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mikerisich

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  1. mikerisich
    BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY customer Martin Kruszelnicki has the “greenest” auto repair shop in all of Santa Monica, Calif.
     
    Kruszelnicki, the Chief Technology Officer of Santa Monica Hybrid – The Hybrid Shop, attributes his shop’s use of BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s shop management software as one of the reasons the city of Santa Monica selected his repair shop from a pool of 19 contenders to win the 20th annual Sustainable Quality Awards.
     
    Santa Monica Hybrid – The Hybrid Shop won the Excellence in Stewardship of the Environment award.
    “Using Bolt On Technology we are able to save thousands of pages of paper and printing every year,” he said. “Customers love the paperless check-in system and our team enjoys technician tablets and electronic inspections and being more productive at the same time.”
     
    Since May 2014 Kruszelnicki has been using Bolt On’s Mobile Manager Pro multi-point inspection tool, as well as Welcome Station, the first-ever customer check-in kiosk designed for the automotive repair industry. The fully wireless software solutions, which feature digital signature capture, text and emailing of customer vehicle inspections, photos and more, enabled the shop to go completely paperless almost a year ago.
     
    Click here to read more.
  2. mikerisich
    Do you have a shop management system in place at your auto repair shop? Are you contemplating adding or updating one?
    If so, what do you want from your auto repair shop's software system? Not sure? We can help.
    When it comes to shop management systems, so many options are available it can be mind-boggling. Knowing what you need your auto repair software to do, what features you need and how it benefits your auto repair shop are just a few of the things that should be considered.
    To help better understand this process we have compiled a list of four questions to consider. To read more, click here.
  3. mikerisich
    A common thread among shop management systems (SMS) is that the software simplifies automotive repair shop processes.
    That’s pretty much where the similarities end. Some shops use their SMS for customer invoicing while others use it to order parts and track inventory. Still others use the software to carry out digital multi-point inspections and scan and decode vehicle identification numbers.
    The user options and software features are practically endless.
    To learn just how vast the array of choices can be in the spectrum of auto repair software, read our list of 13 things you may not have known by clicking here: http://boltontechnology.com/13-things-about-auto-repair-software-you-may-not-have-known/
  4. mikerisich
    The BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team will be spending much of March on the road, traveling to several trade shows and hopefully meeting lots of independent auto repair shops and demonstrating our shop management software.
     
    Following a trip to Kansas City for the Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo, the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team will showcase its mobile technology software solutions at the ATI SuperConference, which is set for March 11-14 in Palm Springs, Calif. If you're attending, please be sure to stop by our table during the March 12 trade show to see live demonstrations of our shop management software and learn how to implement best practices into your shop's daily routines.
     
    The following week, from March 20-21, we'll be exhibiting at the Automotive Training Expo at booths 59 and 60.

    Why you should make time to see us
    Hundreds of shops are saving 10 to 15 minutes per customer through the use of VIN and license plate decoding, canned tech notes and more as part of Mobile Manager Pro, a fully wireless digital inspection tool and auto maintenance software add-on. Incorporating mobile technology with text messaging capabilities, among various other functions, has helped shops boost average repair orders by 45 to 75% – and higher in many instances.
    Our other leading mobile shop management solution, Welcome Station, is the first-ever service upgrading kiosk developed specifically for the auto repair industry. It is similar in functionality to kiosks in use at airports, grocery and convenience stores and cropping up in restaurant chains.
    The tablet-powered tool is helping shops save time at the front counter and makes up-selling easier by empowering customers to check themselves in, update their contact and vehicle information and choose services they wish to have performed.
  5. mikerisich
    BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY has been nominated for the Jobs Now Best Places to Work 2015 contest.
     
    The Greater Philadelphia area company employs more than a dozen workers at its development center in Bucks County, a suburb of Philadelphia.
     
    “I enjoy the casual, team-oriented environment,” said Frank Dragoni, the company’s director of national sales and corporate partnerships. “We all work together to brainstorm the company’s future successes. Everyone here knows they are integral to the company’s growth.”
     
    BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY was founded in 2008 after Chief Technology Officer Mike Risich, a Microsoft developer, set out to create software solutions to automate routine processes at the nation’s independent auto repair shops. Two years after that, Risich hired his first employee.
     
    Since its founding, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY has developed more than a dozen auto shop management add-on software solutions that thousands of auto repair shops throughout the U.S., Canada and South America use every day to save time, boost efficiency and simplify processes.
     
