JustTheBest

Welcome thecarcarecenterinc! Good to meet you here! Look forward to being able to help you any way we can!

Hope this helps!
Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join the discussion on YouTube where I share Tips, Tricks and Hacks to Grow Your Car Count, Income and Profit!

Welcome DannyFSA! Great to meet you! You did the "20 questions" thing, so I'll do my best. How's that? 

1)with a wife and two Kids would you leave a good job to chase your dream?
That's a difficult one - and really - only you can answer. The one thing that I can assure you is that you've got to have some BALANCE. Just like good music - it's good because of the "breaks" in between. 

2) What is your google star ranking?
What's yours? Ha! That's one thing you MUST work on - get more (as many) customer review as you can.

3) do you do SEM / SEO?
Another tuff question. In so many cases, shop owners I work with don't (typically) have a lot of success with actively marketing (like Google Adwords) Seems the cost is just so hard to recover. But the good news is you can do it without these high costs if you can figure out how to Stand out in Your Market - well, without wearing a chicken suit, right?

4) any other advise? 
Lots! Start with being sure you maintain your BIGGEST ASSET - Your Customer List. Without customers - you've got NOTHING! They are your biggest asset. Then join me on YouTube where I share tips, tricks and hacks to grow your car count, income and profits!

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

Welcome! I guess you liked the company so much you bought it, huh? Best of luck and just "chime in" any time you've got a question. 
Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join me and join the conversation at Car Count Hackers on YouTube

On 10/12/2017 at 9:53 AM, Natalie Spears said:

We are spending a lot of time researching EVERYTHING before we take that leap

Welcome! I agree that you've got to do a lot of research - but more important than that is to develop a plan. Nobody PLANS to fail - they just FAIL to PLAN! The only problem is that so many people plan, and plan, and plan - trying to make it perfect. The truth is - no plan is perfect. Set out your overall goals and get started. The biggest obstacle to SUCCESS is PERFECTION! 

Best of luck with your venture - hope this helps!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join the conversation on YouTube where I share tips, tricks and hacks about Growing Your Car Count, Income & Profits!

Hi statrepair

I can't steer you well on the size of your shop because I've not had my own shop for a while - but I CAN address your question, "what is the general thought on being some what specialized?"

First of all, I totally agree with other comments. As an example, gandgautorepair said "...but I'd work on everything. I also found out from experience starting a new shop that when you position yourself as a specialty that becomes your image in more minds than you would ever think, and ends up limiting you later when you really do want to? work on everything."

I agree. But the one important thing is, NOBODY have a crystal ball. 

Here's what you should know and do. 

1) When you specialize, you can charge higher prices. After all, you're "The Specialist".

2) I've done a video about this - How to Stand Out in Your Market. In short, when you drill down on a particular niche, you stand to win. You can see that video here:

3) You can easily TEST this. You can create simple OFFER CARDS or BUSINESS CARDS with different "Titles" for you, the owner. You said "I’m master certified with Kia and Hyundai as well as hybrid certified."
So (as an example) a title to focus on Kia could be "Certified Master Kia Tech - All the service without dealer pricing"... or something like that. You can do the same for Hyundai and Hybrid too. 

4) Create BRAND SPECIFIC OFFERS. I talk about that here in this video:

As an example, you could do "KIA OWNERS ONLY"... or "HUYNDAI OWNERS ONLY". Printing is cheap. You can do this on your own computer (really cheap - but effective) when you use these printable business cards.

They work with Laser or Ink Jet - and this way you can make different offers - and then test! 

Hope this helps!

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

What if I could show you a weird hack that will help you get more customers to say "YES" to your quote. Interested? The best part is you can start to use this hack TODAY! Watch this short video:

Don't forget to tell me what you liked most about this weird hack! I read every comment!

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

Just one simple rule you need to keep in mind. I explain it all in this short video

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

Inspired by the "Refrigerator Repair Gone Sideways"... I posted this video about customer service. Hope it helps!
 

I welcome your comments! Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

Got it! Sorry about that. My brain was stuck in those days! (Feel like an idiot) :/ 

Matthew

Joe, I agree with you 100%! I'm actually surprised you made THAT MANY CALLS! But one thing I'd like to add is the fact it's not just the person on the phone - it's the FIRST 59 SECONDS. Really! We host countless website for auto repair shops, and always use a tracking phone number (so the shop owner knows what phone calls are generated from the site). But what we see that's interesting is that an overwhelming number of INBOUND calls to our repair shop clients are UNDER 60 SECONDS. 

So as much as I agree with having the right person on the phone - I believe you have to go even further - because in so many cases, you've got less than a minute to make that (all too important) first impression. 

Hope this helps! 

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join me on YouTube at Car Count Hackers or just Google #CarCountHackers

Hi Rick! I can't speak to the specific ones you're talking about, but I've had a lot of experience with bead blasting in my "shop" days. What I can tell you is that it's not as much about the equipment as it is about the medium you're using. As an example, glass bead will give you a "polishing" effect on metal, while using more aggressive oxides (aluminum oxide I believe) is really aggressive on rust. 

