McDonald’s taught me a lot about running an auto business. That probably sounds crazy. Let me explain.
Do you think every McDonald’s puts a unique twist on the hamburger? No! Every franchise follows the same procedure. If every cook did their own thing, customers wouldn’t know what to expect.
Auto shops aren’t necessarily a franchise. I call mine a community. We can still learn something from McDonald’s. Every customer deserves to be treated with the same care and attention. That’s where an inspection process might be helpful. Here are six really good reasons to follow that suggestion.
1. Nothing gets missed.
Most drivers think oil changes are the only auto service they need. Wrong. Cars require more care and attention than that. An inspection process will help your mechanics remember the most important areas to check. Otherwise, drivers might not realize there is a problem until they get stuck on the side of the road.
2. Mechanics feel confident.
Let’s say a brand new mechanic completes trade school and gets hired at your shop. Hooray for new blood! Remember how intimidated you were when you entered the auto industry? If not, I’ll remind you. The first few months of any new career is scary. Remove some pressure with an inspection process. Hang a poster that outlines the essential steps or print a cheat-sheet. Your staff will appreciate the thought!
3. Customers are treated equally.
Don’t let your mechanics decide what is important. Do let them offer input about how things could be better. Every business should strive for continuous improvement. If they have a great idea, change the process and call an all staff meeting to catch everybody up. Until then, expect everyone to stick with the plan. If they don’t, your customers won’t receive the same quality of service. That’s not fair (and it’s no good for your brand either).
4. Drivers save time, money, and trouble.
An inspection process can increase an auto shop’s profit, but that’s not the primary goal. The point is to help people be safe and save money. Look for issues that could make your customers break down. Addressing those issues costs money, but neglecting them could lead to significant damage and a more expensive repair later. Don’t push for the sale. Educate the driver and let them decide. See yourself as a service provider (not a salesman).
5. Auto shops don’t have to worry about selling.
People might get upset when you suggest a service that they didn’t request. That’s because they don’t know your intention is positive. Make sure they understand you’re looking out for their best interest. Even more importantly, make sure your staff knows how to communicate that fact. Team building games are helpful. Ask your staff to take turns playing the mechanic and customer. Provide them with a general script and let them make it their own. Women Auto Know offers workshops like this. Click here for more information.
6. Inspection processes create a win/win/win situation.
Running an auto business is easier with an inspection process. Drivers save money. Mechanics make less mistakes. Auto shops sell more services. Everybody wins! I can’t think of one good reason not to implement this tip. Can you?
Please share this blog with any mechanics or auto shop owners you know who could use this advice. Thanks! 🙂
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