Dustin Rutkowski

I was just looking at Moving Targets last week. I am also interested if someone else has had experience with them.

When someone calls fishing for diagnostic over the phone I simply state that we would need to see the car to give them an answer. There are to many variables to diagnose over the phone. I also tell them they are better off bringing it in because then I can guarantee to them that what I tell them is needed will in fact fix the issue they are bringing it in for.

First off I have to say that lesson one is NEVER try to diagnose anything over the phone. You will NEVER win. You only make money if the vehicle is at your shop. Over the phone, all you can do is guess and that never works and all you get is an angry customer because they swapped the part you told them COULD be the problem and it didn't help. You don't need automotive training to run a shop but like many have said you do need experience in the field. If you are worried about coverage when your tech is out maybe you should look deep in your plan to see if you can have a lube tech on hand as well. Business plans are great, but you have to make sure you are honest with yourself and account for all possible scenarios. Make sure the plan accounts for down markets and unforeseen occurrences. When I started, I put together a plan, then ran a scenario that revenue dropped by 20% to make sure that I still could remain profitable.

I decided on autoDR for 3 reasons. 1 - "A" puts you at the top of the list in the book. 2 - DR are my initials so it works both ways. and 3 - wanted something that we could use to market that we are the ones who tackle all the issues that others cant figure out. The idea of a Doctor helps with many of our marketing programs. As for scanners you need to remember that the scanner/scope is only as good as the tech holding it. I have seen many shops in our area shell out the 5-10k for scanner only to use it like a $20 code reader. We have a few that we use. We have the OTC Genisys that we use for light stuff, quick code reads, and light live data readouts. We have the Snapon verus pro that we use on most everything for advance diagnostic, scope, data etc.... and lastly we have a shop laptop with most OE's software for anything that requires flashing or OE specific info, this also requires yearly subscriptions to the OE sites so it can be costly.

Sometimes it is not about buying the parts but the relationship. Go in and talk to the staff, talk to the managers and get to know them. I started out very small but staff would remember me because I was the one that would send them pizza once a week or so. Also they spend most of their day dealing with headache customers. Make sure you are not one of them. Be understanding, nice and outgoing and they will repay the favor when they are able.

I am interested in hearing how this works for you. Keep us posted!!!

This service is definitely a must but as Xrac stated, many other companies are already offering this service. We currently utilize Mechanicnet.

I agree 100%. But one question about dealer part comebacks. When I get a comeback my parts places will let me submit a labor claim so I can be reimbursed some labor. What happens when a dealer part fails? Are we out the labor and they just warranty the part?

We have no AC in ours and have the worst air flow.... in the summer I make sure the fridge is stocked with plenty of water and popsicles. I also make sure that everyone is getting a brake ever 2 hours or so.

We don't even look at list. Doesn't matter if we are buying from the dealer or just from the local Autozone. We know what we need to make on each part to be able to keep the lights on and our employees paid. This is where a good pricing matrix comes in handy.

Getting to know the staff, that is key. I get at least 5-10 new customers a week from our local parts store. Also with the relationship, I just disregard my pricing that comes up in the computer. I call and they give me at about 20% off my top tier price. My advise is be upfront and honest with them. Understand that we are all just trying to make a buck. Let them know that you understand that they need to make profit on these parts but you also need help making money.

Here in MI we have not got as much snow as the east coast but we are having to deal the cold temps... with daily high temps being in the single digits or worse with -30 to -40 degree windchill, people are just not leaving the house. Schools are are closing so people are cancelling appointments to stay home with the little ones. January was a record low for us here at the shop but February is starting to look a bit more normal. On a upside, we are gonna hit 30 degrees some time next week!!! Pack up the coats and bring out the convertibles!!!

I have overestimated many customers by thinking that the job will never happen. Usually a car on its last legs that needs $xxxx amount of repairs to make it road worthy. I call the customer only to be shocked that they say to do it! I now know to not be categorizing repairs. I just call the customer and let them know like it is. If they fix it great! If not, then at least they know what they are dealing with. I can't count how many more jobs this has brought into the shop!

We are the only shop open in the area on Saturday. Just happens that this is our busiest day of the week! Other shops don't know what they are missing.

I have the the Zebra 2824 Plus. Expensive bugger and I have had nothing but problems with it since I got it. I am on the second one with the same issue. Doesn't print the whole sticker, either a number of letter is left off. I end up having to print at least 3 stickers for each car and have to choose which one looks best.

We have the OTC and have no complaints. Great unit, we have not had a strut that we could not EASILY do with this machine.

My wife comes into the shop once a week or every other week to make phone calls from the previous week. I have had nothing but good feedback.

We have a scrap been out back of the shop. Gated so we don't have to worry about anything. Let it fill up then winch it on to the flat bed. Usually pays a few bills for us that month.

Verus pro is what we use and like. Does just about everything we need. Also have an OTC Genisys for when the Verus is in use.

That kills me when I see an ad for a $14.95 oil change... Not sure how you can have a sound business when you are putting a check in the glove box for each LOF! I suppose, like everyone else, I prefer that these type of customers flock to those coupons as my techs will not accept IOU's come payday.

Nah just give me a call anytime Monday I'm here 9-6. 586-684-3368 ask for me (Dustin)

If you want, call me and I will give you the number to someone at procut to talk to. I got a really good deal because I bought one that they had that was a demo unit for a dealer they were trying to sell to. Only had about 10 cuts on it and saved us big $ off the price.

I agree, Procut was really good at coming out and training everyone in the shop on the machine. They provide you with TONS of sales material for customers and also nice counter displays. Most importantly they tech you how to sell the service!! They are constantly sending me more kits with additional sales material. We have a lot of equipment here but no company that we deal with put that much effort into helping you make money with the machine they sold you. Usually when they make the sale then they throw you to the wolfs and walk away! (Kinda reminds me of the first day of wrenching way back then) I have found if you actually take the 2 extra minutes to actively (through using material and displays) show the customers the benefit of the service we make the sale.

Our hourly rate is 74.95. I have yet to get any drilled or slotted rotors in but I would probably charge the same. If you are used to the machine you can setup and cut each side in about 15-20minutes per/side. Also the Procut is designed to be a single pass so that also saves time. I usually like to put a dial gauge on the rotor before and after to see the difference in the runout. But all the turning in the world does not work if you have worn components so an initial check is made to insure that the car is up to par. As for difficulties that I have encountered.. I can't say that I have. You pull the caliper and leave the brackets on then set up the machine. Sometimes I spend a little time finding the correct adapter but that is solved with procut's website. They added a nice adapter search so that clears that issue up nicely. If you have questions or want to chat give me a call.

We only have a ProCut on car lathe at the shop. No bench lathe. Best investment yet!! We charge an hour labor per axle to cut. We actually try to sell cutting new rotors to match the vehicle. There are many advantages to having an on car lathe. Number one being no combacks! You can true it up nice on a bench but if the vehicles stacked tolerances are high then it will eventually come back with a pulsation. +1 for on car!!!