Quantcast
Jump to content


Don’T Let A Customer Compromise Policy


Recommended Posts

Asking the customer questions and listening to the request.I will invest in the diagnosis and train the customer how the receive my attention and help in the future. I will explain if I have found a system malfunction that will ruin the Catalytic Converter in short order. You got to offer Good,Better,Best and let the customer decide up front. Detail all repairs and what the customer declines on the invoice. It is alway's tough with the older/higher mileage cars that come in with many issues of age/abuse/neglect.

 

 

ps: I have started relationships with the very type problems bur we pressed on-got the car fixed and the customer referred many customers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Acutally that happens to us a lot. They will get the car "diagnosed" at Advance Auto or by Google and they come and want us to replace a part. I actually don't mind it anymore as in the end it almost never fixes the problem and we end up charging them and correctly fixing the car. Those customers actually become some of our best because they finally realize only a real mechanic can fix a real problem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

If a customer comes in with an already diagnosed issue, we try to hard to get them to see the value in having the diagnoses confirmed. But if they insist, we make sure they understand that they are purchasing parts and labor not a repair. We make no guarantees, and we usually end up making more money since there original diagnoses is incorrect quite often.

 

Scott

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If a customer comes in with an already diagnosed issue, we try to hard to get them to see the value in having the diagnoses confirmed. But if they insist, we make sure they understand that they are purchasing parts and labor not a repair. We make no guarantees, and we usually end up making more money since there original diagnoses is incorrect quite often.

 

Scott

 

I do the same however i can see how this can backfire. In my area at the very least (I am sure you see the same but maybe to a lesser degree) I find that people here are irrational. No matter what you tell them, they can be driven by emotion. They can agree to the repair and now it doesn't fix their problem. They are upset and in a negative mood that is now associated with your shop. Sure you can make an extra buck now for added work/diag however you potentially have a customer whom will not bring their car back due to the negative feelings towards paying 2x. Although I am with you on what you are doing since I do the same I also cringe when it doesn't work out for the customer because I am always thinking about how to make my customer songbirds for my business.

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
  • 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 carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Chris Dekker shares his use of service proposals, shop cleanliness, and appointment reminders to enhance customer satisfaction. The episode underscores the value of professionalism, continuous learning, and adapting to industry changes to meet evolving client needs. Chris Dekker, My Garage Auto and Tire, Airdrie, Ontario, Canada. Chris' previous episodes HERE Show Notes
      The importance of service proposals (00:02:52) Chris discusses the use of service proposals for estimates and outlines the benefits of their business to potential clients. Enhancing the customer experience (00:04:32) The discussion delves into the details of the service proposal, focusing on how it communicates the client experience and positions the business in the market. The impact of shop cleanliness (00:09:47) The importance of shop cleanliness in retaining and earning clients is highlighted, emphasizing the role of the front office in the client experience. Appointment reminders and booking ahead (00:11:57) Chris explains the use of SMS reminders and the process of booking maintenance appointments, including the software used for notifications. Innovative ideas and readiness for EVs (00:14:30) The importance of seeking innovative ideas from other businesses and industries is discussed, followed by information about training for servicing hybrid and EV vehicles. The importance of learning from others (00:16:34) Discussing the value of learning from others' experiences and implementing new ideas in the automotive industry. Accountability and coaching in business (00:17:15) Exploring the benefits of having an accountability partner and business coaching for success in the automotive industry. Adapting to electric and hybrid vehicles (00:18:49) Discussing the focus on electric and hybrid vehicle repairs, including significant investments in training and tooling. Training on electric vehicle repair (00:20:01) Exploring the various training methods for electric vehicle repair, including in-person, online, and practical experimentation. Client experience and innovation (00:22:03) Emphasizing the importance of client experience and innovation in the automotive industry, including the introduction of new client-focused ideas. Ensuring safety and reliability (00:25:05) Detailing the company's policy to ensure safety and reliability, including the process of wheel retorquing and client communication. Client-focused service proposals (00:27:56) Highlighting the significance of client-focused service proposals and the importance of considering more than just the cost in the automotive industry.
      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 Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -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
    • 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking inspiration and innovation outside the auto repair industry. He challenges shop owners to break out of their comfort zones and learn from disruptors in fields like hospitality, retail, healthcare, and fitness. Chris discusses how adopting customer-centric approaches and technologies from these industries can transform auto repair businesses.
       
      For instance, he highlights how the hospitality industry's focus on exceptional customer service and personalized experiences can be mirrored in auto repair shops to build stronger customer relationships and loyalty. Similarly, he points out how retail's use of data analytics and customer feedback can help auto shops better understand their clients' needs and preferences, leading to more tailored services and improved satisfaction.
       
      Chris also explores how the healthcare sector's emphasis on transparency and trust can be applied to auto repair, fostering a more open and honest communication channel between mechanics and customers. Additionally, he draws parallels with the fitness industry's use of subscription models and community-building strategies, suggesting that auto repair shops could benefit from implementing similar membership programs to ensure steady revenue and customer engagement.
       
      He encourages proactive learning, attending conferences, and networking with professionals from other sectors. By stepping outside the traditional boundaries of the auto repair industry, shop owners can gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can set them apart from competitors.
       
