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Joe Marconi

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Everything posted by Joe Marconi

  1. Joe Marconi
    In 35 years in business, I have never had a winter like this. In total, we lost about 2 weeks’ worth of sales. And, I know that I am not alone. There are many other shops with similar loses. So, the question is, “Can you make up for lost sales?” I really don’t have a clear answer. One thing I do know; with what it takes to be in business these days, we need to do a better job at planning for downturns. Whether is due to winter storms or other reasons. I also know that we need to set aside a budget that can be used during any downturn. But, this strategy only addresses the loss. Putting away money to use on a “rainy” day is fine, but it does not make up for lost sales. We need to rethink what we need to make during the good months, to maximize sales and profits. Your thoughts?
  2. Joe Marconi
    Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to everyone! I may be of Italian heritage, but love celebrating March 17th, Saint Patrick’s Day!
  3. Joe Marconi
    Driving to work yesterday was like driving through a road that was recently shelled with bombs. Because of the severe winter, potholes and damaged roads are a big problem. But let’s face it, there are a lot of other people that are driving on these road. And, a lot of them are our customers. In fact, unless someone’s car was parked for the last 2 months, just about every car will need to get inspected for winter-related damage. Now, I don’t want to sound like Dr. Evil and wish bad things on anyone, but the fact is that we are already seeing pothole-related damaged cars. Damaged tires, wheels, suspension, steering, wheel alignment and other damage. If your shop suffered through 2 rotten months of bad weather, do yourself and your customer a favor and inspect each car for winter-related damage. The opportunities are there. You owe it to your customer and to your bottom line!
  4. Joe Marconi

    In the 40's all week, the Winter is a fading memory...hopefully.

    1. xrac

      xrac

      High 60s here the last three days.

  5. Joe Marconi
    Thanks Adam, great comments! I think we are on the same page. I hope to hear from others. The discussion of Yelp comes up often, and I find myself on both sides.
  6. Joe Marconi
    I hear so many mixed opinions about yelp. And not just from the auto repair shops. There are restaurants that love Yelp, others say it did nothing. I also read that the laws suits against Yelp was found in favor of Yelp, and that their business practice does not extort businesses. I know this is an old topic, but does anyone have a solid experience they can relate to me. A real-life experience, not hearsay. Thanks in advance.
  7. Joe Marconi
    A lesson for us all.
  8. Joe Marconi
    When I started in this business, way back in 1974 B.C. (Before Catalytic Converters), new car dealers couldn't care less about the service department. But, with stiff competition and shrinking margins, the service department is a much needed source of revenue. A recent survey shows that new cars dealers service departments are expecting a significant sales increase in 2015. Independent repair shops should not take this lightly and should step up their marketing, particularly in customer service. The really good news: Customer service marketing is the most cost-effective and the independents are still the preferred choice of the motoring public. Let make sure we hold on to this advantage.
  9. Joe Marconi
    A recent Wall Street Journal Article stated that self-driving cars could eliminate 90% of all accidents, prevent up to $190 billion in damages and health costs and save thousands of lives annually. This was reported by Mckinsey & Co, a consulting firm. That's the good news. The bad news. What will it do to the collision business? If these predictions are true, this will change the auto collision business. Will this be an event as big as the transition from the horse and carriage to the automobile?
  10. Joe Marconi
    There are two Valvoline stores in my town, neither are that busy. I really don't know how they stay open. And, from what I hear, the employee turnover is high.
  11. Joe Marconi

    There's this yellow ball in the sky, and it's shinning warmth down to the earth, anyone know what this is?

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. mspecperformance

      mspecperformance

      I couldn't tell you. Still looking at mountains of snow

    3. John Pearson

      John Pearson

      Its a wonderful 34 here today with 6in of snow, but tuesday is supposed to be -22.

    4. xrac

      xrac

      The snow is melting here.

  12. Joe Marconi
    As a kid growing up in the 1960's, Star Trek was one of those TV shows that defined the 60's. Leanard Nimoy, along with other cast members like William Shatner (Captain Kirk) became household names.
  13. Joe Marconi
    If your shop is in the northern part of the country, there is no denying that this winter has been one of the toughest on record. Storms have forced many shops to lose work days, resulting in loss of income, which may be hard to recover from. But, there is another thing that can affect business, and that’s the mood and morale of customers and your employees. People tend to shut down as they endure day after day of bad weather and cold. This may have hurt your business more than the weather. For you, the shop owner and leader, you must maintain the right frame of mind. Remain upbeat and positive. Do not get sucked into doom and gloom attitude and find things to celebrate and feel good about. Your positive attitude will go along way with both customers and employees. Let’s face it; it will not be long before spring is here, and the winter…a distant memory.
  14. Joe Marconi

    More cold and snow today - Is this what the Ice Age felt like?

    1. Show previous comments  4 more
    2. xrac

      xrac

      Joe I feel for you. Our January was not good but nothing like what you ahev experienced. WE have had no bad weather until the last two weeks.

    3. Joe Marconi

      Joe Marconi

      I am a person of faith. When you look at the "big" picture, this is nothing more than a blip on the radar screen. It will be tough, I can't deny that. But, we will be stronger in the end.

