Define: Pandemic – Time To Stop Standing Still, While Social Distancing

Team Brainstorming

We are all facing an unprecedented time in history and in our own lives. Mostly confined to our homes or our jobs, everyone is adjusting to a new normal that doesn’t have an end date in sight. 10 days ago I made a post asking what’s on your Pandemic To Do list?? In that post I was literally tackling one of the items on my To Do list, that’s been there for months… Replacing incredibly noisy fans on our desktop computer for the office.
Now is the time to take a hard look at your business and processes and make them work for you. You can learn more about how to evaluate your business against today’s business norms, here .
So today I want to talk about what you can do, to make and tackle your own “To Do” list, preparing yourself for the way out of the situation you are presently in. For starters, I’m going to label out the “Tool” I am using and the FREE “Tool” you can use if you don’t have my tool in your arsenal already.The only and most important tool you will need to get started is…. A NOTEBOOK.
We use Microsoft’s One Note as a subscription to Office 365, if you have Office, I highly recommend you use it. If you don’t have it as a part of a subscription, they offer a free version but I’m not sure how seamless it is. You can learn more here.
The other option is to use a free Gmail address and use their “Docs” platform. We talk about how to take full advantage of a Gmail account to streamline your business in this article.So our first step was to make our list, shown on your right.
We presently have 12 items on our list, among some others that haven’t made the list till we can tackle our biggest hurdle… Inventory Control.
I want to focus on the tasks I’ve been able to complete or mostly complete as of now, and the time they took to resolve:#7 Change the fans on office desktop. Total time ~4hours
Benefit: That awful noise is gone, saved at least $300 from hiring someone to fix it or sending it out to get fixed. Need to order bottom cover pads to complete it to satisfaction.
Total cost: Parts $110This should have been 15 minutes, but the hard drive we ordered…. Was DOA. Some troubleshooting helped us determine the hard drive was bad. Ordered a replacement for the replacement and installed again a few days later.
Benefit: Can store more days of recording. Money saved, at least $100
Total cost: Parts $250 for 8TB Surveillance Hard Drive 
#11 Upgrade the hard drive on our Lorex camera system. Total time ~2 hours.#10 OEM Software Laptop setup. Total time, nearly 30 hours.
Now, this isn’t really a task many of us can Google away. I have almost 2 decades of experience in hardware, software setup and deployment. It took me 30 hours to get this done, but this wasn’t a task for the weak and it was chosen as my first. Why?
BECAUSE IT WAS THE HARDEST.
Benefit: My technicians can now take out ONE laptop and fire it up to access any software related tool they might need. So we have AUDI ODIS, BMW, Chrysler, GM, FORD, Honda & Toyota legal software subscriptions installed on one machine. With Teamviewer, so I can help them from anywhere in the world. Every machine uses the exact same login, each build has all the same tools you might need to work… in short, it’s designed to reduce downtime and the headaches that come with servicing multi vehicle brands.The beauty of it, if it goes down… I have made a duplicate machine as a complete backup that sits on the shelf waiting for the day it’s needed.
Total cost: TIME, Had all of the hardware and a strong tech foundation to capitalize on.
These are just examples of the amount of time you have now. I did the above in 10 DAYS since starting the list. We wrote an article about how to evaluate your business, and now is the perfect time to do.

State of ADAS: Dangerous

ADAS Screen

Last month I had an interesting ADAS experience while calibrating a 2018 Toyota Prius. I was attempting to calibrate the cruise control module, after it had been replaced from a front end collision. Before we even start, we’re going to take a frame of reference of some things. The vehicle belongs to an existing customer, the vehicle was repaired at a body shop that we regularly deal with, and this isn’t our first ADAS calibration.

Toyota OEM Service & Repair Information
Toyota Techstream Software
CarDAQ-M
Autel Calibration System
Valid Autel Subscription
CAR – Complete Auto ReportsProblem:
While performing this calibration, we actually had the vehicle fail calibration according to the Techstream software. However, the vehicle saved the calibration and acted as if it had passed. So, a vehicle that actually failed it’s calibration, acted like a vehicle that had passed.Discovery:WE NOW HAVE A READING! GREAT! Ready for the bad news?WE NOW HAVE A READING! GREAT! Ready for the bad news?
The adjustment on the OE Cruise Control Module needed to be adjusted to the point of no return. I had to pull the adjustment screw to the absolute maximum just to meet the absolute maximum threshold of 0.6 allowed. Which begs the question… what happens when a few bumps are hit and the sensor inevitably shifts?
So as if that wasn’t disturbing enough to learn, here’s the real problem. What do I do with this information? Since we document everything we do, we took that documentation and informed our customer. Who is extremely appreciative of the level of care we provide to them. I communicated my findings to the team at Techstream, after being told by their customer support rep that the standard protocol was to email them and “someone would get back to you”.I contacted over 5 employees of Toyota corporate here on LinkedIn. One of them actually got back to me, said he would help me find the right department to report it to. 3 weeks later… no reply.
We have uncovered a massive amount of contradictions and bad practices with a safety flaw that likely affects all 2016-2018 Toyota Prius’s with Cruise Control Modules. What’s it going to take for the industry to wake up to the problems that are happening in real time and start finding ways to address them? We’re talking about safety in transportation in the age where liability is the one variable everyone talks about… but few do anything about.
Without best practices in place and a reporting system for errors that are encountered, we are going to keep lawyers busy as this mess sorts itself out.

