marxautocenter

Thanks Freestate, Much appreciated!

Hi Freestate, It's not an issue with how to run reports from RO Writer, but since we use Autovitals for timekeeping, RO writer is lacking the full picture to create the reports. I'm not sure which version we are using now, but we have been due for a week or 2 to update to the newest version, we just usually wait a short while so they can address fixes before we update. I've currently built a Google sheet, and it populates the information we need for daily review, just wondering what other shop owners do who run both programs, specifically owners who find timekeeping easier in Autovitals. Best Regards,

Hello everyone, Currently we use RO Writer and Auto Vitals to manage our shop workflow. It works out very well overall, but I'm looking for a way to keep track of daily/weekly shop numbers in a clean and easy to read format. We found it difficult to get clear numbers in RO writer, and use the punch in/out feature in Auto Vitals for time keeping (which limits our reporting features in RO writer). I'm looking for other shop owners who use this combination to tell me they way they keep track of their daily/weekly numbers, such as technician hours worked/billed, comebacks, declined work, sold recommended (and develop a ratio from declined work/sold recommended). I'm working on a Google sheet now, but I'm looking for opinions on what you find easiest to read, while limiting entering too much information multiple times. Thank you for your comments in advance! Cheers!

Hi Dufresnes, I don't have an answer, but I wanted to let you know we are experiencing the same issues with AllData not having any information on the Mercedes-Benz vehicles we service. Our scanners aren't much help either, and we also use Autel and a Snap-on Zeus.

Hello all, I'm currently the General Manager of a pre-owned vehicle sales and service center. The business has a great reputation in the community, and has done well for 35 years. The current owners are ready to retire and enjoy a life of less responsibilities. They have deemed me fit to take control, and are helping me out by carrying the note, with a good down payment of course. We are still working on the nuts and bolts of the deal, and it has me thinking of all the avenues I could pursue in the future. Which leads to my question, should I continue to sell cars, or just focus on service? I know I'm not giving much information, but I'm looking to hear from other owners who may have experience on both ends, on some pros and cons. I know the 2 segments are symbiotic, as sales gives us future service work, and service has the option of offering vehicles for sale when a service customers vehicle is deemed not worth repairing. The current numbers are skewed, as service gives a discounted rate to sales in the manner of 50 dollars per hour of labor, as opposed to the 134.77, and also parts are at cost. I am a numbers guy, and would like to make a decision on what would be most profitable, and I will have a better idea as we work over the reports. I'm just looking for opinions from knowledgeable folks. We don't have a master technician at the moment, so we struggle on diagnostics sometimes, and I would have to resolve that should I decide to remove sales from the equation. Sales end is currently handled solely by one owner, other than myself talking to customers on the lot. We have a license now for 30 cars. Fenced in yard behind building capable of storing 40+ cars, with a front lot that displays the 30 vehicles for sale. Great customer base, minimal advertising in the 35 years of business. ARO is 426.20 currently, and we average around 2000 RO's annually in the last 4-5 years. I know I'm not providing enough information, but I can update when more becomes available. Thanks in advance!

First post, apologies for it being on such an old thread. But I'm with Andersonauto! I've lurked this site for almost a year daily, and I have gained tons of useful information from the members here, but everything that comes from Marksas is pure gold! You can tell almost instantly that he is a man of due diligence and intelligence, and I appreciate that TREMENDOUSLY! I copy most of his posts and save them for future reminders. Marksas, if you did want to compile your entire business plan and philosophy, I would buy the second copy after Andersonauto got the first, and I would also pay premium! Thank you to ALL the members of Auto Shop Owner, this has been an invaluable tool to me as I'm a General Manager cuing up to purchase the business, I've contacted members privately, and everyone has been very helpful . I have to shout out Joe Marconi as well, a man with great experience in the automotive world, and life itself. It's very enjoyable learning from someone with such great experience, who also self reflects and realizes that everyday is a school day and there is always more to learn. I plan on posting moving forward, as I feel I also have gained some knowledge that others might find helpful! Cheers everyone!