JustTheBest

Hey, Hands On! Matthew, “The Car Count Fixer” here… I’m the guy that hosted the call and I’ll try to help. My first comment is that your question or comment is a tall order. That’s because the call was about an hour long, so I think you’ll see that it’s a lot to jam into 3 sentences… but I’ll try. #1-I detailed my Perfect Offer lets you build an offer based on VALUE (not pricing) to the customer so you instantly stand out from the crowd (even big box repair, franchised shops, national chains or even new car dealers!) #2-I detailed how to get more new customers without EVER forking over money up front for postcards, printing, postage & distribution or hiring a digital ad agency to run your ads (that are usually full of discounts and free services that attract the bottom feeders and car owners without money!) - and I even showed real actual forum posts where shop owners detail spending $2,900.00 UP FRONT just for postcard printing, postage and distribution; without ever having a guarantee of getting a customer. When the dust settles, and you do the math and showed it was a cost of $140.00 just to get the new customer #3-Why My strategy is The Most BadAss? Because when you follow My Perfect Offer strategy, it means you never risk your money up front hoping that your ad works. I showed ways that it has actually proven to work - and it doesn’t cost you dime until the new customer is IN YOUR SHOP! And if I can be so bold as to add a fourth sentence…. #4 This works even if you’re never done it before, or your last promo was a huge waste of money and a flop, or you only have a shoestring budget and don’t think you can compete with the big box repair shops, franchised shops or new car dealers, or you don’t think it won’t work because you don’t have a main street location, or even if you don’t have enough reviews. The big issue is… Nobody else can do that, PERIOD! If you want more details, I’d be happy to show you on a quick zoom call. You can schedule it here for a day/time that works for you! Hope this helps! At least I tried to get it all in 3 sentences, no? Matthew “The Car Count Fixer”

The Most Badass Way to Get More New Customers for your repair shop Without Wasting a Dime on Advertising This is The Most Badass Way to Get More New Customers for your repair shop Without Wasting a Dime on Advertising…even if your last promo, postcard orf digital ad was nothing more than a Big Waste of Money! I’m hosting a brand new LIVE Training Sunday, September 29th at 7:00pm Eastern. It’s totally free and you’re welcome to join! I’ll show you things nobody else will! I promise Register here: https://carcounthackers.com/badass Can’t wait to see you on the call! Matthew “The Car Count Fixer”

Du Fresnes, "We just keep doing all the marketing that we have always done" Good for you! Everyone wants that "one thing", but you will thrive from the consistency of the little things you do over and over as opposed to that one big thing! Also, so glad to hear that you still do snail mail!

Actually, I was recently on a zoom meeting hosted by Joe (Marconi) and the focus was about selling service and maintenance. The discussion quickly escalated to booking the customer's next service appointment. In the discussion, people talked about educating the customer... you know... why do I need my brake fluid changed or flushed; do I really need to get my oil changed every XXX so many miles, etc. I couldn't agree more! In fact, just staying in touch with the customer is HUGE! Current stats prove that over 68% of repair shop customers leave businesses because of INDIFFERENCE! In other words, they think that you don't care! My comment was based on the fact that because today, video is so easy, could anyone send me a link or show me the bunch of "customer support videos" they made - and I'm talking about YouTube Shorts - 1 minute or less - made on a phone- where you can say (and show) a customer... this is what happens with whatever... this is what it looks like... and here's how to prevent it! Guess what? Nobody had anything! (Boy... that was a surprise!) Lot's of talk - no action. Then they wonder why.... Look, I could go on and on... but I've got work to do. As for your comments on DVI and pictures, I don't know a shop using that technology... I run a Text Message platform that is guaranteed to put car count in the shop... (as in it works your your money back guarantee!) and I can't tell you the struggle it is to get repair shops to even listen! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

Ha! YouTube as a sales tool! 100% Agreed! Just can't understand why repair shops don't do a lot more of that. It's not a quick win, but people get to know, trust and like you... then they bring their car in for service. Sheesh... sometimes feels like you gotta literally draw it out for them! Thanks! Matthew

Now me! I got sucked into the photography game. There's always a new lens, filter or something. Almost as bad as golf! Anyway, I move around local car shows and try to create the picture that the car manufacturer may have used when they were trying to get you to buy the car! Expensive hobby, but I enjoy it! Matthew

