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Knowledge Centre
News Highlights
- Analysis: The future of vehicle maintenance
- Cheapest or best value: What’s the difference?
- How jobbers benefit from dealers expanding service
- More pay bumps on the way: CFIB
- Going beyond the four seasons to attract customers
- How will technician jobs be impacted by EVs?
- From the Magazine: Business Management: Navigating the changing retail landscape
- A new job title shop owners should take on
- From the Magazine: Coaching: Customer service v.s. customer experience
- Bestbuy celebrates 70 years
- It’s ‘impossible’ to catch fraud but you can reduce risk
- From the Magazine: Avoiding critter chaos
- Worldpac, Carquest cut ribbon on new Ontario DC
- Being aware of your staff’s stress points
- From the Magazine: Marketing Insights: Raising Your Profile
- Tips to stand out with customers
- From the Magazine: It’s Your Turn: Delusions of Grandeur
- How the aftermarket should handle higher interest rates
- Why you need to get emotion out of pricing
- CARS mag: ADAS | Delusions of grandeur | Marketing insights
- Elite Worldwide announces ownership change
- How to target your next acquisition
- The aftermarket’s new inventory concerns
- We asked you: What shops said about labour rate and customer feedback
- How service advisors can build rapport
- Shops say this is their biggest concern
- 5 reasons why some shops fail
- The two types of trust you need in your shop
- Hybrid work: Here to stay
- Why you need to decide on the type of clients you want
- ICE vehicles will be your main business for a long time
- Bad marketing will only bring you bad clients
- The risks of not doing ADAS calibration in your shop
- Got a bad review? Here’s how to handle it
- EV preparation: They won’t all be Teslas
- The shop owner’s self-esteem problem
- Ontario NAPA associate owners gather in NOTL
- Businesses call for cap on credit card fees
- Creating value in your shop if you’re looking to sell
- One expert’s way to solve the technician shortage ‘epidemic’
- Aftermarket shops show enthusiasm for this year
- Cyberattacks hit nearly half of businesses
- Why you shouldn’t cut your labour rate for this reason
- AARO, CFIB partner up
- How workplaces are changing and will continue to change
- The importance of culture in your shop
- Who’s most likely to make a career move in 2023?
- Labour rate: If you raise it, will they still come?
- Online or in-store? What customers prefer in the aftermarket
- Changing the mindset from tech to owner
- Will the latest interest rate hike be the last one for a while?
- How far behind the industry is with labour rate
- From the magazine: It’s Your Turn: Keeping stock
- Why customer experience is now more important than ever
- How much your medical benefits costs could jump
- A key tool to draw in younger customers
- How to drop repetitive tasks in a shop
- Why the aftermarket is ‘in trouble’ as retirements loom
- Here’s how to not scare off talent
- Shop of the Year: Being a professional
- Tips on keeping the shop clean
- How to respond to a customer complaining about price
- The age group you need to target — and how to do it
- Traps to avoid as a shop owner
- Interest rates up again — is a pause coming?
- Even when busy, don’t forget about marketing
- The dangers of not succession planning
- From the magazine: The 3M’s of marketing
- Fortin’s Supply: 2022 Jobber of the Year
- From the magazine: Keys to success
- Why it’s time for you to become a training company
- From the magazine: Overcoming the challenges
- Why salaries are primed for big jump
- Signing bonus: Good or bad idea?
- Consumers really like online shopping: Study
- From the magazine:The future of automotive e-tailing
- Changing how you charge for labour
- Another reason to charge customers more
- From the magazine: Staffing shortages
- The right way to help consumers as they face tough times
- You have too much ‘fluff’ in your expenses. Here’s how to cut it
- How the aftermarket will treat credit card fees
- Why techs can’t be afraid to share knowledge
- The unsuspecting way you give work away for free
- Why you need to pay attention to economic tea leaves
- How to give young techs a career path
- Why shops can’t ‘play bank’ to customers
- Why this expert encourages poaching
- Finding the right person to take over your business
- Control what you can before the surprises bowl you over
- Business can now add credit card fees
- How new investors can help your shop
- Why shops can’t rely on part sales to make money
- Profitability of fleet partnerships
- Are you in the right seat when talking to your employees?
- From the magazine: Breaking Belts
- Is your price matrix set up properly? Do you even have one?
- What makes the aftermarket recession resilient?
- It’s time for a new recruitment strategy
- Why you need to hang to as much cash as possible
- Why it’s time to stop offering ‘good, better best’
- Now more than ever: Under-promise and over-deliver
- New privacy rules will impact your shop
- Here’s how to do job postings right
- Why shops need to change how they charge for diag work
- Column: Dropping bad habits
- From the magazine: Build back better
- Industry’s role as ownership structures change
- Domestics plunge, imports soar in U.S.
- Why keeping staff will still be a challenge
- How this shop got a remote service advisor
- How many Canadians are looking for new jobs
- What flashy marketing really says about your shop
- How high will interest rates go?
- U.S. car sales tumble in July but not dealer profits
- Mahle sets record sales numbers
- Why today’s logistics problems are different
- Is your shop too busy? Why that’s a bad thing, and how to manage it
- Here’s who should do your quality control checks
- Column: Solving problems
- Tips to stop fraud in your shop
- Jobber of the Year winner changes banners
- How to build trust with your clients
- Where customers say you can improve
- How are you delighting your customers?
- Going mobile is key to aftermarket’s future
- Shops need to go after ‘gravy work’
- Stop negotiating prices, coach urges
- How to set up a proper inspection process
- Is the aftermarket still recession resilient?
