Joe Marconi

Stocking inventory can be tricking. There are many things to consider: How far are your main suppliers? Do you accomodate wait customers? And what type of services do you perform? I stock only those parts that I know I can move fast and are needed to maintain production levels: cabin and air filters, batteries, oil, oil filters, antifreeze, trans fluid, BG additives, drain plugs and gaskets, wiper blades, hardware and other misc items. One thing to consider is the amount of money sitting on your shelf. Cash flow can be affected if your inventory is not in balance and you stock too much. And don't go by the part rep. You know your business the best, set you own stocking levels.

Great story and very appropriate!

Let us take time today, Veteran's Day, to honor those who served in the military to protect the freedoms we enjoy.

I don't normally get involved when people take sides in the forum. I rather let everyone voice their opinion in an honest and open discussion. But in this case I will make an exception. Sometimes I create posts that I feel are controversial. I fully know that there will be people on both sides. People are free to chose and free to write about their personal opinions. That is the purpose of the forums and why I co-founded ASO. I do not consider my post complaining, but conveying the feelings of many shop owners that have personally expressed those feelings to me. I also try to come up discussions that may impact us in a negative or positive way. While I don't agree with the marketing of Advance, I do understand why they do it. I also understand why Advance needs a certain amount of the DIY trade. But the bigger picture is how the marketing strategy and the business model affects the future of shop owners. For these reasons, I felt that this would make a good post. And judging from all the additional posts and controversy, I know that I was right. So, please express your opinions, agree or don't agree. That's ok. But, please, let's keep it civil and professional. After all, we are all in this together. My goal...our goal...is to raise the bar and improve the image of the auto repair industry. Thank you for all the great comments, now let's keep the discussion going!

Great article, and great perspective. This business is in our blood. Even at 61, with more than 40 years in the business, the passion is still alive. I would like to see people in our business improve their pay compensation, and immprove working condition. But, I have to admit, we a better today than when I started. Technicians and shop owners are a rare breed. We keep America moving. If not for us, the doctor can't get to the hospital, the lawyer can't get to the court house and the accountant can't make it to the office. Think about, everything around you got there because of some sort of transportation vehicle. We may be underpaid and undervalued, but no one can ever dispute the tremendous value we bring to the world.

Source: Advance Auto Parts Marketing Continues to Hurt Auto Repair Shops

Let me give you a prime example of what we are going through as a result of the Advance Marketing strategy: Last week a customer came to us with a steering pull and requested a wheel alignment. After our routine inspection, we informed the customer that the ball joints were worn and they would need to be replaced before the alignment was done. The customer thanked us and said he would let us know what he decides. The customer came back yesterday and told us, "I decided to go to Advance, bought the ball joints from them and they even LOANED ME THE TOOLS TO DO THE JOB!" But, he is the real story: The truck now has clunks and noises and the steering wanders all over the road. His attempt to do his own ball joints, has now left his truck unsafe to drive due to his lack of expertise to perform the job properly. This is what I have been battling with Advance and no one will listen. Why? They made the sale and that's what's important to Advance. Not the safety of the consumer, and certainly not the shop that lost the sale and is now stuck trying to figure out what went wrong. The Advance marketing strategy will hurt the independents and send the wrong message to the consumer. Free testing, free battery installation, reading codes in the parking lot,loaner tools sets; will all do more harm than good to the relationship between Advance and the repair shops. How can Advance expect me to buy from them when they want to compete with me? That makes no sense. And please don't tell me, "That's not your customer." I am so tired of hearing that. It is my customer! The entire motoring public hears and sees the advertising. This is why I have serious issues with Advance, and cannot support them. And nothing will change as long as Advance listens to Wall Street and not Main Street.

Yes, the company, is a 100 year old company out of Mt Kisco NY. They are small in comparison, but offer a complete line at competitive prices. The new local store, Central Auto, has more inventory than any other part store in the area. The delivery service is great, and as I mentioned earlier, they cater to the professional shops, not the DIYer. Combine all that with the fact that the store is owned and run by former CARQUEST people, you have a winning combination.

Yes, if they kept the same people, they would have kept the same culture. But, Advance will never get it. They will never give up the DIY market either. It kills me to see batteries being replaced in their parking lots, tools being rented out to consumers, alternators being tested for free, codes being scaned in the parking lot for free. I could go on and on. What I really hope is that an Advance rep is reading this. Try to refute what I am saying Advance...try...

My first call now is to a new auto parts company run by the former manager of the Advance/CARQUEST I used to do business with. I have know them for years and they have the culture that I feel I can align myself with. Plus, they do NO trade to the retail market.

