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Posted

Hello all,

 

What is your procedure for customers signing in or checking in? Do you have a sheet for all customers to right there information (somewhat of a doctors office style) or just greet and immediately begin service?

 

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions in advance.

Posted

caautogroup,

It depends on if this is a first time client, or an established one and if its a scheduled appointment or a walk in. In the case of an appointment, I recommend getting all the pertinent information over the phone when they set the appointment and use it to start the repair order. When your client arrives you can do a quick review of contact info, and the problem statement, ask if anything additional needs to be checked and get them on their way. Doing this in advance means they have time to better answer those open ended questions that make for an excellent problem statement.

Posted

We just begin the checkin process but I am interested to see what others do. I have gone back and forth on the idea of having first time customers fill out a check in sheet. It is good because everything is documented by the customer and we can get all contact info (ie email addresses which we have difficulty collecting verbally). On the other hand I feel like we make the customer do too much work if we begin this process.

Posted

First timers I take extra time getting all the info, repeat customers I just verify the phone #, but its 100% verbal and I type while I talk. All the comments and symptoms I type in so the mechanic has the same info as me, less confusion.

Posted

We had a custom check in sheet that we wrote customers complaints, estimates if known, observed vehicle body damage notes and first timers complete the whole thing, others sign and both select d method of contact for updates.

 

It is noted that there are check out charges to be paid if repairs declined.

Posted

These are all great ideas. But, have you ever considered having the customer check-in with a tablet? Our Welcome Station customer check-in kiosk empowers customers to check themselves in for appointments, or drop-in service. Customers can update their vehicle and contact information, select services based on pending and popular services, or opt for weather-related service checks (windshield wiper inspection during rain, for instance).

Shops have told us they're able to capture customers' email addresses much easier than when their service advisor asks for them. Owners have also told us they're seeing more accuracy of information. Oh, and did I mention the info the customer adds automatically transmits to the shop management system?

If you're interested, click here, or call us to learn more: 610-400-1019

  • Like 1
Posted

I also would like to know what people are doing for new customers or just to check in customers. Do you guys have a customer check in form ? Does anyone have a copy of this form so I can get an idea if so? thanks!

  • Like 1
Posted

I also would like to know what people are doing for new customers or just to check in customers. Do you guys have a customer check in form ? Does anyone have a copy of this form so I can get an idea if so? thanks!

Hi, Sparkerauto!

 

When you and/or anyone else read this, you may email me at [email protected], and I will send my simple but very workable and user-friendly check-in sheet to you. Like I said "Simple and Easy.'

 

The more we work together, the more we all achieve!

  • Like 1
Posted

I currently have a paper-based form which I get all new customers to fill out. Sometimes doctors hand writing prevails and my data entry person can get it wrong. lol...

Theres a plan to have customers fill out e-forms on a tablet in the workshop to reduce the amount of interpretation errors. It's all about time since i'm a software developer!

 

It would be awesome If i could then have it tie in to my accounting system!

everyone can have dreams. :)

If you want my paper-based form, let me know or email me at [email protected]. more than happy to send it through mate

 

Cheers!

Posted

We have a sign in sheet that new and return customers fill out. Sometimes returnees say "I'm already in your database" but our SAs are trained to say that we just want to make sure our info is up to date. They always fill it out, including the disclaimer and signature on the back. YOU HAVE TO GET THEIR SIGNATURE. Info collected includes e-mail and "how did you hear about us?" The form also includes checkboxes for "would you like to hear about interest-deferred financing" and "would you like to save $$ with our loyalty program?"

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  • 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.
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