Virginia Automotive Association
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's BlogMost shop owners would agree that the independent auto repair industry has been too cheap for too long regarding its pricing and labor rates. However, can we keep raising our labor rates and prices until we achieve the profit we desire and need? Is it that simple?
The first step in achieving your required gross and net profit is understanding your numbers and establishing the correct labor and part margins. The next step is to find your business's inefficiencies that impact high production levels.
Here are a few things to consider. First, do you have the workflow processes in place that is conducive to high production? What about your shop layout? Do you have all the right tools and equipment? Do you have a continuous training program in place? Are technicians waiting to use a particular scanner or waiting to access information from the shop's workstation computer?
And lastly, are all the estimates written correctly? Is the labor correct for each job? Are you allowing extra time for rust, older vehicles, labor jobs with no parts included, and the fact that many published labor times are wrong? Let's not forget that perhaps the most significant labor loss is not charging enough labor time for testing, electrical work, and other complicated repairs.
Once you have determined the correct labor rate and pricing, review your entire operation. Then, tighten up on all those labor leaks and inefficiencies. Improving production and paying close attention to the labor on each job will add much-needed dollars to your bottom line.
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By Joe Marconi
Many auto repair shops are still busy, and many are booked out from a few days to weeks. After the initial shock of Covid, the recovery for our independent auto repair industry has been quite good, with many positive indicators for the future.
However, how many of the auto repair shops that did suffer a great loss in business during the lockdown phase of Covid would have survived if not for the SBA loans, the Pay Protection Program and the Employee Retention Credit?
Building a cash reserve is crucial to prepare yourself for the next economic downturn. How much should you set aside? That depends on your business model, how much debt you have and other financial conditions. Speak to your accountant, financial advisor and business coach, if you have one.
Rule of thumb, you should have at least three months of operating expenses set aside in a dedicated bank account. Some accountants and financial advisors may suggest up to six months.
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By carmcapriotto
During Today's episode #103 Why Are You Leaving The Industry? I Talk About:
What’s the Problem? Why Are They leaving? What do we do about it?
Link for the Survey: http://bit.ly/3EVVjSf
This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:
30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting
Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:
AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88
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]
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Erich and Lauralee Schmidt went to a 4 day work week during COVID and haven't looked back. They also have an app for their shop with benefits to customers.
Erich and Lauralee Schmidt, Schmidt Auto Care, Springboro, OH Show Notes:
4 day work week- exhaustion during COVID, started cutting Fridays with three day weekends. Prefaced it as summer hours and would go back to 5 days in the fall. They never went back to 5 day work week. Revenue, productivity, and efficiency increased. 8-7 pm work hours. The check-in process includes 4 day work week schedule. 40 hours of training a year minimum- observing efficiency, open communication, partnering with employees with their training. Training is a requirement when hiring employees. “Where are your interests?” Service Advisor=Serice Specialist Free Schmidt Auto Care App- started 6 years, App Fueled is a customizable garage for clients and a bevy of services outside of just communication. Special pricing, birthday specials, loyalty touch points. 30% of the customer base has the app. Had ADAS for 3 years, one of the first in the area to get it. Program and calibration.
Thanks to our Partner, Dorman Products. Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour
Connect with the Podcast:
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Subscribe on YouTube
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Check out today's partner:
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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