Are You Certifiable
SEMA is helping accessory installers and techs get national recognition for their know-how and make themselves more marketable through its installer certification program. The tests include electric sunroofs, body exterior components, leather interiors and roof treatments.
Choosing a Management System
“Which job costing/shop management system is best suited for my shop? I’m unsure if the expense justifies the end results.” – asks Randy Hassell, owner, Hassell Bros, Inc., Jamaica, N.Y
Out of Retirement: Full-framed Vehicles
Just when you thought they were gone for good, MJ, bell bottoms and full-framed vehicles are back. Though Jordan can still score 40 points per game and bell bottoms are still … scary, today’s full frames aren’t the same as the ones produced in the past. And the repair procedures aren’t the same either. by
This Month’s Ailing Shop
Shop size: 12,500 total square feet Equipment: two drive-on frame racks, two booths (one downdraft) and a lift for tear-down estimates. Employees: 12 Annual Sales: $1.5 million Quality of work: Good Problem overview: Husband and wife shop owners want to grow their business, but they don’t know how – they’re close to burnout as it
Repeat Yourself: Produce the Same Operation Repeatedly and Consistently
“Standardization” isn’t about cloning shops. It’s about having the ability to produce the same operation repeatedly and consistently so it can be audited. Why go to the trouble? Implementation of such standards will improve profitability and quality, reduce cycle time and chaos that keeps you busy putting out fires – but hinders you from getting anything done.
Competing For Employees: Techniques
Recruiting and retaining techs demands the same commitment as satisfying customers and developing good insurer relationships. In fact, considering the role techs play in your business, they’re the strongest link between present conditions and future profitability.
Jumping on the E-Commerce Bandwagon
Though the dotcoms have had a rough few years, doing business over the Internet isn’t a bust. Quite the contrary. Though it’s wise to look before you leap, repairers who take advantage early will claim a huge share of the market and reduce their costs. Repairers who refuse to get on and stand in the way of progress may simply get run over.<
Getting Savvy With E-Commerce
E-commerce. A lot of people talk about it, but what does it mean to your business?
The Need For Speed: Quantity Over Quality May Cost You
A shop manager who chooses quantity over quality may cost you more than a few dollars in comebacks. He may also cost you a few good technicians.
Ignorance Isn’t Bliss: Training is Cheap
Think you don’t have the time or money to train your administrative and management employees? When you see what training does for your office’s productivity, training is cheap compared to what ignorance costs you.