- Don’t be afraid to sell to the customer
- ASE adds ADAS certification test
- How chat features can drive your bottom line
- Interest rates hiked. How will this affect consumers?
- The latest fraud schemes hitting your shop
- How you may be able to claim money from credit card class action
- How employee pay is changing
- Advance Auto Parts offers remodelling program to shops
- What shop owners can learn from dentists
- Is nearshoring the real deal?
- Here’s what’s key in a hybrid workplace
- The importance of always recommending needed service
- Shop-ware, Voyomotive announce partnership
- Are your repair orders easy to read? Probably not
- Long-time Bestbuy member joins Uni-Select
- This shop coach wants you to offer a huge warranty
- Why shops need a quality control system for customer vehicles
- AIA Canada gives highest honour to Bob Greenwood
- Why efficiency is the best gauge of your shop
- Why you need an SOP, and in writing
- How one mistake can ruin the customer relationship
- The effect of high gas prices on auto repair
- How Canadians are re-evaluating their careers
- Take the Annual Jobber Survey today
- Tips to get rid of the ‘muck’ in your shop
- The biggest challenges facing shops
- Two key questions to ask when a customer enters the shop
- Why you need set customer expectations
- If this is your competitive advantage, you’re doing it wrong
- Why communication is key to building customer trust
- Profile: Celebrating 50 years
- How to keep the human touch in your shop
- CARS Executive Outlook: Greg Waring
- CARS Executive Outlook: John O’Dowd
- How ICE-component suppliers need to adjust
- CARS Executive Outlook: Greg Lawrence
- ASW Conversations: What’s on the mind of Fountain Tire’s next CEO
- CARS Executive Outlook: Tony Kuczynski
- JNPSoft, Opticat unify branding
- Go back to the office? What most would rather do
- Why this person has the most important job in your shop
- Aftermarket could benefit from dealer strikes
- CARS Executive Outlook: Daniel Hubbard
- Why we’re probably saying bye to lean manufacturing
- Why customer surveys don’t work
- CARS Executive Outlook: Jason Herle
- The top risks affecting your business
- CARS Executive Outlook: Costa Haitas
- Automotive industry workers report declining mental health
- CARS Executive Outlook: Diane Freeman
- CARS Executive Outlook: J.F. Champagne
- Some good supply chain news…
- Panic ordering continuing to plague supply chains
- CARS Executive Outlook: Shiva Bhardwaj
- Is inflation good or bad for the aftermarket?
- The 8-hour workday: A thing of the past?
- How ASE is trying to draw in more women technicians
- The black swans negatively impacting the aftermarket
- Instead of poaching techs, do this
- Canadian jobbers not following American pattern of closures
- Jobber takes over Saskatoon racetrack naming rights
- Will the good times continue for aftermarket shops?
- Why it will take time to learn how to service EVs
- Those who can’t work from home are less happy
- How many Canadians are looking for a new job, and why
- Why it’ll take more than money to attract techs
- Biz leader optimism falls sharply
- How the aftermarket can market to women
- U.S. jobber closures pick up over pandemic
- How much Omicron could impact the economy
- Latest predictions for the end of supply chain disruptions
- How much Liqui Moly saw sales jump
- Enhanced Media: Jobber News Executive Outlook 2022
- Predicting the EV trend for the aftermarket
- ASW Conversations: What’s the future of autonomous?
- Why the aftermarket is only going to grow
- Why these coaches think some shop owners won’t raise rates
- ASE opens winter registration
- As sweet spot grows, these vehicles will boost your business
- ASW Conversations: What else is behind supply chain delays?
- What four ‘mega-forces’ will shape the aftermarket this year
- ‘This is not a friendly industry for women’
- Shop sued over pennies payment
- How Lordco navigated devastating floods
- More OE shortages, more good aftermarket news
- Ensuring proper health and wellness in your business
- Shop of the Year: ‘We all have to be role models’
- It’s time to update your January wallpaper calendar
- Top concerns of Canadian manufacturers
- Raise your rates, coaches urge shop owners
- ASW Conversations: ‘Perfect storm’ of supply chain issues
- Rotomaster changes logo, packaging
- Parry Automotive now part of the Ideal Supply family
- How much more business U.S. shops are seeing
- What consumers plan to do with their money next year
- How Amazon is becoming a greater aftermarket threat
- Can flexwork work in the aftermarket?
- Treat recruitment like sales: Expert
- Jobber of the Year: ‘One big family’
- ASW Conversations: Avoiding cold weather issues
- Why the automotive industry is a target for cybercrime
- Vaccination policy will add to supply chain issues: Truckers
- The biggest challenges facing suppliers
- It’s time to update your December wallpaper calendar
- Mitchell 1 update includes tech productivity tracking
- How bad fill rates are these days
- Vast-Auto acquires CAPS
- What’s driving sales at Uni-Select
- PartSource retools, looks for growth
- Why aftermarket recruitment needs an overhaul
- BBB announces flurry of acquisitions, new division
- The latest on restructuring efforts at Spectra
- There’s no ‘quick fix’ to supply disruption
- The Unified Parts Group: The 2021 Jobber of the Year
- New face for Uni-Select’s Canadian team
- Advice on when to increase prices
- ASW Conversations: Extending services beyond your shop’s four walls
- Why it takes more than money to attract good talent
- EV components will grow but don’t write off ICE just yet: Report
- Aftermarket welcomed back in Vegas
- Offer best of both customer experience worlds: Expert
- From the magazine: Maintaining electric vehicles
- How high could container costs go?