    Click here to read more about the Best Places to Work 2015 award nomination.
  6. mikerisich
    Whether you purchased BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY's automotive software solutions today, last month or a year ago, we want to make sure your shop is getting the most for its money! For some that may mean a product refresher course, while others may need more comprehensive training.
    Either way, we're offering live training sessions specifically designed to fit your shop’s needs.
    Beginning this week, we will again be conducting live training for both beginners, as well as more experienced users. By giving us 30 or 45 minutes of your time, you’ll gain a better understanding of the product’s features, capabilities and the most efficient ways to seamlessly incorporate auto repair best practices into your shop’s daily routine.
    We will be offering both 101 and 201 sessions on a weekly basis for each of the following products: Lube Sticker Pro, Message Manager, Report Pro and Mobile Manager Pro. To read more or to register for a training session, click here.
  7. mikerisich
    We’ve addressed several maintenance issues in the latest Report Pro release, which is now available.
     
    With the latest update, users can see a fuller model/sub-model vehicle description on Mitchell SE tech worksheets. Also in Mitchell SE, we fixed the problem users had experienced while printing a revision when a sub-estimate for the vehicle had previously been sold.
    We have also ensured that the All Sub Estimates report remembers users’ selections.
     
    For Report Pro customers in Canada, the newest release improves the readability of the Canadian tax section in repair orders and estimates.
     
    The correct invoice number is now displayed in the posted items section of the unassigned GL accounts online report.
    In addition some users were experiencing difficulty finding repair orders and invoices in Report Pro. That has been corrected.
     
    The tax calculations for miscellaneous lines have been fixed. Also, the correct business name and contact information for business accounts on repair orders and invoices has been corrected.
     
    Please share your suggestions for any other feature requests by commenting on the forum, or contacting us through our Website: http://boltontechnology.com/contact-us/
  8. mikerisich
    BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s signature automotive software solution, Mobile Manager Pro, has ranked in the top 5 in Top and Best Alternative’s top 10 list of auto repair software.

    Mobile Manager Pro, the company’s signature solution, is the only add-on automotive software solution to make the list. The other 9 modules on the list are shop management systems.

    The wireless tool, which fully integrates with leading shop management systems, enables repair shop technicians to scan VINs and decode license plates and take and text vehicle condition photos to customers along with color-coded digital multi-point vehicle inspections.

    Click here to read more about Mobile Manager Pro's ranking.
  10. mikerisich
    If you missed the chance to take advantage of our end-of-year giveaway you're in luck: We've extended this special offer until Jan. 10.
     
    To learn more about how you can improve your business, increase efficiency and boost profitability, click here: http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1a0fd59c50dc1f357d3fd869d&id=ef190ae7a0&e=fbdebe9e9b
  11. mikerisich
    BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY has taken the guess work out of digital multi-point inspection delivery to customers.
     
    The add-on automotive software solutions company has updated its signature program, Mobile Manager Pro, to automatically send text message notifications to auto repair shops when their customers open digital multi-point inspections. Using Message Manager, a text message software module included in the Mobile Manager Pro suite, shops send digital multi-point inspections to customers via text message.
     
    To read more about this behind-the-scenes update, click here.
  12. mikerisich
    Just in time for the New Year and resolutions for 2015, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY is sharing 7 strategies to boost your average repair orders, save time and increase productivity.
     
    Plus, as an added bonus, you can take advantage of our end of year giveaway.
     
     
    Watch our video demonstration and learn more here: http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1a0fd59c50dc1f357d3fd869d&id=89c0af4016&e=[uNIQID]
  13. mikerisich
    On Jan. 15, Mike Risich, the founder and Chief Technology Officer of BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, an add-on automotive software solutions development company, will offer an interactive mobile technology discussion and demonstration.
     
    Risich will offer insight on BOLT ON’s signature software solution, Mobile Manager Pro, during the Automotive Service Association of Pennsylvania’s Chapter 29 Montgomery/Philadelphia monthly meeting.
     
    For more information on the demonstration, or to register, click here: http://boltontechnology.com/bolt-on-technology-founder-to-demonstrate-mobile-technology/
  14. mikerisich
    Your shop can get a jump start on New Year's resolutions of boosting profits, increasing efficiency and implementing processes to allow you to accomplish more with less resources.
     
