Quantcast
Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Guest omiyasports
Posted

Hi all,

 

My name is Phil and i am 25 years old. I started the mechanic shop in Cary NC . I took over as a running business next to a used car lot with app. 150 cars.

We have about 60% of the business from them. My shop has 10 bays with 8 lifts and a back area can store another 5 cars.

We have 5,6 shops around us , and few tires and body shop around us. Most of the people did not recognize us and think that we are part of the dealership or the mechanic shop next to us. I finally got permit to put up wall sign and light box by the street. In this 6 months of ownership, have 5 mechanics come and go. Finally I hired a L1 tech i can trust and we can break even in May. Right now, i have 1 manager , 2 mechanics in the back. I recently bought an alignment machine and tire machines. My plan is the expand the business with enough of fleet works and street customers and get 1 or 2 more mechanics to utilize the shop.

 

Being an Asian, i try to focus on this group of people. We have approximately 20,000 people in this area and most of them has the language barrier and willing to find a trust worthy shop for repairing. I am gonna advertise on local newspaper and business to get our name our there.

 

I want to specialize in Japaneses and general repair for all models.

 

 

My manager will be focusing on fleet service. I joined the chamber of commerce months ago and i am researching the potential business ,such as construction and plumbing company, to see if they have fleet vehicles for us to work on.

 

This first 6 months in to business is really hard for me and i am frustrated all the time. i really need some advise to keep us running. Please let me know if i am doing it right or wrong and tell me what i should do next.

 

I graduated with a mechanical engineering degree in 2011. I am always want to work with cars and i decided to start up my own business in the beginning of the year. At first my parents is not supporting me, and think that i should get a job. but now they seems changing their mind as my passion in it and my hard working. I hope my dream will come true and my parents can retire soon.

Posted

Welcome to the "wonderful" world of shop ownership :) You will gain a lot of insight from the "older" shop owners on this site.

 

Have you checked to make sure your online presence is good? Google places, Bing, Yahoo, and such. All of this is free and since more and more people are searching for shops online this is a must. We are one of the only ones in our small town that have this setup and I get a lot of people from it. Also if you have never seen it Google has added a panoramic view that you can add to your google places page. This is a really cool feature that will allow people to see your waiting room area or how your place looks from other than the street. Costs a little money to have someone take the pictures but this is something that we will be doing soon.

Guest omiyasports
Posted

i have my website and we are on YP . Im still waiting for the pin for google place.

How hard is to get some fleet service from other business.

Since we are so close to railroad, we have a lot of construction firms around.

Posted

Not hard if that is what you are looking for. I would personally visit some of your local fleet businesses and make sure they know you are out there. Personal contact for those type of customers is very important in my opinion.

Guest omiyasports
Posted

U have any ideas about getting more car counts in the shop?

Posted

I don't think you can get any better than passing out flyers and having giving your customers multiple cards to pass out. My shop is also right next to a used car dealership and we have been preparing a sort of "gift basket" for any new buyers. Maybe a coupon book with some oil changes, coolant flushes etc. We also do a TON of used car dealerships warranty work and we are not cheap. Our key has been quality work and get it done on time. With fleet cars and dealerships you have to understand that everything is going to be last minute and needs to be done immediately so be patient.

 

A friend used to tell me in the customer service industry you are always going to eat crap, the only difference is whether you're going to eat crap on a paper plate or fine china.

 

Do you have a budget and goals written down?

 

Charlie

Posted

First, welcome and good luck. I know the members of AutoShopOwner.com will help you along the way.

The best advise I can give you at this point is to make sure your skills in business are sharp. The auto business today is not like it was when I started. The shops that understand business will be the most sucessful.

I would venture into fleet work very carefully. Many shops do well with fleet accounts, but many are held hostage to them and if you loose major accounts, it could destroy you.

Specializing can work too, just be sure you identify your taget customer and do everthing to attract this target group and take care of your key customers.

I am sure they will be more dialouge to follow. Best of luck!

