Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Hello all,

 

How many auto repair shops / quick lubes / etc follow up there repairs by filling out a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection Form? I would like to introduce this concept to our facility in hopes of obtaining future jobs and to tell customers about any present or future problems.

 

If you currently use a form, did you design it yourself or purchase a generic form? Do you give a copy to the customer or just keep it for your records (carbon copy)?

 

I am not too sure about other shops, but I also feel it is somewhat of a liability if an item is overlooked or not properly examed and checked or marked off in acceptable condition. Do you ask the customer to sign off on the inspection form so they are in reciept of it?

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions.

 

Posted

I actually just download some additional software today from Mitchell 1 that has the ability to print out MP inspection sheets. I think it's a great extra reminder to look the car over. I can't tell you how many cars I've checked over, and when they leave, I realize I forgot to check the wipers... Or some other little small thing that I should have remember to do.

 

I doubt I'll do carbon copies, I'll probably just give the inspection sheet to the customer with their invoice. We already provide tire and brake measurements, battery test results, and state inspection due date on the invoice, and all of that is saved in the computer on the RO. Anything else we find gets a revision or estimate made for the repair and is saved to that vehicle. So keeping a copy of the inspection sheet for me doesn't seem necessary.

 

The form that comes with the software is completely customize-able. It can have all the customer and vehicle info pre-printed on the sheet, along with vehicle brand logo, green, yellow, red, black, wipers, tires, brakes, body, etc

 

I also see that it works with a few other shop management programs too. Here is a link to their site:

http://www.boltontechnology.com/report_pro.html

 

As far as liability, no way. Nobody can predict the future, that inspection sheet simply says that at the time the vehicle was in your shop, it was good to go (or not if you mark it accordingly).

Posted

We have a vehicle inspection form we fill out with every car. The form is built in to our invoicing program (TABS Autobiz) we print a color copy for the customer and go through it with them when they pick up their vehicle. Everything is saved and I can pull it up later. I have found that its great for us. You will always have people who just don't care. They can't wait till you are done talking so they can rush out the door. What makes up for it is the customers who ask questions and follow up with you. They look forward to seeing all the checkmarks being GREEN!

