DUFRESNES

Help on deciding which system to use. We have inventory missing, whether from not getting on the invoice or walking out. Would like to put a camera at each bay, office and cash register. We have a little store with Espresso, cigarettes, candy and vending. Costco has an eight camera hard wired indoor and out door. I understand you can watch it on your computer or smart phone. How does this work. Is it all the time or just at certain times or ?????? Do you have to have a security company set up or can we do our own. Does it have sound or just video? I guess I am just asking for any information to make my job easier.

Please send me the link also at [email protected] Thank you in advance

Out of 8 employees, we had 2 that could never get to work on time, period. We have meetings in the morning 2x a week and they would come straggling in. Let me say they are both good Techs in most other ways. I had tried everything to get them here. I can't stand being late and I think if they want their job they should be on time. Finally, I did the following, not sure it would be good or right for everybody. It has worked for me. If they are late I will deduct 1 hour for each day they are late. This was for flat rate technicians. The 1st two weeks I deducted 4 hours. He came in and asked me how come. I told him we had a meeting and this was my last resort. He said well, I didn't think you would really do it. When you hit them in the pocket book, it makes a difference. I also had told him if he was on time, he would also get a raise, which he deserved. He then made the effort and is on time. He came in and now wants his hours back. I will give them back after he proves he can come to work on time for more than 2 weeks.

We have used the full program of RO Writer with the accounting link called the back office and it intergrates with QB since 2008. We have had some problems with ROW and support, but all in all it is a great total program. We do all our payroll through QB enhanced. QB does all the reports, deposits, W2'S etc. It is wonderful. The only problem we have found with ROW is that we only had 1 day of training and it wasn't until later that we found out about a couple parts not set up properly. We have learned by using and trying different things. Our SW likes the program and is using it fully. Their marketing module and inventroy module good be improved. Once you get the marketing set up, it works turnkey. Their isn't a lot of support for advanced users.

I found your link up above. thanks anyway

After 44 years and many changes, I have some questions for the group. We have 4 technicians with 1 SW and 1 helper/technician, 1 CSR person and 1 office gal. We had a meeting this morning and one old time tech thinks the SW should go out and write all the info of each car and do the initial test drive before the tech gets the car. The tech then will diag and bring the information to the SW. We have tried it both ways, but in my shop I think the Tech should do the walk around the car, test drive get the vin and info if it is a new car to us, ptherwise it is all in the history on RO Writer our management system. Our CSR and office usually answers the phone, writes up the customer and offers tea or coffee. Just wondering what system all of you use when the customer comes in.

Sorry, I meant a j2534. We have been doing a lot of research on this scanner and which manufacturers charge for each service by the day, week or monthly. Thanks for the heads up on your learning curve. That is why I love this forum.

Well, one more scanner and tool, a DREW J2535 Scanner. This one sounds really good and not to expensive using manufacturers sites. Have any of you used it and how do you like it. It makes all the difference if people that use it, recommend it. Instead of sending the cars back to the dealer, we can reflash and fix. What are you charging for these procedures. Thanks to a great group. Nancy

We do 70 point inspection on every oil change and a visual inspection on cars when in for repairs. Twice a year we do a free inspection with a barbecue. We have t-shirts and banners. This is in connection with AAA and the Car Care Council. To make it go smoothly we get there name, e-mail and phone number. Put a couple guys on each car and then send them or call them with estimates of what we find. We can move cars pretty fast, all done by ase cert techs. We put it in the newsletter and then send an e-mail blast also.

We live in the hills. We guarantee our pads won't squeak. We use Akebono or centric ceramics if possible. We charge for a brake inspection which includes a test drive, pulling all 4 wheels, measuring inboard, outboard pads, rotors, checking the master cylinder and brake lines. I see our brake jobs are a lot more money than the average. We pay the tech .3 for brake inspection and 1.4 for the brake job. I see I have been paying more than most of you. Our brake jobs, not counting rotors usually from $200 to $250 plus a hydraulic brake flush. If you believe in your value, you can sell it. We do a lot of redos from the $99 places. We don't lose many brake jobs.

