CarER

Here's a little background info on my business. My father purchased an existing body shop (just the customer base and equipment, the building was a rental) in 2009 for a very decent sum. Two months later we were informed that we had to pack up and leave, because they were going to build a CVS on that property. So we had to put the equipment (1 bend-pak lift, 1 paint booth, 1 mixing machine, and 1 frame machine) in to storage. Fast forward to the end of 2012, a building opened up for sale on one a main street in town. My father and I signed the lease and moved in January of 2013. Almost 2 years down the road, here we are. My father is doing his own thing, I am left running the business. We have one technician, and one part time helper and myself. I do the management, front desk, phone calls, bills, cleaning, pretty much wearing all the hats. Business is growing steadily and surely but I feel like I need a mentor or coach. I pay myself only so often and not nearly enough by any standards. And I can't afford about 1,500 / month for coaching. Is there anything I can do for now? Thank you in advance! P.S. Questions / concerns / opinions welcomed.

So, I'll revive this thread once again... Just recently I got a new website, wanted you guys to let me know what you think. Any constructive criticism is appreciated. Thanks! www.car-er.com

I use MotoLogic right now and for the most part I like it. In my opinion the search is much better than AllData's, yes, it does need more coverage on some vehicles. However, they are constantly improving and I tend to like it much better than AllData. I'm currently using the Alldata SMS, but both that and the repair seem extremely outdated. In the beginning of January I will be switching to Motoshop so I'll update you guys when I do.

I can't tell you about vendors for northern VA. I'm in Harrisonburg, VA. For oil filters, I just ask advance for a list of the 10 or so most used filter numbers and I stock those.

Hey all, I was just wondering if you guys could list your shop processes. From the customer drop off to pick up or delivery. How to make things more convenient for the customer, or when to properly mention the repairs needed for their vehicles. My shop is fairly new and so I was wondering what kind of processes you guys have in place so everything goes smoothly. Thank you in advance! It's been a pleasure learning from you guys. Reuben Car ER

In my opinion, the hardest part would be getting a place to meet. Getting people from ASO wouldn't be difficult in my opinion. New York is definitely closer to me than Nevada. I think if you just post on ASO that there will be a shop owners meeting, a lot of people from here would be interested. I'd definitely be in!

mmotley, Thank you for your input. At the end of last week (Friday) I got a new free standing sign put up that's a florescent lit sign, and I kept this one up on the building. And as far as the weeds go, I hope to get on that tomorrow if it's not raining. I think I may try your streamer idea, I just don't want to get hit with a fine from the city... flacvabeach, I thought of trying to market to the students but honestly don't even know where to begin. I know a lot of them go to the local Aamco and Meineke, and I'm not sure how to compete with them. Any ideas? I'm currently talking to Advance about the Tech-Net program. We'll see how that goes. Business is unusually slow, so I'm stumbling around trying to get quality customers in the door. Thanks!

Here's a link to the website: http://uabq67of.megaph.com/

So I was wondering if any fellow ASO members ever heard of / been to "The Auto Repair Event" in Las Vegas hosted by Ron Ipach? If so, is it worthwhile? Is anyone planning on going this year? I plan on attending, so maybe I can meet some of you guys? Sorry, that's a lot of separate questions...

My apologies, that was Xrac, not "Zrac."

Thank you Joe, I appreciate your welcome and advice. I will actually be going back to college right after the new year for business management and marketing. And I've already learned a great deal on this website! Actually, just yesterday I spoke to Elite Coaching yesterday and I may be joining them for their New Jersey seminar Nov. 8th. If I'm not mistaken, they said that you may be there, so perhaps I would have the pleasure of meeting you? xrac, I don't think the banner would be a problem, but as far as I know our city doesn't allow the streamers. At least, not easily. Thank you! With everything going on and trying to get started, I tend to overlook details like that. It definitely is a struggle, but one that I'm enjoying immensely and don't plan on backing away from anytime soon.

I just recently started charging supplies. Right now it's 3% of the ticket and no cap. Honestly wish I would have started this much sooner. I've been doing this for about 3 weeks now and not a single customer has complained. I'm going to be raising the percentage to 6.3%

bstewart, Yeah, I kinda lost track of my blog... I should stay on that. I appreciate your advice. In my opinion SEO should be one of the most important things you do or should get done. But most SEO companies I've talked to want like $900/mo and that's something I simply cannot afford right now.

Hey everyone, First off just wanted to say that it's been a great pleasure being here for the past few days. Everyone on here seems knowledgeable, friendly and eager to help and I sincerely appreciate it. I'm a fairly new shop in Harrisonburg, VA. By that I mean it's been a year and a half in businsss. I was hoping I could get you guys to take a look at my website and offer me some advice as far as the layout and SEO goes. Ive been doing it all myself but it can definitely use some help. Thanks in advance! www.car-er.com

Thanks mspecperformance, I will definitely look into these banners that you speak of. Any idea on how to find some of these programs or do I just ask local parts stores? Thank you for those suggestions! You are definitely right as far as the sign goes. I have asked several customers and they all stated that it's hard to see. I'm actually getting a standalone sign that will be lighted and right next to the road and the sign should be done this afternoon. I can hopefully get on that right away. I appreciate your welcome as well.

Greetings all! Just wanted to take a moment and introduce me and my shop! My name is Reuben Yavny and I'm the owner of Car ER in Harrisonburg, VA. We opened up the shop in March of 2013. It's essentially a two bay shop (75 x 46.5 ft) in which we have two lifts, tire mounting and balancing and in which we also perform auto body as well as auto repair. I've been a member for only a few days here, but have read and learned a lot since I joined. Some questions have come up that I was hoping you guys could help me with. 1. (I've tried searching the forum but didn't really come up with anything, maybe I don't know how exactly to use this.) What is a banner program? How will it help? 2. Was your first year in business successful or were you guys struggling as much as I am now? What did you guys do to help? Just for fun, here's a picture of the front of the shop, maybe you guys could let me know what I could improve on. (We are located on a major road in town and location is great.) Ask as many questions as necessary. I know my details are a little vague. It's a pleasure being here and I look forward to learning from all of you guys and maybe you guys can learn something from me!