    There’s no reason why your shop can’t make significantly more revenue, save an extra hour a day, gain 100% accuracy, increase marketing potential, speed up customer approval times (up to 79% faster), and way more.
     
    Here’s a sampling of the strategies we will teach during a Dec. 17 webinar:
    Doing more work, with less effort on your part. This is the key to it all.
    Boosting service up-selling opportunities. Big money!
    Killing chicken scratch and inaccurate information. 100% accuracy
    Scheduling future appointments for each customer. No effort on your part.

    The remaining 3 strategies are the best of the bunch, and will be demonstrated in full during this event!
     
    Don't delay, register today for our *free* Dec. 17 webinar: https://www.anymeeting.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=EB52DA82894A39
  15. mikerisich
    Key members of the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team will travel to Huntersville, N.C. on Dec. 9-10 to participate in the American Tire Distributors’ national dealer council meeting.
     
    During a working lunch with more than a dozen ATD representatives, the Bolt On team will present a full demonstration of Mobile Manager Pro, the company’s leading suite of automotive software solutions. Mobile Manager Pro, which is used in hundreds of repair shops and tire service centers in the U.S., Canada, South America and Guam, allows shops to meet customers at their vehicles, tablet in hand, to begin a digital multi-point inspection. The paper-free tool features license plate scanning and decoding, automatic transmission of data to the shop management system, advance scheduling of routine services, text messaging of inspection reports and photos with customers, the ability to customize invoices with 100 plus options and more.
     
    Bolt On’s goal of the meeting is to become an ATD-approved vendor for the more than 600 auto repair and tire service centers under the ATD umbrella, according to Frank Dragoni, Bolt On’s Director of National Sales & Corporate Partnerships. The December meeting follows a discussion that Dragoni and Bolt On’s Chief Technology Officer and founder Mike Risich had with ATD representatives in Pittsburgh during the northeast dealer council meeting in October.
     
    The national Tire Pros chain is some of the service centers under the ATD umbrella. The highly coveted approved vendor status would mean that ATD is certifying Bolt On as a viable company to consider for automotive software solution add-ons, Dragoni said.
     
    The nation’s premier tire distributor, ATD, which was founded in 1935, operates 113 distributions centers across the U.S., 27 distribution centers across Canada and has approximately 80,000 customers in the U.S. and Canada, according to the company’s Website.
     
    For more information about BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, visitwww.boltontechnology.com, or call 610-400-1019.
  16. mikerisich
    During a recent Philly New Tech meetup gathering, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY founder and CEO Mike Risich demonstrated the digital multi-point inspection process made possible through the company's Mobile Manager Pro automotive software solution.
     
    To see the automatic transmission of data from the tablet device to the shop management system and hear more about the best practices of advance appointment scheduling, click here to watch the video:
  17. mikerisich
    Salesman Derek Cain had his first introduction to automotive software solutions before joining the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team.
     
    “I’ve actually seen it just by going to my own mechanic, not knowing it was Bolt On’s software,” Cain said of the company’s Mobile Manager Pro tool, which enables auto repair technicians to meet customers at their vehicles and begin carrying out digital multi-point inspections. The software includes license plate scanning and decoding functionality, the ability to take and text vehicle condition photos to customers and other time-saving features aimed at automating routine tasks.
     
    Cain, of Bensalem, Pa., has more than 20 years of experience in sales and development. During that time he worked and developed relationships as a data solutions expert in the B2B wireless industry working with leading cell phone carriers. He also holds numerous sales awards and worked as the national account sales manager for Cherry Hill, N.J.-based Wireless Technologies LLC.
     
    As an experienced industry manager, leaving that field to help educate auto repair shops on ways to speed up processes, boost profits, improve productivity – all while going paperless – was a “no-brainer” for Cain.
     
    “I feel extremely honored to be joining the Bolt On Technology team,” he said. “This is a very exciting period for the company and I look forward to helping increase sales volumes and opening up new territories for the brand in markets around the globe.”
     
    “BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY has strengthened its direct sales force by hiring Derek Cain as its sales manager for the U.S. and Canadian markets,” Mike Risich, the company’s CEO, said.
     
    Working from the company’s development center in Bucks County, Pa., Cain will have the day-to-day responsibility for the development of the OEM channel, extending the company’s significant customer base and continuing to grow BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY as one of the leading suppliers of add-on automotive software solutions.
     
    “It’s just something I truly believe the auto industry needs to keep up on,” he said. “It’s like the beginning of cellular, just in a different industry.”
     
