Joe Marconi

Again, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the wealth of inspiration and knowledge you bring to AutoShopOwner.com. It is gratifying to know that there are shop owners like you out there. It gives me hope. Thank you, Joe Marconi

I want to add one thing. There are areas that we need to be more competitive where pricing is more sensitive to the consumer, such as; brake work, LOF, tires, etc. That's why we need to be profitbale in other areas such as check engine lights, electrical work, suspension, steering, etc. We need to understand the mindset of the consumer before we build a pricing stradegy.

Most shops that I speak with do charge over list, any where from 35% to 55% depending on the part. I do the same. For example; I just bought a pre-molded transmission line assmebly for a Subaru that cost $38.00, the dealer list was $44.00. That's crazy. My matrix bumped it up to $81.00. A fuel injection relay that cost $21.00, can easliy be sold for $48.00. Even though the list is $29.00 The only time I charge list are for wheel covers, some side view mirrors, some body parts, etc. List price has nothing do with what you need to make a profit. You can't be out of the ball park, but you need to make a profit. It's a delicate balance.

Charging list price may or may be correct for your business. You need to sit down with your accountant and establish your “breakeven”. After that is determined you will find what mark up you will need to achieve not only breakeven, but to make a profit. Shops that I speak with usually look for a GP% on parts any way from 45% to 55%, but every business is different. Don’t’ be afraid to charge over list and don’t change your entire business model because one or two people may call around to check your prices. Those people won’t care when you don’t have enough money to pay your bills. Joe

Do you track productivity? And do you base commisions off of that?

More great information. Thanks!

If you have a question regarding management issues such as advertising, marketing, customer service, employee issues or just about any problem you are having with your shop, just post your question and have the power of AutoShopOwner.com help. This is a new forum which I am really excited about. There are many daily problems that we encounter every day and what better way to find real-life answers to real-life problems than to ask your fellow shop owners. I will be moderating this forum personally and looking forward to the experience. Joe Marconi

What a video! Coming from a military family, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. We sometime need to reflect and realize those that sacrifice for our freedom. Great job!

The more you let go of the daily operations, the more you will actually gain control of the the business.

It shows that things can turn to crap real fast. Every shop needs to have a quality control system and review it constantly.

So, by splitting it means we both take share of the responsibility? I didn't think of that in this case.

The jury is still out for me. But I will look into it.

Thanks, great tip.

I hope you are "right". Get it?..."right"

I'm not that brave, that usually is a big day for us.

The are restrictions with this plan. Like income level and if you ever had insurance before, you are not ellegible.

Good for you, I'm not that brave yet.

Where is the money coming from to pay for all this??????????? I know where, just look in the mirror!!!!

I'm right with you!

I think this will hurt sales for those people looking for cheap tires (which is a large segment of the economy). The tire industry will adjust. Time will tell if it will be for the better.

The windshield cost is around $200.00. I did weigh everything. I also believe my advisor and the tech that nothing happened at my shop. The question is: what is this customer worth to me? Will paying the $200.00 for the new glass help to retain this customer, or is it an admission of guilt? I want to hear from a few more people before I tell you what I did.

We at AutoShopOwner.com want to express our condolences to the families of the 13 soldiers who died this past Thursday at Fort Hood and offer our prayers for those wounded and hope for a speedy recovery. We owe a great debt to the military and to the heroes who fight for our freedom.

How would you handle this situation? A customer was in for a routine oil change on her Cavalier. The tech noticed a small crack at the bottom of the windshield in the black tinted area while performing his walk-around. (The car was dropped off for service the night before). The Tech told the service advisor and noted it on his work sheet. The advisor called the customer and informed her of the crack. She said there was no crack before she brought it in. When she arrived to pick up her car, she didn’t say a word. She would not even engage in a conversation. She paid the bill, walked out in a huff. The advisor walked after her but she ignored the advisor. I decided to call her. She insisted that we broke the windshield. I explained to her that we did a pre-check walk around and noticed the crack. There was no reasoning with her. Before I tell you how I handled the situation, I want to hear from you. What would you have done?

All of us work hard, maybe too hard at times. But we all need to stop and smell the roses once and while. Let me tell you the best remedy for burnout: Plan a day off for absolutely no reason. And if you feel guilty being away from the shop, I say Great! Slow down and take care of yourself, everyone around you will benefit.

Now that the Health Bill has passed the House, I can only see tougher times ahead. What scares me is that the numbers don’t add up to what the government is telling us. Plus, has anyone really read the 2,000 pages of the health bill? And, to say that the Health Bill will be made available on the Web for 72 hours for anyone to read is a joke. I don’t think Super Man can read that fast. Why 2,000 pages?? How many pages is the Declaration of Independence? The U.S. Constitution only consists of 6 pages!!! And that includes the Bill of Rights! Are the inmates running the asylum? Someone tell me on wrong on this one. For once I rather be way off base.