Joe Marconi

Have you contacted lift companies such as Hunter, Rotary, to see if they have any options? Alignments should be done on a drive-on rack. I don't think a drive on scissor lift takes up more space than a conventional above ground. Good luck, and I like your thinking. In house alignments are more productive, reduces over-head costs and keeps the quality under your control.

Great point and great perspective!

Do customers really have clear expectations when they arrive at your shop? Think about it. Who is responsible for setting clear expectations? Consumers may have a preconceived idea about what to expect, but when it comes down to what or who sets the expectation, it's the shop's responsibility. Great customer service is created by the shop and its people. The consumer will judge that experience, but they don't create it, you do. We may think that the consumer will tell us what they expect from us. I think it's the opposite. Henry Ford once said: “If I had asked people what

I agree. All too often diag testing fees are not adequate enough for the time, the training and the equipment needed in today's world.

Me too! It's time. We really need to get back to normal. The mental health of the country is important too.

Great question! I asked about that, and my rep is finding out about nitrogen testing. It was illegal, but that may have changed. I have a call out to him. But, I did not buy the nitrogen set up, yet.

Robinare, and the price is 7k, plus there is a warranty through Robinare that my rep strongly advises to purchase.

I am a big supporter of technology, but technology will never take the place of good old fashion customer service, that one-on-one relationship what we build with our customers.

I just made the decsion and ordered a Y1234 machine. We have only see an handful of Y1234 jobs so far, but I do believe that once we have the machine, we will increase our opportunity. Plus, one of jobs we just turned away was 2015 Dodge Pick up. I was shocked to find it had Y1234! There is no right or wrong decsion, sometimes you go by your gut, move forward and make it work.

The main thing is that you are pushing forward, and not sitting on your hands. Try things, monitor and measure, make adjustments and keep pushing forward! Great strategies!

I had the same thing happen to me. I had my web/IT company figured it out. It took a few days. GMB is important, get it straighten out. Sorry to hear this. But it does happen. GOOD LUCK!

I don't think shops should consider other shops in their market area when setting prices. In addition, while overheard costs may differ from shop to shop, that should not be the only thing that is considered when setting labor and part margins. Yes, a shop with a low overhead is different from a shop that has just invested in new equipment and added 3 bays. However, a job is worth what a job is worth. And that may mean that the shop with the lower overhead has an advantage and will make more money as compared to a shop with a higher overhead. But just because a shop has low overhead,

In the 4 decades as a shop owner, my number one way to have a smooth running shop is to surround yourself with the right people. I am interested in hearing from other shop owners. What's your opinion on how to run a smooth running operation?

Thanks Frank, sorry I took so long to reply. I really appreciate it. Hope all is well in the land of sun and heat!

Here's a tip I preach at the Elite Fly with the Eagles Marketing course: Study your competition in your local area, know everything about, learn what they do in your community, learn about their advertising strategy and marketing strategy, find what their strengths are, and find out what they do special for their customers. Ok...once that is done, here is what you do: Ready? Don't do anything that your competition does! That's right, in order to stand out, be different. Don't mimic what your completion does. Tell YOUR story and build a marketing and advertising strategy based