    About BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY™
    Founded in 2008, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY was created by entrepreneur Michael Risich, whose vision of digitizing the automotive repair industry has continued to define the company. BOLT ON stays at the forefront of innovation, continuing to revolutionize mobile applications that save auto shops time, money and the need to write out lengthy estimates or vehicle diagnoses. Bolt On Technology has grown to be one of the leading shop management software providers. The company has partnered with some of the largest companies in the business, including Mitchell1, ATI (Automotive Training Institute), CARFAX and others.
  18. mikerisich
    I never set out to develop software add-on solutions that would revolutionize the auto repair industry.
    All of that happened by accident.
     
    Prior to founding BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, I worked as a Microsoft developer and taught evening classes at a school district near my suburban Philadelphia home. It was in the classes that I met an auto repair shop owner and his wife, who asked me to help with their shop’s software programs.
     
    When I saw how out-of-date the system was, a light went off in my head. It was kismet.
     
    From then on, my life’s goal was in view. I knew I had the passion and know-how to create add-on solutions that would help to automate tedious day-to-day functions at some of the nation’s 275,000 independent auto repair shops.
     
    My end goal, while always in sight, was not something that came easy, or right away. A father of three young children, I continued to work my full-time job while spending sleepless nights on what would become BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY.
     
    My wife, Christina, who often saw me hunched over our laptop computer in the wee hours, used to joke that I was having an affair – and her name was Dell.
     
    I hustled hard, because, more than the lack of sleep and time away from my family, I wanted to build this company. I knew that my time was an investment toward a larger achievement: Helping shops to increase efficiency, boost productivity and drive up profits through automation.
     
    In 2009, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY LLC was formed. Two years later, I hired my first employee.
     
    About that same time, I moved my company’s operations to a space adjacent to an auto repair shop. The move was strategic – what better place to test my company’s add-on software solutions than a repair shop that would put the software to use each and every day?
     
    Fast forward a few years and BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY has developed and sold thousands of licenses for our suite of automotive software solutions throughout the U.S., South America, Canada and Guam. My team of software developers is constantly working to improve upon our existing solutions and create even more modules aimed at making shop owners’ lives easier.
    We want to over-deliver every single time.
     
    We do that by listening to shop owners, understanding their pain points and developing solutions that help. We also do that by staying ahead of technology’s cutting edge.
     
    Before Bolt On’s Mobile Manager Pro tablet-powered software module hit the market mechanics didn’t realize they needed digital functionality, or the ability to meet customers at their vehicle to begin paper-free multi-point inspections. But, now that they have it, shop owners tell me it’s hard to imagine living without it. For them, returning to pencil-and-paper inspections would be like buying a VCR instead of a Blu-ray player.
     
    Our mobile product revolutionized how data is collected. And that is only the beginning. We want to continue pushing the technological envelope, introducing new software that saves shops time, boosts efficiency and profits and continues to improve upon the customer experience.
     
    In the throes of the economic recession shop owners I regularly met with were seeking ways to overcome deep revenue losses and tight profit margins. None that I talked to asked for the ability to conduct digital multi-point inspections, or scan and decode a license plate. But, their struggles were synonymous with many of the time-saving functions inherent in our mobile software. Saving time (and increasing productivity) translates to higher profits because we all know that time is money. If you have the tools to receive customer approval for work authorization in 2 minutes – instead of an hour plus – techs no longer have to remove vehicles from lifts … only to add them later when the customer calls back.
     
    Developing software solutions that encompass auto repair best practices is a big component in my company’s future endeavors. In order to create solutions which improve shop operations, I need to stay ingrained in the shop atmosphere.
     
    My initial entrance into the automotive software solutions world may have been by accident, but my sleepless nights laying the groundwork for BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY and my continued passion and drive ensure that I’m in it for the long haul.
    I look forward to sharing my story (and demonstrating our mobile technology) at a Philly New Technology group meetup on Wednesday and hopefully many more speaking engagements in the future.
     
    To learn more about BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY visit us at www.boltontechnology.com or call 610-400-1019.
  19. mikerisich
    The #1 most-requested Report Pro feature is here!
    Report Pro customers have been asking for the ability to view multi-point inspections on a desktop and now that functionality is here!
    The Inspection Manager addition, which has been rolled out for Mitchell1 SE Mobile Manager Pro users - and will be forthcoming for other shop management systems - allows a service advisor to review/edit an inspection from the desktop, making it easier to share results in person with a customer.
     
