tirengolf

I know this sounds the same, I have a shop in Florida Panhandle , I have had very little turnover the last 35 years but more the last 3. How do you guys get qualified techs to apply. I have run some ad's and get the driveway worker. My business is growing so fast I could use 2 lead techs now, I have 3. I always have paid just straight commision start at 37% highest one is at 40%. I had one guy turn 6800 last 2 weeks. I have 3 to 4 weeks car waiting. The money is there , I just do not seem to know how to get these good techs in here. I have paid for ad's , free craigslist. I know there is a shortage. I also know I am the highest paying shop in our area. I need some outside the box ideas. Thanks guys David

FYI, I had the same situation a few years back on Toyota , this lady pulled out of driveway, colder Florida morning. she waves to neighbor and oil filter blew off car , she had no idea, , he picked it up , put in a bag, she goes 3 or 4 miles down road engine locked up. It had been 3 months since I did the oil change . Vehicle was towed back to our shop and neighbor brings me bag with filter in it . I just happened to look at NAPA online and said dang it my guys put on wrong filter on car , Napa rep had downloaded quick disc for my techs on outside computer they use constantly, I am pissed and one off them says that is the right filter look it says it right here Toyota etc etc . Napa Typo error. The filter was so close the thread pitch was off just a bit maybe would have gotten by me, probably not, It was a perfect storm and for a normal daily driver probably never happened , I think the molecule structure in the filter and threads changed so much when she warmed car up ,it blew off. only thing I and NAPA came up with .I will give it to NAPA they paid 100% of the bill, No Issues . Wrong filter listed on that disc although there online catalog had the correct one. I have always said there is a lot of liability for the guys doing 19.00 oil changes. PS . The neighbor that got the oil filter ended up being a good customer because of the way we handled the whole situation for the elderly customer. Have a good day my friend. David

Jeff, I am in Florida also, I do not think all other States are regulated by Agriculture like we are. I here they are about to really crack down on unlicensed shops in the Panhandle, as bad as I hate to say it , I am glad.

Zurich, They just ask me some questions that I felt was going there. Out of the ordinary.

As I said I have done Tire Rack installation for years, one point i did missed . My P&C insurance company may stop me from installing all customer tires parts and used tires. They have ask me a few questions about it. Just experienced this discussion.