Joe, I think you hit the nail on the head when you asked… “Can a tech be proficient bouncing from car to truck to EV, to EURO to Domestic, to Diesel.” I agree. Virtually impossible. But now, add into that mix the part about running a business; Most hire a bookkeeper to keep track of the number. But what about keeping up with car count?. Or does that only get important when the money dries up? You’re right! Auto repair has come a long, long way. Without adding specialties, not sure if it’s possible to survive! Hope this helps! Matthew “The Car Count Fixer”

Nice list and strategies. I agree. But the problem I see with most shops is the lack of consistency. It’s not about what you do once in a while; it’s the small things you do, day in and day out. Consistency wins every time. I may have misunderstood it, but the Fall strategy starts with “Re-engage” with customers. I'm reading that as 'you stopped engaging them' Recently. I was at a meeting and the topic came up about the customer. “When people need auto service, where (on their list) do you want to be??“ Most said they wanted to be “First” My answer was a little different; I said “I want to be The Only One they think about!” You can only get there with consistency Hope this helps! Matthew “The Car Count Fixer”

I agree! Great step-by-step guide. Only problem... I thought it all happened in a 15 minute course! I'm not sure I would get too hung up on the email part; most shops don't have a way to get subscribers... and "Join our Newsletter" is not only lame, it doesn't work, because nobody got up this morning hoping they would find another piece of junk mail in their in-box! But seriously, the problem I see is that most won’t start to even put together a plan. What do you really want? Above that, most want the “fast win”! The problem is, over time, the real win comes with consistency. Showing up is worth more than any fancy tricks some guru told you! Hope this helps! Matthew “The Car Count Fixer”

Although I agree that a good location (lots of traffic and easy access) can help, but I can’t ignore the numbers. People will crawl ‘bare knees over broken glass’ to get there… if the offer is right! Heck, just think about the great deals you chased half way across town just to get that big screen TV or whatever necessity you wanted. It’s about the offer. The more I look, the more I see the problems with the offers. And by that I mean, people only buy what they WANT or NEED - and that’s it. Hope this helps! Matthew “The Car Count Fixer”

100% - If you can't track it somehow... don't do it. Here's a real simple every day example. Every time I put new batteries in something, I use a sharpie and scribble the date on them. Just a quick DDMM/YY. The next time you replace them, you'll be surprised at how long they lasted... or didn't 😞 When it comes to your advertising, track it or don't do it!

Difficult question because everyone wants to jump on to get more new customers - and they don’t realize that they probably already have enough customers. I talk to shop owners virtually every day. My First question - “How many customers do you have on record?” Typical answer…. “Oh… thousands!... Maybe 2 or 3 thousand!” My answer - “If you had 1,000’s of customers we wouldn’t be talking!” Next question - “When was the last time you contacted them?? That could have been a letter, a postcard, an email, a text, a phone call…..?? When was the last time??” Typical answer - “Uh… well… uh… probably about 3 years ago” Really?? No matter what business, it’s always going to be expensive to get new customers. After all, they don’t know you; they don’t trust you; and probably don’t even like you. So you really have to dig deep to get those new customers. After all, why would they consider “risking” anything with somebody they don’t even know - unless it's a deal. Then that leads to stupid discounts and you’re left with nothing! The right way… and you can read that as “The Cheap Way”... is to treat your customers like you would like to be treated… and do that NOT just when you want them to spend money, and they will recommend their friends, family and associates to YOU! Now, there’s smart ways to help that along, but give up getting more new customers. Instead, focus on keeping the ones you’ve got - besides there’s enough of the big box chains doing a great job to attract those customers away from you - but a little effort is all you need. For those interested, you can connect with my on a 15 minute strategy call and you and I will create a “Kick-Butt Offer” That I guarantee will put car count IN YOUR SHOP - and do it all USING YOUR CURRENT PRICING and WITHOUT Discounts or Give-a-ways. And you’ll even make money! Don’t want to be pushy, but this is going away soon- so hurry. Oh, and I’m not selling anything. No tricks - No gimmicks - No Kidding! Use this link: http://we-fix.cc/your-car-count Hope this helps! Matthew “The Car Count Fixer”

Thanks for stopping by! An Extra $6,267 in 7 Days? And a 596% R.O.I? Yes! I detail everything in this short video and show you the Good, the Bad and the Ugly! Hope this help! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