    The new feature is an exact replication of what's seen on the tablet and allows service advisors the ability to see in-progress, waiting and completed inspections. From the desktop, shop staff can view and edit notes and recommendations, as well as vehicle and inspection images.
     
    As is the case with the tablet, shop personnel can share inspections via email, text message, and work order note.
    Getting started
    Follow these steps to load the latest Report Pro upgrades:
    Open Report Pro
    When you see the prompt for a new update click "get update."
    The Inspection Manager is accessible in the tools menu of Report Pro.
  20. mikerisich
    Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned Mobile Manager Pro user, or somewhere in between, our 7 step-by-step training videos will help you to more easily decode license plates and VINs, capture customers' signatures electronically, perform digital multi-point inspections and more.
     
    As always, the information entered into tablet devices automatically transmits into leading shop management systems without any additional effort, or double entry on your part.
     
    To view our latest training videos, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTAHU_-meLQ&list=PLNWs0wU3yWkQEptDZ7egxqJpi25Uq3Cpl
     
    For more information on BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, visit www.boltontechnology.com, or call 610-400-1019.
     
     
  21. mikerisich
    Determine what you want from exhibitors post-expo now.






    With so many booths, workshops and more at the AAPEX Show, it would be virtually impossible to leave Las Vegas with all of the information you need to effectively grow your business.
     
    That’s why receiving follow up from exhibitors that align with your goals is imperative.
    How do you do that? Follow these simple tips to gather all the post-show information you need.
     
    1.Set guidelines
    Communicate your preferred follow-up methods with the exhibitor. Would you like them to call you, send a pamphlet, or fax information to you? Share with exhibitors how and what information you need to make any potential follow up decisions after AAPEX.
     
    2.Carve out time
    Be sure to set aside time to speak to exhibitors, or review the information they send. Suggest that exhibitors reach out to you during less busy portions of your workday, or ensure that an employee can cover for you.
     
    3.Set goals
    Give yourself a realistic time frame to discuss, review and act on any follow up material. Don’t leave pamphlets, or other information lying around for months collecting dust.
     
    4.Hold exhibitors accountable
    Be sure exhibitors do what they said they would do – when they said they would do it. In other words, if the exhibitor agrees to touch base a week after AAPEX and then fails to do so, you may want to reconsider doing business with the company. Failure to follow up shows the exhibitor can’t be trusted.
     
    5.Don’t be afraid to ask questions
    Perhaps the exhibitor’s follow up raised more questions, or caused confusion. Be sure to ask for further explanations, or clarifications.
     
    6.Seek out proof
    When follow up regarding the exhibitor’s products or services is not enough ask for insight from others in the know: Shop owners who are also customers. The exhibitor should be able to provide contact information for a customer or two, or you could try to find answers on your own via sites like the International Automotive Technicians Network (http://www.iatn.net/) or www.autoshopowner.com.
     
    You can see other helpful AAPEX Show tips and hints in my blog by clicking here. If you’re going to AAPEX Show 2014, we’d love to meet you! Please be sure to stop by booth #2983 to meet the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team, learn more about our mobile technology and our automotive software solutions, Mobile Manager Pro and Welcome Station. For more information, visit www.boltontechnology.com, or call 610-400-1019.
  22. mikerisich
    The greater Philadelphia area automotive software solutions developer ranked #36






    Not only has BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY remained at the forefront developing innovative add-on solutions powering the nation’s independent auto repair shops’ ability to automate daily operations, increase efficiency and boost profits, the Downingtown, Pa.-based company has ranked as one of the 2014 fastest-growing, privately-held businesses in the Philadelphia region by the Philadelphia 100®, the Wharton Small Business Development Center, the Entrepreneurs' Forum of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Business Journal.
     
    The Philadelphia 100 rankings are based on companies’ percentage of growth over the last three years, ending in 2013. During that time frame, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY grew by 187 percent and ranked number 36 of 100, according to official Philadelphia 100 rankings released Thursday night.
     
     
    In addition to founder and CEO Mike Risich, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY employed two workers just two years ago and has since grown to employ more than a dozen. The company’s software applications serve thousands of independent auto repair shops in the U.S., Canada and Guam. BOLT ON, which operates a software development center in Bucks County, is poised for continued expansion both in its workforce, as well as its more than a dozen software applications, according to Risich.
     
