Quantcast
Jump to content


Anyone using Text Messaging


Recommended Posts

I use it. Its part of the Demandforce marking program that I use. Those that use text messaging love it. I can even send text messages through my Demandforce which is pretty cool.

 

It lets me confirm appointments a few hours before which most people look at for reminders.

Edited by CARMandP
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got a text message the other from my eye doctor reminding me about my appointment. I thought it was a nice touch. I don’t think it’s for everyone, but I have been reading that more and more business are experimenting with text messaging.

 

Is anyone using this form of communication/marketing?

 

Hi Joe,

We've been using text messaging for almost 2 years now in daily communication with the customers. I placed a quick form on my Advisors homepage that allows them to drop a phone number in and then select a quick message to send. Here's what we send:

 

This is Osborns Automotive. Please call us regarding your car when you get a chance (310) 698-5143.

 

This is Osborns Automotive. It is urgent that you call me as soon as possible at (310) 698-5143.

 

This is Osborns Automotive. Please call me as soon as possible. I have an update on your car (310) 698-5143.

 

This is Osborns Automotive. Your car is ready. Please call me at (310) 698-5143.

 

This is Osborns Automotive. Your car is ready and we will be here until 6:00 pm. Please come in for it when you are ready.

 

As this shows up on a cell phone, the phone number is formatted so that on most phones they can just click on the number and it will dial for them. We find it works great, a customer is not always ready to take your call when you want, so they can call back at their convenience. If you'd like to see a demo, just let me know & I'll send you a link. We have not started using it for marketing yet......

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

ok, ok .......

Here's a sample so everyone can have a peek:

http://www.osbornauto.com/internal/send.asp

 

I use a service from redoxygen.net where I pay a fee, I think it's about $30 for 250 texts. The form you see is just set up as a sample, the code is actually part of my advisors homepage that has links to commonly used sites on the internet, timeclock, inspection history, etc.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Scott, thanks for the reply. I checked the site and have not been able to figure out how to contact someone, it's just a login page.. am I missing something?

 

Also, have you searched for free services? I remember years ago I had found sites you could txt from for free, I think it was carrier websites, or the likes of yahoo or google. If you did, any reason your paying for it? Are the free sites using the phone number for advertising after its sent a txt (obviously customers would not like that).

 

Thanks,

Joseph

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You might try www.redoxygen.com for signup or info.

 

I chose the paid version as it allowed me a history of texts, integration into my own web pages (easy for the advisor and guarantees it will get used), the reply, if there is one, comes to my email inbox. Plus, the fact that I KNOW it won't get shared is a benefit too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...
  • 2 weeks later...
  • 3 years later...

I agree texting is a great way to stand out from the crowd and since a larger portion of your customer base prefers texting over phone communication.

 

64% of consumers with texting capabilities would prefer to use texting over voice as a customer service

 

Texting eliminates the headache of leaving voice mails for customers that seem to never answer the phone.

 

It has proven to speed up service approval times as quick as 18-37 minutes on average vs. the national average 1 hour 17 minutes when calling by phone.

 

It’s also proven to increase appointment confirmations up to 80%. You can also use texting to communicate the status of vehicles, repair updates, thank you notes and even use it to send customers service specific photos of their service.

 

Texting is defiantly the way to go! If you’d like to know more about how it can increase customer confidence and the speed of communication, give us a call at 610-400-1019 to see a live demonstration so you can see for yourself.

 

 

http://boltontechnology.com/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree with Mike! With their software, not only can you text customers for authorization, you use their software to text digital multi-point inspections AND use it for automatic reminders for oil changes and any other service you want to set up as a repetitive service. As I type this out, I can see a customer just viewed their inspection, so now I know I can call them in a minute and go over what they just looked at.

 

Last week, I had a customer choose us over a shop they had used in the past because of the digital inspections we use with bolt on. How cool is that!?! A customer chose us over another shop because of a tool we use to better sell repairs! A win/win!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Matt,

 

Thanks so much. That's awesome how Mobile Manager Pro helped your customer choose your shop over the competitors.

