Quantcast
Jump to content

When Husbands Send Their Wives…


Recommended Posts

If there is one thing I will never understand is why some husbands send their wife in for car service and instruct the wife not to make any decisions until HE is informed. It always ends up with what I call “the phone relay”. We inform the wife what the car needs, she calls the husband, the husband relays a few questions, the wife relays the questions to us, we respond to the question and the relay begins another round.

 

Why can’t the husband speak for himself? What kind of man sends his wife to get the car serviced, but will not allow her to make decisions?

 

Here’s a recent story: I gave a women a price of $300.00 for 2 tires and an alignment for her 2008 VW Jetta. The wife called the husband, he told her we were too high and she told us that her husband can get the same job for half the price. I patiently told her, “Please ask your husband that I would really like to know where you could get 2 tires and an alignment on a 2008 Jetta for only 150 bucks!

 

After 6 relays calls back and forth I insisted on speaking to the husband! About 30 minutes later, he called. He tried to act tough and started to dictate to me what he wanted. I listened but did not get defensive. I did not focus on his tactics. I firmly stated what the car needed and he said, go ahead and do the job.

 

When the wife came to pick up the car, she looked embarrassed. I did not want to put her in the middle of this. I felt bad for her and wonder if I did the right thing by insisting to talk to the husband.

 

How would you have handled the situation?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You handled it just fine. Do you have women call in asking for pricing with the husband talking to her in the background. I ask questions she can't answer. She asks here husband. He tells her and then she tells me. It is hilarious and ridiculous. I think these guys are uncomfortable with business dealings and they hide behind their wives.

 

Yes, I do get those calls. It is funny. You are probably right, these guys are uncomfortable. Are we that intimidating?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         13 comments
      Most 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.
  • Upcoming Events

    • March 24, 2023 01:00 PM Until 09:00 PM
      0  
      Hi all,
      AutoLeap is hosting Amplify 2023, a virtual auto repair conference for shop owners, on March 24. We have 22 incredible speakers, and 13 industry associations and training institutes participating in this virtual event. The conference is free of cost.
      You can book your complimentary, virtual seat today using this link: https://bit.ly/3EXvfWY
      Amplify 2023 speakers include: Joe Marconi, Co-Owner AutoShopOwner and Elite Business Coach @Joe Marconi Aaron Stokes, ShopFix Academy Cecil Bullard, The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence Chris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching Darrin Barney, Elite “G” Jerry Truglia, Automotive Technician Training Services Greg Bunch, Transformers Institute Jeremy O'Neal, AdvisorFix The conference will cover essential topics such as:
      Navigating through the current industry challenges Tackling the technician shortage through employee retention Creating memorable customer experiences Growing & expanding your business in 2023 Financial planning & KPIs to measure And that’s not all.
      The interactive, dynamic conference also offers live networking opportunities, and fun games and prizes.
      You can book your complimentary, virtual seat today using this link: https://bit.ly/3EXvfWY
      #AutoLeapAmplify23
  • Similar Topics