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
      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
      Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 
      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/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn 
      To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
      Don't forget to rate and review us!
      Connect with Chris:
      AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
      940-400-1008
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      Email Chris: [email protected]
      NO SHOW NOTES YET
      The Aftermarket Radio Network
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      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.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      #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 carmcapriotto
      So, you didn’t go to school for HR, and let’s be honest, hiring probably wasn’t what you dreamed about when you opened your shop. But here you are, needing to fill those bays and build a solid team.
      In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker is joined by Lisa Coyle of Promotive to break down what it takes to hire in today’s world, and spoiler alert: it’s all about marketing.
      From writing job posts that work to building a reputation techs want to work for, they cover everything you didn’t know you needed to know. You’ll discover why speed is your best friend, how your everyday shop culture is part of your recruiting strategy, and why treating candidates like customers is the game-changer most shop owners miss.
      Whether you’re hiring right now or just trying to build your bench, this episode is packed with smart advice, straight talk, and some seriously valuable insight into what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to marketing your way to a great hire.
      Hit play, and get ready to turn hiring from a headache into a strength. 👊
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you with this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops is trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at
      RepairPal.com/shops.
      AppFueled makes marketing easy. It’s a CRM designed for auto repair shops with tools like segmentation, reminders, and even a call center. Don’t wait—get started today at appfueled.com
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Promotive
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01)  The podcast is introduced as part of the aftermarket radio network. Guest Introduction (00:00:10)  Kim welcomes Lisa Coil from Pro Motive and expresses excitement about the discussion. Personal Anecdote on Hiring (00:01:22)  Kim shares her first impression of Lisa at an industry event and their delayed connection. Marketing and Hiring Discussion (00:02:22)  Kim highlights the importance of marketing in attracting both customers and future team members. Childhood Reflections on Blue-Collar Work (00:03:31)  Kim reflects on societal views of blue-collar jobs and their financial misconceptions. Recruitment Challenges in the Industry (00:04:33)  Discussion on the shortage of skilled blue-collar workers and the need for effective marketing strategies. Understanding Headhunters vs. Recruiters (00:05:23)  Lisa explains the difference between headhunters and recruiters in the hiring process. Recruitment Process Overview (00:06:45)  Lisa describes the comprehensive services provided by headhunters, from job design to candidate negotiation. Common Hiring Problems for Shops (00:09:13)  Lisa outlines key challenges shops face, emphasizing the importance of branding and speed in hiring. Importance of Speed in Hiring (00:09:41)  Lisa stresses the need for quick responses to applicants to secure top talent. Marketing's Role in Job Descriptions (00:12:10)  Discussion on how marketing strategies influence job titles and descriptions to attract candidates. Optimizing Job Listings for Mobile (00:13:04)  Lisa advises shop owners to check how their listings appear on mobile devices for better visibility. Balancing Job Specificity and Attractiveness (00:15:28)  Lisa talks about the need to balance specificity in job titles without deterring potential applicants. Job Posting Strategies (00:18:28)  Discussion on effective places for shops to post job openings. Candidate Treatment (00:18:39)  Advice on treating job candidates like customers for better recruitment. Data Capture Importance (00:18:47)  Emphasis on capturing candidate data for future recruitment needs. Using Job Boards (00:19:55)  Recommendations on utilizing various job boards for recruitment. Applicant Tracking Systems (00:20:51)  Benefits of using applicant tracking systems for managing job applications. Building a Candidate Database (00:21:53)  The importance of maintaining a database of potential candidates over time. Social Media for Recruitment (00:22:46)  Using social media ads for recruitment and the challenges involved. Referral Programs (00:23:43)  Encouraging employee referrals as a strategy for finding candidates. Team Referral Incentives (00:25:27)  Impact of financial incentives on employee referrals for job candidates. Maintaining Candidate Connections (00:25:50)  Importance of staying in touch with candidates for future opportunities. LinkedIn for Hiring (00:27:15)  Discussion on the effectiveness of LinkedIn for hiring technicians. Marketing's Impact on Hiring (00:28:01)  How a shop's marketing affects their ability to attract good candidates. Consumer Reviews Influence (00:28:56)  The role of online reviews in shaping potential candidates' perceptions. Showcasing Company Culture (00:30:27)  The significance of showcasing company culture to attract talent. Careers Page Importance (00:32:55)  Discussion on the essential elements of a careers page for attracting talent. Website for Customers and Employees (00:33:44)  Lisa shares insights on designing websites for both consumers and potential employees. Showcasing Team Members (00:36:04)  Importance of displaying employees on the website to attract future talent. Training and Retention Strategies (00:37:12)  Discussion on the significance of training and retaining employees after hiring. Engagement During Transition (00:38:20)  Keeping candidates engaged between signing the offer and starting their new role. Making First Days Special (00:40:10)  Ideas for creating memorable first-day experiences for new hires. Responding to Negative Reviews (00:43:16)  Advice on handling negative feedback and its impact on employer branding. Reputation Management (00:45:24)  The importance of maintaining a positive reputation as an employer. Finding Pro Motive (00:48:28)  Information on how to connect with Pro Motive for hiring assistance. Closing Remarks (00:49:14)  Wrap-up of the episode and encouragement to listen to future shows.
