Quantcast
Jump to content


Pulled the Trigger - Mitchell1 SE Questions


Recommended Posts

We finally pulled the trigger and are in the process of setting up Mitchell1 SE.

 

Right now my opinion is: what a nightmare!

 

I know I have to be patient to get everything set up, that is a given. I have done this in other industries. However, this, it will not be a smooth setup. Any tips?

 

My other question is: How do you handle retail sales? Once we get our THOUSANDS of retail part numbers transported into the program (at an extra $200 that we were not aware of until the programs were installed) how do you create a sale for a retail customers? I'm looking in the program, and it doesn't jump out at me. If this is not possible, then we have just wasted a lot of time, money and effort.

 

Some of the retail sales are made to "cash customer" in our old system. Do you recommend creating one in Mitchell?

 

Thanks

Edited by PAPShop
Link to comment
Share on other sites



This is what i have found to be a problem with "retail sales". Assuming you would close out that sale as a counter sale in Mitchell. What I come to find out that in the reports, counter sales will count against your ARO. I find that to be absolutely retarded considering that you are selling a part or a product and not working on a car. Just a little annoying tidbit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"what a nightmare" is an understatement.

 

We have been using Mitchel for 8-9 years & every day I complain about it. It is too difficult to change & learn another program at this point for us.

 

As far as parts sales you would use the "counter" button & choose to put the customer name/addy in or not. It is much better if you have the part numbers & pricing loaded into the system.

 

There are A LOT of hidden features in the program I do not like such as LABOR RATE is a button labeled "type", what's wrong with making the most important thing we do - charge labor at the correct rate - an obvious label & make it show up so no one misses it??

 

The only help I can give is you need to spend time on the trainings & forum resource to learn some of the idiosyncrasies. I have had difficulties with new employees & I find I need to go over everything they do to correct mistakes in write up.

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

20 days out and I am STILL setting up Mitchell. The nightmare continues.

 

In the state of Mn, some labor is taxable and some is not. R&R is not, all other labor is. How did you set this up in Mitchell, or did each user memorize what to tax and what not to and change the tax code for each invoice as needed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agreed, spend time on the mitchell forum. There is an icon along the top row in Mitchell. Create an account and don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, the search function is handy in cases like yours where you have state specific stuff. Someone has probably already asked what your talking about and there is probably 1 or 2 solutions

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

1. Integration with QB problems

2. Constantly being told by Tech Support "you can't do that with this program" or "I don't know how to do that". I 'fondly' refer to any phone call to tech support as "playing the game stump the dummies".

3. Many of the accounting actions are multiple steps to do them, so instead of saving time, it takes more time.

 

The sad thing is, we see how it has greatly helped the front side of the business, dealing with customers and we are making more money on each vehicle.

 

We have contacted our Field rep and our original salesman. They are currently jumping thru hoops to keep us. I have mentally shut down on this program. It is not bookkeeping friendly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"what a nightmare" is an understatement.

 

 

The only help I can give is you need to spend time on the trainings & forum resource to learn some of the idiosyncrasies. I have had difficulties with new employees & I find I need to go over everything they do to correct mistakes in write up.

Dave

 

I have watched all the videos, and have yet to find an answer on the forums. When I have a question, and I "click the question mark", it will not go to their online help page because my question is in a small screen.

 

How do you do a search in the online help page? You don't, tech support told me "you can't do that, our program isn't written for that ability" !!??!!

Edited by PAPShop
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      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.
  • Similar Topics

    • By carmcapriotto
      Welcome to the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Brian Walker. In this solo episode, Brian discusses the importance of taking massive action during slow business periods. 
      Drawing from a recent conversation with a shop owner, he shares strategies to combat slow times, including leveraging networking groups like BNI, using your CRM effectively, creating engaging video content, and offering incentives.
      Brian also highlights the importance of personal health and well-being, emphasizing that a healthy business owner is crucial for a thriving business. 
      Tune in for practical tips to help fill your bays and keep your business thriving.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Greg Buckley at Buckley's Auto Center : https://www.youtube.com/@BuckleysAutoCare/featured
      Charlie's Foreign Car
      https://www.youtube.com/@fixingcars
      Royalty Auto Service
      https://www.youtube.com/@theroyaltyautoservice
      Dave’s Auto Center
      https://www.youtube.com/@DavesAutoCenterCenterville
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching emphasizes the importance of seeking inspiration and innovation outside the auto repair industry. He challenges shop owners to break out of their comfort zones and learn from disruptors in fields like hospitality, retail, healthcare, and fitness. Chris discusses how adopting customer-centric approaches and technologies from these industries can transform auto repair businesses.
       
      For instance, he highlights how the hospitality industry's focus on exceptional customer service and personalized experiences can be mirrored in auto repair shops to build stronger customer relationships and loyalty. Similarly, he points out how retail's use of data analytics and customer feedback can help auto shops better understand their clients' needs and preferences, leading to more tailored services and improved satisfaction.
       
      Chris also explores how the healthcare sector's emphasis on transparency and trust can be applied to auto repair, fostering a more open and honest communication channel between mechanics and customers. Additionally, he draws parallels with the fitness industry's use of subscription models and community-building strategies, suggesting that auto repair shops could benefit from implementing similar membership programs to ensure steady revenue and customer engagement.
       
      He encourages proactive learning, attending conferences, and networking with professionals from other sectors. By stepping outside the traditional boundaries of the auto repair industry, shop owners can gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can set them apart from competitors.
       
      The episode concludes with practical steps for implementing these innovative ideas to enhance customer experience and drive positive change in auto repair shops. Chris provides actionable advice on how to start small, such as introducing a customer feedback system or experimenting with new service packages, and gradually scale up these initiatives. He also stresses the importance of continuous improvement and staying adaptable to evolving customer expectations and industry trends. By embracing these strategies, auto repair shops can not only improve their operations but also create a more engaging and satisfying experience for their customers.
       