- Where to improve as a remote boss
- It’s time to update your November wallpaper calendar
- Can ‘right to disconnect’ laws actually work?
- Here’s what’s important to customers getting their vehicles serviced
- Want growth? Get more digital
- ASW Conversations: How do you solve a problem like carbon build up?
- Mahle extends partnership with TecAlliance
- Mister Transmission creates new role
- ZF names new aftermarket VP
- Get ready for more supply chain delays
- Going more digital? The security nightmare that may await
- ‘People really like’ your shop’s contactless service
- New leader named for FinishMaster
- Here’s what’s keeping suppliers up at night these days
- Liqui Moly touts growth despite supply challenges
- ASW Conversations: Keeping oil top of mind in your shop
- How much supplier disruptions are hurting repair shops
- ASW Conversations: How shop business has changed
- New owner, name for Spectra Premium
- Remembering Bob Greenwood
- How Mahle plans to help shops going forward
- Mister Transmission hosts first show and shine
- What Uni-Select’s Q2 results say about the state of the aftermarket
- 5 things shops need to know about EV maintenance
- Ontario not enforcing rules on techs: Report
- Pitfalls to avoid when planning an office return
- How to create a simple digital marketing plan for your local automotive business
- Here’s why product knowledge training is crucial to employee success
- It’s Your Turn: Those dreaded wheel locks!
- Measuring the productivity of your whole team
- Off the shelf: How to keep them coming back
- Confidentiality in the workplace
- What are customers NOT telling you about their car care experience?
- Mitchell 1 offers free webinar series on consumer perceptions
- Straw Poll: What I’ve learned during Covid
- Commentary: Fishing for profits? Don’t neglect your marketing!
- Covid 19: Just the latest challenge
- Greenwood: The true cost of running your business
- Off the Shelf: It’s all in the detailing
- Why all the fuss about tiered labour rates?
- Commentary: A new kind of TRUST
- Commentary: Why YES works
- Are you doing what the best shop owners are doing?
- ASW Conversations: Jeremy O’Neal on the most important hour of the day
- Social-distancing floor and window decals available for aftermarket
- What will your next fleet look like?
- ASW Conversations: Bob Greenwood on counting billed hours… not cars
- Updated survey reveals post-Covid shop challenges
- Marketing primer: How to attract new customers
- COMMENTARY: Seeking Silver Linings
- Getting Paid: How to collect without creating hard feelings
- Test and charge: ramping up battery sales
- Commentary: Training is no longer an option
- Fountain Tire launches financing solution for customers
- ASW Conversations: Sebastian Zelger on the value of transparency
- VL Com releases update for AB Magic
- ASW Conversations: John Fisher on adapting to working online
- SiriusXM and Bolt On partner on free offer
- What does it mean to work “ON” the business?
- Tell us your pandemic stories!
- Kukui World: Tech company plans full online conference
- ASW Conversations: Zara Wishloff on why we’re so essential
- Epicor launches Eagle for the Aftermarket
- Greenwood’s Garage: Are you in denial?
- Shop launches program to help other stores in town
- ASW Conversations: Scott Eccles on helping fellow businesses
- Volvo U.S. launches home-pickup app
- Getting paid: Do your customers know how to eTransfer money?
- Greenwood’s Garage: Building the right clientele
- Disinfecting surfaces? Do it right!
- Audio Special: The new realities of retail
- Auto parts and vehicle repairs more essential than ever, AIA says
- Coronavirus update: Taking the temperature of the industry
- Susan Hitchon joins AAEC as Ontario licensee
- Greenwood’s Garage: Are you headed for trouble?
- Greenwood’s Garage: Why CRM matters
- New program automatically texts inspection results to customers
- SELLING: How to gain your customer’s confidence
- Mitchell 1 opens registration for workshop in Florida
- What do your female customers think of your shop?
- What are you listening to?
- Accessorizing sales
- Leveraging the World’s Biggest Search Engine
- Technology placing new demands on technicians’ time: research
- Auto Value and Confidence Plus partner with autotext.me
- AB Magic obtains the newest NexLink certification
- GREENWOOD: Get focused on your client
- Greenwood: Create an “Achievement Checklist”
- Have you decked the halls? Show us your lights and tinsel!
- Winning websites reveal marketing tips for 2020
- Greenwood’s Garage: Gearing up for change
- November manufacturing up: IHS Markit
- Pricing for Profit
- Selling quality parts: It’s better for everyone
- New Greenwood video: What kind of customers do you want?
- Shop coaches come together to promote professionalism
- GREENWOOD: Is it time to re-assess your business?
- Modern CRM is all about stronger relationships: Greenwood
- Greenwood’s Garage: How’s your year going?
- Today’s H.R.: Bringing women into the aftermarket
- The true cost of renting
- Future success hinges on tools and training: AIA
- WORK CULTURE: Engaged and committed
- Commentary: Standing in the Gap
- Greenwood’s Garage: How can you tell if you’re headed for trouble?
- ShopPros to offer service advisor training course
- Canadian manufucturing shows ‘signs of positivity’
- Epicor to offer free tech consultations at AAPEX
- Kukui webinar examines how you charge for your services
- Greenwood’s Garage: Four corners of success
- AAPEX summit to address consolidation
- AIA report says maintenance is a ‘high priority’ for most
- Dealership service departments still lag behind independent shops: J.D. Power
- COMMENTARY: Are we at the end of the I.C.E. Age?
