Directions: SAE Clears The Air On HFO-1234yf A/C Refrigerant
Honeywell has reported that SAE International has deemed its new low-global-warming-potential mobile air conditioning refrigerant – HFO-1234yf – safe for use in motor vehicles. SAE made the recommendation following an expanded and extensive evaluation.
Trends In The Industry – The Future Of Your Business
There are a number of changes that are occurring in our industry, and there is no question, some of them will have a profound, long-term impact. To name just two, automobiles are being built better, and as we all know, service intervals are constantly being extended by the manufacturers.
The Importance Of Non-Solicitation Agreements
Business owners work hard, often for many years, to develop a customer base. The last thing they want to see is an ex-employee who’s working for someone else (or self-employed), targeting their customers. These ex-employees often know many of the customers intimately well, or when they leave, they’ll make a point to take all the customer contact data with them.
Holding Back On Service Recommendations
A long-time customer approached me with a concern and asked, “Why is it that almost every time I come to see you, you recommend something? You are also more expensive than other shops. Why not just fix what I came in for?”
When Exceptional Customer Service Is Not Enough
A good customer called me the other day to let me know that he has concerns regarding the quality of our work. Last week we installed an exhaust system on his Maxima and two days later it sounded like the muffler had fallen off. There was so much noise, he was afraid to drive the car. We went to his house to pick it up. We found that the baffles had broken apart in the brand new muffler we just installed.
Selling More AC Work
Here’s a tip that’s particularly effective during the hot summer months! Tell your techs that when they go for a test drive, they should stick a thermometer in the AC outlet. If it’s not as cool as it should be, all that they need to do is write the recorded temperature down on the repair order.
Picture This: A Sale Made Via Text!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So how can you use a picture to help make the sale? It’s right there in your hand. Your SMARTPHONE!
The Reality Of Social Media ROI
I’m going to level with you; there really isn’t some magic way to get the social media ROI you want (and think you need) as a shop owner. Sure, all the data may be there in one form or another, but it can take one heck of a lot of merging and purging to attribute that one sale to that one click on Facebook.
Want To Find Your Pathway To Success? Focus On People
Failing has a great way of teaching us valuable lessons. I learned the hard way that the skills of being a mechanic have nothing to do with the skills of running a business. So, in the early 90s I switched gears and began my quest to learn the skills of running a business. I wasn’t totally ready to weld shut my tool box, but I knew that things had to change or I would not have a business to worry about at all.
Are Your Service Advisors Engaging Customers, Or Are They Part Of The Walking Dead?
Ok, I admit it. Let’s get it out in the open. I am a zombie movie fan. There is something about dead people shuffling around grunting in an expressionless, catatonic state that captivates me. The new TV series, The Walking Dead, is my current favorite show. However, when it comes to catatonic customer service people … well, that’s another story.
The Deadline Is 2 P.M. – A Quick Tip For Service Advisors
With the information we’ve attained from every customer panel we have moderated, with what we have learned from our focus groups, and with the feedback we have received from our members, one thing is certain: Customers like to know by 2:00 p.m. at the latest whether or not their vehicle will be finished that day.
Are Discounts And Coupons Right For Your Shop?
Regardless of their income, the majority of your customers are very sensitive to price, even if they have been dealing with you for years. During these tough economic times they’re looking for value, and they determine value not by the lowest price, but by what they receive in return.