 

The power of the digital inspections and text messages have proven to take shops all across the country to the next level. It is just as simple as that.

 

If anybody would like to learn more about how we can help your shop, feel free to give us a call. 610-400-1019 (press 2)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

The truth is, when you think about it, what do YOU do when you get a text?? You read it. That's exactly what your customer is going to do. But the problem is that you can't make the message too 'spammy' or 'salesy' (if those are words). It's got to be a personal message to your customer. It's custom - it's targeted - and it works!

One shop owner told me he gets "...almost 100% response". Compare that to postcards, ha!

 

Hope this help!
Matthew Lee
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Nitrorocket, noticed you said "but rarely get messages". Technically, that's good. You don't want... and don't have the time to text back and forth to customers. That's not what you're looking for. You want to solicit a response. A phone call! That's all. So maybe you're sending out the wrong type of message. When you text customers, you CAN NOT do it on a 'blast' basis. You've got to....

 

1) Keep it personal and TO THAT CUSTOMER. Use their first name

2) Don't make it salesy - like buy me! buy me! It's not going to work - or it will work as well as postcards! Ha!

3) You must have an easy call to action - get the response - because people look at their messages... so you've got half the battle done when you get them to see you...

 

I hear comments like "Almost 100% response...." Try to get that with a postcard! Ha!

 

Hope this helps

Matthew Lee

"The Car Count Fixer"

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I use Bolt On for my texting service. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!. Bolt On nailed their Messenger Pro program.

 

Have you ever called a customer to discuss an estimate and they are in the middle of cleaning up little Johnnies spilled milk while the 2 dogs are barking uncontrollably? Not me anymore. I simply select the customers name and then select my quick template which reads:

 

"Don Your 2007 Infiniti G35 has been diagnosed and an estimate prepared. Please call 4016814994 so we can discuss repair costs & completion time, Thanks."

 

When the customer has a few free minutes they call me for the price. I can not tell you how much easier it is to close a sale when the customer is calling you when they have the time. Texting also makes your shop look up to date on technology.

 

This is a must have tool for any shop.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use Bolt On for my texting service. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!. Bolt On nailed their Messenger Pro program.

 

Have you ever called a customer to discuss an estimate and they are in the middle of cleaning up little Johnnies spilled milk while the 2 dogs are barking uncontrollably? Not me anymore. I simply select the customers name and then select my quick template which reads:

 

"Don Your 2007 Infiniti G35 has been diagnosed and an estimate prepared. Please call 4016814994 so we can discuss repair costs & completion time, Thanks."

 

When the customer has a few free minutes they call me for the price. I can not tell you how much easier it is to close a sale when the customer is calling you when they have the time. Texting also makes your shop look up to date on technology.

 

This is a must have tool for any shop.

 

Hey Jeff,

 

Thanks so much for the thumbs up. I appreciate it.

 

Your absolutely right about the improved experience and ease of closing sales. Text messaging is now by far the preferred method of communication among consumers.

 

I can’t tell you how many times shops have reached out to me about the impact that texting has made on their business. It never gets old hearing the success stories.

 

Thanks again. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My pleasure Mike. Bolt on is one of the few companies that are on top of their game. Always updating things to make it better. I appreciate that.

My shop (Primary Care Auto Repair) will be customers for many years to come.

 

Jeff, that's awesome! Thank you so much.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

I noticed in other posts not in this thread that some people commented negatively that they want to talk to customers as opposed to sending a text. There are situations that require a phone call and a text would be wrong or not appropriate. Informing someone that's their vehicle is completed or that ordered parts have arrived can easily be handled with a text message. I feel that these negative comments are from people who have no ability to efficiently send a text message. My shop management program (BayMaster) gave me the ability to send text messages over a year ago and I could not be without it. It is quick, efficient, documents quick comments and ALL of my customers love it. The majority of my customers are at work while their vehicle is being repaired and they appreciate the text message as opposed to a phone call that may interrupt their buisiness day. Since the text is sent using my shop management program it does not require accessing another program or entering phone numbers. I left click "Text message" on the customer screen to quickly send a variety of canned messages "You vehicle is completed" or "An ordered part for your vehicle has arrived" or "Please call us". Additional information such as our name, phone number and hours of operation is also included in these canned messages. We also can't ignore that the younger generation does not want to talk to anyone and would rather receive a text message.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

JimO, from my clients using our Text Messaging, there hasn't been anything but positive response. The problem (we see) with message systems that get customers to text back means you have to monitor the system. You don't have time to LOL and OMG all day. Besides, things like appointments can be difficult - customer wants it tomorrow - and you don't have space. That's why they should always be set up to drive a return call. Your number - so it appears as a clickable link - makes it easy.

