Supplier vs. Partner?
When your buddy and his buddies want a ‘favor,’ say no. I didn’t go to a four-year college and come home with a degree like most of my six siblings. It wasn’t my style. I knew from the time I…
Auto Inc. - March-April 2016
Will It Be All Right?
It will, if you focus on the details of your business and not just your problems. Consider committing to this plan for the next 90 days. It will really bring clarity to your position as owner/manager of the business. In…
How to Save Money and Increase Profits
(Hint: It starts with ASA.savings4members.com – formerly ASA Marketplace) ASA Offers savings4members Program ASA has partnered with BizUnite since 2010 to offer cost savings as an added benefit of membership. ASA’s relationship with BizUnite will now be referred to as…
Low Blow Suburban
Chasing down the cause of an underperforming blower motor sheds light on a solution that saves time and money. Using a wire diagram is better than just looking at the fuse panel. With a diagram, you…
Customer was quoted a price for three jobs, but afterward claimed she had only authorized one of them…
... What would you do? The following story came from an ASA member with multiple stores. A customer dropped off her late-model Volkswagen Bug, claiming it needed a heater core. On inspection, it was determined that it did need one.…
Michigan Legislature Has a Mandate on Its Mind
Insurance committee considers ASA position on parts procurement bill. The Michigan legislature is back in session and has insurer-mandated parts procurement legislation on its agenda. Michigan State Sen. Joe Hune, R-22, chairman of the…
The ‘Doctor’ Is In
At Chicago’s Sinclair Auto Clinic, the cars and the times have changed but not the treatment. No doubt about it. James F. “Jim” Sinclair is old school.…
House Subcommittee Hears Testimony on PARTS Act Legislation
SA President Dan Risley testifies for auto repair industry. On Feb. 2, Dan Risley, president and executive director of the Automotive Service Association testified on behalf of the automotive repair industry. He…
Serviceability Report: Honda CR-V
Which model year is easier to service: the 2011 or the 2016? I started my career as a motorcycle mechanic in the late 1960s. The local Honda shop needed a helper. After a day, I was hooked. I worked for…
Calling the Role
If everyone’s playing the right part, your shop can be a great place to work. In a previous installment of Ready, Set Service! we discussed the creation of a service-ready training model that provided insight into the topic areas to…
