Quantcast
Jump to content


Recommended Posts

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?"

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
  • Available Subscriptions

  • 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.
  • Similar Topics

    • By nptrb

      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.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Recorded at the TST Big Event, industry trainers Eric Ziegler and Pete Meier dive into the growing challenges technicians and shop owners face in staying current with technology and why continuous education is no longer optional. The conversation highlights key issues including the liability risks of inadequate training, the double-edged sword of social media as an information source, and the power of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Eric and Pete also stress the importance of actively applying what’s learned, not just passively consuming information, and how networking with other professionals can accelerate growth.
      Eric Ziegler, EZ Tech Mentors.  Eric’s previous episodes HERE.
      Pete Meier, Training Manager, Dorman Products. Pete’s other episodes HERE
      Show Notes:
      Watch Full Video Episode TST Big Event 2025: https://www.tstseminars.org/ Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Overview of Training Importance (00:01:03) Cultural Shift in Training (00:03:04) Incentivizing Training (00:04:08) Training Formats and Challenges (00:05:00) Technician Growth and Retention (00:06:55) Advocating for Continuing Education (00:07:40) Financial Commitment to Training (00:08:20) Cultural Commitment to Education (00:09:24) Awareness of Training Resources (00:10:09) Networking at Training Events (00:11:19) Building a Positive Training Culture (00:12:52) Value of Training Experiences (00:14:04) Networking Importance (00:14:38) Training Takeaways (00:14:59) Building a Training Culture (00:18:56) Mentorship in the Industry (00:19:05) Service Information Awareness (00:21:50) Consequences of Ignoring Updates (00:22:39) Importance of Accurate Training (00:26:02) Battery Maintenance and Diagnostics (00:28:17) Technician Homework (00:30:53) Social Media's Role in the Industry (00:31:22) Generational Changes in Automotive Skills (00:33:30) Quality vs. Price in Automotive Services (00:36:40) Vetting Information Sources (00:38:24) Making Training Practical (00:41:19) The Forgetting Curve (00:42:19) Taking Action on Learning (00:43:05) Business Perspective on Training (00:43:43) Changing Technician Compensation (00:44:53)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS 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/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: 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 -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ 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. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By nptrb

      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.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound
      Watch Full Video Episode
      In our episode today, we welcome guest Hunt Demarest, CPA ABV.
      Hunt is the host of Business by the Numbers and, as our host Craig O’Neill will tell you… Hunt uses words really well for a numbers man!
      This episode came to be after Craig found himself on a walk and listening to one of Hunts recent episodes, Episode 163 - Where are my customers?  It’s a great episode on getting to the root of what the numbers are actually telling you - and guess what - it involves actually picking up the phone and talking to people!
      Hunt’s episode played right after Craig had listened to an episode on a health/wellness program which spoke on a similar topic… going straight to the source of information!
      Often times we can get caught up in the minutia of details and analysis.
      If we are not careful - it can lead to assumptions and wrong conclusions.
      As Hunt says, “Numbers do not lie, but they do not tell the whole story.”
      Getting the whole story inevitably involves communication - and it isn’t always comfortable for people to pick up a phone to get it.
      While the takeaway for today’s episode is in the title, it expands as you listen to Hunt and Craig explore a range of topics from talking to clients, employees, and even family.
      Today’s WOTD is Gumption
      noun
      the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
      Learn more about Hunt Demarest here: 
      https://paarmelis.com/business-by-the-numbers/
      Look for his book here:  https://a.co/d/hAf0cDF
      Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:
      The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
      AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
      AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
      Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
      In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
      Contact Information
      Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      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. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Joe Marconi

      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.



  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...