PODCAST: How To Use Technology to Address Shop Challenges
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog13 commentsMost shop owners would agree that the independent auto repair industry has been too cheap for too long regarding its pricing and labor rates. However, can we keep raising our labor rates and prices until we achieve the profit we desire and need? Is it that simple?
The first step in achieving your required gross and net profit is understanding your numbers and establishing the correct labor and part margins. The next step is to find your business's inefficiencies that impact high production levels.
Here are a few things to consider. First, do you have the workflow processes in place that is conducive to high production? What about your shop layout? Do you have all the right tools and equipment? Do you have a continuous training program in place? Are technicians waiting to use a particular scanner or waiting to access information from the shop's workstation computer?
And lastly, are all the estimates written correctly? Is the labor correct for each job? Are you allowing extra time for rust, older vehicles, labor jobs with no parts included, and the fact that many published labor times are wrong? Let's not forget that perhaps the most significant labor loss is not charging enough labor time for testing, electrical work, and other complicated repairs.
Once you have determined the correct labor rate and pricing, review your entire operation. Then, tighten up on all those labor leaks and inefficiencies. Improving production and paying close attention to the labor on each job will add much-needed dollars to your bottom line.
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By Ruben Van Zenden
Today, we simply cannot ignore social media, everyone is using it whether you are a fan or not. Personally, I think it has its negative and positive sides.
I have been looking at 100+ car repair shops and noticed that only a hand full are using social media marketing, for example, Facebook advertising.
Why are so few car repair shops making use of this, in my opinion, great opportunity to increase car count?
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By carmcapriotto
Servers, network, VOIP phones, and security, oh my! Recorded live at the 2023 Institute Summit, Jeff Matt and David Boyd discuss phone skills, IT support and identifying inefficiencies and technology risks with your business.
Jeff Matt, Victory Auto Service, 11 Locations, MN and FL. Jeff’s previous episodes HERE
David Boyd, Inbound INC.
Show Notes
VOIP (voice over IP)- recording phone conversations, ‘replay booth,’ specific workspace with a particular service advisor for incoming and outgoing, and time of phone calls for training purposes. The entire conversation with a customer happens over multiple phone calls. Phone skills- undervalued when it comes to your business’ success. Check with your State rules for recorded phone calls. IT support- safety net, systems, network, firewalls, servers, cameras. Identifying inefficiency and technology risks. Jeff Matt’s security camera caught the burglar at his shop. Your local IT person might not have the capabilities to handle what your business needs- talk to fellow shop owners/business owners. Search business management consulting, six sigma, engineering. Disrupter- moving away from cable and DSL providers. Identifying server issues with cables, job satisfaction continues to grow. Video phones- visual face to face conversations. Customized recording and limited access for employees (permissions). Technology, network, systems, and software- understand the how and why Callinbound.com
Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS. Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2023. Mark your calendar now … October 31 - Nov 2, 2023, AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at AAPEXSHOW.COM 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 NAPATRACS.com Connect with the Podcast: -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
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By Joe Marconi
As an "old timer" who got his start during the muscle car era, this is hard to accept. Am I too sensitive?
The Associated Press covered some of the driveway mechanics and enthusiasts who are converting classic cars into electric restomods.
This includes some business owners like Sean Moudry, co-owner of InspireEV near Denver. He recently restored a 1965 Ford Mustang with an electric powertrain. The project cost upwards of $100,000.
Read the article in Ratchet and Wrench:
https://www.ratchetandwrench.com/site-placement/latest-news/article/11461897/ev-restorations-booming
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By Joe Marconi
There are many benefits to growing a company so that it runs smoothly and efficiently without the shop owner. Building systems and procedures to get the entire team on the same page is essential to any successful business. In addition, an auto repair shop will grow more successful, and worth more if the shop owner, is not needed in the day-to day operations.
However, the question is: Should you become an absentee owner? This is not an easy question to answer, since it really depends on the size of your shop, your role in the business and how you feel about your business. For example, if you run a 4-bay shop, with four employees, that is vastly different from a company that has three locations with 25 employees. And also, you may really enjoy going to work and being involved.
The bottom line is this: Build your company so that it can run without you, but know when to step back in when needed. Great leaders know when to get out of the way, and when to step back in and make course corrections. Ultimately, your business is your business, and the responsibility for its success rests largely on your shoulders.
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By Joe Marconi
When I was in business, each year for 41 years, we experienced a slow down in February. The reasons are many, but by the second week of March, things went back to normal.
However, from what I am hearing from some shop owners, they are concerned. They point to riding this wave of business since coming out of COVID, and fear that the wave may become a trickle.
What is your opinion? Good times are still here? Should we be concerned?
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