Quantcast
Jump to content


Someone Challenge Me…Please!

Joe Marconi
 Share

Recommended Posts

Vegas14 Apprentice

Vegas14

Posted
Posted

I absolutely agree with you. People want convenience regardless of how good your shop is.

 

The problem I see is that if you do have a smaller shop like you said, is manpower. But I think in order to get over that hump you need to be inconvenienced for some time before you see the rewards of being open on Saturday and then after at some point you can increase your workload to hire another tech or writer in order to rotate so they don't get burned out.

 

Right now we are open every other Saturday, because or rotation issues. We are starting to see an increase of business on Saturdays so we are hoping that soon we can do some new additional hiring and at that point we can offer every Saturday.

Dan Reichow Contributor

Dan Reichow

Posted
Posted
During a coffee break at a recent seminar, a heated discussion started on whether a shop should be open for business on Saturdays. Many shop owners were adamant about not working Saturdays, claiming that they work hard enough Monday through Friday and having to work a sixth day would put them over the edge. I asked those shop owners that are closed on Saturdays: “Are you sure you’re not giving up much-needed sales by not being open Saturdays?” One shop owner fired back; “It’s my business, and I will run it the way I see fit”.

 

Let me start by saying that we are all independent business owners and the decisions we make are the ones we alone must live with. That is our right in a free market. And, no one person has all the answers. There are different business models and different ways of doing business.

 

Now having said that let me give you my spin on this debate. Most shop owners don’t want to work Saturdays because they know that their business is solely dependent on them being there. After years of working 6 to 7 days a week, they are tired and can’t see themselves pushing that 6th day anymore. And I don’t blame them. Another reason is that many shops are small, having one to three bays, where the owner is also the main technician. For these shops, adding another day to an already grueling week would be tough.

 

But be honest, tell me you wouldn’t enjoy the extra income from Saturday sales while you’re on the lake fishing? Is your business that financially secure that you couldn’t use extra income? And don’t tell me, it’s not all about money either. I know the reasons why we as shop owners went into business: and those reasons include building our legacy, making a difference in the automotive service world, quality of life and taking care of our families. All those reasons require money.

 

My shop made the decision to open on Saturdays for a variety of reasons. Our shop is located in a suburban area where most people commute to work Monday through Friday and are off on the weekends. There is no mass transit in my area, so just about everyone depends on their car. People in my area are overwhelmed with work and family obligations. Their time is limited and weekends seem to be when they play catch-up on the things they can’t get done during the week. I also found that the facilities that are open, the large tire stores and national chains, are very busy with work on Saturdays. For us, not to be open on Saturdays would not be a good business move. I cannot accept that fact that my customers may need to go somewhere else on a Saturday for a state inspection, oil change, a set of wipers or headlight because I decided to close.

 

We created a rotation work schedule, which allows our technicians and service advisors to rotate Saturdays, so as not to burn anyone out. Technicians will also rotate a day off during the week every other week. We feel this rotation system is fair to all employees and allows us to be there when our customers need us.

 

I suggest taking a look at your business model. Do your customers perceive your business as being convenient? Do you stick to a rigid schedule or are you flexible and take the customer’s needs into consideration?

 

I understand that smaller shops with limited manpower will find it hard to add more hours. But, if you want to grow your business you must be ready to compete and that means you need to carefully consider a much more flexible scheduling system, extended hours and being open on Saturdays.

 

The world has changed and we must accept what is happening around us. Many new car dealers are open Saturdays and some are even open on Sundays. All national chains have weekend hours and many have late night shifts. I don’t think we can ignore the fact that there is a lot of competition out there and that we need to be there for the customer. If we give our customers a reason to go to another facility because they are more convenient, we may lose those customers altogether.

 

There’s been a lot of talk lately about how the new car dealers are hurting and that many more will close in the next few years. This SHOULD bring opportunity our way, but only if we prepare for it. If we think these customers will flood our doors just because we happen to be open for business… think again. Also, be prepared for a new breed of new car dealers and national chain accounts. The “automotive herd” is being thinned out and those that survive will fight to the death for a piece of YOUR pie.

 

The fact remains that we as independents are sitting on the biggest opportunity in the history of automotive service. How will you react to this opportunity? What is your plan to capture the expected explosion of service work? Think about this; is your business ready and able?

 

For me, I will listen to my customer. And if that means being there on Saturdays, evening hours or even on Sunday, so be it. I made the choice to be in business, no one else. I also accept the change in our industry and will do my best to adapt. I have an obligation to be successful and to take care of not only my family but also the families of those employed by my company.