    4. Gonzo

      Gonzo

      I was going through my tool box straighten up the drawers you know, cause there wasn't much else to do last week. Good thing though, at least I know where all my stuff is just in case a car actually shows up. LOL

       

  15. Joe Marconi
    Best of luck to you and welcome to ASO. Looking forward to sharing your experiences, opinions and comments.
  16. Joe Marconi
    Take from me, someone who has spent a lifetime in the auto business: after a while you can't help become a little battle-weary. The things we have seen over the decades has to take it's toll on you. There are times when I just walk away. Let me give you a quick example. I walked into the waiting room the other day, and a customer yells out to me in front of other customers, "Joe, every time I come in here, I have to spend money. Your guys got me again." My reply, "Good morning to you too.", and I walked out of the office. Apparently, this guy hit a pothole, split a tire in half and bent the wheel. Was he joking? Well, in comedy there is always a bit of truth. If you think about what someone has to endure in this industry over time, it's amazing we all don't go postal!
  17. Joe Marconi

    More snow, more clouds, more cold. I can't remember what the warm sun feels like.

    1. mspecperformance

      mspecperformance

      Ditto, its brutal out there. For whatever reason though we are having the best month yet in terms of sales. WEIRD.

  18. Joe Marconi
    A long time customer came in the other day for a LOF service and an annual state inspection. He also needed a battery, but said that he would come back for it. When I tried to explain to him that we had to jump start the car, he said he knows about it and he will come back. This did not seem right. Being me, I pushed a little; “Tom, why won’t you let me install the new battery today?” He was silent. I then said, “Tom, you are going to buy the battery from someone, why not buy it from me.” He replied, “Joe, I can’t afford your price.” I replied, “Tell me what you want me to do.” He said, “Nothing, I will put the battery in myself and save the labor.” I told him, “No Tom, I will put the battery in, you pay for the battery and I’ll pay for the labor, deal?” He was silent again, and then said, “Yes, you got a deal and thank you.” Sometimes, you need to close the book on sales strategy, profit margins, and quotas and just do what you feel you need to do. Sometimes, a compromise is a win.
  19. Joe Marconi
    I have seen this problem all too often. Production is the key to success in any shop. But, having to the right people always comes first. It sounds like there is a issue with the tech you have right now. Whether on flat rate or hourly, each person must know what is expected of them. They must know that what they do matters to the over financial stability of the business. If you have the right person, and you are a true leader, they will listen and they will act accordingly. As the owner, you must do what you need to do. If someone is an obstacle, remove the obstacle. Give the person a chance, but with the understanding that we all need to pull in the same direction. That we are a team. You should not fear hiring someone if it is the right thing to do. We tend to wait and procrastinate for reasons that usually end up hurting us, and never the person we fear in the first place. Being a shop owner means that sometimes you need to make those hard decisions. Always asks, "What is the right thing to do for the long term and for the greater good of all?"
  20. Joe Marconi
    Wow, you brought back memories. As young mechanics, we would test each other by starting up cars in the shop with our backs turned to the car. We had to guess what make car it was by the sound of the starter. You weren't much of a mechanic if you couldn't do it either. I remember I could tell it was a mid-60s automatic GM car by the distinctive noise it made as you shifted from park to drive. And what about the whining sound of the 2 speed power-glide in park of neutral? What happened to those sounds? Great memories Gonzo...maybe gone....but not forgotten.
  21. Joe Marconi
    I agree Gonzo. Technology has changed more in the last decade than the previous 4. The DIYer will always be there too, but I have a feeling that they will get into more trouble than it's worth. No one can foresee the future, but it obvious where the trend is going; and that's more and electronics and hi-tech systems.
  22. Joe Marconi
    This is a serious situation. Every detail of a potential accident in the shop or other type of emergency should have some sort of plan. Many insurance companies can help with this, and in some towns, the fire inspector and local police dept can help with knowing what to do in case of an emergency. It's worth looking into. Most shops wait until something happens before they implement a plan. Great post, something we do not think about often enough.
  23. Joe Marconi

    Looking out my window...more snow...when will it end?

    1. mspecperformance

      mspecperformance

      Tell me about it. No snow but tons of ice and so so cold. Oddly enough business has picked up in the month of February. This is uncanny.

    2. Gonzo

      Gonzo

      Snow? what snow? It was 65 today and I was playing golf. I used the snow shovel once this year. I needed a big dust pan to clean the corner of the garage. LOL

       

  24. Joe Marconi
    Sorry you could not post the article. I have to contact Alex to see why. Your insight on the evolution of the repair business is spot on and interesting. To a degree, facts are replacing fingers. I see my techs spend a good deal of time researching before they even get their hands dirty. And on some jobs, their hands never get dirty. I think the Mechanic of yesterday lived in a much different world. Although there were always challenges and changing technology, today's tech needs to be proficient in areas that were not needed 40 years ago. This is neither good or bad, it's just how the industry has evolved.
  25. Joe Marconi
    Welcome to ASO! You've joined the right group! I want to add; please check with state and local laws concerning the questions you're asking. Every state is a little different and the requirements are different. Welcome again and great first post!

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