Management: 10 Ideas to Improve Shop Productivity
How many technicians do you have at your shop? How many bays do you have at the shop? The average shop has 1.6 bays per technician. With this type of ratio, technician productivity should be very high because the tech can stay busy on one car, while waiting on parts for another car. But what does this do for ….
Management: 10 Ideas to Improve Shop Profitability
Profitability is the number one concern of shop owners across the country. In research we’ve conducted through the years, we found that roughly one-third of shops experience sales growth compared to the prior year, one-third said sales were flat and the last third reported sales lower than the prior year. As the cost of running a shop continues to escalate, it’s important to always ….
Management: Unlocking Vehicle Key Codes for Independent Shops
There’s been some good news for the independent shops – the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) announced in February that the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM), which allows properly vetted technicians and security professionals to access automotive key codes, immobilizer PINs and ….
Management: Where Does the Small Shop Fit?
"Is MAP (Motorist Assurance Program) relevant to independent shop owners and automotive technicians?" That’s an increasingly common question from those who look over MAP’s member list and see the names of large chains. MAP is an inclusive organization. It seeks the involvement of all firms in the automotive parts and repair industry, regardless of size.
Management: 50 Tips to Improve Your Shop in 2008
Andrew Markel, editor of BRAKE & FRONT END magazine, offers 50 pointers that shop managers and technicians can use to improve their service shop in 2008.
Management: How Shop Managers Spend Their Time
Are you spending time on activities that will help you make money? Using Babcox Research, here is a look at how much time shop owners/managers spend each week on activities such as diagnosing problems, repairing vehicles, dealing with customers and dealing with suppliers. Data comes from the most recent survey of Brake & Front End readers.
Management: The Internet as a Shop Tool
During the the last few years, automotive aftermarket use of the Internet has continued to grow, making it a valuable business tool in automotive repair shops. Ask most techs and they’ll tell you the Internet in the past decade has been a useful tool for seeking specific repair information or chatting through e-mail with fellow technicians on a hard-to-diagnose repair.
Mitchell 1 Holds Management Training Workshop in Orlando
Mitchell 1 will hold the first of its four 2007 Management Training Workshops in Orlando, FL, on March 8-10, 2007, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. The workshop will teach OnDemand 5 Manager and ManagerPlus users, who have been customers for six months or more, how to get the most out of their software.
Management: Simple Ways to Make Sure Your Shop is ‘Top of Mind’ with Your Customers
You’ve just finished your customer’s vehicle, but don’t let a simple, cost-effective advertising opportunity slip away. We’ve used a three-step in-house advertising plan for years, and we’ve always had a favorable response from our customers. Here are the nuts and bolts of the plan.
Management: Being Your Customers’ Personal Shopper
Parts shopping is a service you provide every day to every customer. It takes research and experience to be able to do it well, and when it’s not done well, the result is a comeback or a lost customer.