JustTheBest

Trying to grow your car count by attracting new customers? Besides being the most expensive way to increase business, there's some stats you need to know. 

Think about this: THE NUMBER 27. I know, doesn't mean anything right now but, instead of writing it all out, have a look at this video. You'll be surprised!

Hope this helps!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
 

P.S.: Follow CarCountHackers on Facebook - Subscribe to CarCountHackers on YouTube https:/YouTube.com/CarCountHackers - Grow your car count, income and profits!

Hey BNC173! Good question - but STOP! Don't make any reward program confusing. You said...

On 3/18/2019 at 11:03 AM, BNC173 said:

We have a loyalty program that I thought for every dollar the customer we will give the tow company the same value in points.

Too complicated and they're not going to follow things... and that makes it difficult... and then YOU have to do it... and it gets broken way too fast! Like the next day. 

Do this. Get yourself "$10 Subway cards" or similar. I have no association with Subway (and don't eat there anyway ;/ ) but they're everywhere. Then you can get simple business cards printed to hand out to any tow drivers and just say something simple "Can I buy you lunch?" Go on to add something simple like "bring your tows here and I'll buy you lunch"

Simple. Easy. No calculations, Nothing! Just more car count!

Hope this helps!
Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"

Follow CarCountHackers on Facebook and let me help you fix your car count, income and profits - subscribe to CarCountHackers on YouTube - it's free!

@rpllib Great information. I think the most important thing in your post was that you realized you're not a bank! I remember telling customers "We've got an agreement with the bank. They don't fix cars and we don't lend money!". That seemed to hit home with most!

Hope this helps!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join the conversation at Car Count Hackers on YouTube!

No sweat! Thanks for letting me know. 

Matthew

Thought this would help. I just released this video that reveals:

1. FREE Tool you can download that shows you exactly what people are searching for in your market - it's a totally free download and I show you exactly where to get it - how to use it!
2. Google hack - to get your shop found in search - and this costs NOTHING to do!
3. Mind blowing FACTS about the most popular search in YOUR MARKET. 

If you're looking for help with SEO, this video explains it all!

Hope this helps!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"

P.S.: Find out what car owners in YOUR MARKET are searching for on Google

P.P.S.: Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube at Car Count Hackers

P.P.P.S.: Like & Follow on Facebook!

Hi! Do you know the "exact" search phrases people use in Google to find your repair shop? Would you like to know what those search terms are?

On this video, I reveal

1. FREE Tool you can download that shows you exactly what people are searching for in your market - it's a totally free download and I show you exactly where to get it - how to use it!
2. Google hack - to get your shop found in search - and this costs NOTHING to do!
3. Mind blowing FACTS about the most popular search in YOUR MARKET. 

Believe me - I was stunned when I saw these numbers - and you probably will be too!

Hope you enjoy watching - let me know if the information is helpful!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
 

P.S.: Don't forget to subscribe to Car Count Hackers on YouTube

P.P.S.: Like and Follow Car Count Hackers on Facebook!

Hey Mastermechanic! Had a look at your site! Nice work! Here's the way I see it (now understand that I work with clients and develop/build/host their websites) and I am not trying to be mean or blunt- just want to give you the information you (and others here) can follow.

I've tried, tested and configured 100's of sites... so take this for what it's worth. 

1) First of all, the site isn't "easy" to navigate on mobile. I start there because Google says 82% of your customers are going to find you on mobile first. 

2) Phone numbers are not "click to call" In other words, I have to find a scrap of paper, pen, and scribble your number down to call you - as opposed to just tapping and getting connected. So ALL phone links have to be click to call.

3)I understand and appreciate you're focus in your question is about female car owners. Good. I get it. But when it's web stuff... it's really not male/female, it's more what are people looking for. From my experience with building/monitoring 100's of sites, when they get to your site they want:

a) Phone (clickable)
b) Hours
c) Map (should be interactive) - Yours appear to be - but if you go to Google Maps and actually google your full name (I did Expert Auto Mechanics & Truck Repair,1728 E Rockford Ln.,Louisville, KY 40216) the map that came up included the red pin - AND YOUR COMPANY NAME TOO! Looks a lot better on your site
d) Reviews (on your site)
e) Coupons/Offers - don't have to be discounts - but something as a "package" or "special" that entices people to visit.

