Winter is Coming – Can’t Wait!

[Joe Marconi]

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?

 

 

 

[John Pearson]

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

[PAPShop]

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!

[TheTrustedMechanic]

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.

[John Pearson]

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.