Update Your Auto Repair Business | Step Four: Business Hardware

Keyboard

Starting an auto repair business can be a daunting endeavor. From shop equipment to marketing, it is easy to quickly become overwhelmed by the process. This article will break down some of the hardware needed to efficiently run your business on the back end.
Supplies You Need
Purchasing The Right Computer for Your Business
At a time where almost every facet of life is dependent on technology, an office computer is an absolute must when it comes to efficiently and effectively running your auto repair business. Identifying the capacity in which you will use your computer will help you to appropriately choose one with the right specifications (hard drive size, memory size, etc), without overspending on unnecessary features. If you are not confident enough in your computer fluency to purchase one without assistance, stop at a local computer store, preferably one that sells various brands, and ask for advice.  Be forthcoming about your budget and needs so that you are offered the best choices for your business. Be mindful of hidden costs, such as software. Some computers, like Dell and HP, come standard with Windows. Factor in the cost of purchasing software for computers that do not come standard with it. You may also consider an external hard drive to help you store large quantities of data, protecting sensitive materials from unforeseen accidents. Once you have a few options in mind, do your research and look for deals or rebates.  
At a time where almost every facet of life is dependent on technology, an office computer is an absolute must when it comes to efficiently and effectively running your auto repair business. Identifying the capacity in which you will use your computer will help you to appropriately choose one with the right specifications (hard drive size, memory size, etc), without overspending on unnecessary features. If you are not confident enough in your computer fluency to purchase one without assistance, stop at a local computer store, preferably one that sells various brands, and ask for advice.  Be forthcoming about your budget and needs so that you are offered the best choices for your business. Be mindful of hidden costs, such as software. Some computers, like Dell and HP, come standard with Windows. Factor in the cost of purchasing software for computers that do not come standard with it. You may also consider an external hard drive to help you store large quantities of data, protecting sensitive materials from unforeseen accidents. Once you have a few options in mind, do your research and look for deals or rebates.  
To Buy Refurbished or Not
If you want to save a significant amount of money buying a computer, consider a refurbished one. You can save hundreds of dollars purchasing a refurbished computer from a respectable brand. Many of these items have either been returned by the customer or have been part of a canceled order. Most refurbished computers are sold with a limited time warranty, so MAKE SURE YOU READ THE FINE PRINT! You want to purchase a computer with a manufacturer warranty, instead of a third party warranty. Not rushing through the computer purchasing process will ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
If you want to save a significant amount of money buying a computer, consider a refurbished one. You can save hundreds of dollars purchasing a refurbished computer from a respectable brand. Many of these items have either been returned by the customer or have been part of a canceled order. Most refurbished computers are sold with a limited time warranty, so MAKE SURE YOU READ THE FINE PRINT! You want to purchase a computer with a manufacturer warranty, instead of a third party warranty. Not rushing through the computer purchasing process will ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Printing Needs
Buying an adequate printer should be your next step. While a home printer has an alluring price tag, remember that you will be printing in volume. What you save on the initial purchase will quickly be spent on ink cartridges and maintenance.  An office printer should also give you the flexibility to make copies and scan documents. Costco offers a Brother MFC-8910DW printer for about $400, while Best Buy sells the Brother- L5900DW and the Brother-L5700DW for about $400 and $320, respectively.
Buying an adequate printer should be your next step. While a home printer has an alluring price tag, remember that you will be printing in volume. What you save on the initial purchase will quickly be spent on ink cartridges and maintenance.  An office printer should also give you the flexibility to make copies and scan documents. Costco offers a Brother MFC-8910DW printer for about $400, while Best Buy sells the Brother- L5900DW and the Brother-L5700DW for about $400 and $320, respectively.
Staying Connected
Once your hardware is taken care of, give some thought to connectivity.  While you could always use an ethernet cable and get internet access by plugging right into the wall, you may want to consider a wireless router for your office.  With packages starting at varying price points, wireless connectivity is a great choice. Not only can you connect other devices that you bring into the shop (your phone or apple/android tablet), but your customers also would appreciate the ability to connect their phones to speedy wireless network while waiting for service. A wireless router means faster connectivity for your business and also solves the aesthetic problem of running multiple wires throughout your shop. You can find a variety of routers for businesses of all sizes.
Once your hardware is taken care of, give some thought to connectivity.  While you could always use an ethernet cable and get internet access by plugging right into the wall, you may want to consider a wireless router for your office.  With packages starting at varying price points, wireless connectivity is a great choice. Not only can you connect other devices that you bring into the shop (your phone or apple/android tablet), but your customers also would appreciate the ability to connect their phones to speedy wireless network while waiting for service. A wireless router means faster connectivity for your business and also solves the aesthetic problem of running multiple wires throughout your shop. You can find a variety of routers for businesses of all sizes.Obviously, the main focus of owning an auto repair business is to be the best in AUTO REPAIR. If you want to stand out from the rest, pay attention to the other aspects of having a successful brand. Running an organized and efficient business will speak volumes to your customers. Having the right hardware and connectivity will help you get there faster. It may seem like an expensive venture, but I can assure you with a little research and some initial investment, these items will help increase revenue by streamlining the way you do business.Using CAR’s auto repair software is a natural transition to the digital age.
Our auto repair software is so easy to use, we explain CAR through tutorial videos that are almost all 2 minutes or less each. 
Contact us for a demo and find out why we are the “Process that leads to Profits!”

Improve Reputation

Reputation Selection

Let’s be honest, a great reputation is the most important thing that any business owner wants to have, period. No matter what type of business you run you want your customers to say good things about you so that it can potentially lead to new customers. New customers means more business. More business means more success. Whether it’s customer service, prices, or something as simple as decor. If you stand out from all the other businesses in your field, your customers will talk about you. So give them something good to talk about. Did you know that word of mouth influences 59-91% of all purchases, yet NOBODY has a specific strategy for it.. Word of mouth has been and will always be the most effective marketing any good business owner can ask for.A solid reputation is especially important in the auto repair field, where customers have little trust because of lack of transparency. Here are some simple yet effective ways to build and improve your business’ reputation:How to Improve Reputation
Go Above and Beyond
 Try to always go a little above and beyond with what’s expected or requested by the customer – If someone asks for a reference, try to offer them two or three. If you tell someone you’ll follow up in about 24 hours, try to do it in about 12. Show customers that you care about them, no matter how big the job is. A small gesture that shows you care can go a long way, and do wonders for word of mouth and your reputation.
 Try to always go a little above and beyond with what’s expected or requested by the customer – If someone asks for a reference, try to offer them two or three. If you tell someone you’ll follow up in about 24 hours, try to do it in about 12. Show customers that you care about them, no matter how big the job is. A small gesture that shows you care can go a long way, and do wonders for word of mouth and your reputation.
Be Consistent
 Be as consistent as possible – If you or your business are not authentic, it is very difficult to remain consistent which will never lead to a good reputation. Show people you meet that you have a positive attitude, even when you’re having a bad day. If you are great in a certain situation but then rude and cold in another, your reputation can suffer greatly. People who go through negative experiences tend to share those a lot more readily than they share the positive ones, and this sort of thing can spread rapidly.
 Be as consistent as possible – If you or your business are not authentic, it is very difficult to remain consistent which will never lead to a good reputation. Show people you meet that you have a positive attitude, even when you’re having a bad day. If you are great in a certain situation but then rude and cold in another, your reputation can suffer greatly. People who go through negative experiences tend to share those a lot more readily than they share the positive ones, and this sort of thing can spread rapidly.
Act with Integrity
Make sure you and your business act with integrity – Make sure you do that regardless of what you’re doing. Especially in the business world, even a small act of selfishness or greed can have a serious negative impact on your business and showcase a lack of integrity. You might not even notice it, but if you wouldn’t buy what you’re selling, then don’t sell it. Believe in your product or service, and your customers will believe in you and your business. If you know that you won’t be able to return someone’s call or email, don’t promise that you’ll do it.
Make sure you and your business act with integrity – Make sure you do that regardless of what you’re doing. Especially in the business world, even a small act of selfishness or greed can have a serious negative impact on your business and showcase a lack of integrity. You might not even notice it, but if you wouldn’t buy what you’re selling, then don’t sell it. Believe in your product or service, and your customers will believe in you and your business. If you know that you won’t be able to return someone’s call or email, don’t promise that you’ll do it.
How to Improve Reputation
Go Above and Beyond
 Try to always go a little above and beyond with what’s expected or requested by the customer – If someone asks for a reference, try to offer them two or three. If you tell someone you’ll follow up in about 24 hours, try to do it in about 12. Show customers that you care about them, no matter how big the job is. A small gesture that shows you care can go a long way, and do wonders for word of mouth and your reputation.
 Try to always go a little above and beyond with what’s expected or requested by the customer – If someone asks for a reference, try to offer them two or three. If you tell someone you’ll follow up in about 24 hours, try to do it in about 12. Show customers that you care about them, no matter how big the job is. A small gesture that shows you care can go a long way, and do wonders for word of mouth and your reputation.
Be Consistent
 Be as consistent as possible – If you or your business are not authentic, it is very difficult to remain consistent which will never lead to a good reputation. Show people you meet that you have a positive attitude, even when you’re having a bad day. If you are great in a certain situation but then rude and cold in another, your reputation can suffer greatly. People who go through negative experiences tend to share those a lot more readily than they share the positive ones, and this sort of thing can spread rapidly.
 Be as consistent as possible – If you or your business are not authentic, it is very difficult to remain consistent which will never lead to a good reputation. Show people you meet that you have a positive attitude, even when you’re having a bad day. If you are great in a certain situation but then rude and cold in another, your reputation can suffer greatly. People who go through negative experiences tend to share those a lot more readily than they share the positive ones, and this sort of thing can spread rapidly.
Act with Integrity
Make sure you and your business act with integrity – Make sure you do that regardless of what you’re doing. Especially in the business world, even a small act of selfishness or greed can have a serious negative impact on your business and showcase a lack of integrity. You might not even notice it, but if you wouldn’t buy what you’re selling, then don’t sell it. Believe in your product or service, and your customers will believe in you and your business. If you know that you won’t be able to return someone’s call or email, don’t promise that you’ll do it.
Make sure you and your business act with integrity – Make sure you do that regardless of what you’re doing. Especially in the business world, even a small act of selfishness or greed can have a serious negative impact on your business and showcase a lack of integrity. You might not even notice it, but if you wouldn’t buy what you’re selling, then don’t sell it. Believe in your product or service, and your customers will believe in you and your business. If you know that you won’t be able to return someone’s call or email, don’t promise that you’ll do it.
Be Approachable
Be a likeable person – Be yourself, simple as that.. Smile and approach people you don’t know, offer handshakes and wish them a great day. Small things such as these can make you a lot more likeable, but just make sure that you’re not fake. Never be someone you are not just so people like you.
Be a likeable person – Be yourself, simple as that.. Smile and approach people you don’t know, offer handshakes and wish them a great day. Small things such as these can make you a lot more likeable, but just make sure that you’re not fake. Never be someone you are not just so people like you.CAR’s software offers a completely transparent wall between you and the customer so they are able to have a birds eye view of the service that you are performing on their vehicle. This level of transparency is not limited to their home computer but also available to them on the go no matter where they are thanks to the CAR mobile app. Seeing is believing, so you can upload photos or videos to any request ticket and have your customer see exactly what is wrong with their vehicle within minutes. By letting your customers virtually sit in on their vehicle service, it not only builds trust between you and the client but also helps improve your shop’s reputation as well.CAR does not only let the customers view the process of the work performed but after it is done we give them the opportunity to comment on your work directly with our built in feedback system. Your customers can rate your performance as a shop or as an individual. CAR automatically attaches their feedback to the specific service request so you know what work was performed on their vehicle. This not only allows you to hear back from the customer to see if you are meeting their expectations, but this method also significantly reduces the possibility of them writing a nasty review on a third party site like Yelp, Facebook, or Google just in case you did not meet those expectations. By formatting our software this way we give the customer a chance to relay their appreciation or dissatisfaction to you directly so you can build off that information in a way where there is limited backlash. Building off this level of connectivity; the CAR consumer mobile app allows customers to organize all of their Vehicle’s needs so they can stay connected and transparent with you. The reciprocation of that trust between your customer and your shop is what helps build relationships that will in turn help build your reputation.Using CAR’s auto repair software is a natural transition to the digital age.
Our auto repair software is so easy to use, we explain CAR through tutorial videos that are almost all 2 minutes or less each. 
Contact us for a demo and find out why we are the “Process that leads to Profits!”

