FROGFINDER

I have seen do it your selfers do that and Brake in the box do that as well!

I drew a line in the sand when it comes to integrity. I worked for a family owned independent shop as service/parts advisor for 26 years fighting for what was honest and right. I would wash customers cars on my lunch and breaks. I promoted the business on my off time, cut the shop lawn and solicited $250k more business per year. I would not lie cheat or steal. The owner would damage peoples cars, loosen bolts, burn up clutches and engines for his profit. He was mad that I would not sell his "jobs". The stress made me sick and I had a stroke at work and pinched nerves in my spinal cord in 2005. In 2014 the owner hired a thief as mgr that was "horny for money" to replace me and sell his "jobs". My retirement was "TURN IN YOUR KEYS" NOTHING! I am now disabled and caring for my ill mother in law and wife but I can look myself in the mirror and sleep at night. I hope to work in this industry again but it has to be "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

My mother in law had one of those. Every time the car came back from the dealer "tune up"-The A/C was not working!

Some Like you, Some like me, some like dealers, some trade when repairs are needed, some lease, some restore, some neglect, etc That's why there is 31 flavors of ice cream. Cater to the needs of those that like your flavor of service.

I work my side of the street and the other business works theirs. Our customers are getting brainwashed and the vehicles are being turned into drones that will drive themselves to the service area. I've had several customers contact me to say that their car is emailing them about being serviced.

not to steer the conversation but how about getting a ATM installed and they pay cash.

I like steering a ship that could sail without me. If my family or country needs me I may be hard to reach. I like closing for vacation at a certain time. Helps you plan.

would more thorough vehicle under carriage rinsing service help?

Poor Investment on a dated product.

It's like catching the big wave. It's like a we are a Triage Unit managing people and car issues. Main thing is to quickly determine need, phase one time estimate, get approval for any testing. Some customers may stay while you create phase one estimate and/or testing for repair estimate. And Hold On!

Many of the extended warranties want to send the parts or they allow the price that they say would pay for it from their source. A general example might be like a vw compressor with clutch that lists from dealer at $895.00 but they will allow $299.00 if we source it. I inform all parties that if they sent the part and it is a bad part someone will be paying me for r&r.

They don't benefit. What gets me is when/if the vehicle goes to the dealer and they do the job with no out of pocket to the customer just to make us look bad.

Ditto

Most customers hear blah blah blah $1000.00. To prove this out when busy I have had my PORTER sell $2000.00 phase one on jobs before.

Digital people don't have good grammar. They tweet.

#1 don't warranty used parts. have customer sign paperwork stating no warranty. #2 I hate to say it but one must go over all contracts you sign with your attorney or expect a surprise. #3 been there done that- I'm always happy if no one gets hurt/killed. if I can solve the problem with money then I am happy.

I try to sell cars in the $3k to $7 area. Buying cars customers don't want to repair works. Trading tear down time dollars for titles works too.

Scanning vin is cool but don't neglect the visual vehicle under hood and walk around inspection! Many cars check in with no oil shown on the dipstick, wheel curb damage, warning lights on, steel cord showing on tires etc that get missed if the car is just "scanned". It's often easier to sell the obvious sooner than later.

Hire attitude! teach skills!

Video tape them and put them on u-tube. Always wear a body cam when dealing with the public! You will need it someday soon.

Perfume, Booze, Body odor, etc. Air management is critical! Bake cookies!

sorry for the double post.

One customer came to get a key off her key ring and the office was busy so she went right to her car and caught the L1 tech SEXTING in her car. I like the Phone on break or lunch rule. Driving a car or Working on a car is the activity not sexting/texting/talking. Sure you don't see a problem in your shop until a wheel is left loose or a oil filter is left loose, etc I don't want my Pilot arguing with his wife on the phone while we are trying to land!

I've had women customers complain about GoJo and smoking smells when they get their car back.

IF you push by hand put your back to the vehicle and push with your legs.