AJ, I had to beg my father in 1994 to mount customer tires , it was a challenge my friend. I have never had a bad Tire Rack review and at the time ,1994. no one else did it. That gave me a price point that I thought was good enough to make the exception. I have retained some real good customers and if yu do service work, they will surely let you do it. They also understand once you do it, they pay for all services following your mount and balance. Most are very smart and know the re car, which I like. I also straighten aluminum wheels , I see probably 1 out of 2 cars with a bent wheel , thats another 150 or 200 for the shop. About 5 years ago I had to drop my price because a guy closer to me went half price, he has some bad reviews , I am about to run my price up , I would tell you to do the price pledge , you will come to the top. Make sure to tell the customer to please review you and offer him a free rotation if so. As a lot off others have said this will be a generally be a nice vehicle or the particular customer that really loves his car, and appreciates good work . I make sure to show them any wheel scratches and put "not responsible wheel signs up". Charge for everything , these people expect it. I am attaching my reviews you can look at my pricing although as I said my year agreement is up , I will be almost doubling my rates in the next few months. Sell alignments if you do them. Good Luck My Friend, David AUTO SAVE OF PENSACOLA INC Review This Installer Address: 2701 N Pace Blvd Pensacola, FL 32505-5647 Get Directions Contact: David Mack or Daniel Wheeden (850) 433-1136 Directions: We are located three blocks south of Fairfield on N Pace Blvd. Distance: 0 Miles Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5 Sat 8-12 Notes: No 25 and larger diameter wheels. INSTALLER SURVEY RATINGS Results based on surveys from 57 Tire Rack customers. Ratings are on a scale of 0-5, higher is better. OverallCourtesyCleanlinessQuality of Service CUSTOMER COMMENTS June 12, 2015 5.0 The people here are very friendly and helpful. They called me the day the tires arrived and I was able to have them mounted the same day. I am super picky about my cars and always bring the wheels in to the shop off the car whenever I need new tires. I am happy to report that they mounted the tires without leaving any marks on the wheels. The technician Richard was very professional and listened to all my concerns. February 28, 2015 4.5 Fast, accurate, friendly service. June 19, 2014 5.0 I chose Auto Save Tire And Service Center to install the tires I purchased on TireRack.com due to their stellar reviews. They weren't the closest to my location, but I felt a little extra effort on my part to get there might be worth it. I was correct. When I arrived at the shop for installation I was greeted in a very friendly manor and my car was up on the rack in just a few minutes. A short wait later I was ready to roll! The invoice matched exactly with the quote that was provided on TireRack.com and the new tires looked great. I had such a good feeling about Auto Save Tire And Service Center that I later used them to install new brakes. David Mack also diagnosed and corrected a front end problem that had been driving me nuts! Choosing Auto Save Tire And Service Center was a good move on my part and I am confident it will be for you as well. November 30, 2013 5.0 Daniel and his crew are top notch. They have been in the business for many years and know how to interact with customers. Most of us don't have a clue about tires, brakes, wheels, valve stems and the various sizes and measurements. These guys put me at ease very quickly and explained it all to me. January 21, 2013 5.0 2013 M sport bmw 535 I swapped out the runflats that came with the car for potenza s-04s. These guys did a great job. They even matched the dot with the valve stem. Great experience at this place. I have lots of tires installer stories and issues as well as dealers and these guys are pretty great. I will use them again. January 10, 2013 4.5 Fast and friendly and probably the best price in town. We will be back and this is now our installer of choice. July 3, 2012 5.0 Good service and timely. June 14, 2012 5.0 Extremely helpful and courteous. Will definitely use him again. May 4, 2012 5.0 Very courteous! I felt very comfortable as the customer right when stepping into the office. Did not call for an appointment...did not matter...they were happy to take care of me right then and there. February 8, 2012 4.5 Great shop! Quick courteous and professional service. Will definitely come back for future business. March 16, 2011 5.0 They were very courteous and helpful. Had all 4 tires balanced and installed on the car in about 30 mins!! Will definitely use them again. March 10, 2011 5.0 This was the best experience I've had with any type of auto service. I made an appointment they were on time and finished the job quickly. I was in and out in less than 45 minutes. I was very impressed with the staff. Everyone was polite and seemed very happy. I would recommend this Installer to anyone. I didn't have to call them to make the appointment because they called me immediately when the tires arrived. I will bring all my cars to the Installer. Great Job. November 30, 2010 5.0 Excellent service. Fast, courteous and knowledgeable. November 29, 2010 4.5 They were pretty busy the day I was there but I'm very satisfied with service etc. September 23, 2010 5.0 An overall excellent experience. I'll recommend them to others. August 8, 2010 5.0 Replacement tire was mounted and balanced for free under warranty. The place more than makes up for its looks with excellent and friendly service. I wouldn't hesitate to bring my car here for tires at any time. February 6, 2010 5.0 The old saying rings true "Never judge a book by its cover." Upon driving up the place isn't too impressive; a bit dirty, not too modern looking, plain at best. But the work done and the courteous professional service was excellent and well above par! I wouldn't hesitate to come here to have my tires serviced!! January 8, 2010 5.0 Very courteous and helpful staff both inside the office and in the shop. They got me in and out with minimal wait time on my scheduled appointment. Definitely make an appointment for installation they are extremely busy. The building is old and a little run down but that can be expected in a small town shop that has been in business for a long time and charges reasonable rates. The equipment and the staff are top notch and more than make up for cosmetics of the building. I will use them from now on for all my auto work that they can perform. September 20, 2009 4.5 They always do a great job. August 10, 2009 4.5 They treated me professionally and courteously. The appearance of the shop might be shabby but the work was top notch! View More CommentsNote: Information and prices are subject to change. THE BEST IN CUSTOMER SUPPORTNeed help choosing the right product for your vehicle? Our team of highly trained experts has the knowledge and passion to help.

