TireChamp

I find that savvy customers will bring their own parts for us to install. I have no problem with this option because I want the profit from the labor, but I clearly write on the ticket: "customer parts/no warranty". In other words, if the part is bad, they must pay for the labor again. If we supply a faulty part, we eat the labor for fixing it. With this in mind, most informed customers don't mind paying a premium for parts.

I just bought a Robinair Cool-Tech 34788. Have any of you guys been using this model? Are you pleased with it? What other recovery/recycle/evacuate/leak test/recharge units can you comment on? For leak detecting, we're presently using dye, UV light, and sporty yellow glasses. Would a digital leak detector be a big improvement? Can anyone recommend a good one? How are you guys pricing a basic recovery, recycling, and recharging job (no repairs are included)? Extra charges for refrigerant? Are there a lot of comebacks for this type of service? What warranties/disclaimers/customer service advice can you guys share on this topic?

I think that it is very important for shops to check TPMS sensors BEFORE changing tires to avoid blame for defective sensors. What equipment is your shop is presently using--how satisfied are you with it? I'm considering the purchase of the following KTI tool: http://ktipst.com/index.php?page=press_release And the following system (affordable universal replacement sensors that can be programmed to mimic OEM sensors) sounds great, but I don't know anyone who has used it: CUB Programmable Universal Replacement - TPMS Scan Tool ($650 from Tire Rack Wholesale) and TPMS Sensors ($28 each from Tire Rack Wholesale) Thanks for your help!

I heard about AutoShopOwners from an article in "Tire Business". Online networking with peers sounds like a great concept, and I'm glad to be a member. I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Stephen Laurendine. I have ten years of experience in the tire and general automotive business, and I just recently (August 25th) purchased an existing independent retail tire and auto repair store in Mobile, Alabama. So far, sales have been very good and consistent with the historical sales data for the business. What would I like to get out of networking with other shop owners? As a new automotive business owner, I'm certain that I'll have a lot of questions. I don't believe in re-inventing the wheel, and I'm hopeful that I'll be able to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience of this network's members. I'm confident that it will be a valuable resource.