 

The issue is that the message should be structured to drive to a call - not a return text. That's what my clients have found the best.

 

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mathew Lee, I find that most of my messages are structured to drive a text response no call. I am sending a text messsage to save myself time, if I were to structure my text messages "to drive a call - not a return text." then I may as well pick up the phone and call the customer according to my timetable and availability rather than waiting for a return call from my customer. Our shop management system allows customizing of all outgoing canned text messages and we have structured them to be very inclusive of the common questions that customers would have. Our shop management system also automatically includes invoice total if desired eliminating our time to input these figures. We also text estimates with generalized description of work and a request that customer text back approval. In this case receiving a text is a good, desired response since it documents the owners approval of the work. I have the option of printing all text correspondence on the finished invoice which is date/time stamped.

I do not use the text feature for every invoice, the phone or an in person review is still required in many cases and can not and should not be avoided. I think most experienced shop owners would be able to quickly discern when it would be appropriate to utilize this time saving option that is now available to us.

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?

         4 comments
      A recent study, done by Harvard Business School, concluded that the real problem with attracting and retaining employees has more to do with the workplace environment, not pay or benefits. While the study did find that an adequate pay plan and offering an attractive benefits package did help with recruiting and retention, it’s not enough to satisfy the needs of employees, especially those of front-line workers.
      The study also stated that in 2021, many companies were convinced that giving raises, sign-on bonuses, and other perks would solve the worker shortage problem and prevent people from quitting. However, this strategy did not work. So, what does work regarding attracting quality people and keeping them employed?
      Essentially, it all comes down to the culture of your company.  Management: do all it can to consider the individual needs of your employees. Your employees want to feel that they have a voice, that their opinion counts, and that their role in your company is both respected and recognized. Yes, pay and a great benefits package will go a long way toward making your employees feel secure, but that’s only financial security. People want more than money.
      To attract and keep top talent requires creating a company that people feel proud to work for. You need to reach the hearts and minds of your employees. Become a leader that people are enthusiastic about working for. You want your employees bragging to their friends and family that your shop is a great place to work!
      Step one to attracting and retaining quality employees: Create an amazing workplace environment for your employees!  Trust me, happy employees make happy shop owners too!
  • Similar Topics