- CIAA to participate in AIA’s ASP associate program
- Lindertech to feature training for the whole shop
- StatsCan releases profile of self-employed Canadians
- Gain Aftermarket introduces Roadshow Roadmap
- Paid Paid Knowledge Centre: The Blockchain Economy
- New video: Coming tech will ‘blow some shops out of the water’
- Greenwood: Picking up on some red flags!
- Brampton parts store joins the Vast family
- Collision study finds room for optimism on labour shortage
- Bolt On Technology launches new website
- Greenwood: Growing Through Diversification
- Majority stake in OEConnection is sold
- The points of the fraud triangle
- BY THE NUMBERS: Some facts about texting
- How routine work builds loyalty
- GREENWOOD: The blueprint for investment
- ASA looking for pictures of ‘Best Bay Area’
- How collaboration will transform your business
- Five tips to providing a five-star experience
- Chevron Knowledge Centre: When cars start phoning the shops themselves
- Greenwood: Making your investments pay off
- Technician Shortage: There is no master key
- Lacombe Auto Service: Our 2019 Shop of the Year
- Greenwood’s Garage: Pick the right people!
- Chevron Knowledge Centre: All signs point to growing fleet work
- Mitchell1 offers product training for owners, managers
- When emissions programs end… what then?
- Ontario dealership fined after workers injured under faulty hoist
- NEW VIDEO: Greenwood on the importance of empowering staff
- Jasper acquires Diesel USA Group
- Avoiding phone fails
- COMMENTARY: Welcome to the new aftermarket
- Tompkins International announces additions to executive team
- New episode of Greenwood’s Garage: Tweaking your revenue mix
- COMMENTARY: Time For An Industry Makeover
- Randy Moore discusses new book in ASW “Deep Dive” video
- COMMENTARY: Looking for good techs? Try building your own
- ASA announces new board of directors
- New Episode: Transform the culture of your business… and reap the rewards
- Carparts family in northern U.S. grows bigger
- Cardone plans for growth with new majority owner
- More automotive service is being booked online
- Independent shops get mixed review from consumers: Lang
- Cox Automotive study reveals shifting car buyer attitudes
- Being a professional: New season of Greenwood’s Garage kicks off
- Want to boost morale? Talk sports
- We’re looking for the 2019 Shop of the Year
- Finalists named for Channel Excellence Award
- BOOK REVIEW: Fly Free by Mister Transmission’s Randy Moore
- Seven aftermarket companies named to Best Managed list
- Ontario wants biz input on gender wage gap law
- COMMENTARY: Associate AIA membership is a good deal for repair shops
- 6 ways to maximize office time: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- BY THE NUMBERS: Stats the tell a story
- Navigating the new aftermarket in Greenwood’s Garage
- If you’re quitting, do it properly
- Feeling stressed at work? You’re not alone
- Growing your business with LEAN
- Ichan adds Florida repair chain to portfolio
- Princess Auto to set up shop in Quebec
- Passion is your fuel: Greenwood’s Garage
- U.S.-type crash not likely to happen here
- GM transformation makes it the latest auto giant to pivot towards technology
- Charting the path forward: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Ottawa’s fall update responds to U.S. tax reforms
- Ontario passes sweeping labour reform law
- Google, Epicor team up on parts search
- How digitally mature is your business?
- Finding opportunities in the latest Greenwood’s Garage episode
- New technologies will double repair bills: report
- Consumers want data access and control: survey
- Management advisor Murray Voth launches RPM Training
- BY THE NUMBERS: October 2018
- Ontario scrapping minimum wage hike, other reforms
- Canada’s tax reform falling behind: report
- Aftermarket value at all-time high: AIA Outlook Study
- Kitchener shop is Ontario Autopro of the Year
- The Five Keys to Career Success: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- ASA identifies top 10 auto repair shop websites
- Rotary makes facility planning service free to all
- Trudeau discusses trade at NTN Bearing celebration
- VL Communications partners up with AutoServe 1
- Awareness up, acceptance down for autonomous: survey
- BY THE NUMBERS: What statistics are telling us this month
- CIAA announces new training class for Alberta
- Canadian economy doing fine, says RBC
- IHS Markit launches new aftermarket product
- Kal Tire introduces private-label credit card
- Need help managing the workload? Greenwood’s Garage has some advice
- AIA conference in Saskatoon to discuss future of auto repair shops
- Chevron Knowledge Centre: THE NEW REPAIR CUSTOMER
- CFIB calls on Ontario to halt pension changes
- How well do you understand leadership?: New Greenwood’s Garage episode
- First ever “Supporting Women In Trades” conference coming to Halifax
- BY THE NUMBERS: What we learned in August 2018
- Survey raises credibility concerns for industry
- When customers take shortcuts: new episode of EyeSpy
- Premium Guard acquires Auto 7
- Protectionism may halt auto sales gains
- New graphical e-catalogue from Epicor
- Building business bridges: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Just Ask Bob: What’s the best compensation strategy for service advisors?
- Small biz group asks provinces to not be like feds
- Midwest shops excited about change, new association says
- Summer’s here, so take a load off: Greenwood’s Garage
- Just Ask Bob: How will shops change in the next five years?
- COMMENTARY: The Best Spot for Me
- Which is your go-to virtual assistant?
