mmotley

There was a good article about this in R&W a while back. I can search it up for you if you would like

You're right, it is a place for shop owners... Perhaps www.autoshopowner.com gave you that idea. Nobody ever said techs don't have valuable information. Most people have valuable information. The guy down at best buy has valuable information (he gave me a heads up that windows 8 sucked). Phynny never said he hates techs or thinks they are idiots. However, we don't need techs giving business advice. It would be like me trying to give you advice on how to run a mobile mechanic business. I've never done that, I'm not currently doing that, so I have no business posting on 'www.mobilemechanicforum.com'... Again, half the owners on here are probably 'used to be techs' so we have that point of view covered. Or could you imagine the CFO of a chain of dealerships coming down to tell the techs who to fix a check engine light? Both the tech and CFO have valuable information, but in completely different areas. As for a forum for techs... www.godaddy.com sells domains all day long. Why do you insist on TECHS having space on autoshopOWNER.com... Sorry, but I'm starting to feel phynny's frustration with all this. I am just a 2 man shop, and I have a deep deep desire to become the owner of a much larger business. I browse THIS FORUM (ASO) daily, participate in the Sunday chats, and PM some of the older, wiser guys on here for business advice that they have from EXPERIENCE. If i want tech input, I'll go to other sites.

It sounds to me then that the main difference is that Kukui will redesign your website (visiting CL website, they seem to offer website design)? They do a very good job at that, I like your site M&P. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't customer link also do google ads, bing ads, yahoo ads and facebook ads (I don't see it now on their website, but I thought they did)? And don't they also handle the customer reviews, retention, and emails too? Again, I think they do a great job with the website design (I'm already wondering if I could give them a one-time payment to design mine), and I'm really impressed with yours, M&P. I'm really not trying to sound like a CL sales rep, and I haven't passed judgment on either one yet. I'm just not far off from being able to budget a service like this, so I'm trying to really understand the differences between the 2. And let's face it, what better way to get an idea for a product or service than through others experience with them. I really feel like I'm missing something here, since 2 guys have left CL and gone to Kukui and like it. I'll try another cup of coffee and re-read. It might have something to do with this 20 degree weather in Texas...

I don't know why, but for some reason I can't seem to wrap my head around this. Maybe I'm missing something, but what does Kukui do that Customerlink doesn't? Also, what does Kukui do extra/better than Customerlink that justifies such a price difference?

As I am just a 2 person shop, no I did not give him the website info so he could join... However, he asks me what I'm looking at on the computer (usually when I'm talking to myself), I tell him "I'm reading on this site for shop owners, where a bunch of them kinda get together and mentor each other and offer experience/advice"... Not saying people other than shop owners don't have any good information, but I would think that roughly have of the shop owners here used to be technicians. And the other half used to be something else. I doubt we have anyone here that has nothing but Auto Shop Ownership experience. That being said, I could do without a technicians input on here, if all he brings to the table is just a technicians point of view... After all, I was one of those for about 8 years, and now I'm just doing it while calling myself the boss.

I'll soon be having meetings with a general contractor about plans for my new shop. I'm trying to avoid the Midas design, but that is more so because of my business model. I wan't a more upscale business front, with a shop in the back. 1 enter door, 1 exit door. I also like this for a heated/cooled shop. Also less door maintenance (not sure how much this equates to in dollars per year). Parking would still be outside, probably behind the shop. "more so because of my business model"... For some reason, after I read that I felt like that may come across as 'snoby' or that I feel Midas design is ugly. Not so. Midas design is quick/fast/efficient and profitable. My business model and clientele simply prefer a 'clean' business front. I think it really comes down to personal preference and what type of business you operate. Quick lube lanes will probably call for a 'drive thru' stall. Custom audio/performance shop probably would do better with big wide open work space with fewer entrances and exits...

http://youtu.be/bWVU2NU-Xkw Hope this helps

Congrats!!!! How exciting! Great job on giving the building a 'face lift'. Even greater job on hanging on to that dream for 2 years and not giving up! Look forward to hearing updates on business

When I worked at the dealer, we never checked... But the type of cars that come into aftermarket/independent shops are probably more likely to have leak sealant vs. those that go to the dealer... That being said, I said a little prayer right after I bought my AC machine, praying that I wouldn't get any cars in my shop with a sealant... That's how I protect mine They have some kits out there that just screw on the the service port and create a real tiny leak. If the leak stops, then you know it has sealant... Pretty simple system, I can find the website again with a video if ya need

When I was at the dealer, we got 2 hours to pads and resurface. So a 4 wheel brake job was 4 hours. Front brakes paid 2 hours. Rear brakes paid 2 hours.