Question for all of you that pay your SW a commission of the mechanics sales, what do you do about oil changes. With the price of oil continuing to skyrocket, there isn't any profit in them, except when you upsell. I have been paying 8% on all sales + bonus, but when it isn't feasible anymore, it is hard to take back a commission. It doesn't make much sense for the shop to go backwards on these items. We post a daily page with our monthly goals by the day and each mechanics labor sales, billed hours and % for production plus average work order for each. This is a team bonus program ranging from 50-500 per each person. 1/2 of it goes on their pay check and 1/2 for to their 401K (actual Sar Sep) I know what should be done, but can't seem to do it.

Thanks

Is it possible just to use it for credit for the customers. We have very few customers write checks and haven't had a bad check for 10 years. Is the charge around 5%. Thanks for the info.

I agree customer service is the most important thing we have to offer that makes us different from the dealership. There are times when there isn't anything more you can do. I always say I am too old to put up with abuse. Yes, we fire customers. It isn't fair to our good customers, to take up our time on the crazys. 99.9 of our customers are the best. You can't let that .1% change how you do business.

I have never believed in engine flushes especially for engines with high mileage. Lately we have several VW with sludged engines. Some of them are under a class action to be replaced by VW. The others we have sent to the dealer. This gripes me. So, I am looking into the situation. Our dealer here charges $500 for this service. The Jiffy Lube charges $89.99. There must be a difference in solution, filters etc. According to our Honda Tech and European tech where they worked before, they would pull the valve cover off 1st if possible to check condition before flushing on a car with less than 90K miles. On the case of De-Sludging that the car already has a problem, they would do it with no guarantee, that maybe it would take care of the customer's problem. I want the groups opinion.

One of the biggest reasons for failure is accounts receivable. Over the years, I have let a very few people charge. I try to follow my gut. I try explaining, I am a small business person, have to pay my accounts, pay employees and keep the doors open. Ask them if they can put it on credit card, call a relative or ? Usually they always can come up with the money. The last one that asked me said I don't want to put it on a CC because they will charge me interest. She was thinking it would be cheaper for her to get us to carry her. We try not to even let the person leave with the vehicle and come back and pay. The problem is what happens if something happens on the way home. Another thought is when you do let somebody charge and they owe you money, if they need a repair, they won't come to you. They know they owe you, so they go somewhere else. You won't see them until they pay.

Right on

We financed a lease with US Bank @4.99% 100 percent financed with a cost of $299. for paper work. We traded in, dug up, installed and with electricals about $56K. You can hook up and check an alignment in about 40 seconds. It does everything but the adjustments for you including telling you which tool to use. It is prett fantastic. Now hope it makes us lots of money.

Anybody interested in seeing the pictures of the New Hunter Alignment Center can see it at Facebook DuFresne's Auto Service

I do the same and say with conviction.

We just put one in with our new alignment center. So far it works great. We have 1 center post lift, 3 dual post electric and 1 scissor lift. They are all different. If you are going to spend the money, get a good one and that will lift at least a 3/4 ton pickup.

After a few discussions, they came out today dug out and placed a 2x2 drain tank in the cement, covered it with a grate and screen over the top. It looks great. Thanks to Joe for all his information. Things are looking up. The rack should be here Monday or Tuesday. Thanks again for the forum. I believe we should all help each other

We also do a monthly bonus if earned. It is based on the best month such as December versus all other Decembers. The bonus can range per person from $50-500. 1/2 is paid on their check and 1/2 goes to their Sar-Sep. Our Cpa said this was best, so we didn't have to pay taxes on the part that went to the Sar-Sep. It is an expense to the company.

We used to do Turkeys and Bonus. Now only bonus. We do up to $500.00 depending on how long a person has been here. Sometimes I wonder if it is really appreciated or just expected.