Update Your Auto Repair Business | Step Three: Billing Efficiencies

Profit Loss Risk Dice

One of the more tedious and often overlooked parts in the industry is the billing process. From generating customer invoices to tracking and paying vendors, having an unorganized system in place could be a costly mistake. A well established billing system with built in safeguards will keep your business running efficiently, while ensuring your business’ financial integrity. From paper and pencil billing to software programs, businesses have a variety of solutions with a wide range of price tags.While the paper and pencil method are no longer at the apex of efficient billing, there are still some easy implementations to assure that your business runs smoothly and effectively. At a minimum, purchasing filing cabinet dividers and clearly labeling them, will help you track paid and unpaid customer invoices, as well as, organize vendor invoices. The downside to paper and pencil is the inability to quickly research past invoices, keep detailed service records, and manage bulky storage.Scanners help alleviate some of the drawbacks mentioned above, as they allow for easy storage of files without the bulk of filing cabinets. Scanning documents and filing them systematically will allow you to quickly retrieve past service records but will still limit the efficiency with which your business operates. When used in conjunction with an accounting software, efficiency increases and errors decrease. QuickBooks ($199.95), Norton Small Business ($99.99), and Quicken Home & Business ($89.99) are just a few of the options available, allowing you keep track of daily transactions, manage bills and accounts payable, and reconcile accounts.At the other end of the spectrum, exist several shop management software programs. While not all are created equally, Complete Auto Reports (CAR) covers the gamut of billing needs, allowing you to send invoices directly to customers, track payments in arrears, and schedule automatic reminders for payment. CAR enables you to keep detailed invoices with parts, labor, and suggested future repairs, ensuring you employ consistent billing practices. Ordering parts through PartsTech helps you verify the accuracy of invoices sent by vendors. With shop management software, such as CAR, you will have an efficient and streamlined billing system, allowing you more time to devote to other areas of your business. Adjustments like these ensure that you are maximizing your business’ potential and increasing profits. To learn more, explore the rest of our site and find out how Complete Auto Reports can help your business run smarter, smoother, and more efficiently.Using CAR’s auto repair software is a natural transition to the digital age.
Our auto repair software is so easy to use, we explain CAR through tutorial videos that are almost all 2 minutes or less each. 
Contact us for a demo and find out why we are the “Process that leads to Profits!”

Update Your Auto Repair Business | Step Two: Building Efficiencies

Nest Thermostat

Update Your Auto Repair Business | Step Two: Building EfficienciesOne major factor many auto repair facilities and small business owners, alike, tend to neglect is how much money they are losing paying exuberant amounts on utility bills. Whether you are in the frigid Northeast or the scorching Southwest, there are simple and cost-effective tips to slash your utility bills.
Investing in a wifi thermostat can help you cut down on heating and cooling costs. For about $90, this investment will pay for itself through utility bill savings within the first few months. If your shop is in the Tri-state area, with its harsh winters and sweltering summers, these extreme temperatures will call for extended use of your shop’s heating and cooling systems. Enhanced thermostats, such as Nest, learn how your building holds ambient temperature. It then formulates a schedule, maximizing the system’s output while maintaining an optimal temperature. This small investment will save you money on your monthly utility bill.Not in the market for a new thermostat? You can still accomplish similar results manually. Set up a schedule for you heating and cooling system, where you cut down on existing use. At our shop, we discovered that the building retains heat extremely well. This allows us to turn off the heat at 2:30pm, instead of 5pm, without noticeably affecting the ambient temperature; a small adjustment that saves our business 50 hours worth of heating per month. This easy adjustment simply required a little experimenting. The desire to “change” how you look at your business can save a considerable amount of “change” in the long haul.
Replacing or repairing drafty windows and doors may seem like an insignificant fix, but one that can save a noticeable amount of money. With a majority of auto repair facilities having large bay doors and multiple entrances, overlooking this issue can be a costly mistake. Remedying this problem can range from simply using a door snake to block the bottom of a door to weatherstripping and insulating windows. The solution that is right for your business depends on your desired outcome and the amount of money you want to invest.Inspect all of the lighting and compare to your electricity consumption. Swapping your incandescent lights for LED and Energy Star accredited lights, will save money in the long run. Although you will be making an investment to replace existing lights, LED lights last more than 20 times longer than incandescent lights. Without the need to replace them as often and their energy efficiency, these savings may not be seen immediately, but will be felt throughout the lifetime of your business. Plugging electronics into power strips and turning them off at night will ensure that they are not consuming unnecessary electricity.
Take an unbiased walk through your business and inspect it from different angles. Are electronics being left on overnight? Are technicians leaving the bay door open and turning on the heat? Are there repairs that have been neglected that would help save on heating and cooling costs? While these issues may seem independently trivial, when addressed in tandem, they will significantly contribute to you saving on utility bills. With a few changes, you can create a better, more cost-efficient space that will reduce costs and increase profits.Using CAR’s auto repair software is a natural transition to the digital age.
Our auto repair software is so easy to use, we explain CAR through tutorial videos that are almost all 2 minutes or less each. 
Contact us for a demo and find out why we are the “Process that leads to Profits!”

