mmotley

I'm looking for feedback on Mitchell's Social CRM service and open to other CRM services (other than Kukui). I'm currently with another CRM company and so far I am not that impressed. They are doing a good job, however, I am not seeing a ROI that outweighs the cost. So I am looking for a possible replacement and Mitchell was the first to catch my eye. Things I am looking for - 1. Website design 2. Social media management (Facebook and Google+, mainly) 3. Customer reviews 4. Email campaigns 4. Optional - online advertising (Google/adwords, bing, yahoo, etc). Mitchell gave me an online demonstration of their social CRM program today, however, it felt like they were almost seeing how fast they could go through the presentation. Thus, I'm looking for actual customer feedback or recommendations of other companies who offer similar services. Any and all feedback, suggestions, ideas, tips, tricks, and recommendations are appreciated.

The U.S. is third in murders throughout the world. If you discount Chicago, Detroit, Washington, and New Orleans, the U.S. drops to fourth from the bottom on the same list. Coincidentally, these four cities also have the toughest gun laws in the U.S. ... And have democratic leaders

Haha, my thoughts exactly. They did however, increase the subscription costs this year...

It's on the front differential

Exactly

Handson, if you have any specific questions about rlo, feel free to PM me. I just completed the GSM course and I'm getting ready to sign up for the advisor training next.

Aj, I'm really interested to hear about the SA training that RLO offers. I just finished the GSM course and I'm looking for a class for my SA now.

Thought I would give website link too just so others can see. www.premiertyler.com

I own a shop that works exclusively on Toyota, Lexus, and Scion. It has been great, business has grown steadily for 2 years. Most of my customers come to me because another shop that 'works on everything' usually can't fix whatever problem they are having or have screwed up their car and now don't know who to trust. So they come to the specialist. Once we fix what the other shop screwed up or couldn't diagnose, we've usually earned their business and they don't take their Toyota/Lexus anywhere else. Also, I am in a 100K+ population city with no Lexus dealer, so the Lexus owners don't have much of a choice besides me or a 2 hour drive. All that being said, I had my website design people add Honda & Acura today. Why? The volume just doesn't seem to be there for Toyota and Lexus alone. Like I said before, the business is still growing as more people hear about us, but if I want to reach the sales goals I have in mind, one line of cars won't cut it. Adding Honda/Acura will still allow me maintain the 'specialist' name/niche, but adds more volume. It also lessens the blow on additional tools I'll need to add. I also think it makes it a little easier on the staff, since they see the same cars/problems every week... My female service advisor with no service history can almost diagnose cars before she hands me the ticket on them since we see repeat problems over and over again. I think it's really in how you market your shop. I made sure to get every certification possible before I left the dealership so I could hang it on the wall in the waiting area. I also use the factory scan tools, allowing me to do EVERYTHING to the car (keys, reflash, etc). Having the 'specialist' name, the 6 certificates with my name hanging on the wall, plus the certs of other staff, and advertising 'factory scan tool' allows me to charge a higher labor rate than most other independents and few people price shop me (They already expect to pay a premium at the 'specialist') Hope this helps somewhat. In short, I think it makes sense to specialize in something, just don't narrow your market too much. Also, the back of the shop is a great hiding place to break the rules. We've done an oil change on a 2015 supercharged Jag and have a customer with a mazda who spends over $500 every visit... Yet we're still the Toyota and Lexus Specialists

Agree with Identifix. I've been open for 2 years know and I finally had to use them for the first time this month, and man did it help. I had a car that was kicking my a$$, I called the hotline, and we got it sorted out.

We use Bolt-On Technology. It works great! I can't tell you how much customers love to see the inspections with pictures. It really helps make the sale too (a picture is worth a 1,000 words). I will also say this. Bolt On Technology's customer service/support is TOP-NOTCH. I've had almost 0 issues with the product, but any time I have a question, they are super friendly, VERY knowledgeable (not just about their product, but whatever other system you are integrating with too), and quick to help. I have never said this before about any company, but they have me as a customer for life.

Just stumbled across these videos about facebook filtering this weekend... Take it for what it's worth, it seems accurate. Part 1: Part 2:

same

Have an ETA for the time clock addition?

Never had a problem with Aisin kits and I've used a ton of them. In fact, I use them so often I keep them in stock

Yea, I never use aftermarket brakes for that reason. If they want cheap, they can go somewhere else.

I hate to hear these kinds of stories. I only ever worked for two dealerships. They were very high end luxury car dealerships, and one has published a book on providing top notch customer service. I was proud when I worked there and still brag about how good they are. In fact, I've taken both my employees to both dealerships so they can see the level of service they offer... I know it's rare, I just hate to hear people are being treated like this. I feel like experiences like you described is what gives our entire industry a bad rap.

That's a pretty serious accusation, selling your database... Any way to back that claim up?

Exactly what this guy said. I haven't read how to win friends and influence people, but E-Myth should definitely be at the top of your list

I'm curios if anyone here has any comments or feedback on Autoshop Solutions. I'm looking to increase my marketing, particularly online. Maybe someone knows how it compares to Kukui, which I have heard great feedback on. Or if you know of another similar service that you are happy with.

Just a quick response, I have to agree with waiving the diagnostic fee if the repair is done the same day at the shop...... but then again, I ALWAYS charge over book time so I'm not really losing anything. In that sense, it is all about perception. Installing parts with no warranty or customer supplied parts though? That's just asking for trouble. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. I'll sweep the shop and twiddle my thumbs before I go down that road again.

Bad idea

ALL great advice!!! I'm getting ready to build a new location, and I thought I wanted to build a separate office for car sales and really get into it. After doing it for a little bit, I'm not sure it's worth the time/headache.

I don't sell that many cars, but I would say I definitely agree with this statement. I've had a few cars over 10K and they don't move very quick. All my 3-5K cars wen't QUICK though!