Boosting Your Shop's Competitive Edge

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Boosting Your Shop’s Competitive Edge

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By Mary DellaValle
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What are the building blocks of your shop’s success? Lately, have you thought about what factors are directly linked to your shop’s profitability? Such an evaluation will provide direction for new initiatives and put the spotlight on areas where improvements are needed.

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In a recent survey of ImportCar readers, we asked, “What changes will you make at your shop this year to be more competitive and profitable?”

The planned changes are both fundamental and insightful. They involve everything from upgrading, advertising, appearance and training, to expanding services, efficiency, better communication, productivity and focusing on maintenance services.

Here’s why those core business-building elements are important:

Updating equipment and scan tools promotes service expertise, which enables technicians to tackle more sophisticated repairs. Actively advertising a shop’s expertise and services attracts new customers. Upgrading a shop’s appearance makes better first impressions. Training fosters service excellence. Adding services enhances the value that’s delivered to a customer base. Efficiency directly affects customer satisfaction and the bottom line. Communication reinforces a commitment to customer care and high standards for vehicle repair. And, focusing on selling and promoting preventive maintenance (timing belts were specifically mentioned) helps to ensure customer satisfaction through vehicle dependability, safety and preservation, and translates into loyal, repeat customers.

Additionally, respondents indicated they plan to:

  • Get involved in vehicle safety inspections;

  • Consider the impact of their shop’s layout on repair efficiency and make appropriate adjustments;
  • Add more lifts to increase service capacity;
  • Institute a customer follow-up program;
  • Add signage and displays to promote their services and special promotions, and;
  • Charge appropriately for diagnostic time and not undervalue their work, just to get the job.

Take the time to analyze your total service offering through an internal evaluation. Determine your shop’s strong points, but also identify the weaknesses. As you make a commitment to make improvements and reach new goals, dedicate resources to carry out your plan. Motivate your team to offer input and suggestions.

By doing so, you will enhance your shop’s competitive edge. Positive results in the areas of productivity and profitability will follow.

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Features

Several States Declare April As ‘Car Care Month’

Several governors across the country have declared April as Car Care Month in their respective states, urging their residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner.

TechShop Staff Writers
By TechShop Staff Writers
Published:

Several governors across the country have declared April as Car Care Month in their respective states, urging their residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner.
The following governors have issued official state proclamations that April is Car Care Month: Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama, Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois, Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan, Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Gov. John A. Kitzhaber, M.D. of Oregon, Gov. Nikki R. Haley of South Carolina, Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee, Gov. Peter Shumlin of Vermont and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia.
“We want to thank these governors for officially proclaiming April as Car Care Month,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Car Care Month provides a unique opportunity for the auto care industry and the government to educate car owners on the importance of proper vehicle care. Motor vehicle safety continues to be a major focus for state legislatures and regulatory agencies across the country, so we commend each of the governors for making these important proclamations.”
Spring is the perfect time for motorists to make sure their vehicles are running reliably after a rough winter and before the summer driving season begins. Many independent repair shops and community organizations throughout the country will conduct car care events during April. These events have revealed that three out of four vehicles inspected are in need of some type of maintenance or repair.
The non-profit Car Care Council offers many free tools on its website to help consumers drive smart, save money and be more environmentally friendly, including the popular 60-page Car Care Guide and a custom service schedule and email reminder service.
“By following a service schedule and performing preventative vehicle maintenance, motorists can ensure that their vehicles are safe and dependable. Plus, auto care can help save money in many ways, including reducing fuel consumption and extending vehicle life,” continued White. “We encourage all car owners across the country to get their vehicles inspected this April.”

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