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I call them 'Iffy Lube'. Had one in Saratoga Springs, NY across from the Ford/Mazda/Subaru dealership I worked at. At least once a month we'd be doing a motor, trans or front diff that they ruined.

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15 minutes ago, OTPAuto said:

I call them 'Iffy Lube'. Had one in Saratoga Springs, NY across from the Ford/Mazda/Subaru dealership I worked at. At least once a month we'd be doing a motor, trans or front diff that they ruined.

Most consumers do not understand that the quality of the workers and knowledge of automobiles is probably lower at the quick lubes than anywhere else. However, for many consumers all the information they are getting about their cars are coming from these places. Do you think that most if these places have much understanding of VVT systems, BCM issues, PCM issues, etc.  how many times have you been told that the guy at xxxx lLube told me xxxxx which was totally erroneous. Do you think very many master techs want to work at a Jiffy Lube?  The whole concept of a quickie service on a vehicle is flawed in my opinion. 

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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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