You're right. Focus on the people. Now, I'm not 100% sure they're going to remember you for their experience because people shop. But you can help them remember if you stay in touch! I tell anyone that asks... if you want to send a dirt cheap piece of mail that has a guaranteed 100% open rate... send them a thank you card. Goes a long way! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

Nice job with the map! Just watched it. What a great resource?? Can you share where/how you purchase them? I know a few shop owners who could really use this! Even if you're not looking for a shop - you can start to do some direct mail into those zip codes. Thanks for sharing! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

Cheers! And a big thank you for the work in maintaining this site. Good work and appreciated! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

Affected by COVID is an understatement! What's really surprising is the number of people this affected - and not just in a "business" way. Everyone has a personal story - good or bad. I think one of the biggest lessons learned (overall) is that we all seemed to get back to what really counts - the people! In the heat of a busy day, we all tend to take a lot for granted. But when it comes down to it, no matter if they're the "penny pinching" customer or the so called "bottom feeders" - everyone has a goal and from what I'm seeing. the goals are changing and there's more respect for those, even if their goals are different from ours. Here's to a safe, healthy and prosperous 2021! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer"

Hi tirengolf! My only question. "How old will you be in 5 years if you DON'T do this?" Yeah, thought so. Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Grow your Car Count, Income and Profits - Follow Car Count Hackers on YouTube P.P.S.: Facebook? P.P.S.: Car count in 72 hours?

You're "spot-on" Joe! The problem I see (from the shop owners I talk to) is that marketing/advertising/promotion is considered like a "like item" expense. It's treated like "supplies" or other expensed you need to run a business. I get it. But if that so called expense generated income, is it an expense? Or an investment? I know we can play around with words too - and I'm not trying to "sell you" (or anyone) on anything. But in conversation with shops and I ask them "What was the last marketing or promotion or the last time you sent a postcard or anything?", know what the answer is?? NOTHING! So with the risk of sounding like a smart a**, I ask them "Then what did you expect?" Look, if you put together a simple postcard... just black ink on a colored stock (I like yellow because it seems to get more attention) ... and just mail it out to your customers (who already know, trust and like you) with a kick-butt offer... you're going to get work! It's that simple. That makes the "expense" an investment. Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Grow your Car Count, Income & Profit - Follow me on YouTube P.P.S.: Facebook? P.P.P.S.: Car count in 72 Hours?

Hi coastalcarcarenc! Good question - but in my opinion, I think it's something we (the industry) sort of created ourselves. The short answer is most car owners view their repair shop as a commodity. On the other hand, doctors, dentist, etc. are professionals they have an association or relationship with. Pretty hard to tell a customer they're going to be charged if they don't show up for (what they feel) is the same service they can get anywhere. Why? Well maybe you can answer this? Why is it that current stats show that when a repair shop gets a new customer, there's ONLY a 27% CHANCE THAT CUSTOMER IS GOING TO RETURN FOR A SECOND VISIT. So what did YOUR SHOP do to follow up? Stay in touch? Let the customer KNOW YOU CARE? Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: New Training : Virtually Unknown Secret That Will Add At Least $126,750 To Your Repair Shop While You 10X Customer Reviews and New Customer Referrals WITHOUT Ever Spending Another Dime on That Money Sucking Advertising!

Hi Noah Harrison! You didn't speak much about your experience in auto service/repair or body work - so that could be a problem. Look, you don't have to know HOW to do the work yourself - but you DO have to know what a good job is and what isn't a good job. Without knowing more about you, you have to start at the beginning. 1) Selecting a location is important and being sure that you comply with local by-laws, that you can obtain permits and things like that. 2) Staff - again, depending on what you're trying to do - staffing usually is a problem. That means not only getting the staff that knows what they're doing - but that you can work with. Additionally, you'll need to know what experience you'll be looking for. There's a huge difference between an oil change tech and one that can do electrical diagnosis on import vehicles. 3) KNOW YOUR NUMBERS - When you get close to opening (or you have a plan) what is it going to cost you on a DAILY BASIS. This get's the numbers down to the nitty gritty. When you know your costs that well, you'll know how much you'll have to do just to break even - nevermind profit. 4) Where are you going to get customers... because there won't be a rush of customers just because you opened. That means you better have a marketing plan to start "working" your area - and I'll tell you right now, getting new customers is going to be the MOST EXPENSIVE thing you'll do in your business. There's a ton more I would be willing to share, but it's a little hard not knowing anything about you, your experience and what you're trying to accomplish. Let me know and I'll do the best to steer you in the right direction! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count FIxer" P.S.: Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers! FREE Help to grow your Car Count, Income and Profit! P.P.S.: Like and Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook P.P.P.S.: Have you registered in my FREE Training? "How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days - The Complete Roadmap to a Million Dollar Shop!"