    “This achievement is just the next step in taking our company to another level,” Risich said. “I know our team embraces change and has the drive and motivation to continue to better our customers’ businesses.”
     
    About BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY™
    Founded in 2008, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY was created by entrepreneur Michael Risich, whose vision of digitizing the automotive repair industry has continued to define the company. BOLT ON stays at the forefront of innovation, continuing to revolutionize mobile applications that save auto shops time, money and the need to write out lengthy estimates or vehicle diagnoses. Bolt On Technology has grown to be one of the leading shop management software providers. The company has partnered with some of the largest companies in the business, including Mitchell1, ATI (Automotive Training Institute) and CARFAX.
    To learn more about Bolt On Technology, visit BoltOnTechnology.com, see our mobile innovations on YouTube, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
     
    About the Philadelphia 100 Program:
    The Philadelphia 100 was founded in 1988 by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum of Greater Philadelphia, Philadelphia Business Journal, and Wharton Small Business Development Center to publicly identify, recognize, and promote successful companies in the Greater Philadelphia region. Previous participants have told us that participating in the Philadelphia 100 helped them attract new employees, obtain new customers, and raise capital. Past honorees include NovaCare, Forman Mills, ATX, Mothers Work, Diamond Couriers, West Coast Video, Spectacor, Urban Outfitters, and Kremer Laser Eye Center
  23. mikerisich
    With thousands of exhibitors and countless products, it’s important to know which questions to ask AAPEX Show exhibitors.






    In my last blog, I suggested that shops consider researching the exhibitors whose products or services align most closely to the shop’s main goals and map out a plan to make the most of the limited time available.
     
    Now that you’ve decided which booths you will be visiting in Las Vegas Nov. 3-6, it’s time to think about what questions you might want to ask exhibitors.
    With so many booths, education sessions, networking events and so little time, you will want each interaction to count. This handy guide will help you stay focused.
     
    1. Find the correlation
    You have determined that exhibitors are worth your time. Be sure to ask questions that allow the exhibitor to explain how their products or services could help your business.
     
    2. Steer clear of questions with yes or no answers
    Vague questions, such as “does your product integrate with my shop management system” may yield a response of “yes.” In reality, that may not be true.
     
    3. Ask for the “how” behind the exhibitor’s offerings
    Instead of asking a question that could be open to various interpretations, try rewording the question to ask how the system integrates, for instance. The answer will likely give you more insight and a better sense of whether the product is truly a match for your shop’s goals.
     
    4. Show, don’t tell
    Even better than the “how” of the product or service is seeing it in action. See for yourself the product’s attributes, or shortcomings, by asking for a demonstration.
     
    5. Ask the same questions
    The only way to truly compare apples to apples when considering similar products offered by competing exhibitors is to ask the same questions of each exhibitor.
     
    6. Don’t be afraid to follow up
    You asked all of the questions on your checklist. But, something the exhibitor said raised another question, or caused confusion. While it’s fresh in your mind – and while the exhibitor is in front of you – ask for clarification.
     
    7. Write it down
    Perhaps just as important as asking the right question is remembering the answers. The likelihood of remembering one company or product’s attributes over another may be difficult that night in your hotel room and even more so after AAPEX is over. Jot down notes highlighting things that matter to you and your business. A few notes should be enough to jog your memory after the fact.
     
    Stay tuned for more helpful AAPEX Show tips and hints. If you’re going to AAPEX Show 2014, we’d love to meet you! Please be sure to stop by booth #2983 to meet the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team, learn more about our mobile technology and our automotive software solutions, Mobile Manager Pro and Welcome Station. For more information, visit www.boltontechnology.com, or call 610-400-1019.
  24. mikerisich

    5 Tips to Ace AAPEX

    By mikerisich,

    BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY will exhibit at the show, which is set for Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas.
     
    In a matter of weeks, thousands of exhibitors will fill 1 million square feet of the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada as part of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX).
     
    Businesses, particularly automotive repair shops, have much to gain from the vast educational offerings, as well as the latest and most innovative products and business solutions on display Nov. 3-6.
     
    How can you see and do it all?
     
    Simply put: You can’t.
    But, with this handy checklist of tips, you can discover the products, services and other offerings that are most important to your shop.
     
    1. Do your homework
    Use the weeks leading up to AAPEX to familiarize yourself with the various sessions available and get a jumpstart on planning your days.
     