      The power of looking outside our industry (00:01:05)
      Exploring the importance of learning from disruptors in other fields to stay ahead of the curve.  
      Innovation at the edges (00:03:26)
       
      Discussing how innovation often occurs at the edges of industries and the benefits of looking beyond traditional practices.  
      Examples of disruptors in other industries (00:04:37)
       
      Exploring examples from healthcare, food and beverage, connected fitness apps, and education to draw insights for auto repair business.  
      Implementing ideas in auto repair shops (00:09:41)
       
      Strategies for implementing ideas from other industries, such as networking, adopting technology, experimenting with service models, focusing on customer experience, and empowering the team.  
       
       
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments By setting realistic expectations, providing necessary support and training, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining transparency and honesty, business owners can create a more productive and harmonious workplace. Implementing these actionable tips from Kevin Eckler can help reduce turnover, improve employee satisfaction, and ultimately lead to a more successful business. Kevin Eckler, Foreign Car Specialists, Poughkeepsie, NY. Listen to Kevin’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
      The challenges in the automotive industry (00:00:06) Discussion about the struggles and shortcomings in hiring and managing employees in the automotive industry. Setting up employees for failure (00:01:01) The tendency to bring in new employees without realistic expectations and necessary support, leading to repeated failures. Lack of support and training for new employees (00:02:43) Failure to equip new employees with the tools, support, and training needed for success in their positions. Creating a toxic work environment (00:03:40) The impact of avoiding confrontations and failing to address issues on creating a toxic work environment and setting employees up to fail. Self-awareness and accountability (00:06:34) The importance of self-awareness in how one's actions and words influence the atmosphere and attitude in the workplace. Honesty about the challenges and vision of the business (00:08:08) The importance of being honest about the difficulties and vision of the business when bringing in new employees and setting realistic expectations. Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners, for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections  
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      Matt Fanslow and guest Tanner Brandt discuss the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the state of the country, and the impact of political polarization. They explore how media influences public opinion and the role of political figures in shaping societal views. The conversation highlights the need for civil discourse, critical thinking, and seeking diverse perspectives to counteract the echo chamber effect of social media. understanding in political discussions.
      Show Notes
      The assassination attempt on Donald Trump (00:01:19)  Reactions and media influence (00:03:07)  Civil discourse and collaboration (00:06:14)  Impact of political polarization (00:09:24)  Media influence and party allegiance (00:13:15) The 24-hour news cycle and political leanings (00:17:31)  The influence of social media algorithms (00:21:19)  Creating echo chambers and misinformation (00:25:11)  Social media's impact on the youth and political divide (00:30:17)  The need for leadership and setting an example (00:33:24)  Raising Respectful Kids (00:34:24)  Generational Toughness (00:35:13)  Understanding Power Dynamics (00:36:09)  Real Life vs. Online Behavior (00:37:36)  Media Influence and Perception (00:41:16)  Seeking Positive News (00:42:50)  Finding a Hobby (00:45:18) Avoiding Politicization (00:49:05) NASTF (00:49:55)  Congress Behavior (00:51:15)  Congressional Discussions (00:52:32)  Ego in Politics (00:55:24)  Economic and Social Issues (00:59:02)  Interest Rates and Younger Generations (01:00:44)  Healthcare and Future Concerns (01:02:24)  Local Governance and Youth Leadership (01:05:26)  Caring for the Community (01:06:34)  Striving for Better (01:07:38)  Social Media Impact (01:08:46)  Forming Opinions (01:10:06)  Media Influence (01:11:14)   
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com
       
      Email Matt: [email protected]
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE
      Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
       
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class Brin Kline shares his journey from technician to successful shop owner, highlighting the crucial role of his business coach, Bill Haas. They delve into the importance of having an accountability partner, the role of coaching in reducing stress, and how personalized guidance can help shop owners reach their full potential. Perfect for shop owners looking for insights on business coaching, this episode is packed with valuable advice and industry wisdom. Brin Kline, Shop Owner, Assured Auto Works, Melbourne, FL. Brin's previous episodes Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting, Bill’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
      Coaching in the Industry (00:01:15) Discussion about the importance of coaching in the automotive industry and the value of having a coach. Accountability and Coaching (00:07:49) The importance of having an accountability partner in coaching and its impact on business progress. Financial Security and Coaching (00:09:47) The relationship between financial security, goal setting, and coaching in business development. Business Goals and Budgeting (00:11:13) The significance of setting business goals and budgeting with the guidance of a coach. Selecting a Coach (00:13:50) Considerations for selecting a coach based on strengths and weaknesses. Affordability of Coaching (00:16:05) Discussion on the affordability of coaching and the potential benefits, even for struggling businesses. Personal Growth and Coaching (00:18:41) The importance of personal growth, humility, and willingness to change in the coaching relationship. Business changes and profitability (00:20:16) Discussion on increased profitability and the ability to make changes in the business. Gaining confidence and comfort (00:21:19) Becoming more comfortable and confident in making changes and taking action. Transition from technician to business owner (00:25:28) Concerns and challenges of transitioning from a technician to a business owner. Selecting the right coach (00:34:01) Factors to consider when selecting a coach, including industry passion and adaptability. Managing time and involvement in the industry (00:39:08) Discussion on managing time and involvement in various industry activities as a challenge. Team growth and dynamics (00:41:33) Discussion about the growth of Brin's team and maintaining a positive work environment. Commitment to the business (00:44:22) Brin's decision-making process and commitment to his business. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                                  
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...