PherBag

We have cheap oil changes, $25.95 syn blend Cam2 oil. It helps draw people in and keeps them coming back. BUT, my shop is in a "good" area and doesn't draw many unwanted customers. Either me or my wife will make a point to chat with each customer getting an oil change. We will talk about anything, except their car. Must of our customers think of us as friends. We also did Groupon for about a year and sold a little over 1,200 oil changes on it. Groupon is the only paid advertising that worked for us. I tell other business owners all the time how it has worked for us. I think at least 1/3 have become regulars. Remember, our shop is located in a good area, middle to upper class, so we tend to have a good customer base to start with. Alot of women have told me they love to use groupon. The main thing with drawing people in with cheap oil changes is to talk to them and build that relationship right away. Don't let them come in and leave with out having a good talk. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

We are 30 miles north of New Orleans and at $112. I don't think a nice shop with good techs could be in business for much less, around here at least. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Every small business owner I talk to says this year is slower. It's weird, like something in the air is affecting everyone. Highway traffic looks down too. The media isn't talking about it, but there's definitely something going on around the country. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

As for brakes, we use Autozone gold pads and the lower rotors. We always buy pads and rotors as a set. For cars $79.95 and trucks / SUVs $99.95. I'm not sure if all the gold pads are made by Bosch, but I know some are. I can't remember if we ever had a come back for squeaking, but every now and then we will have a come back for pulsation. Been using them for 5 yrs come next month. Radiator and AC parts we use Performance Radiator. We are their #1 buyer in SE Louisiana area. I know this bc I received a phone call from corporate thanking us for our business. Not too many warranties from their parts, acceptable I would say. We do have a lot of comebacks for remanufactured alternator and starters, whether it's NAPA or AZ. I don't keep track, but it may be about 20% to 25%. I try to get the new ones from NAPA or AZ if available. Not too many new ones come back. Ignition coils. Almost every one seems to come back for Nissan and VW coils from AZ. I try to get the Atrom brand from NAPA when available. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

We use the mid line NAPA Legand 75 month batteries. They are sealed. Don't have many come back for warranty. Interstate I hear is difficult to get warranty and they need warranting often. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk