Letters to the Editors
If You Do It, Charge for It Dear Ms. Georgina Kajganic: In response to Mr. Yurek’s article, “If You Do It, Charge For It” [Sept. 2001, pg. 36], it’s about the same things my father complained about. We’re a company of 50 years located on the same corner and have the same company name. I’ve
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.
Las Vegas or Bust: NACE 2001
NACE 2001 hits the jackpot with a solid line-up of seminars, a new action demonstration arena and entertainment by comedian Jay Leno.
You Can Make Vehicles Right Again
I read the very interesting and informative articles in BodyShop Business each month and have often had thoughts of writing to you concerning them but didn’t. But I can no longer refrain from commenting on information about whether a vehicle can be repaired to pre-accident condition. I think of the old adage I’ve often heard, "Every man is the best judge of the value of his own merchandise." If [a shop owner] says he can’t restore a vehicle to pre-accident condition, I’d be inclined to take his word for it. He’s in the best position to know, but it doesn’t follow that the rest of the shops need to accept his evaluation for their own work.
Boosting Booth Production
Don’t let poor production processes hurt shop profits. Proper spraybooth placement, setup and maintenance could mean another $500,000 in sales per year. Interested?
Capitalize on Cold Weather
A mild winter doesn’t have to bring a chilling end to your shop’s profits and steady workload. By adding seasonal profit centers and specialized winter service, you’ll boost your bottom line and customer relations.
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.<
Keep the Cash Flowing
Profitability and cash flow aren’t the same thing: You may have a backlog of profitable jobs scheduled, but no money to pay the bills. How do you overcome this? Learn to manage three things: owner’s extras, accounts receivable and accounts payable.
What to Do With Sagging Sales
In May, we examined how insufficient volume can put you in the red. But volume is only half the problem. Insufficient production also poses a serious threat to your shop’s sales. Luckily, it’s all fixable.