      How To Get In Touch
      Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
      Meet The Pros
      Follow SMP on Facebook
      Follow SMP on Instagram
      Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
      Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By nptrb
      Running an auto repair shop comes with a unique set of challenges, and managing your finances is a big one. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, understanding cash flow management for auto repair shops is crucial to your long-term success.
      In this post, we’re sharing practical, actionable strategies to help you take control of your shop’s finances and boost your auto repair business profitability—without sacrificing service quality or customer trust.
      What Is Cash Flow and Why Is It Important?
      Cash flow refers to the money moving in and out of your business. 
      For small businesses like yours, positive cash flow ensures that you can pay your team, keep parts in stock, handle operating costs, and still have something left to reinvest in growth.
      When cash flow gets tight, it affects everything—from your ability to take on more jobs to your peace of mind. That’s why improving cash flow in small businesses, especially in the auto repair industry, is one of the smartest moves you can make.
      Common Financial Challenges Auto Repair Shops Face
      Auto repair shops often experience:
      Slow payments from customers or insurance companies High up-front costs for tools, equipment, and parts Seasonal dips in customer volume Discounting services too frequently Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward smarter cash flow management in your business.
      5 Financial Tips to Improve Cash Flow
      Here are some real-world auto repair shop financial tips you can start implementing today:
      Streamline Your Invoicing and Payments
      Make it easy for customers to pay by offering digital invoicing and online payment options. Send invoices quickly, and set up automated reminders. 
      The faster you get paid, the better your cash flow.
      Review Your Pricing Structure
      If your rates haven’t changed in a while, it might be time for a tune-up. 
      Make sure your pricing reflects the value you provide while also supporting your auto repair business’s profitability.
      Manage Inventory and Ordering
      Don’t let cash get stuck on your shelves. Track what parts you actually use and only stock what’s necessary. Consider just-in-time ordering to reduce overhead.
      Reduce Unnecessary Expenses
      Look closely at your subscriptions, software, utilities, and vendor costs. Managing expenses in auto repair shops doesn’t have to mean cutting corners—just being more intentional with your spending.
      Create Consistent Revenue Streams
      Prepaid service packages, maintenance memberships, or seasonal promotions can help bring in predictable income, smoothing out your cash flow during slow periods. 
      With summer coming, now is a great time to offer deals on tune-ups for people who will be traveling!
      Forecasting = Fewer Surprises
      Cash flow forecasting allows you to plan for upcoming expenses and income. This helps you avoid financial surprises and confidently make big decisions—like hiring another tech or investing in new equipment.
      Even small adjustments in how you manage your shop’s finances can have a big impact over time. Staying proactive and strategic helps ensure your shop is profitable, sustainable, and ready to grow.
      Taking control of your finances starts with understanding your numbers and making small, consistent changes. By focusing on cash flow management for auto repair shops and applying smart financial tips tailored to your industry, you’ll be in a much stronger position to weather the ups and downs of your business.
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Mike Coley and George Arrants from the ASE Education Foundation address the ongoing technician shortage in the automotive industry. They highlight the importance of education, mentoring, and industry involvement in developing career-ready talent. Coley discusses how ASE certification improves retention and productivity, while Arrants emphasizes the value technicians place on a positive shop culture and proper equipment. The episode urges shop owners to actively support schools, nurture entry-level talent, and create environments that promote long-term career development.
      Mike Coley and George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation: https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/ Show Notes:
      Watch Full Video Episode Technician Shortage Discussion (00:00:00) Always Be Recruiting (00:03:43) Hiring Challenges (00:05:07) Importance of Career Path (00:06:17) Understanding Technician Turnover (00:09:11) Evaluating Technicians (00:14:11) Engaging with Schools (00:15:27) Importance of Brand Recognition (00:16:30) Career Fair Engagement (00:18:41) Understanding Young Workers' Needs (00:22:00) Role of ASE in Education (00:23:42) Aligning Education with Industry Needs (00:26:54) Impact of Accreditation (00:29:03) Elevating Student Expectations (00:33:17) Industry Accountability (00:34:14) Success Stories in Education (00:36:24) Turnover and Technician Shortage (00:38:12) Benefits of ASE Certification (00:38:25)
      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 stevefry
      I have a client looking to sell their Auto Body Shop in Monteagle TN called Lakeside Collision. He is asking $1,500,000 and the property did a little over $1,200,000 last year. Profitable business with lots of equipment and inventory, newer paint booth and includes 2 lots and 2 buildings with 8 bay doors.
      Also have another client looking for an Auto Body business to purchase in Davidson County (Nashville) TN. Looking for a shop with the business and the real estate. 


  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...