Joe Marconi

This article explains in detail all that is wrong with America today. The idea of OVERWHELMING THE SYSTEM clearly outlines Obama’s master plan. It’s scary to think that there is a hidden agenda to break the backs of successful small business people; we are the only hope for America. We truly do need to send a message to Washington, but we need the collective cooperation from all those who oppose the insanity that is occurring these days.

I wll send to your email direct. You should receive it today. Let me know if you don't.

Email and Internet marketing is not a fad, it's here to stay and will continue to explode in the coming years. If you're not already using the Internet and email addresses as part of you marketing and advertising plan, you soon will. If you not doing it already, start collecting email addresses from customers. If you belong to local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, get those lists too. There may be some restrictions, but get them. I have obtained email lists from all the local Chamber of Commerce's, clubs and business groups just by asking. Create email newsletter or a monthly car tips email. I use Constant Contact to create a professional looking email which has links back to my web site, it is great marketing and still free. Here's the link to Constant Contact if you are interested. http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp If you a sample of one of my emails, let me know...

Years back all we did was replace boots, as long as the joints were ok. But as the price on axles came down it became more profitable to install a reman. More and more suppliers are selling new alxes at prices starting at $49.95. But, we have seen an ever increaseing problem with "new axles" lately and are considering going back to replacing boots. It is more labor, but at least the job will be done right. We really never had an issue with remans, just lately with this Chinese junk.

Let me give everyone an update on the vibration problem after we installed 2 new Chinese axles in a 2005 Subaru Outback. After trying 3 different sets of new axles with no luck, we got 2 used alxes from the junk yard, installed them and the vibration is gone. I am not sure why or how, but these new Chinese axles were the prolblem. In my area, no other parts house stocked another brand and the dealer was off the chart with thier price.

Above all, family is # 1

This has not been an issue for me, but I know other shops owners that have told me stories of theft.

For me this is an on-going saga: how to hold accountable a tech that clearly makes a mistake and who pays for the mistake without creating animosity in the shop? We have enough issues with part failures, but we need to control the things we can control; and those are the mental errors we make. Time today is precious, and every hour lost due to a comeback kills our bottom line. I would like to hear from other shop owners, how they handle tech errors and what their policy is.

It's not braggging, it's pride...and you should be proud, It sounds like you and your family have life in balance and really know was is truly important. I applaud you!

Yes, take care of yourself first, then all other things will fall into place!

It is true what you say. Labor guide is a guide, not the auto bible sent down from heaven. It is a delicate balance between being competitive and being profitable.

Jeff...can't thank you enough for posting this. It's what we have been talking about. This form of advertising does not help anyone. Here is my comment I made and posted it on the autocarepronews site: "We all knew that this form of "false leader" would end of bad. Now this paints another negative picture against our industry. This is a clear case of poor leadership, listening to the wrong marketing people".

The more I think about this case, the more I realize that there are missing pieces to the puzzle. Why did Jiffy Lube just agree to pay??? Was it to minimize any bad press? And, it's clear that the writer did not do his due diligence and fact finding to get at the root of the real problem.

I also think the dealer used this situation to their advantage and to discredit Jiffy Lube. Another case where the writier does not get enough information to write a fair and balanced story. Your situation with the O2 sensor is totally different, those thing happen.

Great article. We really need to understand the difference between women and men with repect to how both genders speak, listen and communicate.

I am not sticking up for Jiffy Lube, however, I don't understand the connection. Putting in the wrong cabin filter is one thing. I have seen techs from other shops stuff the wrong size cabin filter in place and even caused water leaks on some vehicles. But, what happened to this car? Maybe I missed something in the article??????? Oh, by the way....did you get who the hero was?? They took the car to the "Saturn Dealer".

I think people who are in a position to influence others have a responsibility to report the truth, not just give opnion. If it's an opinion, then they should state that. Freedom of speech is one thing, sensationalism is another.

That's right, Gonzo. We do all we can to verify the repair and to check for pending codes. We will also keep the car over night to road the car another ddrive cycle and peform another scan. BUT, we all know that there are times when things will go wrong. I am just interested how other shops are dealing with customers. I have my policy and procedures, I want to see how they differ or are they the same as other shops.

You will find a lot of useful information and you will get a lot of help from your fellow shop owners. Thanks for being part of ASO!

I agree with you. That particular price is a bit too high. I would want to hear the shop's reasoning for that price. Was it a computer matrix error, or maybe they bumped up the price because the owner supplied his own parts? Or maybe just a stupid mistake? The other issue that bothers me is when people listen to a journalist, like he his some "expert", just because he wrote an article. People don't realize that a writer's opinion is often slanted. That's human nature. And, on top of that, the writer wants to excite the audience. I need to say it again...Hey, media people.... write something nice about us, just once!

Do you feel the time spent educating the customer pays off? Or, are some people just unrealistic toward their view on our business?

XRAC, do you enjoy getting my blood pressure to a boil? I think that labor charge has to be a mistake. But, why are we always defending ourselves. This is a free market and still America (isn't it?). We are free to charge what we want and the consumer is free to shop where they want. I repsonded to the article, here's what I wrote: "I am a auto repair shop owner for nearly 30 years and I can tell you that the consumer is getting a fair deal with what we charge. First of all why a shop would accept the customer's parts is a problem to begin with. We never do that! You don't bring your eggs to the diner and tell them to cook them for you, do you? What Elliot does not realize is all the coutless hours we spend on repairing cars that we do not bill the customer because we gave the customer a price and we are honest enough to stand behind our ethics. Hey somone out there in media land...try writing something nice about us for a change. WE KEEP AMERICA ROLLING, DON'T FORGET THAT!"

You seem to have a good attitude toward this issue, better than mine. I like the " leak in the tire" analogy. I will use that. What it comes down to is consumer education, but like you said, I don't want to be slammed by another shop. Plus, sometime there is not enough time in the day.