Advanced: Schema data - not sure what you're using to build the site... but if it's Wordpress (doesn't look like it but...) there are great plugins for complete schema data - also helps in search.

Other tips: 
1) I am super happy to see your pictures. Soooo many shop owners want to hide behind their website - and then wonder why people don't call. People do business with PEOPLE... not businesses. 

With that said, do this with ALL PICTURES:
a) optimize them for search. As an example, a picture of your shop isn't "shop.jpg", it should be "auto_repair_shop_Louisville_ky.jpg" or "check-engine-light-specialist-louisville-ky.jpg", or some variation of that

b) whenever you use a picture, add a caption. That is, don't let the visitor guess at who it is or what you're doing. The picture on the home page should have a caption like: YOUR NAME, Repair shop owner, ASE Certified Check Engine Light Specialist does diagnostic work to TYPE OF CAR... or something like that

2) VIDEO: 5 Stars for that!! PERFECT!!

Add more pictures... sheesh... you got a phone, don't you?? (Sorry... just beating you up a little) but really, pictures have NEVER EVER been so easy... and that's the best way to show off your shop. 

Last... (Sorry for this long post) but when it comes to female clients, if there was any "hint" of hesitation, I would tell them "We've got a spotless waiting room stocked with the latest reading material, TV, Wifi, (etc.) and if you get a single spot of grease on your shoes or outfit, I won't clean it - I'll replace it!"

Worked every time!

Hope this help!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"

Join the conversation on YouTube at CarCountHackers!

Hi! I wanted to chime in here because I suffered this problem a long time ago - and you're right! Everyone is going to tell you not to take credit. I understand - it happens. But the truth is that you're running a business - not a charity, right? If I'm right -then it's binary. You do the work - you get paid. 

With that said, you mention something about NOT being able to repo the car(s). I can't speak to that - because I don't know your local laws - but I will tell you this. I work with a client that has had this issue several times. 

One example was trying to collect the rest of the bill on a BMW brake job. Calls the customer... and customer asks "how did we get to $1,200 on brakes?" But the fact was he approved the work before anything was done - actually made a partial payment when the vehicle was picked up - and NOW (and only now) needs an explanation. 

He paid not only for the brake job, but the tow, the storage and all over recovery fees. 

What the point is, is that you don't need customers like this.  Worried people are going to talk? Don't! Anyone who thinks you''re a "bad guy" because you want to get paid is a jerk and you don't want them as your customer. 

What would I do?

1) Make a nice call - ask to come and pick up the check - it's not in the mail - not coming in next week
2) If they give you ANY RESISTANCE tell them the tow truck will be there in 15 minutes. 

That should make a difference. 

In the meantime, I would SERIOUSLY look at what your local laws and requirements are - and follow them. At least you'll be prepared for the next time - if you make that mistake again!

Hope this helps!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
PS: Join me on YouTube and Grow Your Car Count, Income & Profits! Subscribe!

P.S.: If this doesn't shake you up a little bit, THIS WILL!

Hi! This video says it a lot better - and faster than I could write it all out!

Hope this helps! Join me on YouTube and subscribe so you don't miss out on any of the updates!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
P.S.: Don't forget to subscribe!

Hello and thank you for taking the time to stop by. I'm releasing a brand new training course, "How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days". Oh, did I tell you that it's FREE?!
You can pre-register here. It's going to be release in the next few days - and it won't be free for long! 

While you're here, don't forget to join the conversation on YouTube - Grow your Car Count, Income and Profits at Car Count Hackers!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope this help!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
PS: Join me on YouTube and Grow Your Car Count, Income & Profits!

Robert! Nice ads... and yes, I can see the consistency (and imaging). Nice work! I know you said they get calls - and I don't doubt it at all - but have you considered using "tracking" numbers?? Not necessarily to understand which one is pulling better - but as a way of recording the calls, tracking SALES (ie Revenue) and even use a "whisper" message so that the person ANSWERING the phone knows that "this call is from your yellow page ad". 