  • Like 1

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
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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

    • By Freestate Auto and Truck
      Hello,
      Does anyone currently use TekMetric and do you recommend it? Any glitches, complaints, or concerns or success?
      If anyone is using a different SMS that you have a great experience with that meets your shops needs?
      We are currently using RO Writer and Autovitals DVI, but the reliability and capabilities of RO Writer are extremely lacking and frustrating. 
      Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated!
      Thank you!
      Michelle
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Are you truly a business owner, or just a well-paid employee? In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the critical distinction between running a business and simply working a high-paying job within your shop. Learn how to measure your hourly rate, assess your true profitability, and make strategic moves to improve your bottom line while working less.
      Key Takeaways:
      The difference between being a business owner vs. an overpaid employee How to calculate your true hourly rate (and why it matters) The role of profit in determining business health vs. personal earnings The trade-off between high profit and business independence Practical steps to transition from working in your business to working on your business
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      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]
      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
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class The "Great Correction" refers to a shift in the industry after a period of relative ease, likely due to pandemic related factors. The key concerns include a decrease in online searches for auto repair, rising costs, increased competition from dealerships, labor shortages, rapid advancements in technology (EVs, ADAS, AI), and the need to explore new revenue opportunities like key services, ADAS calibration, tires, and truck repairs. These issues suggest that the strategies that worked in the past may no longer be effective. Ryan Daily, Business Coach, The Institute Wayne Marshall, Business Coach, The Institute Fred Hule II, Business Coach, The Institute Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Introduction of Guests (00:00:00) Market Challenges (00:02:14) Customer Education Importance (00:04:01) Effective Communication (00:05:16) Listening to Customers (00:06:49) Value of Language in Services (00:08:34) Customer Trust and Attrition (00:09:21) New Car Sales Impact (00:10:20) Facility Appeal (00:12:26) Investing in Facilities (00:14:09) Profitability Challenges (00:15:17) Mindset Shift in Shop Owners (00:16:16) Value Proposition Discussion (00:17:21) Continuous Improvement in Service (00:18:03) Understanding Profit Targets (00:18:49) Shop Management Systems (00:19:51) Training Service Advisors (00:21:06). Proper Vehicle Inspections (00:22:01) Communication with Customers (00:28:15) Follow  Up Strategies (00:29:45) Educating Customers on Maintenance (00:32:15) Company Culture and Staff Engagement (00:34:02) Understanding Expectations (00:35:59) Customer Engagement (00:36:55) Cultural Impact (00:37:36) Continuous Education (00:39:30) Investment in Staff (00:40:36) Onboarding Process (00:42:33) Industry Transformation (00:44:38) Adapting to Change (00:46:31)
      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, 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: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -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: 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
    • By marxautocenter
      Hello everyone,
       
       Currently we use RO Writer and Auto Vitals to manage our shop workflow. It works out very well overall, but I'm looking for a way to keep track of daily/weekly shop numbers in a clean and easy to read format. We found it difficult to get clear numbers in RO writer, and use the punch in/out feature in Auto Vitals for time keeping (which limits our reporting features in RO writer). I'm looking for other shop owners who use this combination to tell me they way they keep track of their daily/weekly numbers, such as technician hours worked/billed, comebacks, declined work, sold recommended (and develop a ratio from declined work/sold recommended).
       
      I'm working on a Google sheet now, but I'm looking for opinions on what you find easiest to read, while limiting entering too much information multiple times.
       
      Thank you for your comments in advance!
       
      Cheers!
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Welcome to another episode of Business by the Numbers, hosted by Hunt Demarest, CPA, with Paar Melis & Associates. This week, we're diving into the pros and cons of leasing versus buying vehicles and equipment, covering critical tax implications and cash flow considerations. Whether you're eyeing a new luxury SUV or financing essential shop equipment, this episode breaks down the factors that influence your financial decisions.
      Key Points:
      Leasing vs. Buying: Understand the key differences, from cash flow management to tax deductions, when deciding whether to lease or purchase vehicles or equipment. Tax Implications: Learn how vehicle weight (like the 6,000-pound gross vehicle weight rule) affects first-year deductions. Leasing Equipment: Discover why leases dominate the automotive equipment industry and how they’re treated for tax purposes. Cash Flow Management: Explore how financing options impact cash flow, both short and long-term. Real-Life Scenarios: Gain insights from real-world examples, like a $3,000 savings on a BMW purchase using dealership financing incentives.
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      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]
      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


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...