AutoShopOwner - Automotive Management Network: Ask Patty - AutoShopOwner - Automotive Management Network

I had learned of Ask Patty (http://www.askpatty.com/) decided to check them out. They do not provide pricing information on-line but they want to present things in about a 30 minute phone call with you in front of your computer. I sat through that today. It could be a good program but it is too early to tell how successful they will be. Here is some pricing information about the cost of becoming a Certified Woman Friendly Shop. You will need to do on-line one time training of personnel that interact with customers ($100 per person). There is then a $250 one time set up fee to provide you with a mini-website, to link your current web site to Patty's, and for marketing and publicity support. Then the cost is $149.00 per month maintenance. Ask Patty is something I would really like to do but I do not think it would be cost effective for us at this point in time based upon our location and market. It is a little too rich for our blood.

I agree, the concept of marketing to women is great, but the cost are a little steep. What impact can they make in your business that could make that much of a difference? That is the question. The jury is still out for me.

I have also listened to their information a few months ago. I agree 100% with the concept but like you said, they are little more money than I as a small shop can afford to spend at this time. They will send you great deals every few months trying to sign you up. Last months was really good but I just can't afford it right now. I will probably do this program though.

I guess the key is to try to calculate the return on investment from a program such as this. This will require accurate tracking and a sufficient amount of time to estimate the overall value.

What other forms of advertising do you do?

New Jersey Repair Shop Caters to Female Customers

Sorry...

xrac, on 07 February 2010 - 02:06 PM, said:

I think catering to women is a great marketing idea. Making your facility clean, neat and comfortable is not only appealing to women, but to men also. The look of you customer service area has a lot to do with your ability to sell and attract the “right” customer.

When we built our new facility we designed the customer area more like a professional office. We also took some design ideas from luxury hotel lobbies. Our customer bathroom has plants, art work on the wall, automatic towel dispenser, a hook on the wall for a women's bag or coat and we too have a baby changing station.

Our clean-up people check the bathrooms throughout the day.