ASA membership, is it worth it?

[CAautogroup]

Hello all,

 

We are trying to expand our customer base as business is slow now. In a addition to advertising through social media, we are exploring different automotive associations/groups to join.

 

I came across ASA (Automotive Service Association) and would like to know if anyone is already a member and if its worth it since membership itself is about $625/yr.

 

Do you get many customers or referrals from joining such organizations?

 

 

Any other suggestions?

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions.

 

Nick

CA Auto Group

[Gonzo]

  On 4/27/2016 at 7:49 PM, CAautogroup said:

Hello all,

 

We are trying to expand our customer base as business is slow now. In a addition to advertising through social media, we are exploring different automotive associations/groups to join.

 

I came across ASA (Automotive Service Association) and would like to know if anyone is already a member and if its worth it since membership itself is about $625/yr.

 

Do you get many customers or referrals from joining such organizations?

 

 

Any other suggestions?

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions.

 

Nick

CA Auto Group

I was a member back in the 90's and paid the dues, never got anything out of it. Then a year or two ago I decided to take another look at it. Paid the dues and got on their mailing list. They had a meeting every month usually with somebody coming in to speak at the meeting. What got me was each meeting costs you. Yes, even after paying the dues each meeting ran anywhere from 20 bucks to 40 dollars. I'm mean ... really... what was the initial dues for then? A sign, a few door stickers? I let my membership expire. Haven't renewed it since.

 

Your results maybe different, but I'm not seeing any value in it at this time.

Oh, there is a reduced fee for the Chrysler yearly on line tech stuff, and some sort of health insurance deal, but neither of them was a big incentive as far as I was concerned.

 

 

[kars]

I can't say my business has increased by being a member. I find the value in meeting and talking with other shop owners. The group in Phoenix is very friendly and all of the owners approachable. A few are very successful and always seem to be willing to give some good quality advise. Dues seem to vary from state to state. I pay quarterly so it's not a big financial burden. As for paying additional per meeting, most are catered, so I can see the added expense.

[totalautocare]

Study the strategies and concepts of grass roots marketing.

 

Get out there, shake hands and kiss babies. You're a politician, campaigning for your own political group! If they like you and know what you do, your name is half done... GET OUT AND MAKE SOME FRIENDS... IT'S FREE!!!

 

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

[Gonzo]

  On 4/28/2016 at 5:25 AM, totalautocare said:

Study the strategies and concepts of grass roots marketing.

 

Get out there, shake hands and kiss babies. You're a politician, campaigning for your own political group! If they like you and know what you do, your name is half done... GET OUT AND MAKE SOME FRIENDS... IT'S FREE!!!

 

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

 

Yes ABSOLUTELY! I've been a member of a tips group for years. One for nearly 20 years. It has one of any type of business, but only one. So, I was the only repair shop allowed in. Well worth the dues.

 

I'm also in a golf "tips" group that meet once a month. But it's not for the golf outings, it's for the other businesses that are members that I'm there for. and I want their cars in my shop. And, they do.

 

Over the years I've paid the dues, gone to the meetings, shook hands, and kiss the babies. It really works.

More so than the ASA meetings ever did.

[alfredauto]

That's a good idea gonzo. I can force myself to golf But I'm not eating mayonnaise. (Joke from undercover brother)