Quantcast
Jump to content


Another Dealer Story...

Joe Marconi
 Share

Recommended Posts

CARMandP Proficient

CARMandP

Posted
Posted

I had one like that when I worked for a Honda dealership. The customer stated that they had an intermediant problem with the brake pedal going soft. The car was an 06 or 07 Accord. Finally found that Honda had a problem that year with the ABS module sucking air into the system. Just a thought if you look at it again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

Posted
Posted

Joe, I would have done exactly what you did. When you can't verify a repair how do you know you've done a repair? Suggestive repairs are the way I handle these situations. But, as soon as another "expert" gets involved the first expert is no longer valid.

 

If nothing else you could at least show her the price difference between having the dealer make the repair vs. the independent shop. I'd rather lose a customer over things like this rather than deal with the..."I think I fixed it" approach.

 

Ya can't win them all, and I don't even try anymore. I have to stand behind what I do. If the car does act up again you know she'll call you ...FIRST...then you'll tell her to take it back to the dealer. AND, if the tech is found to have done something wrong...he can just quit and go to the next dealer rather than dealing with it (seen it happen before)...you and me, well... we've got the keys to the front door... we'll be back tomorrow regardless.

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
 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

    • Joe Marconi
      Would You Hire a Dealer Technician?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      15 Car Maintenance Rip-Offs Explained [THA 381]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class Our panel discusses and debunks car maintenance myths from an online article titled "15 Car Maintenance Rip-Offs You Should Avoid." They cover topics such as engine flushes, air filter replacements, fuel additives, tire shine, headlight cleaning kits, extended warranties, coolant flushes, oil additives, oil enhancers, undercoating, custom exhaust systems, dealership oil changes, and professional detailing. Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast Justin Morgan LMV Bavarian Technical Support and Trainer, ASE-Wave Technical Ambassador. Justin’s Previous Episode HERE. Bryan Pollock, Willco Auto Care, Sanborn, NY, and Lockport, NY Show Notes
      Engine Flushes (00:04:12) Debunking the necessity of engine flushes for well-maintained vehicles and the importance of following manufacturer's guidelines. Air Filter Replacements (00:09:50) Discussion on the necessity of replacing air filters at every oil change and the impact of environmental factors on air filter maintenance. Air Filter Size and Replacement (00:15:25) Exploring the impact of modern engine technology on air filter size and the need for evidence-based professional inspection for filter replacement. Cabin Air Filters (00:17:01) Discussion on the condition of cabin air filters and the impact of leaves and bugs on air quality. Airflow Issues (00:18:30) Addressing airflow problems caused by neglected cabin air filters and the potential damage to blower motors. Windshield Wiper Fluid (00:20:00) Debunking the effectiveness of costly windshield wiper fluid and discussing the difference in quality and impact on visibility. Octane Boosters and Fuel Additives (00:24:33) Debating the use and effectiveness of octane boosters and fuel system additives in modern vehicles. Tire Shine and Nitrogen Filling (00:29:48) Discussion on the impact of tire shine and the benefits of filling tires with nitrogen. Headlight Cleaning Kits (00:31:13) Debunking the effectiveness of expensive headlight cleaning kits and discussing alternative DIY solutions using household items. Restoring Headlights (00:33:01) Discussion on the process of restoring headlights and the potential cost-prohibitive nature of the restoration. Extended Warranties (00:38:06) Debunking the effectiveness of aftermarket extended warranties, with insights on their limitations and coverage issues. Redundant Coolant Flushes (00:43:15) Discussion on the necessity of coolant flushes, signs of coolant issues, and the importance of proper maintenance. Oil Additives for Engine Safeguard (00:47:44) Contradictory information on oil additives and frequent oil changes, with a focus on the composition of oil and the need for thorough upkeep. Oil Enhancers (00:49:17) Discussion on the use of oil enhancers for cold starts and their conditional application. Undercoating (00:49:41) Debate on the necessity of undercoating for modern vehicles and its effectiveness in preventing rust. Custom Exhaust System (00:54:33) Debunking the performance gains of installing a custom exhaust system on ordinary vehicles. Dealership Oil Changes (00:56:19) Comparison of the cost and quality of oil changes at dealerships versus local mechanics or aftermarket repair facilities. Professional Detailing (00:59:55) Debate on the cost and benefits of professional detailing versus DIY cleaning with quality supplies. Misleading Presentation (01:01:48) Critique of the 15 car maintenance rip-offs presentation, discussing the lack of relevance and stereotypes in the content. The stereotype of being ripped off (01:05:06) Discussion about the stereotype of being ripped off and its impact on the automotive industry. Consulting and expert articles (01:05:59) Debunking consulting and expert articles in the automotive industry and their use of clickbait and buzzwords. Educating clients on vehicle maintenance (01:07:30) Importance of educating clients on vehicle maintenance and the need for evidence-based decision-making. Importance of ADAS calibration (01:12:16) Discussion on the importance of ADAS calibration and its impact on vehicle safety and performance. Potential risks of skipping calibration (01:15:28) Exploring the potential risks and consequences of skipping ADAS calibration in vehicle maintenance. Legal implications of skipping calibration (01:17:32) The legal implications and potential consequences of skipping calibration procedures in the automotive industry. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS 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/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.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 X (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
    • carmcapriotto
      Are You Really Checking Batteries and Tires? AAA Knows You’re Not! [RR 956]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Jim Sennett from AAA focuses on the significance of maintenance in reducing roadside events, the impact of battery and tire issues, and the importance of regular vehicle inspections. He dives into AAA's role in roadside assistance, battery sales, the importance of education in the industry, and the need to shift perception to attract more talent to the skilled trades. Jim Sennett, National Repair Programs Manager, AAA National Show Notes
      The importance of testing and replacing vehicle batteries (00:01:00) Discussion about the high number of roadside events AAA responds to each year and the need for proper training and education in the automotive industry. The significance of testing batteries in safety inspections (00:01:59) Highlighting the need to test batteries during safety inspections and the impact of seasonal changes on battery performance. Partnership with NAPA to sell AAA batteries (00:03:45) Discussion about the partnership between AAA and NAPA to sell AAA batteries in NAPA stores and the benefits for AAA members. The need for proper battery testing and maintenance (00:06:32) Emphasizing the importance of testing batteries, especially with the increasing use of technology in vehicles, and the upcoming program "Test Every Vehicle" with NAPA. Promoting the automotive industry as a rewarding career path (00:10:15) Encouraging students to consider automotive technology programs as a rewarding career path and the evolution of training programs in the automotive industry. Addressing the shortage of skilled technicians (00:15:20) Discussion about the shortage of skilled technicians and the importance of promoting skilled trades as a valuable career choice for future generations. The importance of skilled trades (00:16:09) Discussion on the need to eliminate the stigma around trade careers and advocate for skilled trades as a rewarding career path. Challenges of traditional education (00:16:53) Reflection on the value of traditional college education and the need to rethink the education system's approach to learning and career preparation. Apprenticeship programs and earning while learning (00:19:50) Discussion on the benefits of apprenticeship programs, earning while learning, and the potential for launching apprentice programs in partnership with NAPA. Industry challenges and opportunities (00:21:04) Insights into the automotive industry, the need for more technical expertise due to technological advancements, and the potential for growth in the field. Role of independent repair shops and competition (00:28:26) Discussion on the importance of independent repair shops, the role of competition, and the significance of customer relationships in the automotive industry. Engaging with students and education initiatives (00:30:20) The importance of engaging with high school students, promoting automotive careers, and the need for industry involvement in educational initiatives.
      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 https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care 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
    • carmcapriotto
      I Got 99 Problems But Marketing Ain't One [E099] - 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
      My Facebook Ads are showing to people way outside of my service area (not set up right) My social media doesn’t seem to be providing a return on investment (Junk smm) I never see my Google Ads when I search for my business (low budget) I don’t show up in the Map Pack when I search for auto repair near me, and I’m searching while I’m in my business (connected to wifi) My website is too slow (pictures too big or cheap hosting) My website doesn’t come up when people search for mechanic near me (stock content) I get lots of leads but they don’t turn into customers (Your SA sucks) My marketing looks like every other shop’s marketing (are you talking to your marketers?) The shop is slow. It’s time to turn our marketing back on. (never stop marketing)  
      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
    • Water Proof And Self Adhesive
    • Changing The Industry
      Dealership Tries To Pull A Fast One
      By Changing The Industry
      Dealership Tries To Pull A Fast One


  •
    nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 885 views
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,020 views
    nptrb

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

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,178 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...