Gotta start somewhere, and this way is a lot more affordable. I agree

I'm also interested in this and had a live demo. I'm not really interested in the email advertising (see Gmail and their new filter system) or their mail outs (Hand addressed envelopes seem to work better and are comparative in cost). But I do like the way they break down your customer database into categories with details, maintain your social media accounts, and actively pursue positive online reviews. They also let you see how you compare to other local shops in advertising and other numbers. Joe, I can tell you this. I have spoke with a customer who used to go to another shop and I asked for her opinion on mail outs (thank you notes and reminder cards). She said she had gotten a reminder card from the other local shop and said it looked cheesy/mass production/not personal at all. She said my hand addressed thank you letter and reminder letters that I personally sign looked way better and came off a lot more personal (she kept it and showed it to her friends). I'm 99% sure the other shop was using customerlink.

There is a big difference between posting advice, and posting a problem or question. I, for one, have been a business owner for less then a year. I was a tech for about 8 years before then, and I still refrain from giving out advice at times on here, due just to my lack of experience as an actual business owner. I know the mentality of MOST technicians... It usually goes something like this 'I'm the one who fixes the cars, and the boss just sits in the office, types on the computer, and makes phone calls. He doesn't even know how to work on a car!' Unfortunately, fixing cars is not even half of what goes on in a shop, and chiming in without actual EXPERIENCE of being an Auto Shop Owner can sometimes water down the quality content that gets posted on here. My first post on ASO would be a great example! I posted some images of my mailers, and they SUCKED(and I think I only mailed out 20 the first week)! I had no experience with advertising at that point and it was a shot in the dark. Now that I have worked with a professional company who has experience in advertising and has shown me examples of good pieces, I have sent out a much better mailer. Back then, I would have been the worst person to give out business advice. Back then, I was just a technician. At least now I can give out personal experiences... And many times I just read postings and wait to post any advice, as I'm sure a more seasoned Auto Shop Owner will come along and offer BETTER advice with EXPERIENCE. By no means am I saying a tech shouldn't be allowed to post. I think it's great if they come here for advice. That's exactly why I came here. And like you said, it will probably make them a better employee. It just makes it a little more difficult to find advice on here if we have a 19 year old, quick lube tech, giving us his opinion or advice on how to operate.

Oh man, I think I'll make some pop corn and sit and wait for responses!!!

I should be clear that I have never run one of these oil change specials. I'm only trying to help you find out if it is being profitable for you or not.

Do you replace rotors more than machining them?

I use Mitchell 1. You can track tickets that used certain coupons. Not sure if it will figure ARO of just the cars with certain coupons, but you could easily figure that number yourself. If you're not following up with you customers, you have no excuse.

I'm really surprised at how many people don't have lathes! It's an expensive piece of equipment, no doubt. Car count definitely plays a role in it and also where you get your parts from. Cool to see all this feedback from everyone.

How many people actually bought stuff you suggested? What is the average repair order $ amount for customers using these coupons? Are you following up with customers that you made suggestions to? That's an important question. If you're increasing car count and your ARO is staying the same, then it's worth it. If they are calling back and scheduling the additional work, it's worth it.

I agree with both the comments above. I once considered stocking brake pads, and I only work on Toyota/Lexus/Scion... There are still too many variables to offset the cost of stocking pads.

Mine isn't an on car lathe, it's a bench lathe. I charge $200 for a brake job with machining rotors. If I have to replace the rotors, it is at least an extra $100, depending on the vehicle. Keep in mind, I'm using dealer parts 99% of the time and that's what my customers want. If they go for a cheaper aftermarket option, the price reflects it, but not much.

I agree. You haven't gone full time and I'm sure you are still on quite a learning curve... Have you hired anyone? You'll have to learn how to interview. And how to train them to call and make sells. And how much to schedule in one day... There is a lot to learn before just jumping in.

I HEARD that x-charge will match the rates of any competitor. I might start shopping around and see if they will match whatever I find

X-Charge is who I use. They partnered with Mitchell1, and so far I have had a good experience with them... Only experience I've ever had with a credit card processing company though.

I use O'reilly for all my shop consumables and generic fluids (gear oil, washer fluid, seat covers, brake cleaner, wire, vacuum hose, etc.) The main reason I use them? Their area rep stops by AT LEAST every 2 weeks. Not to sell me anything, but just to see if I need anything or have any complaints or issues. Sure, he hands me a flier, even though he knows I won't buy parts from them. He provides customer service, which is my biggest pet peeve! I don't really buy many parts from them, but only because most of the parts I get are dealer only parts. That, and my customers INSIST on factory parts. If I'm in a bind, I'll grab an oil seal or gasket or something small from them on a Saturday or Sunday, but that again is only because of my business model and clientele.