Hey DAC, I get it. Actually, I've used QuickBooks in some applications when getting some things started and I've got nothing bad to say about it. Maybe it's not centered on the auto repair shop - but it's a lot better than scribbling down names and numbers on a napkin! And understand this - I'm not selling anything - and I can't tell you what app you should or shouldn't use because I haven't worked with any of them for a long time. But here's something I can tell you - You said you've got what you need with QuickBooks. Great. But I always ran my businesses with the "where do I want to go?" attitude (or question). I listened to sales people selling their stuff because that was the only way I could understand what their product/service could do. But the overall focus was me, asking myself, "will this take me to where I want to go?", and in all honesty, that's the real question you need to answer (for yourself - nobody else!) Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Follow me on YouTube @ Car Count Hackers P.P.S.: How to Get Car Count in 72 Hours or Less - Guaranteed! P.P.P.S.: Facebook?

Hey Xtreme Marine! Thought I would chime in on this. I currently do not own a repair shop - I did - and how I help repair shop owners to get the car count they want and need. Your question about value is one that only you can answer. But let me ask you this "How do you stay in touch with customers?" Do you send them Christmas cards; Reminders; Maybe even the odd promotion? What I'm really asking is "how do you mail or contact your customers?" Or do you just want to "churn and burn" - keep wasting money on getting new customers only to have to replace them in a few months. To get to the point, every business (repair shop) will have a loss in customers. Let's face it, some move away; change jobs; buy new cars and some even die. But the BIGGEST reason customers leave your business is "indifference". They think you don't care! So I can't speak to your specific requirements but from what you outlined, looks like you've got things "duct taped" together pretty well. That would be like my repair shop going across the street to borrow their floor jack to lift my car; and then driving down the street to borrow the other shop's oil filter wrench, just so you can do an oil chance on my car. You know - sort of "duct tape" it all together. Sorry if I'm being a smart a** - but your customer list is your most valued asset. After all, without customers you would be running a hobby. But once you go through the learning curve of getting a proper system up and running (because there WILL be a learning curve, I promise) , I'll bet that a good system set up well will prove to be worth the "weight". Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" More help? Join the conversation on YouTube @ Car Count Hackers

Sheesh! I was so excited when I saw this post title, figuring I was going to hear something new! But I know exactly what you mean. It was a common "objection" when I had my shop. ;-/ Of course this could be a real teaching moment... about answering objections and all that, but that would have been a long response. So after thinking about it a little longer, I figured the best thing you could have done would have been to make a "wine pairing" suggestion to go with the mouse! Just to be sure, when you're considering wine pairings, remember.... The wine should be more acidic than the food. The wine should be sweeter than the food. The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food. Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (e.g. red meat). White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (e.g. fish or chicken - guess when it comes to mice, okay?!?). Sometimes the response should be just as ridiculous. I would normally say "hope that helps" but today, I'm just going to leave it with I hope you got a chuckle! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" PS: Here's one of the latest videos: 14 Auto Repair Shop Marketing SECRETS! P.P.S.: This is 100 Years Old | Get More Car Count NOW!

You're right! No matter what people are doing (read that as pandemic or not), most are used to the "back to school" concept. Been around since time began. One of our users already ran this text message coupon with great results (the address has been redacted) but know that the customer can respond in 3 ways: 1) Complete a form when they scroll down (That emails direct to the shop owner's inbox) 2) One tap to text the shop back 3) One tap to call the shop directly from their text app. Works really well because it's a fact that digital coupons get a 10X better response over any other form of advertising. But don't forget, there's a ton of reasons to do promotions for your repair shop. In fact, I've got a list of 111 Reasons Repair Shop Owners can use to make offers! It's a totally free download and you're welcome to grab yours! Hope this helps! Matthew "The Car Count Fixer" P.S.: Find out How one shop owner made an EXTRA $22,470 in the middle of a lockdown!