Publisher’s Perspectives: Made in America Still has Value
There has been a lot written recently about quality issues with products manufactured in China. While I’m not going to rehash the history of those problems, it did prompt us to have our Babcox Research department survey repair shop owners and managers to see if it has had any impact on the way automotive parts
Perspectives: Made in America Still has Value
There has been a lot written recently about quality issues with products manufactured in China. While I’m not going to rehash the history of those problems, it did prompt us to have our Babcox Research department survey repair shop owners and managers to see if it has had any impact on the way automotive parts
Perspectives: Proper Scheduling Improves Traffic
Trade Show Crowd Control What stops you from attending trade shows? I’m writing this page after just returning from PAACE, the big automotive trade show in Mexico City. It is truly the liveliest show I have attended in my more than 20 years in this industry. I have been to SEMA and AAPEX, tool shows,
Publisher’s Perspectives: Lessons from the Dentist
Do you ever envy the business of your dentist? In many ways, dentistry is similar to your auto service business. Nearly every mouth needs some dental care just like every car on the road needs service. The dental hygienist is doing the cleaning and the flossing like the tech who’s in the oil change bay
Perspectives: Lessons from the Dentist
Do you ever envy the business of your dentist? In many ways, dentistry is similar to your auto service business. Nearly every mouth needs some dental care just like every car on the road needs service. The dental hygienist is doing the cleaning and the flossing like the tech who’s in the oil change bay
Perspectives: New Data about New Car Dealerships
Some of you call your local new car dealership a competitor, some of you call them the place to recruit your next technician, while others call them a parts source. The latest information from the National Automobile Dealers Association’s “NADA DATA 2007” research report shows the average dealership made about $140,000 net profit from used
Publisher’s Perspectives: If it’s Not Broke, Fix it Anyway
What’s your definition of preventive maintenance? Does it differ from your definition of scheduled maintenance? The term “preventive maintenance” is often used interchangeably with “scheduled maintenance,” but there’s a difference. Preventive maintenance means recommending the service or replacement of certain parts because they are wearing out and nearing the end of their useful life. Repair
Perspectives: If it’s Not Broke, Fix it Anyway
What’s your definition of preventive maintenance? Does it differ from your definition of scheduled maintenance? The term “preventive maintenance” is often used interchangeably with “scheduled maintenance,” but there’s a difference. Preventive maintenance means recommending the service or replacement of certain parts because they are wearing out and nearing the end of their useful life. Repair
Perspectives: The Real Bad Guy
There is no doubt that the new car dealer is interested in growing the service side of the business, especially those selling Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles. If you look at the latest information from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) 2006 survey you’ll know why — the average dealership made about $70,000 in net
Perspectives: Who Will Fix the Cars in 5 Years?
Recently, I was asked to address members of the Chesapeake Automotive Business Association (CABA) on the topic, “Who will fix the cars in five years?” The challenge was to put together a 60-minute presentation that would answer the question and not offend the audience of shop owners and technicians. Skip Potter, the executive director of
Perspectives: ‘Be Car Care Aware’
Any Time, Anywhere…but Especially in April!
Publisher’s Perspectives, I Didn’t Get That E-Mail
You’ve heard the expression, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” In the internet world in which we live, there is more and more truth to that statement than ever before. Why, because of SPAM. There are billions of unwanted e-mails sent every month that fall into the definition of SPAM — you know, the