Update Your Auto Repair Business | Step One: Get Connected

Ipad

Now this may seem to many as a no brainer however In 2019 if you are a small business, you need to be mobile more than ever. So why do you still run your auto repair business through a landline, it’s a gross waste of time and money when you can have a basic smartphone with the basic plan for $50 a month. You are losing precious time and revenue, falling behind your larger competitors that spend hundreds to add mobility to outdated software. Thinking primarily from a customer service perspective, a simple switch to a mobile smart phone can easily boost productivity and improve overall customer satisfaction, retention and engagement.In a report by the Nation Federation of Independent Business, “Technology improvements have made it much easier for small businesses to communicate with customers at lower costs and with greater flexibility.” Landlines are clunky and can be expensive; however porting your existing number to a cell phone has never been easier. Having a mobile phone gives you the ability to text your customers, while also having a fully functional shop phone system.Bluetooth phones make it possible for you to connect the cell phone to a base and use the phone like a normal office phone. With a phone system like the Panasonic KX-TG833, you can transfer the mobility of the phone number to the office. With better cell phone data plans, you can even provide internet for the shop or at the very least… an effective backup if your internet ever goes down.
Cells phones with data plans are an invaluable tool for the modern businessman or woman. These Cellular devices can not only take high resolution photos and videos, but as long as you have a Cell Signal, you can make calls to Customers and Vendors even on the shop floor. When a Mobile Device is coupled with other software that helps run your auto repair business, like CAR, then you can see the true meaning of “Be Mobile”.Apps like:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Help you manage your social presence.
Help you manage your social presence.
Google Business
Help you manage your local business listing.
Help you manage your local business listing.
Live Chat
Live Chat… allows your customer to have a live chat with your business marketing website, right to your phone!
Live Chat… allows your customer to have a live chat with your business marketing website, right to your phone!
Google Gmail
Manage your email and shop with a Free Gmail Account.
Manage your email and shop with a Free Gmail Account.
Google Docs
Unlike Microsoft Word, you can access Google Docs anywhere anytime as long as you have an Internet Connection.
Unlike Microsoft Word, you can access Google Docs anywhere anytime as long as you have an Internet Connection.In addition, having a mobile platform like CAR would allow you to handle customer Claims, create detailed invoices, and schedule appointments as you receive them from your customers., Ordering parts and having them shipped to you from various vendors do to over integration with PartsTech, the Nationwide Parts Search Engine, without making a call.
Just but leaving behind the old conventions of the past century and connecting with the world through the internet you can increase your bottom line AND save time.Using CAR’s auto repair software is a natural transition to the digital age.
Our auto repair software is so easy to use, we explain CAR through tutorial videos that are almost all 2 minutes or less each. 
Contact us for a demo and find out why we are the “Process that leads to Profits!”

Liability Isn’t Something To Roll Dice With

Rolling Dice

These are some pretty trivial words, “reduce liability”. Whether or not we realize it, we avoid liability all day long. Whether you avoid the accident on your way to

Ignoring liability gives you speed — recognizing it gives you foresight.

These are some pretty trivial words, “reduce liability”. Whether or not we realize it, we avoid liability all day long. Whether you avoid the accident on your way to work or you avoid a catastrophic failure by fixing a leaking lift… either way, you’re limiting your liability. You may never have thought of it in this light, but every customers vehicle you touch, is essentially a liability. An element of their life you took over and in doing so, you and your employees have assumed liability for their safety, through the foreseeable future.In order to address these liabilities, you must first recognize them. There are several distinct levels of liability here. First, any damage the vehicle presently has. Second, anything that is wrong with the vehicle that the customer isn’t aware of. Third, problems the vehicle has that you are already aware of. Lastly, proper documentation should you need to test drive the vehicle.
Does the process at your shop work with you or against you here? Most of us don’t even think of these problems till it’s much too late. By that point, we are reacting and doing damage control, not running our business.So how do you limit your liability with the 4 scenarios mentioned above? Let’s take a look at how to break them down. We welcome your comments, sharing with us, how you’ve adapted to limiting your liability in your shop.Looking To Open Up An Auto Repair Facility?
We’ve all been there, tired and frustrated with our boss.  You get the feeling that you can absolutely do this better than they can… and you want to do this better than they do it.  So you start to dream about what it would be like if you ran your own auto facility. Funny thing about our dreams, they don’t account for the brick walls you’ll run into.  Lucky for you and your dreams, we account for quite a few of them in this article. 
We are going to lay out the challenges, that we are aware of, that ‘soon to be shop owners’ may face and need to consider.  Please note that our experience, is from a densely populated area, local laws might make it harder or easier to accomplish some or all of these tasks.  This is meant to be used as a guide on what to expect and the type of research to do when trying to open a shop in your local area.
Where It All Starts

Budget:  All of this costs money to start.  The less you plan for, the more expensive things get. You can save significant time and money finding an existing facility that is abandoned or is for sale already and has the equipment you need to get you started.
Patience:  Nothing happens at the speed of light these days, unless you’re using CAR on your mobile device.  A lot of time is spent waiting on the input or response of others. Pick a method to manage all of the tasks.  We outline how to build a team with your gmail account. You can also organize everything in your plan to open a business with Gmail using the same logic to track tasks, save documents and have mobile access to everything.
Research: You want to survive the first 5 years?  Get used to asking a ton of questions, to anyone who will help you or hear you out.  Ask questions about everything, and most importantly… ask yourself and do your own homework.

