Shop Profile: A European’s Recipe for Success
Blend Quality Service with Expert Advice When the ambitious, young Fred Sonsini, an Italian immigrant, set up his automotive repair business in 1982 in Plymouth Meeting, PA, — Fred Sonsini Imported Luxury and Sports Car Center — he had but a “simple” recipe in mind for achieving business success. Sell “quality” service and repair for
News: Popular Aftermarket Columnist Mitch Schneider Joins Babcox Publications
Mitch Schneider, nationally recognized automotive service professional, author and lecturer, has joined Babcox Publications as a senior contributing editor. Beginning in July, Schneider’s popular commentary will appear monthly in Babcox’s Tech Group publications, including Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service. In addition to frequent exclusives on aftermarketNews.com and Autocarepronews.com, another column written specifically
Loss Leader: Lost Cause?
It seems like there are always certain services that are routinely performed by repair facilities at a loss. Sure, they might generate enough revenue to pay for the direct expenses of doing the job, such as parts and technician labor, however, they often fail to make their needed contribution to the overhead expenses of owning
So… You’re a ‘Manager’ Now
You’ve done your time in the trenches. You’ve dreamed of it. You’ve worked toward it. You sought out the opportunity. Now it is your turn to be the boss. So now what? Do you really know what to do? Do you know what not to do? If there is one thing that I have learned,
Guest Editorial: Issues that Could Impact Your Business and Our Industry in 2006
Ed is the editor of Underhood Service Magazine, ImportCar’s sister publication, as well as editor of Tomorrow’s Technician magazine. He has been employed at Babcox for 11 years. Issues That Could Impact Your Business and Our Industry in 2006 As we usher in a new year, we thought we would take a look into the
A Reminder to Improve Customer Communication
Do you send reminder cards to your customers to let them know when it’s time to have regularly scheduled maintenance performed on their vehicles? Do you send them birthday or Valentine’s Day cards? Do you send them a note to remind them that their driver’s license will be expiring? When they are in for service,
Shop Management: Dining Out
Shop management lessons can be found in many places – even at the local seafood restaurant. I recently had an experience that caused me to reflect on how we conduct business at our repair facility. Let me start by saying that if there are two types of food that I love, they have to be
Hansa Motors: Do What You Love, Love What You Do
Is More Traffic Headed Your Way?
Is Your Shop Safe From Computer Viruses?
If you’re not sure, your PC may need a little TLC, starting with antivirus software updates
Fleet Management and Warranty Companies: What’s the Difference?
In the case of a warranty company, the company has a direct vested interest in the costs of the repairs. Such companies sell a repair contract on a single vehicle where certain items on the vehicle are specifically named. The company will pay for, or toward, the repair of those specifically named items within the
What’s the Scoop on ’20 Groups?’
Membership Could Help Improve Your Shop’s Bottom Line
The Pricing Game: Technology Puts Part Prices in the Hands of Your Customers
What is the right amount for parts mark up? 20%, 35%, 100%, or do you just go by the retail price of a part as determined by the manufacturer, jobber or WD? This is a tough question in terms of business practices and ethics. This gray area can get a lot of people in trouble.