When business completely disappears...

[insomniac]

Iv noticed over the years there are times when business/car count drops off by a huge amount all at once. Last year it was brutal in January and got worse in February. It got busier the 2nd week of March and was pretty steady the rest of the year with my best month ever in November then even topped that in December. But this year its back to the same. January came leads completely dropped out, February came and it got worse, just like last year. Now I know its just a waiting game and business will pick back up. Its not just me every shop in the area is completely empty. --- What triggers these pattern down turns? Has anyone ever figured that out? Thought?

[tyrguy]

As far as the northern part of the country, by January most people have done what they normally do to get their vehicles ready for winter so that kind of work isn't there. In January and February the weather is lousy so people aren't traveling as much. Less miles, less work needed. Also in these 2 months Xmas bills are coming due so we're still fighting Santa Claus. The only thing that helps during this time of year is SEVERE weather that breaks cars. The other time of year we see severe slowdowns is in September during back to school time.

Edited February 14, 2019 by tyrguy

[Joe Marconi]

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[daves auto service]

I agree with Joe Marconi and Tyrguy for what causes the slow done. January and February has always been very slow months for us also.  I send monthly newsletters to my customers and I will have a coupon insert for oil changes and other services. Any customer who hasn't been in over 6 months, we send them a oversize postcard with a $25 coupon good for any repairs and services. And of course we check and double check for other repairs and services needed when the car is on the lift and send then a picture and video of the problem. What had also helped us at times is we will post something on Facebook stating why service / maintenance is important and we will boost it for $10. We had people call us after seeing the post, ask questions, and we got them to make a appointment. And we currently have a mailer going out in the mail to a new customer list. My thought has always been to try something to get the phone to ring, than it is to wonder why the phone isn't ringing and do nothing about it. The person who received our newsletter or mailer in the mail may not respond, but that newsletter / mailer may sit on the kitchen or dinning room table for a couple weeks, and they may look at it again and think," I do need to get my car in for a service". And it does happen. Why? Because I have done the same thing. But there will be times no matter what you do, the phone just doesn't ring.

[DUFRESNES]

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[Joe Marconi]

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[Guest]

Have you ever called your own phone just to make sure it's working? I laugh because even the robo calling telemarketers dont call during those times. Its erie. 

[stvstbsvc]

YEP.  I've always attributed it to the COLD weather around here (MI) and Holiday Bills.  Thank God tax refunds start coming in early March!  Always seems like a good time for employees who can to use some vacation time and go somewhere warm!

[Hands On]

@Joe Marconi 

[JustTheBest]

I think "daves auto service" said it best. Overall, it's about being consistent. If it's newsletters, postcards, facebook - doesn't matter. Smart shops will do them all! But the key is being consistent. I agree, there are times when nothing makes the phone ring - but you can pretty much plan for those times (like Jan/Feb)

Besides, marketing and advertising isn't an expense if it returns as much as what it costs you. Yes, even if you spend $200 on a promo and only get $400 in revenues, it's better than doing nothing. 

Hope this helps!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"

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