 
Questions to consider asking yourself, others, and/or Google:

How many shops are in a 4 mile radius?
What’s the population in the 3 surrounding towns, plus the one I’m in?
How many households?
How much money do I have for this investment into my future? The sub questions here are insane.  What’s my projected monthly expenses? How long can I survive after having setup the business?
Are there other people I can partner with in this endeavor?
Does this location have parking?
What’s the crime like in this area?
What’s the traffic like? Go there, morning, noon and night… get to know your potential new neighborhood before you sign on the dotted line.

Now that the easy stuff is out of the way.  Let’s dig in.
FIRST LEVEL – EXISTING DAMAGE
This is easy, take a picture and put it on record that the vehicle was inspected with existing damage as you check it in.
This is easy, take a picture and put it on record that the vehicle was inspected with existing damage as you check it in.
SECOND LEVEL – UNKNOWN PROBLEMS
“Hey, my AC doesn’t work, it wasn’t like that when I brought it in here!” Several years ago, this was a difficult problem to tackle, in today’s world or scanners, this is easy. Perform a complete vehicle scan with an Autel scanner and save the pdf… there your proof will likely relinquish your responsibility.
“Hey, my AC doesn’t work, it wasn’t like that when I brought it in here!” Several years ago, this was a difficult problem to tackle, in today’s world or scanners, this is easy. Perform a complete vehicle scan with an Autel scanner and save the pdf… there your proof will likely relinquish your responsibility.
THIRD LEVEL – KNOWN PROBLEMS
You’re thinking, the customer already knows this is a problem… how can I possibly be liable for this?! Well, is it documented? Did you accurately convey to the customer the level of severity? Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t. But advising a customer accurately of their potential for creating an unsafe scenario for themselves, their vehicle inhabitants, and those around them… IS OUR JOB. Failure to do so properly, has resulted in jail sentences in extreme cases.
You’re thinking, the customer already knows this is a problem… how can I possibly be liable for this?! Well, is it documented? Did you accurately convey to the customer the level of severity? Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t. But advising a customer accurately of their potential for creating an unsafe scenario for themselves, their vehicle inhabitants, and those around them… IS OUR JOB. Failure to do so properly, has resulted in jail sentences in extreme cases.
FOURTH LEVEL – DOCUMENTATION
Ever been pulled over in a customers vehicle? Worse yet, ever been in an accident in a customers vehicle? Even in the event that neither of these have happened to you, how comfortable do you feel getting in a vehicle where you don’t know where the paperwork work is, if it even exists. Need we say more about this?
Ever been pulled over in a customers vehicle? Worse yet, ever been in an accident in a customers vehicle? Even in the event that neither of these have happened to you, how comfortable do you feel getting in a vehicle where you don’t know where the paperwork work is, if it even exists. Need we say more about this?
Your Team

Let me start by saying, they are not your employees. Treat them as such and they will treat it as a job not a career. I can’t stress how important this aspect it.  The world is changing at an alarming rate and this industry is no exception right now.  If you want to ensure longevity you need to prepare to share the burden and some of the benefits, in order to attract employees that build a team.
A lot of people let their ego drive their initiative to do more.  Sometimes it can work out but more often than not, it burns people out and you’re left alone wondering why you can’t “find good help”.  As a business owner, I made the choice to involve our team members in all company decisions. This doesn’t mean they have the final say, this means they have a say.  When your team members have a say, they are more vested in everyone’s success.
In addition, we are going to make an assumption here.  We need to in order to provide a good example. We are going to assume that you, the person reading this article, have technician experience and you want to open a shop because you can and will do things better.  First, congrats. That feeling is amazing. Second, research till you question everything…. THEN, execute.
If you are the good technician, you are going to need at least ONE more team member to start.  That team member will inevitably become the shop manager if you can do this correctly. Here are the responsibilities that you are NOT aware of as a technician.

Who’s going to answer phones?
Who’s going to monitor your social media?
Who’s going to deal with happy and/or irate customers?
Who’s going to follow through on parts orders?
Who’s going to make estimates and get customer authorizations?
Who’s going to keep your paperwork in order so you can review it on weekends?

If you’re a technician and you’re serious about opening up a business in this industry in today’s world… the very first hire needs to be someone who is going to keep the business moving, according to your vision.  You can not focus on being great at repair and running a front office. You can try to do both for a while, but you will eventually burn yourself out. The amount of mental energy it takes for you to switch from one role to the next, is exhausting beyond measure.
Your team and your vision to build this team… is your greatest long term asset. Please note, this is not the definitive guide on how to open an auto repair business. This is merely a guide to get you to start thinking about the things you will need to worry about to run a successful business in nearly every industry… but especially the auto repair industry.Software is the tool that is supposed to help control this process, helping to ensure your business is meticulous in every part of the repair process. This helps you build both strong and organized business records so if a problem were ever to arise, your liability is diminished greatly.
CAR was designed with all of these elements and many more in mind. We didn’t just build a way to bill your customers, we built a system to help you run your business. With our mobile platform, everything from the initial vehicle inspection to making the customer aware of the state of their vehicle, is what helps you manage the day to day in a manner that reduces your liability exposure.Follow through with this article by reading about our other experiences in the auto industry, where we pass on lessons about running a business in 2018. This is focused on the auto repair industry, but there is plenty here that can be applied forward to help other businesses get off the ground and noticed locally.  Even though the businesses may differ significantly, the challenges of getting noticed and operating efficiently are similar.