I would (at least) talk to somebody who knows more about the medium you're using - but it will make a big difference to the job it does. After all, blasters are really nothing more than air pressure pushing stuff - and that stuff is the medium you use. 

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

Join me on YouTube at #carcounthackers

Yes, that's right. You CAN steal customers... ethically and easily. I explain it all in this short video!

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

Hey Carl! Just wanted to share this with you... because I did a Website Review of your current website. A few things that you can easily fix to get better search rankings as well as convert more visitors to a phone call, appointment or customer! You can see it here - and let me know if you need any help with the fixes. I'd be happy to help!

Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"

Welcome everyone!  You're invited to join me on my brand new YouTube Channel - Car Count Hackers! 

I share the exact strategies, tips and tricks that I've been using with my private clients. Don't forget to subscribe, like & share too! 

See you on YouTube!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
Helping Auto Shop Owners Fix Their Car Count & Get More Customers!
 

PS: You can just click to go directly to these videos!

P.P.S.: Don't forget to subscribe! More videos coming soon!

You're invited to join me on my brand new YouTube Channel - Car Count Hackers! 

I share the exact strategies, tips and tricks that I've been using with my private clients. Don't forget to subscribe, like & share too! 

See you on YouTube! 

Thanks for visiting

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

Hey Carl, I hope you find the information helpful. Like TheTrustedMechanic (above) said, the problem is that without a customer list or contact base, you've got to start to market to a "cold" list. In other words, people that don't know, trust and like you. If you've got time before the meeting, see if you can work up a card with an offer to attract new customers. After all, print is cheap - and in a lot of cases, you can get them quick. You want to have something to give-a-way to everyone you meet. Match that with a good "elevator speech" and you should be good to go. 

As for the customer referral program, I just did a video on that here:

Also, there's a video about why you're not getting more customer referrals. You can see that here:

Hope this helps! Take a couple of minutes and watch those videos, I'm sure they'll help - and don't forget to subscribe, like & share!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

Join me on Youtube

Thought it would be better to put all this together in a video - so that's what I did. 

Enjoy!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

Hammer, you ask great questions. I'm not going to comment on the services - but rather what you can do to, well, basically (what you asked was to) sell more to your customers. 

This is the best place to start. They're already fans and followers and they're the most likely to come back to you. But have you thought about this?? If (on average) it costs between $75 - $150 to get a new customer, would you spend $12 a year to KEEP the ones you've got?

I'm thinking you would, right? 

Then stay in front of them. I know this is going to sound a little "nuts", but it works. A simple "Newsletter" that's mailed out (real snail mail) does that. In total, about $1 per mailing - so that's about $12/customer per year. 

Now, don't hammer them with offers - there's a ton of stuff you can put in the newsletter - and yes, you can offer "NEW" or just drop a list that starts out "Did you know we also do...."

It's just building a relationship. Not quarterly - not every other month - it's got to be monthly. It works - it pays for itself, and really builds your position and authority in the market. 

Hope this help!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

Join me at "Car Count Hackers" on YouTube

Joe, you're right on the money! I hate to admit it, but I suffer these same "workaholics"symptoms - and it's nothing to be proud of. The one thing I keep repeating to myself is (and I don't know where I heard it or who said it), but it goes something like "Great music is made by the spaces in between the notes". 

Downtime is important - and hope yours was good! Thanks for that inspiration too!

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join me at "The Car Count Hackers" on YouTube

Hi Carl! Great question – and I have to tell you it’s one that I get asked a lot. Whether it’s a new shop – or a more established shop that hasn’t done any marketing, shop owners often struggle with where to start. 
So here’s some simple things you can do right away to get started. 

First things first – be sure you’re building your customer list. When I say that, I mean be sure you’re getting full contact information including complete mailing address (yes, mailing address! , email address and mobile phone number. You should also have a way to store these customers – and that’s probably your “system”. As a TIP – you should also have a way to export that information to use in other ways. 

Then, remember to use follow up strategies. The best, and easiest one to start with is a simple “Thank You” card to every customers. They don’t have to be fancy – they don’t have to be elaborate – and be sure you’re not sending something with your logo and offers. Just a simple PERSONAL thank you card that is hand written and signed. *TIP* If you don't like your hand writing (or it's just plain ugly like mine!:) have somebody else write the body out - but sign them yourself. DO NOT use pre-printed cards. Remember this is PERSONAL. Here's a sample of one that my clients have used: https://amzn.to/2HIkYxc

Next, fix your business card. Cards are cheap. Of course, you’re going to have your company name, address, phone, website, etc. But on the back of the card you should have an offer! Yes – an offer to entice new customers to stop in. 
Also, you will need a customer referral system. Not some lame offer like “get 10% off your next service if you send us a referral” – it’s got to be an instant reward for your customer. Something like a gift card or some small “token” gift that you can send them as soon as their friend comes in. 

