Consumer Confidence Increases, Back-To-Back Monthly Gains Spell Good News
The Consumer Confidence Index is up and that should spell good news for your import repair business.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Who’s The Boss? Deal With The Person In Charge, Especially When Your Customer’s Vehicle Is A ‘Basket Case’
There’s a boss in every family, and sometimes you might think it’s you, but your spouse may have a different opinion. For example, there have been countless times I’ve had a car in the shop where a wife or husband has dropped the car off and the repair is done, paid for, and sent on its way, only to have the other spouse call and give me an earful because they weren’t told what had transpired. (As if that’s my fault!)
Point Of View: Download The New Media Experience
Well, if you have not heard yet or have not had the opportunity to read some of our other publications, now is your opportunity to learn about our new piece of technology that is changing the world of print as we know it!
Viewpoint: Here Is My List Of What Is “In And Out” This Month
In: Being able to re-flash and calibrate computer modules.
Out: Longer than normal time downloading a file because someone is watching Netflix in the front office.
Collaboration Is The Key To Improving Aftermarket/OEM Partnerships
The TechShop team recently attended the Equipment & Tool Institute’s ToolTech. The annual event brings representatives from across the aftermarket industry together with the OEMs to share their insights and concerns about the future of the aftermarket.
Editor’s Notebook: Mobile Ad Customer Engagement Spells Service Opportunities
A recent study issued by the Marchex Institute sought to answer some of the most pressing questions about consumer call behavior.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Understanding Electrical Circuits Will Expedite Diagnostic Repairs
A work order comes to you with this complaint: “My turn signal indicators light up when I step on the brake pedal or when I’m driving at night.” Do you have a good idea what the problem is? Or, are you completely lost and debating sending this job to another shop because it’s not something you think you can handle?
Researching Online, But Buying ‘Local’
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) recently conducted a survey to gain insight into the purchasing decisions of automotive repair professionals. The association’s 2013 Digital Tool & Equipment Purchasing Trends report explores use of the Internet when purchasing new tools and equipment. Some TechShop readers were asked to complete this survey, and if you did,
Directions: Passing the Advisory Board Torch
Besides his service in various automotive repair organizations, we wanted to thank Al Duebber for serving as an advisory board member for Underhood Service since the magazine was founded back in 1995.
Pay Per Click Advertising: Buy Local, Buy Mobile, Buy Cheap
This past month, I started purchasing Google AdWords to promote a website on brake safety. It gave me a whole new perspective on what is happening to online and mobile advertising.
Talking Shop — Over the Fiscal Cliff for Tax Savings
The owners and operators of repair businesses have grown used to a number of longstanding tax breaks. While many tax breaks were allowed to expire at the end of 2011, the new tax law renews them retroactively, allowing shop owners to claim them on both their 2012 and 2013 tax returns.
VIEWPOINT: Words & Pictures, How Do You Learn
If I could visualize or tinker parts in my mind, I could master the subject.
Conjugating a verb for Spanish or even spelling some English words was a monumental task.