not the rosey picture you're looking for - but don't bury your head in the sand. Hope this help! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Subscribe on YouTube@ Car Count Hackers - Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook!

I had a chance to look at your site and here's what I found. First of all, I did see it on my desktop, but I checked it on my phone. Why phone? Because Google says 82% of searches start on a mobile device. So it's fair to say that most are going to find you first on their phone, right? So where I did that, here's what I found: Your phone is NOT a clickable link. In other words, I have to search for a pen or pencil, something to write on and then scribble down your number BEFORE I can call you. Your Phone number MUST be click to call, period. Above that, I didn't find a map, hours, reviews, or coupons. Think about this. Why would anyone search "auto repair louisville ky"? I don't think it's because they want to know how you're doing, do you? I think it's because they have a problem and the best part of that is that they have a problem and they DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TAKE THEIR CAR. Agreed? So don't make them think. That is rule #1. So I tool a little time and checked... the menu pops up. Here's what it looks like: So the entire menu doesn't show up in one screen shot, but when I checked, I didn't find any of those other things. So besides making your phone a clickable link, you should add what everyone wants to see: hours, map, reviews, coupons to name a few. Above that, I'll share this with you. It's virtually impossible to optimize one web page for more than 2-3 terms. And they should be related terms like check engine light, check engine light codes, check engine light diagnosis. With that said, if you want to win, you have to make SPECIFIC LANDING PAGES for each service. Now I haven't done any research on your market, but you must do that so you know what people are searching for. The best part about that is the tools you need to do that are FREE. (Good price, huh?) I don't want to take up a lot of time here, but I detail it all in this video on CarCountHackers at YouTube. Above that, there's page title tags and meta descriptions that should be corrected. Pictures are not properly optimized for search either. I explain that in the video above too! Ooops! Wanted to check something out and when I click your services, there's no content. Page titles need some fixing there too. Also, no schema data. That's what search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing) use to understand who you are and where you are. If you want to come up for "NEAR ME" searched, it's critical. Anyway, hope this helps. I am not trying to dump on you - but check the video out to figure out how to get found. Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Subscribe to Car Count Hackers on YouTube - Follow CarCountHackers on Facebook! P.P.S.: Double Your Car Count in 89 Days - FREE Course P.P.P.S.: Want to fix your car count fast? Just answer These Thee Questions

Yes TrustedMechanic! You are 100% right. The issue that I see almost all the time is that just because you get a new customer, shop owners are delusional and figure that all the work is done! But the fact is, after even a PERFECT first visit (and then we could discuss "perfect" for ever and ever) that shop only had a 27% chance of that customer coming back for a second visit. Again, I know it DOES happen and you MUST market to new customers. But typically, those new customers are the HARDEST (not to mention most costly) to get - and the easiest to lose. The point is - just because they came once doesn't mean they're coming back - so you still have to work (hard) to make that happen! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S. Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook and subscribe to Car Count Hackers on YouTube!

Good question. But don't confuse "digital marketing" with plain old marketing. The digital part is just another way of getting your message out. So what hasn't changed is THE MESSAGE. That's what you need to get clear. I've just had a bunch of research completed over the last 6 months to come up with hard data about how customers react and what they do. All of the research covers things like using discounts to attract customers (and if it's worth it) and what happens when customers visit your shop the first time. You wouldn't believe the facts that show you have a real slim chance of getting them back a second time. So are they really customers?? I explain it all in this video on my YouTube channel. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Join the conversation at YouTube.com/CarCountHackers - Like & Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook

Trying to grow your car count by attracting new customers? Besides being the most expensive way to increase business, there's some stats you need to know. Think about this: THE NUMBER 27. I know, doesn't mean anything right now but, instead of writing it all out, have a look at this video. You'll be surprised! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Follow CarCountHackers on Facebook - Subscribe to CarCountHackers on YouTube https:/YouTube.com/CarCountHackers - Grow your car count, income and profits!

Hey BNC173! Good question - but STOP! Don't make any reward program confusing. You said... Too complicated and they're not going to follow things... and that makes it difficult... and then YOU have to do it... and it gets broken way too fast! Like the next day. Do this. Get yourself "$10 Subway cards" or similar. I have no association with Subway (and don't eat there anyway ;/ ) but they're everywhere. Then you can get simple business cards printed to hand out to any tow drivers and just say something simple "Can I buy you lunch?" Go on to add something simple like "bring your tows here and I'll buy you lunch" Simple. Easy. No calculations, Nothing! Just more car count! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Follow CarCountHackers on Facebook and let me help you fix your car count, income and profits - subscribe to CarCountHackers on YouTube - it's free!

@rpllib Great information. I think the most important thing in your post was that you realized you're not a bank! I remember telling customers "We've got an agreement with the bank. They don't fix cars and we don't lend money!". That seemed to hit home with most! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Join the conversation at Car Count Hackers on YouTube!

