PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE: ’Tis the Season
I’m sure that none of us particularly look forward to taking our vehicles in for service, but certainly it’s a fact of life. Whenever I do, I’m reminded of how some establishments understand that it’s as much about the owner as it is about the car. Luckily, I have a reputable repair facility available to
Auto Detailing to Add Profit
For this body shop, detailing provides a tidy profit center and keeps customers happy.
Air Compressor Service: What You Need to Know
A fully functioning and well-maintained air compressor keeps a shop ticking. So what happens if it skips a beat?
Employee Retention is Key to Continued Success
Companies that build and maintain a superior workforce will have a long-term competitive advantage in their marketplaces. Here are some strategies for doing just that.
Sealing Volkswagen Golf Hood Seams
On a typical busy day in the shop, many vehicle replacement parts are needed. Too often, some of these parts may be superseded, updated, discontinued or modified by the manufacturer. Unless you have access to vital factory Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), you may not be aware of the changes or updates concerning these parts. The
GUEST EDITORIAL: What’s So Bad About Steering?
My shop actually benefits from steering and would probably be out of business without it. So what’s the big deal?
DETOURS: Art Exhibit, Anyone?
What better place to hold an art exhibit than at a body shop? After all, smoothing the wrinkles out of panels without ever letting anyone know you were there can be considered fine art itself. Marrying both seems natural. No one has to convince Giovanna Tanzillo of that. The co-owner of Uptown Body & Frame
EDITOR’S NOTES: All I Want for Xmas Is a DRP
I recently had the good fortune to hear a rousing argument between two body shop owners, one of whom had 67 DRPs and the other had none. They were sitting directly behind me in a booth at Denny’s, so I slumped down a bit so I wouldn’t be noticed. Here’s what I heard: Joe No DRP:
SHOP PROFILE: Shedding DRPs for Survival
Too many concessions and too few vehicles made profiting from insurer relationships too difficult for this family business. So they concentrated on what they do best: quality repairs, excellent customer service and savvy marketing.
PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE: See You in Vegas
Hopefully, you’re reading this on your journey to Las Vegas for this year’s International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE). As I write these words, we at BodyShop Business are busy planning for the upcoming event and looking forward to seeing many of you there. This type of face-to-face event provides all of us with an
EDITOR’S NOTES: One Hundred Grand
It probably seems like I’ve been harping on you about customer service lately. Unfortunately, I’m going to do it again. Customer service never fails to intrigue me as a potential gateway to increased sales. To say it’s still an unturned rock under which profits can be found is a huge understatement. Evidence of this is
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: A/M Parts: Like, Kind and Quality?
I recently read a news story on your Web site [CAA Survey Questions Quality of CAPA-Certified Parts] and feel the need to comment. First, a little background on me. I’ve owned and operated a larger shop on the West Coast for almost 30 years and have experienced firsthand all of the different changes that have