Source: Advance Auto Parts Strategy of FREE undermines auto repair shops

I got a call the other day from a shop owner who happens to own a repair shop in the town I live in. He told me that a new Advance Auto Parts store has opened up down the road and they want him to buy from them. I asked him how he felt about buying from Advance Auto Parts. He told me that he really has an issue due to all the signage in front of the store: Free Wiper Blade installation, Free Battery Testing, Free Battery Installation, Free Alternator Testing and Free Starter Testing. There’s even a sign that says, Loaner Tool Sets Available! I don’t know how you feel, but as a shop owner I cannot align myself with a company that devalues the work we do. It’s hard enough to generate a profit these days, but to compete with the same business that wants me to buy from them? That’s insane. Advance Auto Parts claims that they target the DIY, not my customers. But the truth is, everyone sees and hears their advertising. So my customers here the “Free message” over and over. And, let’s not kid ourselves: If Advance Auto Parts can convert a few motorist to try to do auto repairs themselves; that would be just fine for Advance Auto Parts. All at the expense of the auto repair shops. The bottom line here is truly the Bottom Line. Advance Auto Parts has to answer to Wall Street and its investors. I have to answer to one person…myself. And I will not compromise my beliefs for anyone or any company. So Advance Auto Parts and Tech Net, say goodbye to someone that has been a life-long friend.

Always enjoyable! Great aarticle!

Perhaps one of the best ways to motivate employees is to give them regular positive feedback. Too often, employees only hear when things go wrong. And while we all need to know when we fail, it’s more important to recognize when things go right. People want to know when they win. People also like to be included in on the progress of the company. It’s important that everyone in your shop feels that what they do really matters to the success of the company. This also promotes the right culture and builds a strong team. Create a strategy where you give your employees feedback on their progress, especially positive feedback. Look for things you can point out that recognizes an action by an employee that resulted in recent success. This will help to reinforce the behavior you are looking for and will increase the odds of repeating that same behavior. The feeling of accomplishment and being recognized for it is a powerful motivator in the workplace, perhaps stronger than money. People want to feel good about themselves. As shop owners, implement this strategy and ignite your workplace toward success. Remember, your success is dependent on the success of the people around.

Agree. Rattled is perhaps the best way to describe the mind of the consumer. The state of the consumer mindset reminds me of the stories my father would tell me of the great depression in the 1930's. People back then would rather go to a movie and escape. Although we are "technically" out of the great recession, people lack confidence in the economy, world security and in their leaders. Great point!

Gonzo, you just gave me hope that the techs of the future will be more like "Scottie" Being a Star Trek and Si Fi fan, this article was a lot of fun!

At the Ratchet + Wrench Conference last month, I met Charlie Marcotte, owner of Amerian Pride Auto in Virginia and the founder of Family Service Day. After doing a little research, I joined the organization. Family Service Day originated in 2009 with a Williamsburg, Virginia based company, American Pride Auto. The idea was simple: offer support to single parent families and deployed military by offering the gifts and talents we have been given, the ability to repair vehicles, for free. There are really no limitations — if you have desire to make an impact in your community, Family Service Day is a great way to get involved. Getting involved in your community is the best way to make your shop stand out as the business that cares about people. Plus, it will get your staff involved which will boost morale. You can reach out to your vendors for help with parts and also get major businesses in your area to help sponsor the event. Shop owners, I recommend that you find out more about Family Service Day. Below is a link for more information: http://www.familyserviceday.org/

You know Gonzo, you can't make this stuff up! In all the years in this business, I still get blind-sided by something a customer will say to me. Amazing!

I feel the same way, the older I get the more I hate the cold and snow, but perhaps it's what we need. Stay focused, stay positive and build each day to ensure your future. The better you prepare now, the better off you will be. For now, let's hope we don't get sick on the roller coaster ride!

Source: Some Repair Shops slow, others busy for others. What gives?

With my work as a business coach, I get to speak to other coaches and shop owners around the country. It appears that many shops are slow, others are busy. And while there will always be ups and downs in the auto repair business, the present roller-coaster ride is one for the books. There are pockets of the country; northeast and mid-west in particular (among other areas) that are going through very tough times. Sales and car counts are down and shop owners are pulling their hair out trying to make sense of all this. There are other areas of the country that are having banner years. Hard to understand, to say the least. If you are going through a slow period, continue to build for the future. Maximize each week, each day, and each car. Discuss strategies with your employees and look for ways to increase sales and control expenses. Speak with all customers about their automotive needs. Don't get sucked into any negative moods of the customer. Most of all, remain positive. Things will get better with the right positive mental attitude. By the way, the above strategy applies to all shops, whether you are doing good or bad. Why? As I stated earlier, every shop goes through tough times. The problem? No can tell who will be next. So, plan for the future and keep your eye on your business​.

By now you have a pretty good idea how 2016 will end up. Are you going to achieve your business goals? Your personal Goals? That’s not to say you can make up ground or work hard to do even better. But, as we close the third quarter for 2016, it’s time to review the year, revisit your goals and start planning for 2017. It all starts with reviewing your financial situation. Set up a meeting with your accountant. Discuss your 2016 projected sales and profits. Don’t wait until 2017 to do this. There are many tax implications that need to be addressed before the end of the year. In addition, you need to review all your expenses and payroll in order to reestablish your breakeven sales number; and to also create your 2017 budget. This is also the time to review your marketing plan and budget for 2017. Lastly, you need to perform an audit of your facility. Inspect your facility and equipment. Is it time to upgrade equipment? Are there any building or facilities repairs needed? Needed training? Planning for the future is planning for success. And while there is no “perfect” plan, not planning is a path to eventual failure. ​

Source: Shop Owners need a plan for success

I am happy you enjoyed the seminar. Thank you!