No sweat! Thanks for letting me know. Matthew

Thought this would help. I just released this video that reveals: FREE Tool you can download that shows you exactly what people are searching for in your market - it's a totally free download and I show you exactly where to get it - how to use it! Google hack - to get your shop found in search - and this costs NOTHING to do! Mind blowing FACTS about the most popular search in YOUR MARKET. If you're looking for help with SEO, this video explains it all! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Find out what car owners in YOUR MARKET are searching for on Google P.P.S.: Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube at Car Count Hackers P.P.P.S.: Like & Follow on Facebook!

Hi! Do you know the "exact" search phrases people use in Google to find your repair shop? Would you like to know what those search terms are? On this video, I reveal FREE Tool you can download that shows you exactly what people are searching for in your market - it's a totally free download and I show you exactly where to get it - how to use it! Google hack - to get your shop found in search - and this costs NOTHING to do! Mind blowing FACTS about the most popular search in YOUR MARKET. Believe me - I was stunned when I saw these numbers - and you probably will be too! Hope you enjoy watching - let me know if the information is helpful! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Don't forget to subscribe to Car Count Hackers on YouTube P.P.S.: Like and Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook!

Hey Mastermechanic! Had a look at your site! Nice work! Here's the way I see it (now understand that I work with clients and develop/build/host their websites) and I am not trying to be mean or blunt- just want to give you the information you (and others here) can follow. I've tried, tested and configured 100's of sites... so take this for what it's worth. 1) First of all, the site isn't "easy" to navigate on mobile. I start there because Google says 82% of your customers are going to find you on mobile first. 2) Phone numbers are not "click to call" In other words, I have to find a scrap of paper, pen, and scribble your number down to call you - as opposed to just tapping and getting connected. So ALL phone links have to be click to call. 3)I understand and appreciate you're focus in your question is about female car owners. Good. I get it. But when it's web stuff... it's really not male/female, it's more what are people looking for. From my experience with building/monitoring 100's of sites, when they get to your site they want: a) Phone (clickable) b) Hours c) Map (should be interactive) - Yours appear to be - but if you go to Google Maps and actually google your full name (I did Expert Auto Mechanics & Truck Repair,1728 E Rockford Ln.,Louisville, KY 40216) the map that came up included the red pin - AND YOUR COMPANY NAME TOO! Looks a lot better on your site d) Reviews (on your site) e) Coupons/Offers - don't have to be discounts - but something as a "package" or "special" that entices people to visit. Advanced: Schema data - not sure what you're using to build the site... but if it's Wordpress (doesn't look like it but...) there are great plugins for complete schema data - also helps in search. Other tips: 1) I am super happy to see your pictures. Soooo many shop owners want to hide behind their website - and then wonder why people don't call. People do business with PEOPLE... not businesses. With that said, do this with ALL PICTURES: a) optimize them for search. As an example, a picture of your shop isn't "shop.jpg", it should be "auto_repair_shop_Louisville_ky.jpg" or "check-engine-light-specialist-louisville-ky.jpg", or some variation of that b) whenever you use a picture, add a caption. That is, don't let the visitor guess at who it is or what you're doing. The picture on the home page should have a caption like: YOUR NAME, Repair shop owner, ASE Certified Check Engine Light Specialist does diagnostic work to TYPE OF CAR... or something like that 2) VIDEO: 5 Stars for that!! PERFECT!! Add more pictures... sheesh... you got a phone, don't you?? (Sorry... just beating you up a little) but really, pictures have NEVER EVER been so easy... and that's the best way to show off your shop. Last... (Sorry for this long post) but when it comes to female clients, if there was any "hint" of hesitation, I would tell them "We've got a spotless waiting room stocked with the latest reading material, TV, Wifi, (etc.) and if you get a single spot of grease on your shoes or outfit, I won't clean it - I'll replace it!" Worked every time! Hope this help! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" Join the conversation on YouTube at CarCountHackers!

Hi! I wanted to chime in here because I suffered this problem a long time ago - and you're right! Everyone is going to tell you not to take credit. I understand - it happens. But the truth is that you're running a business - not a charity, right? If I'm right -then it's binary. You do the work - you get paid. With that said, you mention something about NOT being able to repo the car(s). I can't speak to that - because I don't know your local laws - but I will tell you this. I work with a client that has had this issue several times. One example was trying to collect the rest of the bill on a BMW brake job. Calls the customer... and customer asks "how did we get to $1,200 on brakes?" But the fact was he approved the work before anything was done - actually made a partial payment when the vehicle was picked up - and NOW (and only now) needs an explanation. He paid not only for the brake job, but the tow, the storage and all over recovery fees. What the point is, is that you don't need customers like this. Worried people are going to talk? Don't! Anyone who thinks you''re a "bad guy" because you want to get paid is a jerk and you don't want them as your customer. What would I do? 1) Make a nice call - ask to come and pick up the check - it's not in the mail - not coming in next week 2) If they give you ANY RESISTANCE tell them the tow truck will be there in 15 minutes. That should make a difference. In the meantime, I would SERIOUSLY look at what your local laws and requirements are - and follow them. At least you'll be prepared for the next time - if you make that mistake again! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" PS: Join me on YouTube and Grow Your Car Count, Income & Profits! Subscribe! P.S.: If this doesn't shake you up a little bit, THIS WILL!