Management: A Shop’s Opinion on Reman Aftermarket Automotive Parts
Remanufactured auto parts have become a major portion of today’s multi-billion dollar automotive replacement parts industry. Today, just about every type of rebuildable component from windshield wiper motors to computers to complete engines and transmissions are offered through a local warehouse, jobber or retail parts outlet.
Management: 10 ‘Must-have’ Features of a Shop Website
With the goal of providing you with ideas to create a content-rich, effective, user-friendly website, Babcox Research asked a sample of shop owner readers for their input on the topic.
Management: 10 Ways To Recruit New Employees for Your Shop
With the goal of providing you with ideas on the best ways to recruit new employees for your shop, Babcox Research asked a sample of shop owner readers for their input on the topic.
Management: Running a ‘Green’ Automotive Repair Shop
In the immortal words of Kermit T. Frog, “It ain’t easy being green!” Well, it turns out, that may or may not be completely accurate, at least when it comes to running a green automotive repair shop. With the current economy, as well as lots of new legislation, not to mention incentives from state and local governments, it is getting easier all the time to run a green shop.
Management: Florida Shop Owner Speaks Out When it Comes to Business
Some people make friends and make it look easy. Pam Oakes, owner of Pam’s Motor City Automotive in Fort Myers, FL, is one of those people. And more and more, she is making friends in high "political" places. Her natural people skills go directly to her bottom line, which will be the same in 2008 as it was in 2007. By any measure, being able to remain steady during such difficult economic times is a feat in itself ….
Management: 10 Ideas to Improve Your Shop’s Scheduling System
News is quickly being reported that economic-stimulus rebate checks are going toward car repairs versus new car purchases. The economic downturn has customers shifting gears toward vehicle maintenance, as they weigh the cost of repairs versus monthly new car payments. The good news is that those consumers who typically put off scheduled or necessary maintenance are realizing that vehicle maintenance equals increased ….
Management: 10 Ideas to Improve Your Shop’s Appearance
The saying, "you never get a second chance to make a good first impression" is so true, especially as it relates to your customer relations efforts as you work to boost your business in today’s struggling economy. Your shop’s exterior is the first thing that customers and prospects see as they drive into or drive by your location. So your shop’s "curb appeal" speaks volumes ….
Management: 10 Ideas to Improve Shop Productivity
How many technicians do you have at your shop? How many bays do you have at the shop? The average shop has 1.6 bays per technician. With this type of ratio, technician productivity should be very high because the tech can stay busy on one car, while waiting on parts for another car. But what does this do for ….
Management: 10 Ideas to Improve Shop Profitability
Profitability is the number one concern of shop owners across the country. In research we’ve conducted through the years, we found that roughly one-third of shops experience sales growth compared to the prior year, one-third said sales were flat and the last third reported sales lower than the prior year. As the cost of running a shop continues to escalate, it’s important to always ….
Management: Unlocking Vehicle Key Codes for Independent Shops
There’s been some good news for the independent shops – the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) announced in February that the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM), which allows properly vetted technicians and security professionals to access automotive key codes, immobilizer PINs and ….