Then, get more customers from the ones you've already got! How? Create a customer referral program. Not some lame offer like “get 10% off your next service if you send us a referral” – it’s got to be an instant reward for your customer. Something like a gift card or some small “token” gift that you can send them as soon as their friend comes in. 

Last – but not least – and don’t forget this -  Craft your “elevator speech”. Yup! It’s got to be something that you can tell people about yourself that’s not boring. As an example, telling somebody you’re a mechanic or “own” a repair shop is (frankly) boring. Instead, tell them something like “I help people save money on auto repairs” or something like that. It’s got to be a statement that begs them to ask you “how do you do that?”

Hope this helps! And while you’re here, stop by my new YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe.

Matthew Lee
“The Car Count Fixer”
Join me on YouTube and subscribe!

I'll show you 6 Ways to Get More Customers in 6 Days or Less
… and I’ll show you how we do it Without Crazy Coupons, Discounts or Money Sucking Advertising

Join me this week on this training webinar and you’ll discover….

• The exact steps we take to get more customers.
• This is NOT about telling you what to do - I'll show you everything, step-by-step so you're never left guessing.
• Exclusive "behind-the-scenes" look at exactly how we do it.
• I'll even pull the curtain back and show you everything!
• Never done before - LIVE Interactive on the webinar that let's you experience everything!

In less than an hour, you'll see everything, I'll show you everything step-by-step and you'll experience it all too! It's about the business that supports you and your family - isn't it worth an hour of your time?

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"

P.S.: Join me on this training webinar this week! FixYourCarCount.com

Hi weighit! I have not used radio for a repair shop (as I sold my shop several years ago) but I have used radio myself. The trick with getting a response is the offer. No matter what people tell you (things like radio doesn't work or any of that) I'll tell you it's all about the offer. 

Consider it this way. If you went on the air with ONE 30 SECOND SPOT and offered anyone who shows up at your door the next morning a crisp $100 bill - I guaranteed you will have a line up. Get it?? It's the offer! Now with all that said, I'm not suggesting you give away $100 bills - but it makes the point. 

When I was involved in campaigns, we did just that. An unbelievable offer that people couldn't get any other place. Now that won't work really well with automotive because... well... you know. The "bottom-feeders" will flood you. 

The other way is doing (sort of) what you mentioned above - getting customers to leave a review - or actually "record" a review. But you've got to ask the question the right way - and you'll get perfect reviews every time. 

I won't publish the details of doing that - but if you want to know more, send me a PM on this forum. 

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join me on a FREE TRAINING Web Class

On 1/25/2018 at 11:45 AM, xrac said:

I am trying to come up with the best elevator question for someone else to use as a door opener to refer our shop.  Here are some of my ideas are there any thoughts, ideas, suggestions:

Hi xrac! Don't ask people to refer you unless you give them the "tools" to do that. You couldn't do a brake job without the right tools, correct?? Same thing here. You can do this with a simple business card. No not your typical "regular old business card" - but one with your "tag line" or question on it. Be sure to include your picture, customer reviews, a simple map and an offer would be a good idea. With the price of printing, you can print a couple of sets and "test" the headlines or questions. 

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer" 
Join me on this New Training Webinar

You're right on the money Joe! All you have to do is take a look at reviews - and they can be for any service, not just auto repair. If you "read between the lines" you'll quickly see where a company (shop) has gone beyond "just being nice" don't cut it. 

I also agree that staff need to have the authority to make a decision - solve the problem! Don't "micro-manage" everything. The most important less to remember is this fact" 
"People will often FORGET what you said to them; but they will NEVER FORGET how you make them FEEL!" - You can take that one to the bank!

You also WIN when you can make the customer experience memorable. (Remember, they will always remember how you make them feel!) And believe it or not, there's even simple things you can do to make that happen. If you watch carefully, you'll notice that the people that "get liked" in life are usually the ones that quickly "pay compliments" to others. Try it - it works like a charm! Mrs. Jones will be so happy to hear somebody comment on "how much you like that jacket" or "how that color looks so good on her". 

Simple compliments - cost $0 - Reward - Priceless!

Hope this helps getting your customer service above and beyond what people expect!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
 

Join me on this New Training Webinar

35 minutes ago, gandgautorepair said:

Like it or not, I think reviews are a reality and we need to exceed or at least keep pace with our competition.

gandgautorepair - You've hit the nail on the head. What most shop owners don't realize is the simple FACT that "WE LIVE IN A REVIEW ECONOMY"

That's it- plain and simple. You do it - I do it - everyone checks reviews. Now, you may have a threshold - like if you're spending $25 or so, you may not care what others say. But if you are going to spend a couple of hundred bucks, don't YOU check reviews?? That's regardless of whether it's a product or service, right?

Remember that - "WE LIVE IN A REVIEW ECONOMY" and there's no if's and's or but's about it!

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
 

Join me on this new Training Webinar