- Speak up, but know when to pause
- AIA Human Resource ‘Toolkit’ available for free
- Tariffs will raise prices, cost jobs, say experts
- New version of Epicor Eagle released
- Just Ask Bob: Building a business succession plan
- B.C. shop is the CARS magazine Shop of the Year
- Greenwood’s Garage: You’re Paid for what you Know
- AAPEX announces keynote speaker
- Cifelli takes over as head of Groupe Del Vasto
- Nations condemn U.S. idea of auto tariffs
- Season 2 of Greenwood’s Garage has arrived
- Continental announces new marketing communications manager
- OK Tire strikes deal with Mitchell 1 for repair and management software
- Maslack Supply welcomes customers from far and wide
- BY THE NUMBERS: The latest opinions, surveys, and findings
- Looking for a hero
- APC Automotive Technologies announces new executive VP of sales
- Cardone gets ACPN awards
- AllData announces new president
- ACDelco launches new online training courses
- Wakefield’s Spano wins young leader award
- The Parts Alliance to open three new branches
- Executives focus on the future
- AIA adds first woman to executive committee
- VIDEO: Heartfelt Thanks
- Ford to dump most sedans, switch gears to SUVs
- Ford Canada spared from plan to chop sedans
- Stant picks new vice president
- Employers planning for more medical leaves
- Make your own Achievement List: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Joy-ride test drive captured on dash cam
- Techs get pink slip after speedy test drive
- AIA releases labour market study
- Akebono adds territory sales manager
- Critters take over in latest episode of EyeSpy
- Brake Parts Inc. announces changes in leadership
- Tenneco buys Icahn’s Federal Mogul in deal worth $5.4B
- Lordco names new general manager
- Correcting Management Mistakes: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- YES Conference focuses on mentorship, innovation
- AIA members to benefit from new CFIB partnership
- Toyota to establish new self-driving vehicle company
- VL Com offers access to new data transfer program
- MEMA wants greater consumer freedom for auto repair
- Marc Blackman becomes new chairman of AASA Board of Governors
- Search is on for the country’s most innovative shops
- Managing Cash in Changing Times: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- ASA Vision draws record crowd
- ‘Pervasive’ auto body shop scams found by insurance company
- Many losing sleep over work issues
- Milestones and awards at Vast-Auto Convention
- Small biz group targeting tax changes in federal budget
- U.S. sales look to continue fall
- Tire Guru integrates with Epicor
- Fun with Numbers: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Perception of your shop matters: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Does your vehicle insurance policy cover work use?
- Ontario offers incentives to biz for EV stations
- Check out these DIY ‘fixes’
- Canadian tax reform would help: accountants
- ASA announces dates and location for 2018 conference
- What bogs down your business?
- COMMENTARY: What defines you?
- Apathy could kill our industry: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Jobbers! We need your opinions
- FinishMaster gets new DC in Texas
- Canada sees ‘astonishing’ year of vehicle sales
- Liqui Moly sold to Wurth Group
- OPINION: Fixing a Broken System
- BY THE NUMBERS: The latest opinions, surveys, and findings
- Feds give more details about tax proposal revisions
- CFIB wants provincial finance ministers to help delay new rules
- Make Every Decision an Important One: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Philips fights back against fake bulbs
- Hyundai planning to boost crossover lineup
- Minimum wage hikes official in Ontario
- Success begins with your team: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Jobber News Annual Shop Survey
- Buyers moving away from sedans
- Dorman Products acquires MAS Industries
- APD Calgary’s Barry Murray is Counterperson of the Year
- Epicor to show off new graphical e-catalogue
- Volvo e-car brand Polestar unveils first model
- NAFTA: Tensions erupt, deadline pushed to 2018
- AASA talks tech at conference
- Genuine Parts Company acquires Europe’s Alliance Automotive Group
- Uni-Select acquires Dash Distributors
- Your future isn’t in the past: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- Tax changes could impact auto businesses
- Total buys Maersk Oil for $7.45 billion
- Some small biz concerned about new NAFTA
- Focus is the Key Discipline: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- ZF intros mobile tech training
- Britain sets deadline to ban diesel, gas cars
- U.S. scraps border tax proposal
- Aftermarket expects solid growth
- eBay, Amazon redrawing e-retailing lines
- Tesla loses spot to GM as most valuable carmaker in U.S.
- Change with the times: New episode of Greenwood’s Garage
- AIA looking for NAFTA input
- Most SUVs have unsafe headlights, tests show
- Gears Plus is our 2017 Shop of the Year
- Bumper to Bumper unveils flagship store
- Uni-Select acquires UK’s The Parts Alliance
- IT’S YOUR TURN: RV stands for ‘Rewarding Venture’
- Fast Undercar picks Mevotech as vendor of the year
- Fix Auto World acquires aftermarket companies
- Change ahead and unavoidable, attendees told
- Think more about connecting with customers
- By the Numbers: 1.95 million light vehicles sold in Canada in 2016
- Sales up, but good employees hard to find: survey
- Going digital ‘increasingly important’
- Nominations open for Shop of the Year
- Number of car owners expected to plummet
- Epicor adds account executive
- Concern over what will fill tire stewardship void
- Tire hall of fame nominations open
- Automotive innovation gets federal boost
- Security an afterthought for many shops
- Education key to ‘right to repair’ success
- Looking to fix the ‘gap’ in CASIS
- NACE Automechanika launches scholarship program
- Millennials to MiX it up with AASA
- Mevotech wins Bennett award
- CCIAP breaks the 300 shop mark
- 2016 Total New-Vehicle Sales Poised To Set Record
- Purolator pranks customers in hidden camera automotive repair shop stunt
- Ford Motor Company of Canada launches body shop certification program with Certified Collision Care
- Fix Auto North Bay becomes the first shop accredited with Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program
- First American-made Impreza rolls off the assembly line in Subaru of Indiana Automotive Plant
- AutoInc. announces website contest winners for 2016
- Monroe simulator shows customers the importance of new shocks and struts
- Mercedes-Benz Canada appoints four seasoned employees to key positions
- Torque Capital, Investor Group acquires Remy, Inc.
