Quantcast
Jump to content

Saturdays by appontment?

carbtech72
 Share

Recommended Posts

carbtech72 Contributor

carbtech72

Posted
Posted

Ive been having Saturday hours from 9-2 since I opened 4 years ago. Its never been a great day, every once in a while im busy but mostly its small stuff and not really worth staying open. Does anyone do Saturdays by appointment only and if so how does it work out for you? Im not opposed to working on sat. just want to make it worthwhile. and also have the option of having 2 days off if I want.

mmotley Proficient

mmotley

Posted
Posted

I was working Saturdays, 9-3. I got tired of playing on Youtube and Google the whole time, so I changed to Appointment only. Now, I have someone scheduling work every Saturday... Seems like I can't win. However, appointment only does let you come in, knock the work out, then head home!

Dustin Rutkowski Contributor

Dustin Rutkowski

Posted
Posted

We are here Saturdays 10-4. I have to say being a short day, it is actually one of our busiest days of the week! I would love to have a full weekend, but cannot justify it with the business that pulls through on Saturdays here

Mario Collaborator

Mario

Posted
Posted

Saturdays are very busy here but all the commercial suppliers are closed at 2pm so it forces is to buy from the chain stores were our discount is not as great.

GermanCArDEpot.com Explorer

GermanCArDEpot.com

Posted
Posted (edited)

Saturday's we do 2 times as much work as a weekday .

I envy shops that can be closed on saturdays.

Don't people work on weekdays? All over the US ?

I could not give up Saturday's my customers would not be happy. :)

Edited by GermanCArDEpot.com
Stephen Rookie

Stephen

Posted
Posted

I tried being open Saturdays 8:30 - 2:00 for 8 months with advertising through emails and Facebook and all we really got were DIY'ers wanting us to bail them out at 1:59, a few oil changes, and lots of State Inspections (which the State of Maine mandates cannot be over $ 12.5 [i added on a Saturday $12.50 Saturday convenience fee which people gladly paid]. The only tech willing to work Saturday was an apprentice.

 

Occasionally we got a decent paying job. I thought with so many Boston area commuters, we would be busy but no. Once summer came, it died because people want to play and not be without their car (even though we have a fleet of loaners) and with summers being short and winters long, I figured I would rather play on the weekends like my customers. Having started in 1976, being open on Saturdays is not going to improve the remaining years I have left.

mspecperformance Mentor

mspecperformance

Posted
Posted

I used to be open during the week from 10AM to 7PM. Then I scaled it back to 9AM to 6PM. We are currently at 8AM to 5PM. We also changed our Saturday schedule from 10 to 3 to 8 to 1. I found that some customers had a hard time dropping off and picking up at our times. Saturdays is convenient for customers to drop off, pick up and for minor services. We also occassionally set up a few bigger jobs on Saturdays as some customers really prefer the Saturday time slot. There have been times when the work was slow. I would say average 1 Saturday a month we are pretty dead. I will probably reevaluate our situation once I get my management more on point.

  • 4 weeks later...
UsedTireShop Collaborator

UsedTireShop

Posted
Posted

As a tire shop we have to be open on Saturdays. We are open 4 hours less on Saturday and we pull the same numbers as a weekday. I am highly considering opening from 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

Gary A Community Regular

Gary A

Posted
Posted

There is no right or wrong on this one. It depends on your clientele and business model. We only open 5 days but have done this since the beginning. As long as you are making money being open Saturdays it is good, but if your not making money then why?

  • Like 2
aauto Rookie

aauto

Posted
Posted

I do Saturday's by appointment only and customers must drop off the vehicle/s Friday night before we close so I don't get stood-up and if it's not there Friday I won't be there Saturday and yes, no oil changes.

  • 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
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's 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

    • JustTheBest
      Car Count Before Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025
      By JustTheBest

      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.

    • JustTheBest
      Anyone here who can handle more car count?
      By JustTheBest

      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.

