Transmission Repair

1 hour ago, TTP said:

I just checked QB Online, I did not find anything about scanning a document. It does have a drop file from computer, but it already has to be a file. And I find nothing in the help section either. 

My wife is an accountant.  She doesn't like QB Online because it lacks so many features that only the Desktop Pro version has.  She predicted that you wouldn't have the Intuit/QB scan utility feature in the online version.  Now I can tell her she's right. 🙂 It's looking like you're going to have to use the tried and true manual filing system. 😞

Essentially, she says the online version is more for business owners who have little accounting knowledge/experience where as the desktop version is made for more knowledgeable business owners and accountants.  One feature I personally fell in love with in the desktop version was the ability to design estimates, invoices, and forms in general.

We only updated QB every other year, not every year like they recommend.  That saved money.  However, we did update the payroll utility every year because 941 taxes would vary.  Good luck on you endeavors!!

5 hours ago, Transmission Repair said:

CLARIFICATION:  QB DESKTOP DOES HAVE a scan feature.  When posting A/P, there is a scan button to scan invoices.  Perhaps QB Online doesn't have that feature, I don't know, because I've never used QB Online.  I've only used QB Desktop.

Here's my screen shot of being able to scan an AP invoice in QB.  You click on the "Attach" button and you get 3 options and 1 of those options is scan.  Clicking on "Scan" brings up QB's scanning utility.  AR invoices are automatically stored in QB.

15 hours ago, Joe Marconi said:

One correction, sorry, I didn't mean to state the QB had a scan feature. I scan important documents to my computer in a drop box file.  It is saved in the cloud and easily accessible. In fact, you can share the file with others if needed. 

CLARIFICATION:  QB DESKTOP DOES HAVE a scan feature.  When posting A/P, there is a scan button to scan invoices.  Perhaps QB Online doesn't have that feature, I don't know, because I've never used QB Online.  I've only used QB Desktop.

On 12/4/2022 at 8:40 AM, Joe Marconi said:

Agree, and we also need not to forget that EVs will still have the problems that cars have today: tires, wheel bearings, steering/suspension issues, wheel alignments, fluid services, cabin filters, HVAC issues and other mechanical issues. 

After much thought, I think of something that's more on the near horizon than servicing EVs and it's ADAS servicing, adjusting, and calibration.  ADAS takes u a lot of room and the floor needs to be flat and level.  As time goes on, it will become an increasing necessity.  If I were to make that investment early on, I would do outside sales for ADAS work sublet to our shop from other shops to help defray the costs.  Eventually, ADAS will be standard on all vehicles, both ICE and EVs.

30 minutes ago, TTP said:

All great answers, thanks! 

I do hate paperwork but I love talking to the customer and sellng the job. Since I am now semi-retired (I don't hardly turn wrenches anymore) now. I guess i am the owner/service writer. 

Tried the secretary thing once, didn't work. She was well versed on billing but didn't have a clue how to sell a job. 

I didn't know about Qb having a scanning feature, I will have to look into that.  But I like Joe's idea of the file folders.  

I will have to mull it over and decide which way is best for me. 

I wrongly assumed you were a working owner who also worked out in the shop.  Sorry about that. 😞

Are you using QB Online version or the QB Desktop version?

I just discovered I won't be able to shoot a video of our file keeping system.  My how time flies, I just found out it has been 7 years since we sold the business and all the files I wanted to shoot in a video have been thrown out. 😞  I'll do my best to articulate the file keeping system we used.  Everything was kept by the month. We used Heavy Duty Pressboard Classification Folder, 2-Dividers, 2" Expansion, Letter Size from Quill.com for our monthly folders.  Here's the link... https://www.quill.com/smead-recycled-heavy-duty-pressboard-classification-folder-2-dividers-2-expansion-letter-size-dark-blue-10-box-14062/cbs/52270309.html  The folder had 2.75" top hole clasps for the paperwork.  It also had pockets for small receipts like cash register tapes.  It would only expand to the level of paperwork you had.  Once the month was over, we would start a new folder.  12 folders per year.  About $65 for folders per year, but they were worth it.  Don't forget, if you use QB, you can also scan everything that goes into a monthly folder.

QB only came out with the scanning option the last year we were in business.  However, if we would have stayed in business, we would have made the move to scan everything and forego the monthly folders.  I hope this helps.  If not, you can either call, text, or Email me.  [email protected]  (801) 885-2227.  Good luck!

On 12/3/2022 at 8:19 AM, TTP said:

How is the best way to handle filing away all of the paperwork accumulated over the year? I am searching for a good system easy to access specific invoices on the fly when needed. For years I have just tossed everything in a box. If you want to find something you start searching...I know not the best way, but I hate paperwork. 

I want something that allows easty access, is easy to use to figure up my taxes. No, I do not have an accountant, been doing my own for 40 years. 

So what system are most of yall using? TIA

No matter whether one or many of our members come up with a solution, it’s going to involve paperwork.  You indicated you don’t like paperwork.  I’d be willing to bet you also don’t like answering the phone, either.

My vote would be to start looking for a secretary that knows QuickBooks (QB).  She could also screen phone calls, sell appointments, and generally get your back office and front counter organized.  And save you from needless interruptions.

Additionally, QB allows you to scan invoices when posting A/R or A/P.  Your secretary could handle that.  I have my solution to a filing system like Joe mentions.   It’s too hard to explain in words.  I’ll shoot a short video and post it later.

10 hours ago, Joe Marconi said:

Not to bring politics into this conversation, and whether we like it or not, the Electric Vehicle push is on. And in a big way. 

We need to prepare for EVs, implement EV training, and invest in new technology.

