Quantcast
Jump to content


Will Banner Programs Compete with the Big Boys?

Joe Marconi

By Joe Marconi
in Auto Parts Banner Programs

 Share

Recommended Posts



Randy Apprentice

Randy

Posted
Posted
It has it's advantages. I can pick up a phone and call corporate or I can call another owner and seek advice or help. It can be about management, sales, marketing, advertising, yellow pages, computer software, shop equipment, parts purchasing, etc. There are new programs and services offered. The business model is discussed and expanded, etc. Sometimes it is real helpful other times maybe not so much. The question now is is it worth 5% of gross sales. Our franchise agreement expires in 4 1/2 years.

Joe this is Randy this sounds like management success agian!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Randy Apprentice

Randy

Posted
Posted

In what way?

[/quote

They are strictly manage by statics. This is the key to the whole program.They also were talking about the percentages on parts, labor, office, overhead, and what percentage your are really need to make (20%profit) This is a lot things you have be talking about all over this site.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Randy Apprentice

Randy

Posted
Posted
While I do agree that all businesses must track key numbers and recognize certain trends, I do not take that as the only criteria. I have been to many management training seminars and clinics and have taken countless home study courses.

 

Numbers are great, but real world is better. My philosophy is to look at each shop and find out what works for them. I really don’t think you can use a benchmark number in California and say it holds true in Rocky Mountain N.C .

 

Every business is different with different fixed expenses, goals, employee wages, labor rates, rents, etc. A shop owner needs to sit down with his/her accountant and find out that they need to turn a profit.

 

So, while we need to understand the numbers of the business, it’s our numbers that really count.

That is right every shop is different but they all have a break even and some shop owners do not have the business training.Nor do they have the advertising experience it takes to book a shop like it should. To run a business or does the shop run you????

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 6 months later...
RickM Apprentice

RickM

Posted
Posted

Too many shop owners have nothing more than a job and not a very good job because they don't charge enough. They work a lot of hours and sacrifice themselves and their families but wind up with little to show for it. They have no retirement plan, they have no buisness asset they can sell or pass on, their bodies are broken down, their equipment is worn out, their location is terrible, someone else owns the property, etc. They have never understood return on investment, opportunity cost, gross profit margins verus net profit, etc. The shops my dad use to take his cars to all closed when the owner died or retired. Not a one survived. They worked all of their lives and then got to the end of their life and find that they had nothing.

WOW!!!!!! It seems you have described me and my business to a T. I have owned my business for 5 1/2 years. I have worked for both Ford and Chrysler dealerships both as a tech and as a Service Manager. I have myself and one son working full time and two part time who are mostly lube and tire techs. I feel my biggest issue I can not seem to overcome is trying to work the front desk and the back both. I see daily that I run wide open all day, still do not accomplish much. Our shop stays super busy but we still dont seem to get ahead. I have been on both sides of the fence (shop and management) Any ideas, suggestions would be appreciated more than you know. Im gonna have to go spend a day in xrac's store>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
RickM Apprentice

RickM

Posted
Posted

Rick, I thought you were going to stop by and visit us. My service manager and I will be happy to help you every way we can. However, one of the problems you have is location. People in rural areas want everything cheap.

I am coming up to see you xrac, just havent been able to get away. When I first opened, the Chrysler dealership I was at closed so I opened with a good cusstomer base. I opened running it a lot like I ran the Service Dept at the dealership. I opened as a Tech-Net shop. I used the Customer Survey Cards, Tech-Net Vehicle Inspection forms. I was even a National nominee for the Tech-Net dealer awards. However it seems as I get busier I let these things slide. I have been considering taking a few days to clean, rearrange and more or less reopen almost like a new shop. Maybe this would instill a more professional image. I have a good customer base of customers who are more interested in quality and customer care (just as Joe described) but seem I am being overwelmed by the bottom feeders. I could ramble on and on. Joe, xrac any thoughts, ideas, suggestions? I know I have the opportunity to corner the market in my community by being a more professional shop. Just seems I have trouble running the business instead of letting it run me. Our area has plenty of shade tree shops, but I think the quality customers are looking for quality repairs and honest caring service.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 1 month 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