- Zoom.ca innovates the Canadian auto buying experience
- Thomas Litzinger joins MAS Industries
- Clearpath Robotics Raises $30-million To bring Drones To Factory Floors
- Torque Capital signs definitive agreement to acquire Remy, Inc.
- Automotive Supplier Competitiveness Improvement Program (ASCIP)
- Vehicle Service Group acquires Italy’s Ravaglioli S.p.A. Group
- Robots May Be Future Of Canada’s Auto Industry
- Insurance Premiums Could Be Reduced by 40% by 2050
- Alberta shop wins award for commitment to training
- Auto Sales Lose Steam
- Chemicals & Additives: Be the expert
- Lumileds named Lordco Auto Parts’ preferred automotive lighting supplier
- Canadian Auto Parts Makers Urge Ottawa To Revamp Funding
- TALKING TECH: Mapping the Future
- Aaron’s Repair Center wins $50,000 Garage Overhaul Sweepstakes
- Jim Markle joins Lesjöfors Springs America Inc.
- Management changes at the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF)
- COMMENT: Raising the car
- COMMENT: There’s gold in those tires!
- Mopar Express Lane opens 1,000th U.S. store
- Samsung Said In Talks to Buy Assets Of Fiat Auto-Parts Unit
- Hunter Engineering offers trips to SEMA 2016 in social media contest
- COMMENT: Fixing the productivity leak
- Garage Gurus earns CASE reaccreditation
- COMMENT: Working together works best
- Kal Tire acquires Klinge tire services
- AARO petition seeks to get unfit vehicles off the road
- EDITORIAL: Women have a place in the aftermarket
- Register now for AIA’s Innovative Business Series
- Trends In Trucking: Reduced Fuel Consumption, Lower Emissions, Fewer Accidents
- EDITORIAL: The DIY mentality
- GM Must Face Some Revived Claims Over Ignition Switches, U.S. Court Rules
- Registration open for the 2016 Family Business Forum
- U.S. Auto Sales May Not Set New High in 2016 After All: Forecasters
- Management Insights: The Leadership Part
- GM Canada President Calls For Union ‘Partnership’ To Save Auto Plants
- Service Department Key Driver Of Customer Satisfaction, Says JD Power
- U.S. Aftermarket to Grow at an Annual Rate (CAGR) Of 3.7% Through 2019
- Edmonton shop named AAEC’s “Best of the B.E.S.T.”
- 7 ways to fill the GAPS in your team
- Collective Wisdom: The 40-40-20 Model
- Larry Jefferies to be honoured with AIA Distinguished Service Award
- Ontario Will Be Canada’s Export Leader in 2016
- AutoZone to release third quarter earnings May 24, 2016
- Management: The Relationship Rule
- Uni-Select releases details for the 2016 first quarter results conference call
- Ontario Investing In Auto Sector and Creating Jobs In St. Thomas, Ontario
- Product Feature: The key to selling ride control work
- AAMCO partners with LoanHero
- Car Leasing Is Increasing To The Benefit Of Used Car Shoppers
- Management Insights: Leading and managing
- 5 Warning Signs For The Auto Industry
- EDITORIAL: Our next generation of techs
- HUBB names The Marx Group as agency of record for public relations
- COLLECTIVE WISDOM: Training with a purpose
- Pressure Mounts On Ottawa To Join Ban On Asbestos
- JET Group changes name to SureWerx
- Icahn Enterprises offers to buy Federal-Mogul Holdings Corp
- Thrush celebrates 50th Anniversary in 2016
- Usability Issues, Top Complaint Of Drivers
- Management Insights: Tell customers what you REALLY can do for them
- Driven Brands wins 2016 Franchise Times Dealmakers Award
- Montréal Auto Prix To Sell Used Electric And Hybrid Vehicles
- Canada Misses Out On New Auto Assembly Plants
- Tung Yang Wang joins Robert Bosch Inc. Canada
- CRA clarifies tax deduction for tradespeople
- U.S. Copyright Office Urged To Allow Aftermarket Access To Software-Enabled Vehicle Technology
- Monroe Shocks and Struts celebrates 100th anniversary
- Tenneco begins the 2016 Expert Plus loyalty program
- NTN and BCA promote Kevin Judge to director of automotive marketing
- Startup Uses Smartphone Sensors To Measure Driver Behaviour
- The Equipment and Tool Institute unveils redesigned website
- Surge In End-of-Lease Cars Pushing Prices down In Record Sales Year
- SuperSprings International redesigns website
- CIAA offers help to struggling Alberta shops
- Toyota drops Scion brand
- Dana Holding Corporation acquires Magnum Gaskets
- Service Notes: How to turn pseudo-customers into super customers
- Rislone launches new microsite
- AAMCO ranked No. 5 overall franchise
- CPI rose 1.6% in December, StatsCan reveals
- Meineke ranked #1 automotive repair and maintenance provider by Entrepreneur Magazine
- Garage Gurus expands to Greater Boston
- ‘Automotive technician’ among the toughest job vacancies to fill: global report
- Ontario Earns Second Highest Grade For Reducing Red Tape
- Management Software: Rules of engagement
- Federal-Mogul Motorparts appoints Philip Halberg as senior vice president
- Attend Free, Live Webinar: Growth Strategy: Six New Pathways to Creating Shareholder Value
- Magna Completes GETRAG Acquisition
- Up Hill Battle For New Auto Investment Adviser
- Icahn Enterprises to acquire Pep Boys
- IHS Acquires Carproof Corporation
- Saskatoon shop gives away free repairs for Christmas
- Denso Partners with OptiCat to Enhance Digital Catalog Support
- FinishMaster To acquire ColorMaster Automotive Paint, Inc.
