Part One of a three part series –
It’s tough being the owner of an independent automotive repair shop these days. You’re being stretched from all sides. Government is taxing and regulating more than ever. The auto manufacturers are constantly innovating and thinking of new ways to add proprietary components to cars to force car owners to bring their cars back to the dealerships for service. Competition is fierce. There are many more independent repair shops opening up out there these days due to all of the technicians laid off by closing car dealerships. It’s a dog eat dog world out there. So what’s an automotive repair shop owner to do in such trying times? Here are some ideas to ponder.
Train staff in sales. Make sure they are dressed professionally and take the time to explain the need for certain procedures. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this can make. Most people will react better to an employee that is clean, professional, positive and friendly.
Perform a niche service. Have a specialty. Some shops specialize on European cars. Others on low profile wheels. A very popular money making piece of equipment these days is a specialty Tire Changer that can handle low profile tires, or run flat tires. In some areas, tires shops may not see many low profile or specialty wheels. But in many areas, they are gaining in popularity. If you’re the only tire shop around that can handle the job, you’re in business. You’ll gain all kinds of new business. And you may even find that the other local shops will farm out their special jobs to you, so make sure you let the word get out once you get one of these machines.
Bundle. When you offer a service, offer another service at a discount. Throw in a free wiper blade replacement with every coolant flush / exchange. If you throw in an oil change at half price with every brake job, you’ll be amazed with how many new sales you’ll make.
Next Post – Part 2