Search the Community

Is Anyone signed up for the COSTCO Auto Repair Program? Or know of a shop that is? COSTCO members get a 15% discount at participating shops. That is a huge number! Here is a link to the COSTCO program: Costco members save 15% on parts, service & accessories | Costco Auto Program

No, I have not lost my mind. I just wanted your attention. We all know that we have competitors. However, what we have just witnessed the past few months, due to COVID-19, gives me great hope that the independent auto repair shop is not just alive and well, but is sitting on the opportunity of a lifetime! While many dealers and big-box franchise either scaled down or temporarily closed, the majority of auto repair shop across this great nation remained open, adjusted their expenses and payroll, and are now experiencing a surge in business. Proof positive that the reasons we will thrive is because we are still, and will always be, the preferred choice of the motoring public. We are not a transactional, discount-driven business. We don’t hang Corporate logos above our bays. We are successful because we are part of the community. And we build relationships. Want to really thrive past this pandemic? Become even stronger in your community. Get involved in fund raisers, and all other local events. Great days are coming. Be part of it!

I have an opportunity to rent a 3rd location in a fairly busy area with a lot of potential. Problem is the current shop that is there owns the building and is moving 3 1/2 miles down the road will be the land lord. Is this a good idea? anyone else have this situation?

There are some interesting statistics about the industry, in this article: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101171307072&ca=661034f5-54fb-4cde-a898-627f75ff2711 What do you think the challenges and opportunities are for you and your business?

Hi everyone, In case you hadn't heard, here's something you need to be aware of... AAA is making some changes, in the way they are doing business. Within the last few years, AAA has decided to build their own company-owned facilities. Here is a link, with an example of search results, drivers will see when they type in a zip code: http://bit.ly/2bk7prG Pay special attention to the search results marked (AAA Owned Facility). The facilities are impressive and are gaining traction: http://midatlantic.aaa.com/Automotive/ClubOwnedRepair/Aboutus/New As you can see, their slogan is, "Auto Repair From A Name You Trust". This is genius marketing, on their part... Because customers equate the AAA logo, as a shop they can trust. The other major change they've made is... The new requirements for the AAA certification renewal. Many shop owners did not read the fine print or notice the changes to the agreement. In other words, the fine print requires certified shops to give AAA access to the shop's customer database. The biggest concern is if you give them access to your customer database and then, they open a AAA Owned Facility, in your backyard... They now have a built-in customer base they can market to. What that means to you is... This a major conflict of interest because now, they have all of your customers' information, which they can use to actively market and essentially steal your customers. So, this is something to be considered, in deciding to continue to be affiliated, as a AAA certified shop.

Hi everyone, New blog post on this very important topic here: http://www.autoshopowner.com/blog/16/entry-190-did-you-see-the-latest-goodyear-tire-rubber-announcement/ All major pricing changes like this one, affects everyone in the auto repair industry.

New announcement from Michelin. Looks like they're getting into the online game with a new and different approach to making it easy for the customer to do business with them. There are a number of interesting things in the website's FAQ's that caught my eye. http://www.moderntiredealer.com/news/story/2015/08/michelin-pilot-program-sells-tires-online-and-offers-concierge-service.aspx Even if you're not a tire dealer, this move is a game-changer, What are your thoughts on this?

Hey guys, So I am still working on a business plan for a central Kansas startup shop and I am looking around and am thinking to myself, how on earth am I going to rise to the top and be better than every Joe Shmoe that knows how to turn a wrench and has a garage on that busy little corner lot. Before I go any further in planning my business, I want to decide whether or not I can compete with all the different competition and I would really like everyone's input on this. We have everything from the "best price in town but here is a Ziploc with some extra parts we didn't know what to do with" to the "would you like a refill on that shade grown Columbian imported coffee?" shop in town. Where can I fit in? How do i build my own niche to make money and gain market share? What can I do to compete or rise above the rest? How can I stand out from the rest and nudge my way in to gain some share in the auto repair industry? I am planning for a slightly higher end shop, I don't want to be the lowest price shop in town for sure but I also don't quite want to be the most expensive. I want to charge a little more for a quality job, great customer service and a few extras like maybe pickup and dropoff services or free coffee and cable in the waiting area. How can I make sure I can succeed in an already saturated and very competitive market? Thanks!