- Advance Auto Parts Inc. explores potential sale
- AllData partners with Carfax to boost shop revenues
- BASF Automotive Refinish hires Tim Dawe as sales director
- Here comes ‘opportunity season’
- AAMCO Franchise reports double-digit growth in Total Car Care sales
- Federal-Mogul Motorparts and CAIEC expand automotive aftermarket business in China
- Automotive Communications Council (ACC) To Host Webinar
- AAMCO Franchise drives sales for franchisees
- WORLDPAC Fantastic Voyage V Cruise sails the Hawaiian Islands
- Burlington workshop sets out to improve your diagnostic skills
- Innova names Jon Holder vice president of sales and marketing
- The Jet Group acquires Sellstrom Manufacturing Co.
- Dealer-FX wins place on top technology lists
- AAMCO set to receive a customized shop management system from AllData
- Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) elects Stet Schanze as chairman
- New auto careers website launched by Auto Care Association
- IT’S YOUR TURN: Is it time to give back?
- Auto Care Association names Bill Hanvey as president and CEO
- Midas Seeking to Expand in Quebec City
- Federal-Mogul Reports Third Quarter 2015 Results
- Weld completes asset purchase of HiPer Technology
- The price of safety
- Weekly Poll: What Can Shops Do to Get Customers to Say “Yes”?
- Hiring right
- Wagner relaunches WagnerBrake.com website
- Vast-Auto Distribution announces new Ottawa distribution center
- SEMA Cares supports Austin Hatcher Foundation
- Assurant Solutions acquires Coast To Coast Dealer Services Inc.
- Lexus tops J.D. Power customer service survey
- Eastern Auto Parts Warehouse names Mike Odell as president
- Denso Products and Services Americas, Inc. names new president
- NATA introduces new website
- Tracer Products promotes Gary Testa
- Denso opens distribution center in Nuevo Leon, Mexico
- Tire Country opens two wholesale tire centres in Ontario
- Running lean
- WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Going digital
- Mister Transmission partners with Vast-Auto for expansion into Quebec
- Luke Bawel named vice president of Jasper’s Logistics Groups
- Fix Auto Canada announces new partner
- New business looks to change up the repair industry
- COLLECTIVE WISDOM: What were you thinking?
- Service Center Advisory Council members announced
- Mister Transmission commits to raising $50K for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
- Staying visible
- Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance congratulates Canadian Cast Away winners
- Finding the right spot
- What can we do about the technician shortage?
- Who dropped the ball?
- AskPatty.com relaunches Certified Female Friendly Program
- AIA releases study on automotive service bays in Canada
- Canadian Tire’s largest store opens in Edmonton
- Airborne car crashes into North York repair shop
- Details released for Multi-Shop Operator Symposium at NACE/CARS
- Jumping in with both feet
- David Lemon joins Mister Transmission
- SERVICE NOTES: Selling big-ticket repairs
- How the Apple Watch will change motoring
- How the Apple Watch will change motoring
- LinderTech celebrates 10 years
- NUMBERS: Mobility as a Service… and more
- ALI warns market about stolen inspection labels
- SERVICE NOTES: The trend is your friend
- The moving target
- ACDelco launches Consumer Assurance Program
- It’s EASY being green
Features
Staying safe
Pandemic-related restrictions have loosened and vaccination rates are increasing. But COVID case numbers are increasing as experts confirm we’re in a fourth wave. Here’s what jobbers have been doing to keep staff and customers safe ALMOST TWO-THIRDS of Canadian…
Locking the door
Volvo Cars announced a move in late June that, whether done intentionally or not, will make it harder for independent automotive service professionals to service its future vehicle offerings. The automaker said that it is taking software development in-house. Its…
It’s Your Turn: Those dreaded Wheel Locks!
By Bruce Eccles Few things can frustrate my technicians more than a missing wheel key. And nothing spoils the mood in the office like an unreasonable customer. Funny how these two situations are often go hand-in-hand! Dealerships can get…
Confidentiality in the workplace
By Jeff Mowatt Have you ever had a potential customer who seemed nervous and reserved, rather than excited about doing business with you? It happened in a weird way for me. The senior managers seated around the boardroom table…
Measuring the productivity of your whole team
By Bob Greenwood Measuring the productivity of individual employees is important in any business. It’s a valuable statistic to track, and is an excellent starting point for a staff review, encouragement, and sometimes counselling. But what about team productivity? Can…
JobberView: The Quality Alternative
By Zara Wishloff The reputation of aftermarket parts has taken quite a tumble. There was a time, in the early decades of the automotive industry, when aftermarket parts were seen as the quality alternative to cheap and poorly manufactured…
Getting Paid: How to collect without creating hard feelings
By Jeff Mowatt If you’ve ever experienced the awkwardness of having to call a customer to remind them to pay their bill, you know that you have to walk a very fine line of diplomacy. Being a pushover won’t…
Straw poll: What I learned during Covid
By Peter Bulmer We conducted a straw poll recently to find out what lessons people are taking away from the extraordinary circumstances we’re all facing this year. I’ve learned… …to maintain a wide array of services…
Covid-19: Just the latest challenge
By Bob Greenwood Everyone is aware that vehicle technology and business trends are moving forward at a constant pace. Things are changing so fast, in fact, that many automotive repair shops have had to devise strategies to help them keep…
Greenwood: How do you measure success?