      The episode concludes with practical steps for implementing these innovative ideas to enhance customer experience and drive positive change in auto repair shops. Chris provides actionable advice on how to start small, such as introducing a customer feedback system or experimenting with new service packages, and gradually scale up these initiatives. He also stresses the importance of continuous improvement and staying adaptable to evolving customer expectations and industry trends. By embracing these strategies, auto repair shops can not only improve their operations but also create a more engaging and satisfying experience for their customers.
       
      The power of looking outside our industry (00:01:05)
      Exploring the importance of learning from disruptors in other fields to stay ahead of the curve.  
      Innovation at the edges (00:03:26)
       
      Discussing how innovation often occurs at the edges of industries and the benefits of looking beyond traditional practices.  
      Examples of disruptors in other industries (00:04:37)
       
      Exploring examples from healthcare, food and beverage, connected fitness apps, and education to draw insights for auto repair business.  
      Implementing ideas in auto repair shops (00:09:41)
       
      Strategies for implementing ideas from other industries, such as networking, adopting technology, experimenting with service models, focusing on customer experience, and empowering the team.  
       
       
      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
    • 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.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Welcome to another episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosted by Brian and Kim Walker! 
      Today, we have a very special guest, Michael Doherty, who was our exceptional service advisor at Peak Automotive in Apex, North Carolina. 
      Michael has been a pivotal figure in our journey, and we are thrilled to share his insights on customer loyalty and retention. He’ll discuss his unique approach to building lasting client relationships and the importance of genuine care and transparency.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      WorldPac - https://www.wtitraining.com/
      Worldpac STX - https://automotivetrainingevents.com/event/stx/
      Traver Technologies: https://traverconnect.com/
      ShopWare - https://shop-ware.com/
      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
    • 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.
      Customer loyalty programs are crucial for retaining clients in the auto repair industry. On the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian and Kim Walker explore this topic with Joe Schindler and Jeff Rudnick. 
      Joe, a shop owner, shares his experiences with loyalty programs, while Jeff from Pit Crew Marketing offers insights on how these programs can significantly benefit automotive shops. 
      This discussion is part of their ongoing series on customer retention. They highlight how personalized rewards, first impressions, and community involvement can build stronger customer relationships, encouraging repeat business and long-term loyalty. These strategies significantly enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth.
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      The introduction (00:00:03) Introduction of the podcast episode and the topic of customer loyalty programs. Jeff's background in Hawaii (00:01:03) Jeff's background in Hawaii and the discussion about his current location. Defining customer loyalty (00:04:19) Discussion on the definition of customer loyalty and how it is measured. Earning trust and loyalty (00:06:01) The importance of trust in earning customer loyalty and the significance of knowing the customer's intent. First impressions (00:12:00) The impact of the first impression on building customer loyalty and the significance of creating a welcoming environment. Last interaction and lagniappe (00:18:05) The importance of the last interaction with the customer and the concept of providing a little extra (lagniappe) to enhance the customer experience. Community involvement and charity events (00:20:34) The role of community involvement and charity events in creating customer loyalty and building relationships. These are the main topics covered in the podcast episode transcription segment, organized in chronological order with their respective timestamps. Community Involvement Charity (00:22:26) Shop owner's initiative to involve customers in community charity, raising funds and providing incentives for customers. Supporting Little League Teams (00:23:20) Discussion on sponsoring little league teams, the impact on the community, and the importance of community involvement. Seizing Opportunities (00:24:29) Encouragement to shop owners to seize opportunities, think creatively, and take advantage of moments for business growth. Solving Real Problems (00:25:44) Emphasizing the role of marketing in solving real challenges for small businesses and making their lives better. Involvement in the Community (00:27:31) Discussion on the importance of being involved in the community and creating a sense of belonging, impacting marketing positively. Connecting with Customers (00:28:36) Emphasizing the need to connect with customers in a meaningful way, beyond traditional loyalty programs, and the impact on advertising effectiveness. Fundraising Logistics (00:29:46) Exploring the logistics of fundraising, including tools, graphics, and collaboration with marketing companies for seamless integration. Using Rewards for Community Programs (00:36:29) Discussion on customers choosing to use rewards for community programs, the intrinsic value, and setting up guardrails for giving. Launching Shop Programs (00:41:39) The process of launching shop programs, integration with shop management systems, and activating accounts based on customer history. Service Advisor's Role (00:45:37) Reference to a previous episode discussing the service advisor's role in customer retention and the impact of the 1-to-1 service advisor-technician ratio. Joe's thoughtful gifting (00:46:31) Joe explains his thoughtful and considerate gifting strategies to connect with clients and nurture relationships. Partners with systems and processes (00:47:22) Joe emphasizes the importance of having partners with efficient systems and processes to ease the burden on business owners. Inexpensive customer gifts (00:48:37) Joe shares his inexpensive yet impactful gift ideas for customers, including hot chocolate mixers, cookies, and personalized items. Quality over quantity (00:51:20) Joe discusses the significance of giving high-quality, thoughtful gifts over cheap trinkets and the impact it has on customers. Building customer loyalty (00:53:17) Joe emphasizes the importance of little gestures and thoughtful gifts in building customer loyalty and creating a positive impact. Conclusion and contact information (00:54:02) The hosts express gratitude to the guests and provide their contact information for listeners to get in touch.  
      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]
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Pit Crew Marketing
      Schindler's Garage
      Schindler's Garage - see loyalty program posts
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...