    2. Define your objective
    Think about why you registered for AAPEX. Try to pinpoint the top goals you would like to achieve and consider the service providers and/or products that could help you attain success.
     
    3. Research exhibitors who can make your goals reality
    Say, for instance, you’d like your repair shop to increase its average repair order, automate day-to-day functions and improve customer confidence. Besides BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, you may want to research which other shop management system providers could help you reach your goals. To get started, click here to search the AAPEX Show Website by brand, by product, or by exhibitor. You can view a company’s product information, contact methods, show location and more.
     
    4. Review the lay of the AAPEX land
    Once you have an idea of which educational sessions you would like to attend and which exhibitors you would like to visit, review the floor plan.
     
    5. Plot out your AAPEX Show plan
    While viewing the floor plan, attendees can look up exhibitors they would like to visit, see their location and booth number on the map, as well as their booth size. The floor plan helps make it easier to visualize where you want to throughout the course of the show.
     
    Stay tuned for more helpful AAPEX Show tips and hints. If you’re going to AAPEX Show 2014, we’d love to meet you! Please be sure to stop by booth #2983 to meet the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team, learn more about our mobile technology and our automotive software solutions, Mobile Manager Pro and Welcome Station. For more information, visit www.boltontechnology.com, or call 610-400-1019.
  25. mikerisich
    The automotive software solutions provider will demonstrate its Welcome Station customer check-in touchscreen tool during the show.


     
    Are you heading to the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) on Nov. 4-6 in Las Vegas, Nevada?
     
    In addition to expanding your knowledge base through various Webinars and educational offerings, be sure to stop by the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY booth (#2983) to learn about the many proven benefits of our mobile technology. We would love to meet you and to demonstrate how our fully digital offerings can empower your shop to make more money, save more time and dramatically increase up-sell opportunities.




    But don’t take our word for it. Test drive and see for yourself how our fully digital Welcome Station kiosk solution will save your front counter employees time checking customers in and dramatically increase the customer’s willingness to authorize services.
     
    The tablet-powered tool is the automotive repair industry’s answer to the customer check-in kiosks in use at airports, grocery and convenience stores and restaurant chains. The touch screen simplifies the customer experience, allowing them to quickly and seamlessly update their contact and vehicle information, choose from suggested and popular services and review recommended weather-related services stemming from current or recent area weather.
     
     
    The information customers input automatically integrates with your shop management system, which increases accuracy and also eliminates the need to re-enter data.
     
    This easy-to-use self-check system frees up service advisors and enables customers to quickly and electronically notify shop staff of their arrival, select the vehicle and which services they’d like to have performed and whether they are dropping off, or will be waiting. Customers can also electronically sign to authorize the work.
     
    Owner Terry Barnby of Ohio-based Goldstar Autocare, said he was tired of seeing spelling and grammar mistakes on repair orders. Too many times when vehicle repairs were finished he’d reach for a customer’s paperwork only to find that his employee failed to take down a customer phone number.
     
    Barnby jumped at the chance to take those headaches out of his hands and installed the Welcome Station customer check-in kiosk at his seven-days-a-week shop this summer.
     
    “Honestly I’ve been kind of waiting for it,” he said. “The business markets seem to be way, way behind. Bolt On Technology has been bringing products out that we’ve been waiting for.”
     
    Since customers enter their vehicle and contact information electronically via a tablet device upon entering the shop, gone are Barnby’s frustrations over mistakes and phone number omissions.
     
    “The kiosk forces them to do that,” Barnby said of the phone number entering requirement as part of the check-in process.
    Customers have given “good responses” to the software solution he said, adding that customers are “impressed with the technology.”
    “Most of them get it pretty easy because it’s pretty simple,” Barnby said.
     
    The Welcome Station kiosk incorporates an illustrated step-by-step format asking both new and returning customers to input or verify their name and contact information, vehicles and note which vehicle is being serviced on the given day. The check-in center also features weather-specific alerts that ask customers to consider services based on current or recent climate changes.
    If you’re planning to attend AAPEX, be sure to look for us and let us know how we may help. We will be on hand demonstrating the software’s various features, sharing best practices and answering questions.
     
    To learn more or to register for AAPEX, which will be held from Nov. 4-6, click here.
     
    For more information on BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, visit our Website, BoltOnTechnology.com, or call 610-400-1019. Stay tuned for a future blog highlighting Welcome Station, our touch screen check in kiosk, which will also be exhibited during AAPEX. Remember, you can find us at booth #2983.

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