Part 1 – Challenges Of The Auto Repair Business In 2018 Part 1
Part 2 – Auto Repair Business Marketing Challenges In 2018 Part 2
Part 3 – Advertising For Auto Repair Businesses In 2018 Part 3
Part 4 – Software For Your Auto Service Facility In 2018 Part 4
7 Basic Steps Of The Auto Repair Process

Software For Your Auto Service Facility In 2018 Part 4

Software Is A Tool, Not An Expense!

Software is a tool, using the wrong one, costs more time and money!
It’s funny, that the article we thought would be the easiest to write, has been the one that is proving to be the hardest. I mean, we make some pretty awesome auto repair software… so, what else do you need? Well, after some serious thought, we all use A LOT of software at our auto repair facilities each day. So we are going to touch on some of the most important aspects that each software should have and how to make the best decision for you, your business, the team at your service facility, and your customers.So to start, let us think about all the software that you use right now and how much it might be costing you.Desktop Operating Software:
Sadly most outdated vehicle repair software requires Windows in order to work. While there are strides being made in advancing access from Windows programs to Web applications, many repair facilities NEED Windows because of the vehicle repair software they are accustomed to. So, the majority of shops relying on that outdated infrastructure are running Windows PC’s. We’ve seen some shops still running unsupported versions of Windows, like Windows XP, but we’ll touch up on that in a later article.
Within each desktop, regardless of their actual setup, each shop needs the following to function at minimum: web browser (Firefox & Chrome – free), calculator (included), basic word processing (Microsoft Office – not free for anyone or Google Docs – not free for business, but there are free options available).

Basic Windows PC’s – $400 gets the job done, albeit slowly with outdated hardware and likely a refurbished machine. But, a savvy shopper can get something decent for that price point with an updated version of Windows.
Chromebooks – $300++ Not a bad option, but it means you must not rely on any Windows software to run your shop.
Mac – Starts @ $800 and if you want to run Windows software, it’s going to get more expensive… fast.

Now that you have the basics, let’s discuss what you need to operate effectively and what you can expect to pay.Looking To Open Up An Auto Repair Facility?
We’ve all been there, tired and frustrated with our boss.  You get the feeling that you can absolutely do this better than they can… and you want to do this better than they do it.  So you start to dream about what it would be like if you ran your own auto facility. Funny thing about our dreams, they don’t account for the brick walls you’ll run into.  Lucky for you and your dreams, we account for quite a few of them in this article. 
We are going to lay out the challenges, that we are aware of, that ‘soon to be shop owners’ may face and need to consider.  Please note that our experience, is from a densely populated area, local laws might make it harder or easier to accomplish some or all of these tasks.  This is meant to be used as a guide on what to expect and the type of research to do when trying to open a shop in your local area.
Where It All Starts

Budget:  All of this costs money to start.  The less you plan for, the more expensive things get. You can save significant time and money finding an existing facility that is abandoned or is for sale already and has the equipment you need to get you started.
Patience:  Nothing happens at the speed of light these days, unless you’re using CAR on your mobile device.  A lot of time is spent waiting on the input or response of others. Pick a method to manage all of the tasks.  We outline how to build a team with your gmail account. You can also organize everything in your plan to open a business with Gmail using the same logic to track tasks, save documents and have mobile access to everything.
Research: You want to survive the first 5 years?  Get used to asking a ton of questions, to anyone who will help you or hear you out.  Ask questions about everything, and most importantly… ask yourself and do your own homework.

 
Questions to consider asking yourself, others, and/or Google:

How many shops are in a 4 mile radius?
What’s the population in the 3 surrounding towns, plus the one I’m in?
How many households?
How much money do I have for this investment into my future? The sub questions here are insane.  What’s my projected monthly expenses? How long can I survive after having setup the business?
Are there other people I can partner with in this endeavor?
Does this location have parking?
What’s the crime like in this area?
What’s the traffic like? Go there, morning, noon and night… get to know your potential new neighborhood before you sign on the dotted line.

Now that the easy stuff is out of the way.  Let’s dig in.
Today’s auto repair businesses need to worry about the following:
Advertising
Can be expensive and very confusing. The best method to start is to get your feet wet with small budgets that keep your name in front of your potential customers, constantly.
Can be expensive and very confusing. The best method to start is to get your feet wet with small budgets that keep your name in front of your potential customers, constantly.
Employee Advancement
Providing an environment where employees know they can grow with your business, whether financially or moving up within the organization, is the key to keeping and securing talent.
Providing an environment where employees know they can grow with your business, whether financially or moving up within the organization, is the key to keeping and securing talent.
Employee Engagement
Keeping your employees as interested in your success as you are is critical to the elements that keep people returning and employees from leaving.
Keeping your employees as interested in your success as you are is critical to the elements that keep people returning and employees from leaving.
Location
Securing a proper location and the authorization to conduct business there over the long term ensures survival.
Securing a proper location and the authorization to conduct business there over the long term ensures survival.
Marketing
This is the most complicated element in today’s world. It involves a mix of a strong web presence, good advertising ethics, social media profile, and following up with customers.
This is the most complicated element in today’s world. It involves a mix of a strong web presence, good advertising ethics, social media profile, and following up with customers.
Software
Without good software, it is difficult to run any business. Good software is and always has been subjective. Our experiences indicate that good software saves you time and builds trust with your customers. Most importantly, it should work for you and not against you.
Without good software, it is difficult to run any business. Good software is and always has been subjective. Our experiences indicate that good software saves you time and builds trust with your customers. Most importantly, it should work for you and not against you.
Tools
Without the proper tools, we just can’t work on today’s vehicles.
Without the proper tools, we just can’t work on today’s vehicles.
Training
Without the proper training, we put ourselves and our customers at high risk.
Without the proper training, we put ourselves and our customers at high risk.
Your Team