In my 40 years I have had them just as you, this internet stuff is out of hand. When a new customer comes in our shop today I run to them and interrogate them and get the info who sent him to me, why would he bring it to you now, the other business told him to get lost. Some people buying this budget stuff are playing the system hoping you will drop him a set of new high dollar pads on for free. I would calm down before I responded, although when you do respond, do not mention the name of your company, reference it in your response as the above company, never your name or company name. when you mention your name that drives more hits to you. I would take the high road, not even respond or write a response as the owner and call him out. All your loyal customers will see around this, it makes us even look human. I would not sweat it. Some people complain, and there is no way to stop them. Personally, I do not install customer parts or try to repair another shops screw up. Times are changing , we will, in the next 5 years, be more important and valuable than a MD. Why not, takes longer to learn our trade it changes daily and the patient cannot speak to you. Have a good week my friend and don't let the budget guy get you down. He will learn.

I would like to know if any of you guys are involved in any tire manufacturer programs, Etc Mich MAST Cooper Medalion, if so which one seems to offer the best package. I have been Mast for 30 years and Cooper . I am looking around. Thanks

SKM, Find a older owner of a honest reputable shop, see if he has a exit plan, which he probably doesn't, that will open up a lots of conversation, buy him out , let him continue to work. You have a positive revenue stream , money is cheapest we have seen in years. He maybe be willing to finance it for you. In Florida there are lots of shops like that. Just a idea. Good Luck

I am a newbie here guys, I have a Tire and Repair Shop in the Panhandle of Florida. My father opened in 1961as a Tire, brake and alignment shop. We have adapted to the change of 1 stop shopping , Thanks to Sam Walton. Our labor pricing is going crazy down here it is skyrocketing for our area. I see a trend around our area that the independent will surpass the Auto dealerships in hourly rate. I have raised my rate to 100.00 hour and no one bats a eye. People in our area are just starving for honest businesses. I am fortunate, although we have worked very hard over the years. I am turning away customers almost seems I am picking and choosing who to work for. I have 10 stalls with 7 racks, 2 alignment . I am curious if other areas are seeing this trend, I am really considering putting in 2 or 3 locations to relieve my store. It is really crazy. I will tell you guys one thing I have done that has been a huge money maker for me, aluminum wheel repair , straighten, curb rash and painting. I start at 150 and go to 300, It generally takes me 15 to 3 minutes to straighten 1 wheel. I literally have 2 to 5 calls a day on it. I fix some curb rash with a small file and airbrush, I a paint allover body shop guys does them for 30.00 cash. I never take the tire of the wheel. Also most need a new tire with a bent wheel. I heat them and straighten them. I wish I would have done that 5 years ago. So Long, David

Mr Block, This is a very good point and interesting one . I have been a MAST dealer for 25 to 30 years my loyalty numbers have always been around 88 to 91% loyalty every year. I am tracking this year at 54% . Therefore , all my backside money is being held. This is the first time in our companies history , since 1961, this has happened. I sent a pretty testy letter to Mast headquarteres for them to explain this and how it could happen. My PD is ATD my SD is TCI. It is obvious ATD rollout of there new online ordering has been a catastrophe and Michelin fill rate is horrible. I hate to say this good or bad although I feel at this point they are scrambling to reestablish there presence in a quickly changing market. I am waiting for a response from Michelin If they do not figure a way for my company not to be punished for there lack of product, I will make a change after all these years. The MAST program needs overhauling , it is basically same as it was 20 years ago.Thanks for bringing this to light, we are all in this together. I am so glad I found this website. Thanks David