Gary A

It all makes sense. The average small 1-3 bay shop can't keep up with all the changes without a significant investment in equipment and highly skilled and qualified technicians. Therefore they pack it in. If you can specialize and keep the bays full and become a guru in a certain area you will be more efficient and do well. If you have a good marketing plan and offer convenience (open 7 days and late nights), have lower paid technicians, then you can do all the gravy work. (The chains) If your the dealer your specializing, have marketing power and a good system. If us small guys that are going to endure just be honest, build lasting relationships with our customers and a combination of things above we'll do alright. Just my 2 cents

Hello Car ER I was just wondering how Lighthouse 360 is working for you?

Happy to hear that someone actually charges an amount that should be charged for an oil change. I bet if I raised my oil change prices my good customers wouldn't even flinch. It's the ones that use the oil change price as a gauge on whether to use your facility or not that really make me wonder. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am in agreement with Alfredauto as well - Carfax takes and does not give back. Anyone who is using Bolt on Technology's mobile manager be aware that they were use Carfax for the vin decoding with the Vin scanner. I had a few instances where my customers history was showing up on Carfax reports and was furious because I did not know about this nor was I ever given the opportunity to opt out like I was when Mitchell first introduced this. On the bright side Bolt on Technology just released an update where you can opt out of the Carfax VIN scanning feature. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It must be the Chinese metal that the brake pads are made of. I've seen this happen a couple times this past year and I've never seen that before in my life Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

To sum it all up: TAKE CARE OF YOUR "A" CUSTOMERS! Use common sense and be Likeable. People do business with people they like. If you have 1 or 2 bays it will be tough to service waiters. If you have 4 and up have a dedicated lube tech and a system in place to do proper multi-point inspections where you can set up recommended repairs for a future appointment with the parts already there and ready to go. Build relationships with your best customers and don't waste time on the ones who take up your time and will never spend money. There is no blanket statement to be made on any subject that comes up here.

Cool! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here's a real success story about a friend of mine from high school who was in the woodshop class next to me as I was in the automotive class. http://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/index.ssf/2014/03/nj_master_craftsman_hews_to_tradition_of_carving_custom_furniture_by_hand.html Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think it boils down to who the people are working for you. I don't have a problem with the radio on just keep it positive, not too loud and if there is such a thing a station all can listen to. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My feeling is that we need to become experts at identifying these types of people and steering away in a professional manner. We need to focus on growing our customer base with customers that will pay us for a premium service and leave us good reviews because they appreciate quality service and parts. Educate them of the differences in the quality. People that are always going for the cheaper repair in most cases are not our ideal customer. I know this is very basic common sense but is seems that you are frustrated not necessarily with the repair but the person who you may never be able to please.

Use OE and you wont have these problems. Worldpac has Aisin which is OE aftermarket Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

http://www.meatraining.com/ http://lms.motoskill.motoshop.com/login/index.php

Great story! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've never heard about this before. Sounds like a good idea. How did you go about getting the average of every part sold? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here is what I use for part numbers https://www.repairlinkshop.com/ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have been hanging a couple of tires on my snow plow for the winter. Works great!

Happy Thanksgiving Joe and we thank you for your dedication to this industry and to helping others. Have a great time with your family!

Great looking place Congratulations!

One page at a time, eventually it will get done...

Count me in a for an Autoshopowner.com Event! NYC or the tri-state area would be a great venue

I agree also with Joe. Spending 10 minutes or so on a preliminary inspection in all areas, general maintenance, diagnostics, leaks, AC work etc. helps to build rapport with the customer and allows us to see what needs to be sold. I also strongly agree that we give way too much away in comparison to our investment in what it takes deliver outstanding service. Tablets are great. It will take time to implement, be patient and try to show your techs the value it provides in the sale at the counter and the trust that it builds with the customer. How many are paying their techs for the inspection? I think the tech should be paid for his time regardless of whether or not you charge the customer.

There is no right or wrong on this one. It depends on your clientele and business model. We only open 5 days but have done this since the beginning. As long as you are making money being open Saturdays it is good, but if your not making money then why?