Let me start by saying, they are not your employees. Treat them as such and they will treat it as a job not a career. I can’t stress how important this aspect it.  The world is changing at an alarming rate and this industry is no exception right now.  If you want to ensure longevity you need to prepare to share the burden and some of the benefits, in order to attract employees that build a team.
A lot of people let their ego drive their initiative to do more.  Sometimes it can work out but more often than not, it burns people out and you’re left alone wondering why you can’t “find good help”.  As a business owner, I made the choice to involve our team members in all company decisions. This doesn’t mean they have the final say, this means they have a say.  When your team members have a say, they are more vested in everyone’s success.
In addition, we are going to make an assumption here.  We need to in order to provide a good example. We are going to assume that you, the person reading this article, have technician experience and you want to open a shop because you can and will do things better.  First, congrats. That feeling is amazing. Second, research till you question everything…. THEN, execute.
If you are the good technician, you are going to need at least ONE more team member to start.  That team member will inevitably become the shop manager if you can do this correctly. Here are the responsibilities that you are NOT aware of as a technician.

Who’s going to answer phones?
Who’s going to monitor your social media?
Who’s going to deal with happy and/or irate customers?
Who’s going to follow through on parts orders?
Who’s going to make estimates and get customer authorizations?
Who’s going to keep your paperwork in order so you can review it on weekends?

If you’re a technician and you’re serious about opening up a business in this industry in today’s world… the very first hire needs to be someone who is going to keep the business moving, according to your vision.  You can not focus on being great at repair and running a front office. You can try to do both for a while, but you will eventually burn yourself out. The amount of mental energy it takes for you to switch from one role to the next, is exhausting beyond measure.
Your team and your vision to build this team… is your greatest long term asset. Please note, this is not the definitive guide on how to open an auto repair business. This is merely a guide to get you to start thinking about the things you will need to worry about to run a successful business in nearly every industry… but especially the auto repair industry.Vehicle Repair Software:

All Data – Minimum of $160 per month for Repair Information
Mitchell – Minimum of $160 per month for Repair Information
Identifix – Minimum of $160 per month for Repair Information
Motor – Minimum of $100 per month for Repair Information

So all of the above items are the largest players in the field of repair information, without them you can’t get a broad swath of repair information to be prepared for anything that comes into your shop. You can however, prepare differently if your shop has a narrow focus. For instance, if you only work on General Motors vehicle, you can buy their Service information separately. Direct from General Motors that subscription can cost you $150 per month or $1200 for the year. You can read more about manufacturers and their independent subscriptions here.Auto Repair Software:
So after learning how to fix each vehicle, you still have to invoice your customer for the work you’re doing. If you’re anything like our founder, you want accurate records to avoid potential liability nightmares in the future. Accurate records means that the very least you have to be able to take pictures of problems areas and perform a digital vehicle inspection. We are setting the bar pretty low here, but we want you to see what this does financially.
For nearly all non cloud based auto repair software, and even some cloud based systems, you MUST have an additional component like Bolt On or AutoVitals added to the already existing subscription to get pictures and digital vehicle inspections. Both Bolt On & Auto Vitals are Shop Management Enhancement Suites, neither of them are invoicing platforms and each of them requires a separate invoicing platform, you can not bill a customer with either of those platforms. You can only use them as an “add on” components to existing shop processes with already bloated software options, in our opinion. Neither All Data Manage or Mitchell Manager are mobile and utilizing one system is difficult enough sometimes, let alone using one system to invoice and another to add bells and whistles.

All Data Repair & All Data Manage with Bolt On OR AutoVitals – Starting @ $700 per month.
Mitchell On Demand & Mitchell Manager SE With Bolt on OR Auto Vitals – Starting @ $700 per month.

AutoVitals & Bolt On are amazing systems within their own right. Each tackles a specific shop and/or consumer aspect that All Data and Mitchell ultimately fail at. However… you’re paying more for ancillary parts of the business, than you’re paying for everything else. A pretty steep price if you ask us. With CAR, you get a good mix of each system in a single platform. We are constantly working to advance our service suite but we feel we have a strong offering that is completely mobile.Our auto repair software, CAR, tackles the following elements at a base price of $50 per month:

Invoicing
Digital Vehicle Inspections
Integrated Parts Ordering
Vendor & Resource Management
Overdue Reports & Payment Reminders
Direct Email Marketing
Built In Reviews
Full Mobility From ANY Internet Enabled Device – That $200 Samsung Tablet? WORKS PERFECT. No special hardware requirements other than updated software suites.
Appointment Bookings
Customer Authorization

For $100 a month you can add:

Employee Management – Complete with time tracking abilities for each and every job
Individual Logins
Complete Employee Control Over System AccessAs you can see, we feel that we offer a strong and competitive product that enables you to grow your business and can grow with your business. Everyone reading this presently pays more for their cell phone bill than you can pay for software that runs your business and communicates with your customer.
What are you waiting for to adapt at your shop? The future is now and failing to adapt only seals your fate as a business owner.In case you missed how we started this 4 part series, we wanted to open your mind to what it’s like to run a business in 2018. This is focused on the auto repair industry, but there is plenty here that can be applied forward to help other businesses get off the ground and noticed locally.  Even though the businesses may differ significantly, the challenges of getting noticed and operating efficiently are similar.

Part 1 – Challenges Of The Auto Repair Business In 2018 Part 1
Part 2 – Auto Repair Business Marketing Challenges In 2018 Part 2
Part 3 – Advertising For Auto Repair Businesses In 2018 Part 3
7 Basic Steps Of The Auto Repair Process