Starting a new business in any industry is scary, especially when the field is technical and competitive. New auto shop owners rely heavily on word of mouth to help them stand out from their competitors.
But, how can you entice your customers to recommend you instead of a shop that’s been in business for decades? It’s not difficult, and you will learn how to make your shop successful with these seven simple tips.
1. Provide Excellent Customer Service for a Memorable Experience
As with any business, providing good customer service is key to making your auto shop successful. People want to walk into a business and believe the owner cares about them, not just their money.
Remember not to become overbearing. Being too nice will have your customers questioning your motives. The goal is to make your customers feel welcome and know they can trust you to fix their problems.
People who come to your shop are more likely stressed due to their car breaking down. For example, while they’re waiting for you to finish, ask them if they need a drink of water. The little things count, and your customers will surely remember.
2. Get Insurance for Your Auto Repair Shop
Anything can happen inside your shop while you’re working on repairing cars. For example, a customer can trip over a tool and dislocate their shoulders, or one of your workers can get hurt while repairing.
Not saying this will happen, but you don’t want to take the risk. Before you open for business, get insurance for your auto repair shop. Then, you can cover the cost and protect your assets if something happens.
3. Offer Customers a Loyalty Program
It can be challenging to stand out among competitors, but having a good loyalty program can keep customers returning. Data shows that 79% of people look into loyalty programs and rewards before making a purchasing decision.
It’s a good marketing tool to ensure customers return to your shop. Auto repair loyalty programs are a win-win for both you and the customers.
4. Consider Buying an Auto Shop Management Software
The way you manage your auto shop is the key to your success. Without a proper management system in place, your business will fail fast.
It’s crucial for you to keep track of repair orders, inventory, and customer information. Thanks to technology, you can find a tool to help manage your auto shop. So, consider investing in auto shop management software to make life easier.
5. Have a Marketing Plan to Promote Your Business
When it comes to marketing, you need to understand how to advertise your auto shop business online. The word-of-mouth marketing method is not enough for you to attract new customers and stay in business.
Learn how to promote your business on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can find free social media courses to help you understand how these platforms work and how to use them to your advantage.
6. Always Respect Your Employees
The auto industry has a high turnover rate and slow job growth for mechanics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for mechanics will grow by 5% between 2020 and 2030.
This is a much slower pace compared to other industries’ job outlooks. But, there are ways to keep your employees happy and avoid a high turnover rate for your auto shop.
Creating a positive work environment is one way to keep your employees. Show your mechanics you care by paying them well, offering benefits, and training.
Also, remember your workers have a life outside of work. Discuss with them to understand why they request time off or a schedule change.
Allow them to do this if it’s reasonable to establish themselves outside work better. The happier employees are outside of work, the more likely they will carry positivity to work and be efficient in their job.
7. Be Willing to Learn New Skills
As an auto shop owner, you will need specific skills to succeed in your business. If you don’t have those skills, you will need to learn them to keep your shop going.
Below are essential skills every auto shop owner must have:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Financial management
- Problem-solving
You may be great at repairing cars, but you might not be good at keeping track of numbers. If your financial skills are not great, consider taking a business management course.
Also, as an auto shop owner, you will need to know how to delegate tasks among your employees. You don’t want to be doing everything yourself or putting all duties on one employee. Instead, ensure everyone in the shop has a fair amount of work, so no one is doing too much or too little.
Never Failed With These 7 Tips for an Auto Shop’s Success
Building a business is not easy, especially in the auto industry. But, with these seven tips, you can ensure your success and remain in business for years. Remember to keep your customers happy, invest in your employees, and always look for ways to improve yourself as an owner.