Publisher's Perspective: How’s Business?

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Publisher’s Perspective: How’s Business?

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By Jeff Stankard
Published:

There are some very strong signs that business will be good in 2004. Optimism among repair shop owners is as high as it’s ever been during the three years that we’ve been tracking this data.

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During the first week of January, we faxed a survey to 3,000 automotive service and repair shop owners across the country to gauge their business performance for the fourth quarter of 2003. The following charts summarize the pertinent data and allow you to compare your shop’s figures to this nationally representative sample.

The fourth quarter 2003 results were decent compared to the fourth quarter of 2002. Thirty-five percent of repair shop owners reported revenue to be above the levels of 2002, 28% said business was flat and 27% reported a decrease. These numbers may not look great, but they’re not too bad, considering that the fourth quarter of 2002 was a strong quarter.

The good news is that shop owners are optimistic about 2004. Looking toward the first quarter of 2004, 54% feel it will be better than the fourth quarter of 2003. This high a score has not been experienced in the past seven quarters.

Another positive sign that repair activity is increasing in the bays comes from the number of shops looking to hire technicians.

As you can see, this metric had been on a steady decline since the first quarter of 2002. The recent data shows a nine point jump in one quarter to the 40% level. To meet increased service demand, many businesses will simply extend overtime hours until the point is reached where they’re sure there is enough work to keep a new employee busy full time. It appears that point has been reached.

The last indicator of a good 2004 comes from the answers to this question:

This question is asked each quarter throughout the year to gauge the level of optimism for a full year. Seventy-two percent of shop owners feel business will be better in 2004 compared to 2003. Only 5% feel business will be worse. Over time, this survey has indicated both weak and mixed results, but never has it shown such a positive sign that business is expected to be so strong in the coming year.

Here’s to a solid 2004.

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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.

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By TechShop Staff Writers
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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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