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Posted

Before you call me crazy, please read on. Last year was one of the toughest winters in history for many shops in the northern states. Records snow falls and frigid low temperatures caused many shops to lose days, and in some cases weeks’ worth of sales. Many shops are still struggling to eke out a profit for this year.

 

That’s the bad news, and the reality of what happened and what can happen again this winter. The good news is this: We all learned from it. And because of what happened we are better prepared, or should be better prepared for it.

 

He’s a rundown of the strategy most of us will implement. Please feel free to add to this list, so we can all share in each other’s knowledge:

· Create a Fall Promotion to get your customer’s car ready for the winter

· Have a meeting with the entire staff; key on the service areas that are winter-related and check these items at every vehicle visit:

o Battery testing

o Antifreeze testing

o Check wiper blades

o Check tire condition

o Suggest snow/winter tires

o Check all fluid condition

o Check operation of heater and fan speeds

· Make sure your service staff is proactive with regard to needed maintenance services

· Identify the next service for all customers, inform the customer.

· Book and flood your customer base with service reminders during the slower months to boost sales

· Implement a phone call system to call customer to remind them of recommended services, especially during the slow months

· Create another Winter-Related promotion and send out during the months of January, February and March.

o Flood your customer base with these promotions.

 

No one can predict the future, and no one can tell how any effect any marketing plan will be. But there is one thing I CAN guarantee; if you do nothing, expect nothing.

 

Your thoughts?

 

 

 

  • Like 2
  • 1 month later...
Posted

My thoughts are people need to be better prepared, we will dump 16in of snow and then be -40 two days later and haven't missed a day of school or work. Alaskans are a tough crowd

Posted

My thoughts are people need to be better prepared, we will dump 16in of snow and then be -40 two days later and haven't missed a day of school or work. Alaskans are a tough crowd

We don't get quite that cold, but Minne-Snow-tains are just as tough.

 

Can't wait for snow and pot holes and people going into the ditch; keeps the alignment rack busy!

Posted

My thoughts are people need to be better prepared, we will dump 16in of snow and then be -40 two days later and haven't missed a day of school or work. Alaskans are a tough crowd

We need typically a minimum of 8 inches of the despicable white stuff before they close schools.

In the Southern states a single flake can cause delays and closures. .

It's all matte of, like you said, preparedness. In Alaska you know you will be getting hit hard and you prepare fo it. In Michigan we know we have varying amounts of snowfall and we prepare accordingly. I drive Nokian WR G3's on my car because I know I will be dealing with snow and have no problems witth slippery road confidence. But how many times does Texass get snow? So if they don't get much snow why should they prepare for what they don't normally experience?

But you are right, it's all about preparedness. Be prepared but ther comes a point when it stops being prudent and starts being paranoia.

Posted

Mr Joe was talking about northern states though, not about it snowing in texas.

 

We need typically a minimum of 8 inches of the despicable white stuff before they close schools.

In the Southern states a single flake can cause delays and closures. .

It's all matte of, like you said, preparedness. In Alaska you know you will be getting hit hard and you prepare fo it. In Michigan we know we have varying amounts of snowfall and we prepare accordingly. I drive Nokian WR G3's on my car because I know I will be dealing with snow and have no problems witth slippery road confidence. But how many times does Texass get snow? So if they don't get much snow why should they prepare for what they don't normally experience?

But you are right, it's all about preparedness. Be prepared but ther comes a point when it stops being prudent and starts being paranoia.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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