Make sense? Being that it's in print, you don't have to be concerned as much about having all the company NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) data "match" - but just a good way to actually know what the ROI is. 

Hope this helps!
 

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
PS: Join me on YouTube and Grow Your Car Count, Income & Profits!

That's right! You can use Word to do this. The only caution I have is that Word may not be as accurate as you want for spacing of several coupons on a page. As an example, it you visit your local office supplier (or staples) - here's a sample of what I'm talking about https://www.staples.com/Staples-Inkjet-Business-Cards-2-x-3-1-2-Matte-White-250-Cards/product_610381?akamai-feo=off (That's NOT affiliate or sponsored link) you can create good looking cards. 

So if I were doing it in MS Word, I would set it up - then "TEST" it with plain paper to check the spacing. But the short answer is YES, you can use MS Word. And if you you've got the entire suite of MS products, MS Publisher may be a better choice. 

Hope this helps!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"

PS: Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers! <-Click here to subscribe!

Hi Ken! I don't call myself an expert - but been around auto service/repair for the better part of 30 years. I re-read your question a few times, but still not sure of what you're looking for or how I can help you. I don't think I need to walk you through a business plan outline - there's a ton of that on-line and you've probably done it before - but I think that your biggest focus is to retain that customer list. I know, I know, everyone want to talk about assets like equipment and all that - but if you really think about it - nothing matters without the customers. 

Now, you don't mention if this is a "going concern" type of shop - meaning its already got X number of techs and ongoing customers - or if it's operating under a banner or franchise. But with that said, being an "existing full-service shop" (your words) I would think there's customers. Just remember that those customers built a relationship with the existing owners - not YOU.

So now, if you're a lender or partner - the only thing they're looking at (in reality) is how they're going to get their money back. Having borrowed millions for business investment, I know if you want their money - you have to show them how they're going to get it back. With that said, the ONLY source of revenue (cash) that business has it customers - and more you can show your plan to retain those customers - while building more - will be the key to getting funding.  Make sense? 

Let me know if you have any specific questions. You're welcome to message me on this forum, reply here or whatever. Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

P.S.: Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers - Grow your Car Count, Income & Profits

Another great tip newport5! I was just at a Christmas event for one of my clients. It was catered in the back room of a restaurant. I was blown away by how well the entire staff handled everything. With that said, I made a point of talking to the owner before leaving. I explained that (as an owner) you always hear about things when they go wrong - so I wanted to let him know how fantastic his staff was! Sometimes you just have to give credit where it's due. 

But as I was talking... I noticed the chef sort of looking - trying to figure out what was going on. I was the stranger in the kitchen, right? And when I walked away... I stopped and asked him if he was the chef. Reluctantly, he said "yes". I give him a huge smile - thumbs up - and told him what a great job he did! If I could only show you the expression on his face - it spoke volumes. I'm guessing he never hears about "the good ones" either!

Hope this help!
Matthew!

You're 100% correct stvstbsvc! It's fun... nobody ever says "NO"... and it makes you look good. The only change you can try... is do it when it's NOT so expected. Like people are trained that giving a little bit at Christmas is... well... almost "expected". But what about the first nice day of spring? What about that killer hot day in July? Works even better then!

Hope this helps!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join me on YouTube - grow your car count, income and profits!

Scott... what you said is sort of ironic. I just attended a party my client holds for his entire staff and family every year. (He' invites me every year). About 20 people sit down to full dinner and open bar. I get what you said about business - but in reality, we're living in one of the best times in the last decade. Money is pretty free flowing... compared to 07-08. But if you're in a pinch, turn the $20, $50 and $100 into $5's and $10's. I don't know anyone who walks away from a gift. I just think it's those little things that mean so much. 

Hope this helps!
Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

P.S. Get registered for my free training course before the "free" goes away! 

