Shop name

[Byron]

Hi My name is Byron. I am a new subscriber to Auto shop owner forum, Just stumbled across here as I am putting together a business model to get a shop up and running. I have spent hours reading through the threads and found a wealth of information here. I have to admit the thrill of opening a shop and being in control of your own future is quite exciting. But also full of anxieties and stress putting everything together.

 

I actually have 2 questions, the first being a shop name. I would like to hear how you chose a shop name and the whys of doing it. For me personally I think the name says a lot about a shop and will help attract prospective clients that are willing to spend there hard earned money for diagnostics and repairs. What say you shop owners.

 

My second question is about scan tools. I would like to know what scan tools you like and why. I have always been a user of OTC and looking at there new Genisys touch as a shop scanner.

 

 

 

 

[Jeff]

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[Gonzo]

Originally I was going to name my shop "The GAS Co." "Gonzo's Auto Service Co. " But after talking to a guy who runs a multimillion dollar company (Over many beers) He said, "Are you Superior?!" Me, (too many beers) I said, "HELL YES!" thus the name... Superior Auto Electric ... the hangover has lasted better than 30 years.

 

Scanners... good question.

After going through Snap On, Genysis, and a few others I find the best thing .. if you are after a very detailed scanner, well...that's manufacturer scanners. Tech II, DRB, Consult, IDS, etc...

A mastertech is a good overall tool. Does a lot

I also use a DOL scanner for basic code reading. (It's wireless and will code both OBD II and manufacturer specific codes.)

 

Nothing wrong with Snap On and the others... I just have my own preferences. I have a Genysis, makes a good door stop. (slow) BUT, nothing beats manufacturer scanners.

 

Buy a GOOD scope. Mastertech and the Snap On tools have scope capabilities. I also use a Bosch scope and a PICO. (PICO is probably the best.)

 

ya can never have enough. and.... you'll always be buying more.

[Byron]

I agree there is nothing like a manufacturers scanner. Having worked for ford with there NGS then world bay diagnostics computer it was nice to be able to have that in your arsenal of tools. But going out on my own it just is not feasible to purchase all the scanners. Just trying to see what you guys like using and the best bang for the buck.

My first scanner was a OTC 4000e yeah I am old, then came the Genisys and now the new release Genisys touch has peeked my interest with all of its features from blue tooth to wiresless and not having to leave the car to look up data or information. Its platform is a tablet computer loaded with identafix as well as other features to help in repair. A good scope is for sure a tool that is needed. I have 2 Tektronix 465 scopes and been valuable to me over the years, they are considered boat anchors by todays standards.

The snap on verus pro is a really nice machine but at 10k puts it out of my financial ability to buy one. With doing all the research I can now with hopes of being as prepared as I can be once the service bay door rolls up, knowledge is the key for me to learn from you guys that have been there and done that.

Thanks for the input

[xrac]

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[mccannable]

I think "the auto md" and all staff wears scrubs and dresses like doctors. Also saw "hoods up".

[Byron]

  On 4/8/2014 at 8:21 PM, mccannable said:

I think "the auto md" and all staff wears scrubs and dresses like doctors. Also saw "hoods up".

lol that is funny.

 

Thanks xrac for the list.

[Dustin Rutkowski]

I decided on autoDR for 3 reasons. 1 - "A" puts you at the top of the list in the book. 2 - DR are my initials so it works both ways. and 3 - wanted something that we could use to market that we are the ones who tackle all the issues that others cant figure out. The idea of a Doctor helps with many of our marketing programs.

 

As for scanners you need to remember that the scanner/scope is only as good as the tech holding it. I have seen many shops in our area shell out the 5-10k for scanner only to use it like a $20 code reader. We have a few that we use. We have the OTC Genisys that we use for light stuff, quick code reads, and light live data readouts. We have the Snapon verus pro that we use on most everything for advance diagnostic, scope, data etc.... and lastly we have a shop laptop with most OE's software for anything that requires flashing or OE specific info, this also requires yearly subscriptions to the OE sites so it can be costly.

[ScottyP]

  On 4/10/2014 at 2:51 PM, Dustin Rutkowski said:

I decided on autoDR for 3 reasons. 1 - "A" puts you at the top of the list in the book. 2 - DR are my initials so it works both ways. and 3 - wanted something that we could use to market that we are the ones who tackle all the issues that others cant figure out. The idea of a Doctor helps with many of our marketing programs.

 

As for scanners you need to remember that the scanner/scope is only as good as the tech holding it. I have seen many shops in our area shell out the 5-10k for scanner only to use it like a $20 code reader. We have a few that we use. We have the OTC Genisys that we use for light stuff, quick code reads, and light live data readouts. We have the Snapon verus pro that we use on most everything for advance diagnostic, scope, data etc.... and lastly we have a shop laptop with most OE's software for anything that requires flashing or OE specific info, this also requires yearly subscriptions to the OE sites so it can be costly.

I did a poll on a forum I frequented to help choose a name and one of the choices was The Brake Doctor. (I have a brake repair shop as well as hitch and trailer shop) Well that name won. My wife like it, but I thought it was dorky to be honest, but man has that name worked for me. I get more brake work than any other shop in town, including Midas I'm willing to bet. And people around town call me Dr, or The Dr, or Brake Doctor, it's quite funny really. I still think it's dorky, but people like it I guess.