The question is how aggressive do we need to be at this point? 

 

I would take my time and consider the shift to servicing EVs being a part of long-term planning.  Don't forget EVs are million mile vehicles.  Other than battery pack swaps, servicing the rest of the EV is like a regular ICE vehicle.  The "scanner" in an EV is part of the vehicle and software updates are Over-The-Air.  If I was still in business, I wouldn't be in any kind of a rush to update to servicing EVs any time soon.  It's a long-term play of 5-10 years.

Good information...

Larry

The_Ultimate_SEO_Checklist.pdf

I'm guilty of not recognizing employees enough.  I never knew of this aspect of the business till I came to this group in my retirement.  It sounds so simple, but I'm surprised that no management seminar or training class ever mentioned it.  It's all my fault for failing in this area.

On 6/11/2022 at 5:05 AM, Joe Marconi said:

Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) are becoming more and more common these days. I think this is a good thing. 

What I am concerned about is how the the DVI report is being used.  I am not a fan of sending the digital report to the customer to be used in place of the service advisor speaking and explaining the results of the report first.  Would a doctor send the MRI, lab tests, and x-rays directly to the patient without the doctor first discussing the results?  In fact, there are times when the doctor never shows the report results. 

In my opinion, the DVI is a tool, and it's not meant to take the place of good old fashion person to person discussion, which is called customer service.

Agree? Disagree?  

 

I agree, Joe.  I would send the customer the report AFTER making the sale.

On 11/21/2022 at 9:50 AM, DUFRESNES said:

I know this is what they are always saying, my question is, what do you do if you find a couple of people you would like to hire, but you don't have a 

space for them.  Then what

 

I put them in the "hiring pipeline" and work on trying to fit them in at a later date.  Good techs are looking for a better opportunity, not looking for a job.  I never hire unemployed techs.

Great information.  Six months after we changed our shop's location, we purchased a Frost & Sullivan report in 2009.  It was similar, but more detailed, than the Lang Report; and more costly at $5,000.  It gave a 5-year forecast for the transmission and engine rebuilding industries.  Over time, I found the forecasts to be accurate.  The report was 183 pages.  You can download the 2009 report below.  The latest report(s) separate transmissions and engines in two separate reports.  The latest transmission-only report is $3,712.50 and can be had here.--->

I would always give my employees Thursday & Friday off for Thanksgiving.  Our shop is normally closed on Sat-Sun so it turns into a 4-day weekend for employees.  I had a shop phone extension (VoIP) in my home office so I can take in new work on holidays and weekends.  Admittedly, I didn't answer every single phone call but I did answer most calls.  It worked pretty well for me.

On 11/15/2022 at 10:58 AM, TTP said:

Hi,

I was wondering if there are any aftermarket shop owners on this forum? If so please respond to this thread. 

Let me introduce myself, my name is Joe Pazdera, I have been in the aftermarket game since 2005, but I have been self-employed for over 40 years. Currently, I own and run two companies Texas Truck Performance and TTP Coatings. I have found over the years that there is not alot of resources out there for shops like ours. Everything is geared to the normal auto repair shop. Which is like trying to fit a sqare peg in round hole, we just don't fit the mold. We have different obstacles, to overcome that a normal repair shop doesn't.  Like installing a lift, most manufacturers do not give a labor time, you just have to guess. Even if they do its not always correct and you either over bid and lose the job or underbid and lose your profit. So in the days to come I want to explore how other business owners are doing it. I hope you will join me in the quest to make us the best and most profitable we can be. 

I've "fixed" more transmissions we had problems with at 2:00 am than I care to mention. 🙂  

On 10/27/2022 at 9:55 AM, IMAGE ONE said:

Great video, and the taking of videos of each customer's job is brilliant. Trust, transparency and credibility is critical for sustained growth and profitability. Nice job!

Thank you!  Our YouTube channel has over 2,200 "Show-N-Tell" customer videos.

Always be recruiting.  24/7

I once had a customer that complained about our labor on a pinion seal.  We lost the sale with the customer stating he has a brother-in-law that could do it for much cheaper.  To measure the pinion bearing preload we normally pull both axles and the carrier.  Labor was almost $400 bucks.  Here's how the customer "saved money".

Here's the results 2 weeks later.--->>> 

2 hours ago, bantar said:

Not sure how this helps them?   With weekly pay, you're first check arrives at the end of the 2nd week.   If you are accelerating their first EARNED paycheck, then there is a 2 week gap until the next earned paycheck.  If you are paying them for a week that they did not earn, then you are indeed paying them a sign-on bonus, but not calling it such.   It must be the latter.  

Nope, at the end of their first week they don't get a paycheck.  Great filtering to find out if they fit in.

I was never a fan of a sign-on bonus.  Instead, I would advance the their first week's pay.  That worked for me.

I owned a transmission repair facility.  We would shoot ~3 minute video of every transmission we disassembled telling 3 things:

1. What failed.
2. What it's going to take to fix it.
3. What we are doing different to keep it from happening again.

We have over 2,200 videos on our YouTube channel.  Check out https://www.youtube.com/user/LarryBloodworth

If a transmission shop (or any shop for that matter) had the room and money to invest in ADAS adjustment equipment, it would certainly be another revenue stream for the transmission shop.  My fear is that it would become like  front end/4-wheel alignment equipment by which it isn't really profitable unless you sell front end parts.  What additional parts and labor can one sell with an ADAS alignment job?  The only thing I can think of is peace of mind.

I never offered a sign-on bonus per se, but what I did often was advance the new hire their first week's check before they even started working.  When the first week's pay period came around, they wouldn't get a check because I already gave it to them when hired.