FTC workshop cites need for independent shops to get involved in repairs. In May, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it was expanding and accelerating the recall of Takata air-bag inflators. This…
Join the brave new world of hiring and learn how to retain your top technicians. If you’re having trouble finding, hiring and keeping good technicians, you’re not alone. With today’s shortage of qualified techs, the aftermarket-hiring situation has become a…
Shop owners wrestling with the large MSOs tell how they’re surviving and thriving despite the competition. Almost-weekly announcements of new acquisitions and growth by the “Big 4” collision industry consolidators might seem scary for single-location or smaller multi-shop operations (MSOs).…
What the increase in the salary test means for the automotive service industry. Two years after the president directed the Department of Labor (DOL) to change the minimum salary for exemption as a “white collar” worker, and over a year…
Thoughts on the evolution and future of shop management systems. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, automotive shop management software developers in particular are keeping a close eye on trends to identify those that will impact the…
A new service adviser accepts a third-party check from a used-car dealer, and it bounces ... ... What would you do? An ASA shop owner writes: “A new customer came in with a vehicle that would not pass emissions. After…
Perform this exercise to build your business into muscular financial shape by the end of the year. I’m not trying to be facetious with the title. I want to bring awareness to balance sheet management and its importance to your…
How one shop eliminated the hassles of ‘getting in the door’ by setting up their jobs in advance. One of the biggest dilemmas I’ve faced, and solved, as a busy small-shop owner was the stress of getting in the door.…
Why loaning cars instead of offering rides can create a safer and less-expensive customer service. It’s good to periodically choose one line in the shop’s profit-and-loss statement and analytically rip it apart. For the purposes of this column, I’ll focus…
Great techs love to produce billed hours, but do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth? Editor’s Note: The labor rates mentioned in this article are fictitious and, therefore, should not be considered industry standards. Many shop owners fall…
When your first guess doesn’t fix an issue, it’s not wise to guess again. It’s wise to follow established procedures. British educator Thomas H. Palmer is credited with popularizing the proverb, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try…
...What would you do? This is a recent situation from a shop owner in Southern California: “I hired an employee who worked in the office. She only worked three-and-a-half days with me. She told me that her grandfather was sick,…
Senate Committee emphasizes safety, federal regulation and cybersecurity. The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, convened a hearing titled “Hands Off: The Future of Self-Driving Cars,” chaired by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. The hearing explored advancements in autonomous…
Why Michigan shop owner Dick Zaagman says he chose ‘downward mobility’ in establishing his business and his life. Community means a lot to Dick Zaagman, past,…
Redesigned Chevy Volt undergoes inspection. Is the second generation better than the first? There have been no redesigns of any plug-in cars except the Chevy Volt. The Nissan Leaf did get a larger capacity battery pack and the motor/inverter underwent…
Why having someone with the skills to manage your business technology is not an option but a requirement. I’m certain most of you have experienced challenges with technology from time to time. Whether it’s dealing with an update or a…
As shop owners and managers, the busier we are, the better the business. But do you ever feel that something is happening, and you’re too busy to pay attention? You really need to pay attention. At the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers…
To sell tires, or not to sell tires? How one shop owner’s inquiry into new technology led him to burn rubber in a new direction. Some “truths” are true or untrue, depending on an individual’s perspective. For example, up until…