    • By carmcapriotto
      This week Hunt discusses how sometimes reflecting on the past financials isn't always fun but its always necessary.
      • What is the purpose of financials and how does past performance effect future expectations?
      • How can I utilize past months or years financials to judge the accuracy or expectations of sales targets and projections?
      • What can I learn from bad months and is there always something that needs to be done to change?
      • How to understand the difference between the new normal or a one-time event that drastically changes your response?
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive.
      Visit NAPATRACS.com and GoPromotive.com
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online : www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book : Download Here
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      This week Hunt discusses if we ever really will see prices go back to "normal" and how that effects all of us.
      • Do you think that prices will ever go down and what about your business? Will you ever decrease your rates?
      • How can you decrease your prices if you do not decrease your employee wages?
      • How are supply chains effecting prices with increases in ever single step of the distribution chain?
      • If prices are only increasing because of costs, why are corporations making record profits in a time where they are supposedly short on cash?
      Thanks to our sponsor partner NAPA TRACS
      NAPATRACS.com
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online : www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book : Download Here
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Are you a fan of craft beer? Then you won't want to miss this interview with Kimberly and Andrew Taylor, owners of Titan Auto and the upcoming Hidden Wit Brewing Company in Mosley, Virginia. In this episode, they share their passion for brewing and their exciting plans for their 10,000 square foot facility. With a brewmaster who is an award-winning home brewer, they plan to offer 12 beers on tap and eventually expand to 18, including flagship beers and special releases. But their success doesn't stop at brewing. They also discuss their entrepreneurialism and the expansion of their auto shop business, which includes maintaining a consistent culture across all their locations and finding creative solutions to adapt to changes in the industry and world.
      Butch and Kim Taylor, Titan Auto And Tire, 3 locations, Virgina. Hidden Wit Brewing Company.
      Show Notes
      Building a Craft Brewery (00:00:47) Owners of Titan Auto are building a craft brewery, which will open in a few months. They discuss the challenges of running a multi-store operation and a brewery. Expanding to Store Two and Three (00:02:33) Butch and Kimberly talk about the challenges of expanding their business to store two and three. They also discuss the importance of having policies and procedures in place for consistency. Finding Opportunities for New Stores (00:05:13) Butch shares how they found the opportunity for store three, which was an existing store that was not healthy at the time. Do what you say (00:07:31)) The importance of following procedures and standard operating procedures in auto repair shops. Legislation and Right to Repair (00:12:13) Discussion of Right to Repair legislation and a tax bill impacting small businesses in Virginia. Changes Since the Pandemic (00:18:22) Discussion on the changes implemented during the pandemic, such as the loaner car program and key drop, and how they are continuing to adapt to the new normal. The Average Car Payment (00:22:17) Discussion on how the average car payment affects the auto repair industry. Multi-Store Ownership (00:24:08) The benefits and challenges of owning multiple auto repair shops. Starting a Brewery (00:27:31) The story of how the owners of Titan Auto decided to start a craft brewery and the challenges they faced. Hidden Wit Brewing Company (00:29:38) 10,000 square feet facility and outdoor space. Hiring Experts (00:30:19) The owners of Titan Auto hired a brewmaster and a food person for their brewery, just like they hire experts for their service side. Brewing as a Business (00:34:28) The difference between running a business and having a hobby and how important it is to treat brewing as a business.  
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA AUTO CARE
       
      Learn more about NAPA AUTO CARE and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.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
      John Ferguson, the owner of Domestic Diesel and Auto Service, shares his experience as a former dealer technician for Ford and how he started his own business. He talks about the challenges of finding the right team to support him and how he sought the help of industry experts to become a better leader and marketer. The episode also includes a video tour of John's shop, where he specializes in Ford and GM diesel vehicles.
      John Ferguson, Domestic Diesel and Auto Service, Chino, CA.
      Watch Full Video Episode HERE John's background and business journey (00:02:33) John talks about his experience as a technician turned business owner and how he started his own shop. Learning and self-improvement (00:07:00) John and Carm discuss the importance of being a perpetual student and always learning, even outside of one's area of expertise. The Cost of Education (00:07:45) John and Carm discuss the cost of education in the automotive industry and how it affects business owners. Recognizing the Need for Help (00:08:55) John talks about how he realized he needed help with his business and the importance of self-reflection for business owners. Touring John's Shop (00:10:48) Carm takes a virtual tour of John's shop, including the story behind the unique mailbox and the history of the building. Ford vs. GM (00:17:05) John Ferguson discusses the reliability of Ford and GM diesel trucks and the differences in obtaining parts and licensing scan tools. Subscription Fees for Car Features (00:18:08) Carm Capriotto and John Ferguson discuss the possibility of subscription fees for car features and the potential for app-based trim levels. 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:
      -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
      This week Hunt discusses the actual cost of that aging loaner fleet. Are they really as cheap as you think?
      • What is an opportunity cost? How does that impact the actual cost of my loaner fleet?
      • Does opportunity cost apply to me and my team equally?
      • So, you spend a couple hundred dollars in parts to keep that beater on the road, but is it really "cheaper than a car payment?"
      • How does opportunity cost apply to a tow truck that I also have off the road and not making me money?
      Thanks to our sponsor partner NAPA TRACS
      NAPATRACS.com
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online : www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book : Download Here
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...