Your Post-Summer Business Strategy for a Profitable Fall

[nptrb]

As summer days come to an end and we transition into fall, it’s the perfect time for mechanic shop owners to ramp up their business strategies to increase sales.

It’s common for customers to take a break during the summer season because they’re on vacation, have the kids home, or are submerged in relaxation mode. 

Now’s the time to focus on attracting them back in!

If you want to keep your bays full and your customers happy during the fall and winter months, try these effective strategies to ensure your post-summer business brings in more revenue.

 

Fall Business Strategy #1: Re-engage with Customers

Customer engagement should be a year-round effort, but post-summer is an ideal time to reconnect with your customer base. Everyone is ready for a fresh start, and that often includes taking care of their vehicles. 

Try these strategies to re-engage with your customer base so they’re ready for service!

 

Send service reminders. 

Your customers haven’t ghosted you. They’ve been busy traveling and exploring over the summer. Now that they’re back, it’s probably time for them to service their vehicles. However, amongst all of the excitement, they may need a reminder to do it!

Send emails or postcards reminding them that their adventurous trips have put miles on their tires and wear on their vehicles. Encourage them to make an appointment for tire rotations, oil changes, and brake checks. 

Automate these reminders with CRM software such as NiftiCRM to streamline the process so nobody slips through the cracks. 

 

Make follow-up calls to past customers.

Make personal phone calls to customers who have had significant work done in your shop. Ask them how their car has been running since the repair, ask if they have any concerns, and encourage them to ask you any questions!

They will feel valued and appreciate your top-quality service because you took the time to check in with them. These touch points can lead current customers to refer you to their social circle!

 

Fall Business Strategy #2: Plan Seasonal Promotions

If you want to promote seasonal promotions, begin planning now so you’re prepared once fall officially arrives. 

With the upcoming change in weather, vehicles often need different types of maintenance, so this is the perfect opportunity to offer promotions that will attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Here are a few ideas to help you brainstorm successful promotions. 

 

Offer back-to-school vehicle checks.

As busy families prepare for the back-to-school rush, parents want to ensure their vehicles are safe for daily commutes and carpools. 

Offer a comprehensive back-to-school vehicle check, including:

• Brake inspections
• Fluid top-offs
• Tire checks
• Oil changes 

Promote this package on social media, through your newsletter, and via in-shop signage.

 

Offer fall maintenance packages.

Encourage your customers to protect their vehicles by preparing for the cooler weather by creating maintenance packages that include services such as: 

• Battery checks
• Heater performance inspections
• Windshield wiper replacements
• Belt and hose checks
• Oil changes

Bundle these services and offer this package at a discounted rate so your customers are more likely to take proactive steps in maintaining their vehicles. 

 

Doing so will bring more customers through the garage doors and more revenue to your business!

Your post-summer business strategy doesn’t need to be complicated! It just requires intentional planning ahead so you can drive customers to your shop once the leaves begin to change. 

[JustTheBest]

Nice list and strategies. I agree. 
But the problem I see with most shops is the lack of consistency. It’s not about what you do once in a while; it’s the small things you do, day in and day out.

Consistency wins every time.

I may have misunderstood it, but the Fall strategy starts with “Re-engage” with customers. 
I'm reading that as 'you stopped engaging them'

Recently. I was at a meeting and the topic came up about the customer. 
“When people need auto service, where (on their list) do you want to be??“

Most said they wanted to be “First”

My answer was a little different;
I said “I want to be The Only One they think about!”

You can only get there with consistency 

Hope this helps!

Matthew
“The Car Count Fixer”