    • Changing The Industry
      Bonus Episode - The Mechanics Behind Developing Great Software With the Team from Shop-Ware
      By Changing The Industry
      Bonus Episode - The Mechanics Behind Developing Great Software With the Team from Shop-Ware
    • carmcapriotto
      Staying Humble While Promoting Your Community Involvement [E142] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
      By carmcapriotto
      Getting involved in your community is powerful, but how do you share your efforts without sounding boastful? There’s a fine line between successful and selfish self-promotion, and in this episode, Brian and Kim Walker discuss how to highlight your work with authenticity and gratitude—not ego.
      We’ll discuss framing your message to focus on the cause, aligning community service with your company culture and purpose, and sharing stories that connect and inspire rather than just promote. Plus, we’ll share real-life examples—like our team’s work with Our Daily Bread Food Bank—and how to encourage others to get involved.
      Tune in now to learn how to support your community while staying humble and making a real impact!
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shops. 
      Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all—email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Start with Why - By Simon Sinek
      Our Daily Bread Food Bank
      Commission Mankind
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10) Brian introduces the podcast and the topic of community involvement. Topic Suggestion Acknowledgment (00:00:34) Brian mentions Doug DeLuca's suggestion for the episode topic. Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:01:00) Brian thanks RepairPal for sponsoring the episode. Technical Issues Discussion (00:01:30) Brian and Kim discuss technical issues and Brian's experience with braces. Community Involvement Concerns (00:03:44) Kim shares a friend's hesitation about promoting community involvement due to fear of appearing boastful. Successful vs. Selfish Promotion (00:05:44) Discussion about the fine line between effective promotion and self-promotion. Promoting Community Engagement (00:07:24) Kim emphasizes the importance of spacing out promotional posts about community involvement. Starting with Gratitude (00:07:46) Kim suggests starting messages about community involvement with expressions of gratitude. Importance of "Why" (00:09:09) Discussion on the significance of explaining the reasons behind community involvement. Examples of Community Involvement (00:09:15) Brian and Kim share experiences of their community service activities. Promoting Community Work (00:11:25) Brian discusses the importance of promoting community service to demonstrate business values. Messaging about Community Involvement (00:12:21) Kim provides examples of how they communicate their community involvement on social media. Team Engagement in Community Work (00:14:20) Brian reflects on the team's connection with community members during service activities.  Closing Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:15:14) Brian thanks RepairPal again for supporting the episode. Community Engagement Strategies (00:15:26)   Discussion on how RepairPal helps auto shops gain customers through certification and fair pricing. Customer Loyalty Apps (00:16:25)  Introduction of App Fueled, a customer loyalty app designed for auto service shops. Highlighting Community Work (00:17:11)  Tips on emphasizing organizational missions instead of personal achievements in community involvement. Authentic Community Involvement (00:17:54)   The importance of sharing community efforts without seeking personal recognition or return. Sharing GoFundMe Campaigns (00:18:51)  Encouragement to promote charitable causes without boasting about personal donations. Industry-Specific Support (00:19:16)  Discussion on giving back to the auto repair industry and local communities. Respecting Privacy in Sharing (00:19:39)  The balance between sharing community involvement and respecting the privacy of those served. Educating Marketing Teams (00:22:43)  The need to guide marketing teams on how to portray community involvement authentically. Collaborating with Other Organizations (00:24:17)  Benefits of partnering with local businesses for community service efforts. Celebrating Local Teams (00:25:38)  Highlighting local sports teams and community events to promote goodwill. Telling the Story of Donations (00:27:40)  Importance of sharing the personal connection behind charitable contributions. Personal Anecdotes from Mission Trips (00:28:28)  Sharing impactful stories from mission trips to illustrate the importance of community support. Personal Anecdote on Community Support (00:29:29)  Kim shares a personal story about supporting organizations that assist her brother with disabilities. Encouragement to Join Facebook Group (00:30:44)  Kim invites listeners to join their Facebook group for further engagement and community building. Request for Podcast Reviews (00:31:03)  Brian asks listeners to leave reviews for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of feedback. Closing Remarks and Sponsorship Acknowledgment (00:31:36)  Brian concludes the episode, thanking sponsors and encouraging listeners to tune in next week.
      Thanks to our Partners,
      RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.
      App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”
      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 Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      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.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Can I Afford to Close on Saturdays? [E159] - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Closing your shop on Saturdays might sound like a risky move, but could it actually improve your business? In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, explores the real financial and operational impact of shutting down on Saturdays. Is it worth it? What factors should you consider before making the switch? Whether you're thinking about a 5-day workweek, reducing hours, or making strategic changes to your shop’s schedule, this episode is packed with insights to help you make an informed decision.
      Key Topics Covered:
      ✅ Why auto repair shops are moving away from Saturday hours
      ✅ The financial impact of closing on Saturdays—and how to make up for lost sales
      ✅ How to determine if your shop can afford fewer workdays
      ✅ The role of employee preferences in business hours
      ✅ Attracting top talent by offering a 5-day workweek
      ✅ Strategies to transition customers from weekend scheduling
      ✅ Real-life case studies of shops that successfully cut their Saturday hours
      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]
      Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
      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


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Marketing Strategies To Attract and Retain Your Ideal Customers

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Marketing,

    0 comments 761 views
    Joe Marconi

    Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is?

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1 1,716 views
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 1,545 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...