 

So tell me…do you agree or disagree? Challenge me…Please!

Dan Reichow Contributor

Dan Reichow

Posted
Posted

We started opening Saturdays , one of the issues was hours and person power . I will say it is draining.

BUT WITH THAT SAID -- It has been the best thing we have done. We have not lost mon- friday sales all techs busy, and saturdays have become very busy . We started in December .

We are up 8% over last year

 

Kudo's on the saturday discussion - it will be tough especially we are open 7:00 - 7:00 Mon - Fri and 7:00- 3:30 Saturday.

 

My goal is to do what ever it takes to be up 12% this year and raise avg r/o back to where we were two years ago.

 

Thanks Dan Reichow

  • 2 months later...

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
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's 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

    • carmcapriotto
      Tax Season Recap and Tips [E167] - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      April 15th is behind us — but your tax strategy shouldn’t stop there. In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis, shares exactly what auto repair shop owners need to be doing based on how their tax season wrapped up. Whether you filed early, waited until the last minute, or punted with an extension, Hunt helps you take the right steps now to avoid penalties, reduce next year’s bill, and keep your shop’s finances dialed in.
       In this episode, you’ll learn:
      Why filing an extension isn’t always a problem — but failing to plan ahead is The costly myth about tax extensions that trips up even seasoned shop owners What to do now if you owed a big tax bill or got a refund The IRS’s rules on estimated taxes and why ignoring them leads to penalties Smart financial habits every shop owner should adopt after tax season ends
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Changing The Industry
      Bonus Episode - Creating Chaos Through Impulsive Business Decisions With Tannar and Kassiady Markham
      By Changing The Industry
      Bonus Episode - Creating Chaos Through Impulsive Business Decisions With Tannar and Kassiady Markham
    • carmcapriotto
      From Brain Fog to Better Sleep: Transforming Health for Business Owners [RR 1036]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Mauro Stara from 6packceo.com shares powerful strategies for staying strong, sharp, and energized as a business owner. He breaks down common myths about health and highlights the importance of a personalized approach to well-being. Key areas of focus include the essential roles of sleep, nutrition, and stress management in promoting longevity and a high-quality life.
      Mauro offers practical tips for optimizing sleep by aligning with your circadian rhythm, managing light exposure, timing meals strategically, and maintaining proper electrolyte balance. He encourages listeners to treat their health like they would their car, prioritizing regular care and attention to ensure a longer, more energized life.
      Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode The Institute of Automotive Business Excellence: https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/ Overview of Dr. Jessica Kriegel (00:00:00) Three-Step Change Equation (00:02:47) Accountability in Business (00:03:31) Results Pyramid Explanation (00:04:11) Beliefs and Experiences (00:05:09) Defining Workplace Culture (00:06:50) Hospital Story for Illustration (00:12:02) Transformative Change Through Storytelling (00:14:09) Culture of Caring (00:15:09) Storytelling in Meetings (00:15:58) Generational Dynamics (00:17:51) Technology Adoption Across Generations (00:20:37) Connecting with Dr. Kriegel (00:22:23)
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care 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/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com 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 -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/         Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Changing The Industry
      Episode 213 - Navigating The Family Business With Joseph Schindler
      By Changing The Industry
      Episode 213 - Navigating The Family Business With Joseph Schindler
    • carmcapriotto
      Marketing Calendar Mayhem - Don’t Wait for Business to Slow Down! - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      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
      Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 


      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/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn 


      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Chris Cotton is joined by special guests Caroline Legrone and Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros to delve into the critical necessity of having a robust marketing plan for auto repair shops. The discussion centers around the pivotal role that a well-structured marketing strategy plays in the success and sustainability of these businesses.
      Chris, Caroline, and Kim explore the multifaceted aspects of marketing planning, emphasizing the importance of leveraging historical data to gain insights into the business's performance over time. By analyzing this data, shop owners can pinpoint slow periods and develop proactive marketing strategies that align with local events and seasonal trends, thereby optimizing their outreach efforts.
      Caroline Legrone underscores the significance of understanding past performance metrics, which can provide invaluable information for future planning. She explains how historical data can reveal patterns and trends that are crucial for making informed marketing decisions. This approach not only helps in identifying potential challenges but also in capitalizing on opportunities that may arise.
      Kim Walker, on the other hand, offers practical insights into the creation of a comprehensive marketing calendar. She shares her expertise on how to systematically plan marketing activities throughout the year, ensuring that the shop remains visible and engaged with the community. Kim's advice includes tips on scheduling promotions, aligning campaigns with local happenings, and maintaining a consistent presence across various marketing channels.
      Throughout the episode, the conversation is geared towards empowering shop owners to take control of their marketing efforts. By doing so, they can ensure sustained growth and foster stronger community engagement, even during traditionally slow periods. The episode serves as a call to action for auto repair shop owners to prioritize their marketing strategies, highlighting the long-term benefits of a well-executed plan.


