Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

I walked into an electronics store the other day and on the walls were large posters of sale items. On the service counters at the register were more sale offerings. There were sale tags on the items on the shelves. I instantly got the feeling of “information overload.”

 

This got me thinking, many of us (me included), flood our customer waiting areas with brochures, posters, flyers, menu boards, etc. How effective are they? Should we narrow our focus on fewer items at a time? Is less, actually more, in terms of how we market our shops?



Posted

I think less is definitely more. I know when I go in someplace and there are a ton of signs, etc. I just kind of ignore them all... unless I am sitting in a waiting area for a time, then I will look at them out of boredom.

 

My wife commented to me yesterday about a 4 page ad for a local grocery store. It was laid out in a grid system with a lot of pictures. She said "I can't stand their ads. I go into information overload and don't even want to look at it."

Posted (edited)

I'm going to agree on the less-is-more strategy. We are already inundated with information, and our brains simply cannot digest every thing presented to us.

 

I just came across this this last night in a web-design book I was browsing (ironically, I didn't even read the whole book, just skimmed it):

 

CL3rT3q.png

Edited by Wes Daniel
Posted

I use a slideshow on my TV to show the different products/services we offer. In effect, this is one advertisement piece, however it changes every 10 seconds to show another service or product. Has been invaluable in adding on sales to tickets.

Posted

Wes, I would love to see the cost of those displays. I'm sure they work great, I'm just afraid the price is gonna be way too high for the return on invest (plus floor or wall space). By no means am I saying my slideshow is the greatest idea ever (I'm really just to cheap to pay for cable and I don't have enough waiting customers), but like Joe originally asked, can we have to many sales displays. The TV takes up just a little space on the wall, didn't cost me much (really, I took it out of my room at home, so it was kinda free), and has sold tons of keys, rock chip repairs, and headlight buff jobs.

 

I guess it comes down to how many customers you have waiting around and being bored vs. customers coming in a out quickly. Bored customer might check out displays and brochures, but those just coming in to drop off their car or have you check their MIL real quick will at least glance at a tv... At least that's my train of thought. If I ever had a bigger waiting room and extra money laying around, I would probably invest in some of those displays though.

Posted

From the article, I understood that he kept them behind the counter and only pulled the demos out to help the customer understand the issues. The example he used was a customer with a quote $300 cheaper to do a timing belt at another shop. Naturally, the other shop didn't quote the idlers, tensioner, nor water pump. With his demo, he could show everything that went into a timing belt job and sell it.

 

Do you have a copy of the slideshow from your TV? I would like to see it, if you don't mind.

Posted (edited)

That makes way more sense (I didn't read the articles, just kind of skimmed...lazy). At that point, I would say they are definitely worth it.

 

Wes, shoot me a PM with your email address and I'll send you a copy of the slideshow.

 

For future reference, if anyone is interested in making a slideshow for a TV, here is a quick rundown:

 

1. In paint/power point/etc. save your image as a jpeg.

2. Save all your files to a thumb drive/jump drive/usb drive

3. Most TVs nowadays have a usb hook up. Insert the usb drive into there

4. Turn on the TV. Some will automatically detect the drive, others you may have to change input to media or whatever

5. Set to play, you may have to choose to loop all the images so they keep playing over and over.

 

Reference http://www.scantips.com/basics1f.html for the correct pixel size for your image. I think it says to set it to 1920x1080 pixels

Edited by mmotley
  • 4 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

Hello All!

 

My name is Samantha and I am a representative from Displays in Motion. I noticed that we were previously mentioned in this thread and I thought I would chime in.

 

We have found that our automotive displays are highly effective in increasing sales and building trust with customers. We keep our displays out in our waiting area and use them almost every day to help explain repairs.

 

Someone mentioned that they were worried about what a display like this might cost and I think you might be surprised at how affordable they really are! Please contact us at 303-756-2886 or through our e-mail address at [email protected] to learn more!

 

Thanks!

 

-Samantha

Edited by DisplaysinMotionInc
  • 1 month later...
Posted

I agree with less is more strategy. We recently painted our waiting room and put in some new furniture. I removed 90% of the stuff and didn't put it back. Customers like the clean look better. I display a few tires and have a nice brake pad display and a few nice metal signs. The rest is non automotive stuff. No tv in our place, magazines and free wifi only. Customers like it because they can work in relative quiet. I have some informative automotive brochures out so they can get their own ideas of what they should be asking for rather than me trying to sell them something.

Posted

I am going to go out on a lim here and guess that most of us here in the automotive mechanic world are pretty handy. If you have a little time on the weekend I don't see it to be too much of a task to make your own displays either, might be kind of fun.

 

I also had a question for you guys, I have been toying with the idea lately of making informative step by step videos of my mechanic doing all sorts of common repairs and then editing them into short "how its done" type videos that can be played to customers to explain a repair process, or simply to have playing in the waiting area. The videos would have speech and subtitling so you could have it muted or the sound on.

