ATSAutomotive

I haven't come across much that I haven't been able to work on yet without factory scan tools.

We simply do not do customer supplied parts. It never seems to work out. Customer has the wrong part when you have it torn apart. If that part fails who looks like the bad guy? My business model is setup to achieve a certain profit percentage every year. My business model also dictates what I need to sell my labor for, my parts, etc. Advance, O'Reillys, Autozone, etc have been around a long time. The times will only change when shops continue to allow customers to bring their own parts. I simply do not understand why people worry about that so much. What in the world do you buy that isn't marked up! If you are looking for customers who are solely looking for price, it looks like you found them. I'll continue to work with customers who are looking for great service. To the OP, we stopped doing estimates over the phone. We simply ask when they would like to bring the car in for us to take a look at it. I can't diagnose the car over the phone and I certainly want to make my own inquiry in to what the vehicle needs. Had a guy call today asking for a price to fix his driver's rear window on a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. I asked when he would like to bring it in. His response was "I'm just looking for a price to fix the window". I explained to him that I cannot possibly give him an estimate if I don't know what's wrong with the car. "Well the window won't roll up or down" I understand that sir but is it a wiring issue, did the switch go bad, is the regulator broken, or did the motor go out? His answer, I don't know. Well I don't know either, that's why I need to see your car and diagnose what the issue is. To the point, this person was calling around asking for prices and seeing who was the cheapest. The cheap customer is not YOUR ideal customer. Your ideal customer is someone who calls saying my window wont roll up or down. When could you guys take a look at it? I use to take all of the price shoppers. I simply don't do it now and my business in a much better place because of it. My price is my price, I DO charge for diagnostics. I didn't build it, buy it or break it. I simply service it. Next time they ask if they can get an estimate. Sure! When would you like to bring it in? Cut down on our estimate making, not our sales. You spend 90% of your time with your worst customers and 10% with your best..... Just my thoughts gentlemen and woman, take it or leave it.

Agreed, you definitely need to have an open mind. If you go in stubborn and not wanting to listen. You are not going to learn a thing.

Doesn't everyone feel they deserve more pay?

Looks good to me, great job.

The few good years they have left.... KIDDING!!! Good luck, I definitely know what you mean about having to build the business. I took anything and everything I could when I started and slowly over time I can turn away those people who just don't fit my shop model.

A door bell with the wire from an extension cord for a starter override button in the engine bay.......still trying to figure this one out. WHYYYYY!!!!!!

xrac, I don't really see any reason for you to start ATI really. You are already very involved in this forum which has members in the ATI program. I have loved the program for what it has helped me with but I am also excited to keep that money I have been paying them every month once I am done with the program.

I would probably have a talk with a lawyer. Ask if they will send a letter. That usually stirs people in to movement.

Currently use the Snap On TPMS3. Haven't come across a vehicle I haven't been able to take care of yet. We don't do a great job of charging for our use of this piece of equipment. Now that you have brought this up, I believe we may take another look at that.

Completely agree with XRAC, you need to experience working at a shop. Do you know what numbers you need to hit to be profitable? How will your mark up parts? How will you decide your labor rate? What warranty will you offer? Will you specialize in a specific car line or do general automotive repair? Will you charge shop supplies? What types of fluids should you stock? How much? Just a few questions to help create food for thought.

Diff/X-fer Case? Power Steering Fluid? I think 40k for brake fluid is a bit too long. Even most manufacturers suggest it be replaced every 2 years/24,000 miles now. Complaints about wallet flushing are a bunch of crap. Maintenance has been proved to prolong the life of not only the vehicle but its parts as well. There is most certainly a major difference between cars that have not been maintained and those that have. Whether you dislike Valvoline, BG, etc. There is a reason they provide their services and a warranty as well, it works. The only problem I find is when customers want to perform the work but their major repairs are of MORE concern than the maintenance. Always gets pushed back.....

I love it! I own the program and don't make monthly payments. I can't think of any reports that utilize graphs but I have never attempted to look. I'll check on Monday for you. I like how they have add-on modules. I don't sell a lot of tires but they do have a tire module for shops who are high volume tire dealers. Scheduler works well, my oil change sticker printer is integrated in to the program and prints a sticker based of the mileage in the work order. Labor guides integrated, parts ordering. Electronic inspection sheets are AWESOME. I can save every inspection sheet to the invoice and can use it to look at previous inspection sheets quickly and easily. Recommend services for each vehicle are saved for the future. They aren't a huge company and take suggestions and utilize them. Ask for a demo and see if it works for you.

They are a necessary evil but not only that. They are service to provide all of your customers to keep them coming to you for their every need. I don't make money on my oil changes but they certainly make up for it seeing as I can inspect my customers vehicles and keep them updated on any maintenance and repairs it needs. I educate my customers about the fact most quick lube places are not checking their car to make sure it is safe for the road and their families. I personally know people who work at various quick lubes and I have found it very scary what they check and what they don't. When customers and automotive professionals speak about the type of employees working at quick lubes, I still cannot understand why anyone goes there. 0% of my business model is profit from oil changes. Simply because it is not there. Not to say, there aren't sales that come from just a simple oil change. (Rotate, wipers, bulbs, filters, repair, maintenance) We do a very in depth inspection on every vehicle and I explain every bit of it to my customers. We can't be afraid to scare our customers as to what is needed in repairs and maintenance. Too often are professionals spending the customers money. Tell them everything that is wrong and give them a plan in order to start fixing everything. You would be surprised how many people love that we do this. Yes you may scare a few people away, but the majority of customers will appreciate what you are doing.

I use the scheduler in my TABS Autobiz program. What features are you looking for in a scheduler?

Yes I currently use TABS AutoBiz, do you have any specific questions?

I am currently in this predicament right now. I actually am getting quoted $54k after everything said and done. Might have to get with you (Framingham) to compare our quotes. I would LOVE to have an alignment machine but need to make sure it is doable....

We just recently went to VISION Hi-Tech Expo 2014 and I paid for the entire trip. Training was from Thursday until Sunday. I paid the guys for their time on Thursday and Friday. I asked that since I was paying for the trip that they provide their time for Saturday and Sunday. It is an investment in to their jobs and future so that is the least they could do. I do regularly send them to other classes as well and I pay for the class and their regular pay. I believe it is our job to continue their training and it is also a benefit we are providing.

Awesome! Great to see others on this forum went as well and some close to home!!! Welcome Advanced Auto!

I'm surprised that almost no one on this board went to VISION. Well, maybe next year. See ya around Gonzo.

I spent about $3500 2-3 years ago on a brand new set of Ranger tire machine and balancer. Ranger is made by Bendpak and is not a top machine like COATS but it has served me well since I've had it with some maintenance.

Holy hell...

I honestly thought I saw you but couldn't pull my phone out fast enough to compare a picture. Next time I'll risk looking a like a fool to meet you.

I actually just thought about this but did anyone else go to VISION 2014 the other week? I probably should have been looking for others.

I hope you meant inches and not 3-4 FEET of snow! Little bit different for us down here. January and February were good months. I don't know if our area really had that loss of work like you guys did up east.