DAVE

We sell the kits for $5 with our tires. When we went to selling the kits we raised the price of our valve stems to match the price. We haven't had any complaints. When customers are spending at least $500 on a set of tires they aren't going to complain over $20.

We have not made the switch yet, but I have been researching it for about a month. We are in Missouri which does not have the law, but it will be coming in the near future. From what I have read it is best to make the switch on our time, rather than waiting until we have to do it. That way we don't get stuck with a shelf full of lead inventory. I know some of the nationwide distributors will buy your lead back if they have another state they can unload them on. Bada steel clip on weights is probably the way we will go. The 3M is awful expensive per ounce compared to the clip weights. That brings the next question, how much do you up the cost of wheel balance to offset the added expense. I figure it needs to be atleast 30%, but then do you price yourself out of the market because the competition hasn't switched? I guess that's when you push the "green" aspect of it.

I agree with you Joe. One thing we try to do is set ourself apart from our competition. BG helps in most cases because of the protection plan. Some shops only sell the product when asked to do a flush. Our sales are from a maintenance view...same as oil change. When we incorporate them into a repair job that is what helps distinguish me from the guy next door. The quality of the service and product. Same as comparing a McD's hamburger to a Applebees burger. Big price difference, but you are there for the service and quality.

We do coolant, trans, power steering, differentials and transfer case. We sell coolant & transmission more often than the other flushes because customers have been informed more about them in the past. Power steering is really a profitable item because of the time it takes, 10 minutes or less in most cases. But, it does take some training of your customer to make the sale. Generally we add on a flush whenever a system is drained. Our customer's generally won't question a price when you tell them about the added service you are providing. Example: water pump with a coolant flush $xxx.

We use the OTC 3833. Worked good for awhile then started having problems on G.M.'s. We called tech assist, they stated I needed another update. Update was on back order. Took about two months to get the update. Now it works fine. Has an RKE identifier, which we have found to be most of the problems with tpms. Make sure your customers leave the RKE with the vehicle.