Great tip! What most don't think about (or remember) is that the smallest little thing can mean so-o-o-o much! Another "twist" on this may be to use small gift cards - specially from local businesses. A great opportunity to reward the drivers - and build a bigger, better relationship with local small business owners... who just might "thank you" by spreading the word about YOUR shop. It's like a Triple-Win!

Hope this helps!
Matthew
P.S. Just released this video about a shop owner who contacted me... and I told him exactly what to do - but it's NOT what you think - I promise!

This is a super simple tactic you can start today - and you don't have to be a "techy" either! Instead of typing it all out, I made this short video that explains it all. And by the way... put your wallet away, there's nothing for sale. Just information that can help YOU grow your car count, income and profits!

Enjoy! 
Hope this helps! 
Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
#carcounthackers

P.S. Join the conversation and grow your car count, income and profits - FREE Videos on YouTube!

P.P.S. - FREE TRAINING REGISTRATION STILL OPEN! How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days Without Wasting Hard Earned Dollars on Money Sucking Advertising!

I know it's hard to believe, but this one single simple tactic helps more shop owners gain trust and build solid relationships with customers. Instead of writing it all out and asking you to read it - I made this short video to explain it all!

Enjoy! It's simple. You DON'T have to be "techy" and you can start right now!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
#carcounthackers

P.S. Join the conversation and grow your car count, income and profits!

UPDATE! Sorry for the inconvenience... the REGISTRATION LINK was messed up. Got that fixed!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"

Thanks for your feedback xrac! I appreciate that. I think you wrapped it up pretty well. That $80K barrier to entry (financed or not) is pretty hi for the average. Then the help issue - and heck, I wasn't even thinking about getting parts. I guess the suppliers still won't deliver to "the corner of 1st and Main!"

Thanks for the input.

Matthew

Thanks for your input Old and Tired! I think you're right about mobile being the solution for guy who want their own shop - but heck, the cost of operating a TRUCK... and I'm not talking about just the gas. There's the insurance... and even travel time too! 

Just to be sure... I'm not trying to say that Pep Boys is the answer - nor do I believe mobile is the answer, and what you're saying about the stores failing sort of proves that. 

Amazon selling auto repair? I thought they were selling unicorns next? Am I wrong?

Thanks for your input!
Matthew

Hello Everyone! Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving as much as I did. I wanted to bring this topic up because of PEP BOYS recent "expansion" into launching their "mobile" service. I was interested in your thoughts. Are mobile mechanics a threat to your shop in any way? What are your thoughts? Do they/can they provide the service that today's cars need? 

Or, on the other hand, do you operate as a mobile tech? What are the struggles you face. From what I am hearing, people "seem" to expect mobile to be cheaper. 
 
Only trying to start a discussion about this - and really because, from what I am seeing, there's a lot of buzz around the Pep Boys effort. 

Comments? Really interested to know your thoughts. 

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
 

PS: Join me on YouTube and check out this totally FREE on-line course I'm offers- "How to Double your Car Count in 89 Days!"

Yup! That "F" word comes up again! You're welcome to pre-register for my totally FREE Training Course - "How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days... Without Wasting Hard Earned Dollars on Money Sucking Advertising."

What You'll Discover:
-How to actually get customers to refer you!
-Compete with any shop - Big Box Repairs Shops; National Chains; New Car Dealers - Doesn't Matter
-Learn an almost sneaky tactic to get customers to leave positive reviews - every time - all the time! 
- and a lot more!

This course WILL NOT BE FREE FOREVER - So now you have an opportunity to PRE-REGISTER and start 2019 with a "BANG!"

Click NOW and WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO - I'll Explain Everything!

Hope this helps! Can't wait to see you on the course! 
Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

PS: Uh... did I tell you it's FREE!? Just want to be sure - don't want anyone to think I'm pulling one of those "shameless plugs!"

I agree 100% with all the comments. As a business owner, you CLEARLY see that it's... well, for the lack of a better word... "a racket". Problem is - what do your customers say? It's a difficult decision, but still expensive. 

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
PS: Hey, just opened registration to my new FREE training course - How to Double Your Car Count in 89 Days