    • autorepairuniversity
      Auto Repair Training
      By autorepairuniversity
      WOW. I'm finally launching my "winter project". I have created a fully online auto repair training course. I (as a shop owner) was amazed at the lack of training options that my employees could take while working full time. The course lays out the "basics" that I found myself teaching these guys every time I had a new hire with little experience. If you know anyone who could benefit from this, boy would I appreciate you sharing this! Or, if you as a shop need some training for new employees, maybe this could help you. I'm not trying to use this forum as a "sales platform", but I am very excited to see what hapens with this idea. Again, any help / feedback would be greatly appreciated. You guys are awesome to listen to! Here is the link: www.autorepairuniversity.com
       
       
      Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
       
       
    • carmcapriotto
      Finding and Creating Content [E104] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
      By carmcapriotto
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. As shop owners we were part of RepairPal’s Certified network and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.
      Show Notes
      First: who is your audience? What are they looking for? Listen! Make notes of their questions Read - They Ask You Answer Where to find content: In your shop! Haha Personalize content based on what’s going on in the shop Your niche, club, or group Questions asked in local community groups Your community! Show off your roots - the things going on in the community (Chamber, BNI, local government, tourism, clubs, education, etc) Hiring + Promoting Customer reviews The obvious: Name, address, phone, scheduling link, and website Blog content  Promoting other social media platforms you are on What you’re all about…who you are…. Company culture stuff Trainings you attend or host and completions/certifications What’s going on? Promotions, events, contests, birthdays, celebrations, sponsoring anything? Spotlights: new products, equipment, team members The not-so-obvious: Videos - give yourself and entire month of marketing from one video! Creating a ‘content machine’ for yourself. Blogs Canva tips and templates Practical Tips: Use your brand Use Canva for quick/easy/effective Make a plan/schedule Website traffic Tips on Tuesdays/Tech-Talk Shop culture  Promote services, sales/offers, appointment booking link Fun on Friday  
      How To Get In Touch
       
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Changing The Industry
      Episode 168 - From Hands-On Owner to Strategic Manager With Greg Buckley of Buckley's Auto Care
      By Changing The Industry
      Episode 168 - From Hands-On Owner to Strategic Manager With Greg Buckley of Buckley's Auto Care
    • carmcapriotto
      Don’t Let Pride Stand in Your Way: A Lesson for Auto Repair Shop Owners [E138] - 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
      In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching addresses the negative impact of pride in the auto repair industry. He offers strategies for shop owners to overcome pride, such as staying open to learning, seeking feedback, and embracing change. Cotton stresses the importance of building a strong team, networking, and setting realistic goals. He advocates for a balance between pride in one's work and humility, underlining its significance for business success, personal well-being, and family relationships. Shop Marketing Pros is also featured, promoting their marketing solutions for auto repair businesses.
      The Introduction (00:00:00) Introduction to the podcast episode and a brief overview of what to expect. The Impact of Pride on Auto Repair Business (00:01:43) Discussion on the detrimental effects of pride on business decisions in the auto repair industry. Manifestations of Pride in Business (00:02:53) Eight ways pride can manifest and cause problems in auto repair business, including resisting change, ignoring feedback, and refusing help. Strategies to Overcome Pride (00:09:51) Strategies to keep pride in check, such as staying open to learning, seeking feedback, and hiring a coach or consultant. Conclusion and Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:13:19) Closing remarks, encouragement for growth, and acknowledgment of the sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros.  
      Connect with Chris:
       
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #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
    • Water Proof And Self Adhesive
    • carmcapriotto
      Morning Huddles: Fueling Mighty Auto Pro’s Success Story [RR 961]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Hear from the team at Mighty Auto Pro as they discuss the pivotal role of morning huddles and meetings. The team shares their experiences on how these gatherings enhance daily workflow and help minimize unexpected challenges. Leigh Anne Best and Bill Hill, Mighty Auto Pro, Medina OH. Show Notes
      Skylar's Morning Huddle (00:04:14) Skylar explains the morning huddle and its role in coordinating service work and workflow. Michael's Morning Huddle (00:09:32) Michael emphasizes the importance of the morning huddle in ensuring everyone is on the same page and minimizing surprises during the day. Josh's Morning Huddle (00:09:55) Josh discusses how morning huddles help in managing parts and workflow, and the interaction between customer service and technicians. David's Morning Huddle (00:11:58) David explains the purpose of the morning huddle in coordinating projects and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Training Hours and Meetings (00:13:19) Discussion about the training hours completed, the process of introducing new training seminars, and the importance of training in the automotive industry. Brian's Morning Huddle (00:14:54) Brian discusses the value of morning huddles in providing uniformity, team collaboration, and adaptability in planning the day's work. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR 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 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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                    
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,199 views
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,035 views
    nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 899 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...