DAC

We seem to be having a catalytic converter theft problem throughout most of Michigan right now. Our shop was hit by thieves twice now, they manage to avoid the camera ID with hoodies and masks. One was in the parking lot, when the customer didn't pick up as planned over Christmas. Others were in our fenced in, locked yard. They cut the chain link. They look like pros as they slither through the lot. Every one has been hit around here in our small town, as well as dealerships in surrounding towns. How do they cash in on 50+ brand new catalytic converters at the scrap yard anyway? We have cameras pointing in every direction, but they see those and find a way around detection. A private security guard runs upwards of $3,000 a week. Scrap is at $2.10. I think as long as they can catch a few bucks that way they will. So tell me, are you having problems and what are you doing to deter theft?

We are also a small shop in a small town, same situation. I have been contemplating an upgrade myself. We use QuickBooks and it's worked well for us. I may consider an upgrade down the road, but for now it does what I need.

Michigan order has been delayed until the end of May, I'm not convinced it won't go into the middle or end of June. We're closed, but I'm in the office fielding calls in hopes of business. people just aren't coming out. We are in a small town in SW Michigan. I'm getting calls for oil changes and tire repairs, but I can't really call mechanics in for work that has such a minimal profit margin. I will end up costing me money in the long run. I'm considering opening up one or two days a week to see how it goes. I'm a female operator and not a mechanic myself so I can't do the work without my mechanics. I honestly don't know what to do at this point. Of course with the UIA and PUA, laid off employees are getting paid more than they would working full time, they have no reason to even want to come back to work. Any input is welcomed.

I've had this happen also. We have more regular customers than not, so I can guess who may put me in this position. If I have doubts and out of pocket parts costs will dent my pocket, I will consider asking for a deposit on higher jobs, if they're not my regular customers, especially for special order parts. We are a small business, I can't carry these comfortably. I have implied that I will charge storage fees, that does help speed up the pick up. Kindly stated, customers should understand that we have to carry these costs. Reminder phone calls can't hurt either.