 

Would these videos be of use to anyone? Would you be willing to pay say $10-20 bucks for a set of them. Could have different sets like brakes and suspension, engine, drive train etc. Each $10-20. Worth it to anyone?

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
      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.
      I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
      Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.
      In this insightful podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton delves into the evolving dynamics of auto repair shops by exploring the transition of technicians into service advisor roles. Initially harboring skepticism about this shift, Chris has become a strong advocate, recognizing the distinct advantages that technicians offer when they step into advisory positions. He emphasizes that their deep technical knowledge and adept problem-solving abilities can significantly enhance the customer experience.
      Chris underscores the critical role of comprehensive training and mentorship programs in equipping technicians with the necessary communication and interpersonal skills required for their new roles. He acknowledges common concerns, such as the potential depletion of technical talent on the shop floor and the financial implications of such transitions. However, he presents a compelling argument that elevating technicians to service advisor roles can lead to increased customer trust, improved shop efficiency, and ultimately, higher revenue.
      The episode, sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, serves as a call to action for shop owners to prioritize the growth and development of their employees. By investing in their workforce, shop owners can cultivate a more knowledgeable and versatile team, capable of driving the business forward in a competitive market. Chris's insights provide a roadmap for successfully navigating this transition, ensuring that both the shop and its employees thrive.
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:19) Changing Perspectives on Technicians as Advisors (00:01:30) The Role of Technicians in Service (00:02:53) Personal Experience with Technicians (00:03:53) Staffing Challenges in Auto Repair (00:06:10) Understanding the Service Advisor Role (00:08:31) Why Technicians Make Great Advisors (00:09:41) Concerns About Transitioning Technicians (00:12:05) Training and Support for Technicians (00:16:46) Business Case for Promoting Technicians (00:17:42) Future Planning for Service Advisors (00:18:50) Recap and Call to Action (00:19:56)
      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 carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      Matt Fanslow and Margaret Light, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist in the state of Minnesota, discuss a recent murder-suicide within the automotive community. They discuss the alarming statistics surrounding such events, emphasizing the significant role of domestic violence as a predictor. The conversation explores risk factors, including untreated mental illness, access to firearms, and the dynamics of control within relationships. Finally, they offer practical advice and resources for identifying warning signs and seeking help for individuals at risk.
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
      Contact Information
      Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
      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 Changing The Industry
      Episode 200 - Balancing Customer Service & Profitability in Auto Repair With Rick White & Mike Himes
    • By marxautocenter
      Hello all,
       
       I'm currently the General Manager of a pre-owned vehicle sales and service center. The business has a great reputation in the community, and has done well for 35 years. The current owners are ready to retire and enjoy a life of less responsibilities. They have deemed me fit to take control, and are helping me out by carrying the note, with a good down payment of course. We are still working on the nuts and bolts of the deal, and it has me thinking of all the avenues I could pursue in the future. Which leads to my question, should I continue to sell cars, or just focus on service? I know I'm not giving much information, but I'm looking to hear from other owners who may have experience on both ends, on some pros and cons. I know the 2 segments are symbiotic, as sales gives us future service work, and service has the option of offering vehicles for sale when a service customers vehicle is deemed not worth repairing. 
      The current numbers are skewed, as service gives a discounted rate to sales in the manner of 50 dollars per hour of labor, as opposed to the 134.77, and also parts are at cost. I am a numbers guy, and would like to make a decision on what would be most profitable, and I will have a better idea as we work over the reports.
      I'm just looking for opinions from knowledgeable folks. We don't have a master technician at the moment, so we struggle on diagnostics sometimes, and I would have to resolve that should I decide to remove sales from the equation. 
      Sales end is currently handled solely by one owner, other than myself talking to customers on the lot. We have a license now for 30 cars.
      Fenced in yard behind building capable of storing 40+ cars, with a front lot that displays the 30 vehicles for sale. 
      Great customer base, minimal advertising in the 35 years of business. ARO is 426.20 currently, and we average around 2000 RO's annually in the last 4-5 years. 
       
      I know I'm not providing enough information, but I can update when more becomes available.
       
      Thanks in advance!
       
       
       
       
    • By carmcapriotto
      What impression does your business leave behind when you’re not there? In this episode, we tackle a vital question every shop owner should consider: What do you look like when you're not there? From the way your team interacts with customers to the legacy you leave for your family, this discussion will inspire you to reflect on your leadership and the culture you've built.
      We'll explore how to lead by example, empower your team, and ensure your presence is felt even in your absence. Whether it’s in your shop, at home, or in your community, the impressions you leave behind tell a powerful story.
      Don't miss this thought-provoking episode—listen now and start shaping the legacy you want to leave!
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops
      Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Square Body Dave - https://www.youtube.com/@squarebodydave 
      Show Notes with Timestamps


      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


  • Similar Tagged Content

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...