      Introduction and Importance of Marketing (00:00:09)
      Chris Cotton introduces the episode and emphasizes the need for a marketing plan in auto repair businesses.
      Guest Introductions (00:01:11)
      Chris welcomes Caroline Legrone and Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros to the podcast.
      Discussion on Car Count Issues (00:01:48)
      Chris expresses concern over shop owners complaining about low car counts and the lack of planning.
      Identifying Seasonal Trends (00:02:32)
      Kim discusses common excuses for slow periods and the importance of recognizing seasonal trends.
      Understanding the Marketing Calendar (00:04:23)
      Caroline explains the significance of analyzing past performance to create an effective marketing calendar.
      Proactive Marketing Strategies (00:06:11)
      Kim shares insights on developing marketing plans based on historical data and identifying slow periods.
      Creative Marketing Solutions (00:07:25)
      Kim describes a unique marketing strategy developed around the local state fair to attract customers.
      Importance of Planning Ahead (00:09:27)
      Kim emphasizes the necessity of proactive planning rather than reacting to slow days.
      Timing for Event Promotions (00:12:30)
      Discussion on how far in advance to plan marketing strategies for events like the state fair.
      Community Calendar Considerations (00:14:09)
      Caroline advises checking community calendars to align marketing efforts with local events.
      Adjusting Marketing Budgets (00:16:19)
      Kim discusses the importance of reallocating marketing budgets based on seasonal trends.
      Applicability to Different Locations (00:16:27)
      Chris challenges the notion that marketing strategies are only relevant to local events, encouraging broader application.
      Yearly Planning for Marketing (00:17:09)
      Caroline stresses the importance of yearly planning for marketing strategies, even if starting late.
      Setting Holiday Schedules (00:18:49)
      Chris shares his approach to planning marketing around holiday closures as a starting point for the year.
      Here are the extracted timestamps and their corresponding titles from the podcast episode transcription segment:
      Importance of Planning (00:19:14)
      Chris emphasizes the need for shop owners to have a structured marketing plan.
      Blocking Time for Planning (00:19:40)
      Kim advises shop owners to set aside undistracted time in October for planning.
      Using a Big Calendar (00:20:17)
      Kim suggests using a large calendar to visualize important dates and events affecting marketing.
      Analyzing Performance Data (00:22:25)
      Kim discusses breaking down historical data to identify busy and slow times for better planning.
      Setting Realistic Goals (00:24:20)
      Caroline stresses the importance of setting achievable marketing goals based on past performance.
      Understanding Marketing Budgets (00:26:17)
      Kim explains how to determine an appropriate marketing budget based on desired growth.
      Plan with the Pros Conference (00:28:49)
      Caroline introduces the "Plan with the Pros" event aimed at helping shop owners create marketing plans.
      Event Success and Expansion (00:31:01)
      Kim shares the success of last year's event and plans for expanding this year's attendance.
      Facebook Group for Marketing Support (00:33:15)
      Caroline details the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind group for shop owners to connect and share insights.
      Final Thoughts on Marketing (00:37:02)
      Caroline encourages shop owners to create marketing calendars and utilize available resources for success.
      Do It Scared (00:37:51)
      Encouragement to start marketing despite fears of making mistakes or not knowing how to begin.
      Getting Started (00:38:11)
      Emphasis on taking action; "done is better than perfect" and scheduling time away from the shop.
      Perspective on Fear (00:38:22)
      Discussion on the urgency of creating a marketing calendar to avoid business decline.
      Final Thoughts and Thanks (00:38:41)
      Closing remarks and encouragement to utilize marketing pros for effective growth strategies.
      Sponsorship Shout-Out (00:39:11)
      Promotion of Shop Marketing Pros as the recommended marketing partner for auto repair businesses.
      Closing Remarks (00:39:11)
      Encouragement to maintain a positive mindset and a farewell from Coach Chris Cotton.


      To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
      Don't forget to rate and review us!


      Connect with Chris:
      AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
      940-400-1008
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      Email Chris: [email protected]


      The Aftermarket Radio Network
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      #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


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 1,545 views
    Joe Marconi

    Marketing Strategies To Attract and Retain Your Ideal Customers

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Marketing,

    0 comments 761 views
    Joe Marconi

    Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is?

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1 1,716 views

  • Our Sponsors

Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...