autoguy

Wow, that's not good if it crashes all the time. with updates, how do you like it overall day to day...features and all?

The first thing I think of when I look at your shop is auto glass, because of the sign....maybe an "Auto Repair" sign in addition?

I would also be interested in more of a description of how this would work.

Are you saying that you want to be able to import part numbers from your old system? Or just the ability to add part numbers.. I know Mitchell Manager Plus has inventory control and so does RO Writer. What are you using now and are you planning an import form that? There are some companies that can transfer your database.

That's a tough one and really depends on the size of your shop, the amount of employees you have, and if you can afford to not have one or two around the holidays. I think it is reasonable to have black out dates for vacation.

I am also curious.

No kidding, I did not know that.....

Ofcourse they do, but I think these are a good start for anyone who is not at the level.....let's say...you, or another sucessful shop is at.....and looking for some quick tips and things to be doing to get started.

I read this article online and decided to repost it to the community..... How to Run a Successful Auto Repair Business By Barb Nefer As long as people rely on cars as their main form of transportation, there will be opportunities for success in the auto repair business. By following some important steps, you can run a successful auto repair business that provides a steady income STEP 1: Decide whether you will open your own auto repair business or whether you will purchase an established business. By purchasing an existing auto repair shop, you will immediately have an appropriate location and equipment, and the experienced employees may choose to stay. If you start from scratch, you will need to find a high-traffic location, purchase or lease the necessary equipment, and hire a new staff of mechanics and other employees. Step 2: State your ethical standards up front. Many customers are leery of auto repair businesses because they have a reputation of making people pay for unnecessary repairs or charging for work that is never performed. Have a statement of ethics printed, and hang it in a prominent place in the customer reception area. The ethics should be centered around being honest with customers, pledging never to overcharge them, and striving for their full satisfaction. Step 3: Offer a guarantee. When a customer is paying for an expensive car repair, she wants some assurance that the vehicle will work properly or that you will take care of the issue if it does not. Offering a guarantee based on a certain period of time or mileage will show that you stand behind all work performed at your auto repair business. Step 4: Treat employees well to eliminate high turnover. An auto repair business that has a constant turnover of mechanics will have difficulty maintaining its quality. This can give it a bad reputation and keep it from being successful. When you find good, reliable mechanics, pay them fairly and give competitive benefits to keep them from moving on to another job. Customers who build up trust with a particular mechanic will be glad to see him there the next time their car needs repairs. Step 5: Resolve customer complaints promptly. Although there will always be some unreasonable customers, most will be willing to come to a compromise if you are willing to work with them. Discuss the problem without judging them or making them defensive, and ask them what they feel an equitable solution would be. If you agree that it's fair, you've got a resolution. If not, be prepared to give an alternative solution. Step 6: Reward regular customers. Repeat customers are key to running a successful auto repair business. Not only do they provide income themselves, they also are likely to refer others to your business. Send out periodic offers for a free or discounted oil change, a discount on their next repair or some other goodwill gesture. While it may cost you in the short term, it will pay off in the long term by reinforcing customer loyalty. Tips & Warnings Joining a professional organization like the Automotive Service Association (ASA) demonstrates your commitment to quality and excellence.There will always be some customers who cannot be pleased. If a customer has an unreasonable complaint and insists on a totally unrealistic solution, you will have to refuse. Even though they may spread bad word of mouth about your business, it shouldn't hurt your success if the majority of your customers are satisfied and you have a good reputation.

That's funny...

Just curious on what the best method of paying your top technician is. I'm paying salary currently, but not sure if this is in my best interests. I should be doing some sort of flat rate program and maybe a guarantee? My guy works about 50 hours and gets $1400 which means a $28 an hour rate or so. I need a plan to get more out of him, although I'm really not measuring anything right now..like productivity. How do you pay your top guy(s)?

I think manufacturer list prices are fictitious and you should use some sort of formula to mark up your parts accordingly.

It will run you if you don;t get out from under the hood. Pay someone else to do it while you run the business is what I think.

I also enjoyed reading it.

I agree 100%. This site and others would just make you drop your pants to compete.

Unreal..

That's a good point. When it's rolled into the loan, they don't feel it.

Good point about the admission of guilt...sometimes that is not good. Maybe I would offer to split it.

I do not..but I know of some shops in higher income areas that are doing it and a couple of tire shops. Once I see the local Firestone's Goodyears, and Sears Auto centers doing it..I will look at it more.

Cool thanks. I will ask around for this.

Looks like an old parts washer..

I also agree, can I go to lunch too? There is a slow conservative/republican shift happening in this nation...I belive. Just look at the governer's race in New Jersey. Clear signal that Obama's popularity has run out.

This does sound great! How about the day after Thanksgiving? Black Friday...Big retail sales day.

How about that HealthyNY program? http://www.ins.state.ny.us/website2/hny/english/hny.htm