FROGFINDER

Every day i wake up IS winning the lottery, Amen. I would set up a trust to recieve the money and allow at least a year and prayer before i made any major changes. I am lucky, I love being around classic cars and repairing cars. I just can't stand the politics.

Create a "The Voice" type situation with coaches and prizes.

I try to avoid dealer parts If i can get as good or better parts elsewhere. What mark up i don't decide to get in parts i must collect in labor and fees. I will compete on Caring Service and Referrals. I customer has discount card of mine they get $ off as well.

I have found that just being 1000 feet off the main drag , not hidden but behind commercial on main drag with residental behind you, creates a nicer atmosphere.

I have sent out hand written Christmas cards with my business card marked with $25.00 off since 1988. Each card reminds me to pray over each customer and family. I have found that if my customers are doing ok then i will be ok. Let each customer in on the fact that you are very grateful for their business and referrals to others. Hug where appropriate.

Tape everything and shop it around for a Reality show. I wish ya'll were closer to Houston so I could help ya'll. A mentor is needed.

Double your prices for a month or two to see who really is loyal to you before you expand. Always give customers something good to see. Buy and Own along the way. Overhead is your enemy.

With todays blame game climate, develop an eye to eye,on a first name relationship with a rental car companies personnel. Set things up for customer to pay and have them picked up or dropped off as needed. I want to service, repair and worry about Customer Pay cars not My Fleet Of Loaners. Now if I Sold cars I would have a different answer.

Really. Many people come to your shop on fumes and low fuel warning on. Even $20.00 bucks worth is nice for the lady customers on a rainy/cold winter day.

Hire attitude and Train skills.

I would call and reserve car in customers name. Make sure they had proof of insurance and credit card. I help get customer to and from rental car but they often get there own ride. Customer pays rental car at "Shop Repair Rate" and I give them rental car rebate off the repair invoice.

Starbucks is an addiction to sugar and caffeine.

NOBODY NOTICED? Then you are not charging enough and cheating yourself and your family!. If your customers are not calling the Police-You are under charging! I am being sarcastic BUT: Trying to think of my Neighbor like myself I ask How much is Greed? As a service advisor I don't mind charging premium prices for my time, experience, skills but I have a problem working for a shop owner that pressures his crew to charge what works out to be $270 per hour, parts not installed or old parts cleaned, services not done professionally or not at all. NOBODY NOTICED EXCEPT ME!

John- That was my style for 26 years until I had a stroke from doing 3 peoples jobs.

I ask them "When was the last time a over the phone estimate accurate?. NEVER! Then do yourself a favor and bring it in for me to check out. If you don't come here I won't be able to help you"

Dealers have the advantage of being paid by the manufacturer for recall's and warranty work. They can lower their posted labor to make them look like a better value than the independent shop.

Hire attitude, train skills.

My only issue is I like to own the property I work out of.

Hello and welcome, I agree on focusing on certain makes. One can also let dealers and other shops that you are the go to shop for those makes. I focused on Jeeps, Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth for 26 years and made a good living.

These days one must expect the customer to ask for a discount. It should be part of your estimate on the repairs/services that you sell. Our AAA DISCOUNT WAS 10% OFF LIMITED TO MAX $50.00 OFF.

Business is like fishing. You got to keep your baited hook in the water for employees and customers at all times.

We make AAA LOOK GOOD at our expense. I dropped them when they started selling batteries, declined warranties on their batteries, and when the rules became more "big brother".

You found a tech-has he started yet?

imo there something wrong when a common man can't fix his own wagon. The Dealers are even struggling. Vehicles have become disposable to many people.

I have done this for several employees . Check oral surgeon training hospitals. Have the work done in Mexico. Does he go to church?