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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog0 commentsAuto shop owners are always looking for ways to improve production levels. They focus their attention on their technicians and require certain expectations of performance in billable labor hours. While technicians must know what is expected of them, they have a limited amount of control over production levels. When all factors are considered, the only thing a well-trained technician has control over is his or her actual efficiency.
As a review, technician efficiency is the amount of labor time it takes a technician to complete a job compared to the labor time being billed to the customer. Productivity is the time the technician is billing labor hours compared to the time the technician is physically at the shop. The reality is that a technician can be very efficient, but not productive if the technician has a lot of downtime waiting for parts, waiting too long between jobs, or poor workflow systems.
But let’s go deeper into what affects production in the typical auto repair shop. As a business coach, one of the biggest reasons for low shop production is not charging the correct labor time. Labor for extensive jobs is often not being billed accurately. Rust, seized bolts, and wrong published labor times are just a few reasons for lost labor dollars.
Another common problem is not understanding how to bill for jobs that require extensive diagnostic testing, and complicated procedures to arrive at the root cause for an onboard computer problem, electrical issue, or drivability issue. These jobs usually take time to analyze, using sophisticated tools, and by the shop’s top technician. Typically, these jobs are billed at a standard menu labor charge, instead of at a higher labor rate. This results in less billed labor hours than the actual labor time spent. The amount of lost labor hours here can cripple a shop’s overall profit.
Many shop owners do a great job at calculating their labor rate but may not understand what their true effective labor is, which is their labor sales divided by the total labor hours sold. In many cases, I have seen a shop that has a shop labor rate of over $150.00 per hour, but the actual effective labor rate is around $100. Not good.
Lastly, technician production can suffer when the service advisors are too busy or not motivated to build relationships with customers, which results in a low sales closing ratio. And let’s not forget that to be productive, a shop needs to have the right systems, the right tools and equipment, an extensive information system, and of course, great leadership.
The bottom line is this; many factors need to be considered when looking to increase production levels. While it does start with the technician, it doesn’t end there. Consider all the factors above when looking for ways to improve your shop’s labor production.
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By Joe Marconi
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By carmcapriotto
Brett Beachler shares the history of his business, the impact of closing on Saturdays, and the importance of creating a positive work environment. He also discusses the significance of customer trust and his future goals for his business. Brett Beachler, Beachler’s Vehicle Care & Repair, Peoria, IL. Listen to Brett’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes:
Closing Saturdays and its Impact (00:03:20) Brett discusses the significant impact of closing Saturdays on their business operations and the positive response from their customer database. Increased Revenue and Team Morale (00:04:37) Brett shares how their decision to close Saturdays resulted in a 20% increase in revenue and improved team morale. Distinguishing Factors of the Business (00:07:19) Brett explains the factors that make their business different, including providing honest advice, focusing on cost per mile, and attracting a more educated demographic of customers. The Light Atmosphere and Customer Experience (00:08:21) Discussion about the importance of creating a positive atmosphere and delivering exceptional customer experience. Forward Thinking and Setting Dental Style Appointments (00:10:24) Conversation about the benefits of proactive maintenance and the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. The importance of people skills (00:15:31) Discussion on the significance of understanding and managing the different personalities and needs of employees for successful business operations. Benefits of being part of a 20 group (00:17:07) Exploring the advantages of joining a 20 group for business owners, including the opportunity to learn from others and receive support. Updating Processes and SOPs (00:22:34) Discussion about the importance of managing processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) properly, transitioning from paper to digital form, and using Microsoft server for storing SOPs. Refining Digital Vehicle Inspection (00:23:25) Focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the digital vehicle inspection process and making it seamless for both customers and technicians. Equipment Upgrades and Expansion (00:23:59) The impact of daily training (00:29:45) Discussion on the importance of daily training for personal and professional growth, comparing it to sporadic training every few months. Views on smartphones and idle time (00:32:46) Discussion on the negative impact of excessive smartphone use and the importance of utilizing time effectively. 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:
-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz
-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
-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com
-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
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By carmcapriotto
Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, our panel dives into the progress of the Right to Repair bill that could potentially reshape our industry. Without the Right to Repair Act, our industry could face a staggering $93 billion hit by 2035. Kathleen Callahan, who testified in front of Congress, shared her experience and the momentum it created for the bill. It's crucial for industry professionals to understand the bill, advocate for it, and engage with their communities and legislators. Dwayne Myers, Dynamic Automotive, 6 locations, Maryland. Dwayne’s previous episodes HERE. Jennifer Keaton, Director of Government Affairs, Auto Care Association Kathleen Callahan, Xpertech Auto Repair, Englewood, FL Show Notes
IDC Hearing: "Proposals To Enhance Product Safety And Transparency For Americans: https://www.youtube.com/live/AU1vg7Xsw88?feature=shared The testimony before Congress (00:02:01) Kathleen Callahan's testimony in front of a congressional subcommittee and her experience preparing for it. Magic Johnson's keynote speech (00:04:38) Discussion about Magic Johnson's speech at the event, his support for small businesses, and the request for his support for right to repair. Getting a bill in front of Congress (00:08:13) The process and hard work involved in getting a bill, specifically the Repair Act (HR 906), in front of Congress. The legislative process and subcommittee hearing (00:08:36) Discussion about advancing a bill through the legislative process, the importance of the subcommittee hearing, and the next steps of getting the bill to a markup. The significance of markup (00:09:35) Explaining what markup means in the legislative process and how it signifies that the bill is moving forward. The importance of right to repair legislation (00:12:53) Highlighting the potential impact of not passing right to repair legislation, including the loss of market share and the negative consequences for the industry and consumers. Kathleen's Confident Testimony (00:17:27) Kathleen's confident and professional testimony, her preparation, and the positive feedback received. The Importance of Questions (00:17:59) The importance of paying attention to the questions asked during testimony and the impact of facial expressions. Strategic Selection of Kathleen (00:20:05) The strategic selection of Kathleen as the only woman shop owner from Florida to represent the industry. The importance of marketing and being active in advocacy (00:25:49) Dwayne emphasizes the importance of continuous marketing efforts and being proactive in advocating for the industry. Telematics as the new right to repair (00:26:24) Tthe significance of telematics and the potential challenges it poses for gaining access to vehicle data. Equitable access to repair and diagnostic data (00:26:47) Kathleen highlights the need for repair shops to have equal access to repair and diagnostic data as dealerships, and the importance of showing legislators the impact of the industry. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR 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/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: 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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Today on Business by the Numbers, Hunt explores key strategies for enhancing business success through effective team management and development, as well as the long-term benefits of strategic employee management and development for sustained business success.
• Strategic Value of Team Retreats: Insights into how team retreats and paid time off (PTO) contribute to employee satisfaction and business growth.
• Collaboration in a Hybrid Work Environment: Adapting to modern work models and the importance of in-person collaboration for team dynamics.
• Investing in Employee Well-being and Training: The critical role of continuous training and employee appreciation in boosting productivity and profitability.
Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
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
It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. 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]
Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
Aftermarket Radio Network
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By carmcapriotto
Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Bill Hanvey and Paul McCarthy give insights into Right to Repair, what it takes to put on a massive show encompassing 2,600 exhibitors, and 46,000 buyers, and a recap of Magic Johnson's engaging keynote. In a recent study, by 2035 there could be a 54% decline in market share due to repair restrictions, translating to $92 Billion lost by the independent aftermarket. This issue is not just about the industry, but also about the consumers who rely on affordable and accessible auto services. Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association. Find Bill’s other episodes HERE. Paul McCarthy, President and CEO of MEMA (Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association). Find Paul’s other episodes HERE. Show Notes
The impact of Right to Repair (00:02:58) Bill Hanvey and Paul McCarthy discuss a study by Roland Berger that predicts a decline in market share for the independent aftermarket due to repair restrictions. The importance of grassroots efforts in right to repair (00:04:51) The role of grassroots efforts and listener engagement in gaining support for the Right to Repair bill. Exceeding pre-COVID numbers at AAPEX 2023 (00:11:42) Conversation about the number of exhibitors and buyers at AAPEX, and positive feedback received. The technology-driven automotive industry (00:12:46) Exploration of the automotive industry's shift towards technology, the importance of data, and the excitement and opportunities it brings. The breakfast panel for next year (00:19:10) Discussion about planning for the next year's breakfast panel and the constant effort to innovate the show. The larger show for next year (00:19:33) Announcement of a larger show for the next year with more space and exciting new technology and innovations. Magic Johnson's appearance (00:20:22) Conversation about how Magic Johnson was chosen as a speaker and his impressive presence and interactions with the audience. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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