    • 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? 
    • By carmcapriotto
      Recorded Live at Vision 2023, Al Wright and Travis Troy discuss the benefits of joining MWACA's S.O.S. (Shop Owner's Support) Group. When we can support and learn from other shop owners, we continue Advancing the Aftermarket and raising the bar for the industry. Travis also gives us an overview of Vision's newest class for general service technicians.
      Al Wright, John’s Automotive, Cedar Rapids, IA. Al’s previous episodes HERE
      Travis Troy, Honest Wrenches, Akeny and Des Moines, IA. Listen to Travis’ other episodes HERE
      Show Notes
      Travis Troy- 21 team members attending Vision 2023 MWACA SOS Shop Owner’s Support- What is an S.O.S. Group? Think of it as your advisory board. Our S.O.S. Groups consist of no more than 10 shops that meet on a monthly basis. Meetings are similar to “twenty groups” without the intense financial focus or expensive monthly commitment. Groups meet monthly at a participating shop to discuss relevant issues, set and review goals, and evaluate the hosting shop.    Be vulnerable, and be transparent, not as a business owner but as a friend. We are not each other’s competition.  Learning from others, raising the bar for the Automotive industry  FTI- failure to implement, the number one failure for shop owners. Debrief after the SOS meeting with a list of items to work on and change.  Elevate before you grow. GSTA General Service Technician Academy - 2-day course. This program benefits the technician and the shop with increased efficiency, knowledge, and safety, as well as cost-savings by helping prevent beginning mistakes. Certifications will come from Tire Industry Association (TIA), Automotive Lift Institute (ALI), and Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS).  GTSA will cover- Tire Safety – hands-on mounting and dismounting, repair procedures and balancing, Tire pressure monitoring basics, Lift safety – Including Information access for proper lift placement, OSHA and shop safety training, Alignment basics, Intro to Air Conditioning, Electricity Fundamentals, Introduction to Digital Vehicle Inspections - a systematic approach to test drives, inspections, photos and videos and the benefits to the tech and to the shop of performing the DVI. Surviving a Health Scare [THA 316]
      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
    • 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
    • By carmcapriotto
      On Record with Tom Ham from the Automotive Management Network. Tom discusses a recent survey from his website about the stress level at work, reasons why someone would reject a technician application, health insurance and more! These results may surprise you!
      Tom Ham, Automotive Management Network. Tom’s previous episodes HERE.   Show Notes:  
      AMNSHOP.com laborratetracker.com - lowest labor rate so far is $50 and highest is $297 Management Help Polls: 130 types Why techs avoid working at some shops- low pay, dark/lack of lighting, dirty, disorganized Job applicants for possible reasons they might be rejected: 70% driver license issues, 68% frequent job changes, 66% negative comments about past employers, 64% know it all, 60% questionable attitude, 60% excessive demands. 59% inconsistent information, 58% late for interview, 55% listens poorly, 53% sloppy appearance, 53$ incomplete application, 51% lack of manners Pay portion of health insurance- 35% pay nothing, 19% pay full health insurance.  Stress level at your shop ranked 1 to 10, 10 is maximum stress level- 40% rank their stress level at 8+, 81% say their stress level is average or above average, only 19% say their stress level is ranked 4 or less. “What do we do here that is not as clear as it could be, a bit confusing?”  Service advisor responsibilities (are these regular tasks of your service advisor)- estimating, collect vehicle information, parts ordering and returns, labor claims, operation/management, quality control, assist technicians, pickup/deliver customer or parts (porter). None of these should be the service advisor responsibilities! Consider hiring an estimator/parts person Service Advisor Overload [THA 305] Service Advisor Overload: Part 2 [THA 312]
      Thanks to our Partner, Dorman Products. Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour
      Connect with the Podcast:
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Subscribe on YouTube
      Visit us on the Web
      Follow on Facebook
      Become an Insider
      Buy me a coffee
      Important Books
      Check out today's partner:
       


      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Transforming your business doesn't happen overnight, but it starts with committing to one small change. Recorded live at the 2023 Institute Summit, Anthony Bodine shares his remarkable journey of trusting his coach and how it changed his business.
      Anthony Bodine, Protech Automotive Solutions, Johnston, RI.
      Show Notes
      You must understand your numbers.  Grew ARO from $287 to $800 with the help of coaching. You need somebody to hold you accountable. Trust the process and trust that what's the worst that can happen? Commit to making small changes. A big pivot in the business is getting a coach to change the things that hold your business back from making a profit. Understanding KPI’s  Big change in business- went from having waiting appointments to no waiting appointments. Closed Saturday’s Have a success plan Paying a premium for exceptional customer service- to feel important, to feel like your business matters. From a customer standpoint, what can they expect from our shop, and what should they expect? Trust your employees; they have the brains, knowledge, ability, and moral compass to do the right thing.  One of the most memorable things is when you take a situation where you've let somebody down and completely turn that around.  Don’t compare yourself to other shops; compare yourself with where you were yesterday and last year.
      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 Check out today's partners:      
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...