Here’s a useful exercise. If you normally refer to our industry as a “trade,” try replacing that word with “profession.” Not once in a while… but every time. It will be difficult at first, but soon it will become natural.…
Why all the fuss about tiered labour rates?
By Bob Greenwood, AMAM A lot of repair shops still use a single catch-all labour rate. Jobbers who are watching the industry closely know these shops. If you’re selling parts to shops that stick to a single labour rate, it’s…
Off the Shelf: It’s All in the Detailing
Off the Shelf By Susan Hitchon Spending a few days a month with manufacturers’ sales representatives is a time commitment, but it can pay real dividends to learn about the latest automotive products and taking them around to visit your…
Marketing Primer: Connecting with your customer
By Peter Bulmer Getting new customers into your shop is always a challenge. Even after spending the time to make sure that your prices are right, your service offering is balanced, your curb appeal is great, and your waiting area…
Are you doing what the best shop owners are doing?
By Bob Greenwood, AMAM Do you sometimes worry about the financial stability of your business? You might have reason to if a significant number of your shop customers aren’t paying their statements in full each month, or are actually…
Taking charge of Battery Sales
Modern car batteries have an increasingly complex job description. Once needed simply to provide power to crank the engine, they now need to provide power continuously to dozens if not hundreds of sources. From navigation and entertainment devices to heaters,…
What will your next fleet look like?
By Anne Mellano Amazon recently announced the order of 100,000 electric vans to be delivered by 2030. For perspective, that’s more vehicles than FedEx currently uses worldwide. The fleet world is increasingly enamoured with electric vehicles, particularly business like the…
Connecting with your customers
By Peter Bulmer Getting new customers into your shop is always a challenge. Even after spending the time to make sure that your prices are right, your service offering is balanced, your curb appeal is great, and your waiting area…
Consumer behaviour study holds hopeful promise for aftermarket
If the sale of auto parts and service during the Great Recession of 2009 is any predictor of what will happen during the current market downturn, independent shops should expect to fare better than dealerships. According to a new report…
New SEMA report offers insights into retail trends
A new SEMA Industry Perspectives Report provides insight on the health of the automotive aftermarket industry on a wide range of business metrics. Among the key findings: independent retailers in the automotive aftermarket remain the most used sales channel for…
SELLING: How to gain your customer’s confidence
By donalee Moulton In a competitive aftermarket, attracting new customers and convincing them to return is more than smart business. It’s essential. It is also a skill and a way of doing business that can be learned and enhanced.…
What are you listening to?
By Allan Janssen Podcasts are not a new thing. Streaming radio shows directly to your phone or MP3 player, or downloading them to your computer has been a thing since 2004. But it seems the first decade of podcasting…
Getting through the disruption
By Bob Greenwood, AMAM A massive aftermarket disruption is well underway. Your business will be dramatically affected this year by what the shops you sell to are going through. Shop owners who can see the prevailing trendlines are paying very…
‘Game changers’ set to rewrite the meaning of work
Attempting to predict how technology will impact an industry is a difficult but important exercise. By Allan Janssen On the surface, the auto parts distribution industry seems well insulated from automation. After all, auto parts will continue to be…
Next adventure for this innovative shop owner? Retirement
By Allan Janssen Since 1975, Bruce Eccles has kept ‘the valley town’ of Dundas, Ont. moving. The owner of Eccles Auto Service has flourished in five different locations in and around his hometown over the years. The business now includes…
Winning websites offer marketing tips
By Jacob Stoller With all the hype about the “newness” of the digital age, it’s hard to believe that the world’s first website turned thirty in 2019. However, while social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have dominated…
Advancing Vehicle Technology: Friend or foe?
In this, the final article in a seven-part series sponsored by Chevron, reporter Jacob Stoller looks at how shop owners should view the disruptive technology on the horizon of the automotive industry. The short answer is it’s not all that bad! By Jacob Stoller…
Greenwood: Growth through diversity
By Bob Greenwood, AMAM With service intervals changing due to advanced vehicle technology, holding onto standard methods of doing business can become a major barrier to continued prosperity. Today, management must look at where the business is going, not where…
The points of the Fraud Triangle
By Adam Malik What does a fraudster look like? Do they wear a ski mask and gloves? A pulled-down baseball hat and sunglasses? No, not really. To better understand a crook, look at the person beside you. That’s the typical…
How routine work builds loyal customers
By Allan Janssen The concept of customer loyalty – creating it, sustaining it, nurturing it – has been a hot topic in business circles since the dawn of capitalism. And even in the digital age, it has not lost its…
GREENWOOD: The blueprint for investment
Jobbers can help their clients more than they may think when it comes to a shop being properly stocked. The problem, however, is that most shops don’t stock. There are unrealized benefits: eliminating wait times for deliveries, more on-hand products…
Five tips to providing five-star service
By Katie Mares Most shop owners think offering a “five-star experience” carries an additional expense. It is perceived as the result of a retail strategy that leans toward luxury. But offering your customers a five-star experience doesn’t have to…
Our Jobber of the Year: It’s All About the Customer
By Adam Malik At the end of the day, it’s all about your customer. Drew Currie, manager of Motorcade Industries’ Mississauga West branch, says what’s a jobber for if not to help make repair shop businesses better, meet customer needs…
Greenwood: Making Your Investments Pay Off
By Bob Greenwood Many jobbers have a tendency to look at every dollar leaving their business as an expense, rather than an investment. This can be a scary attitude. It’s time to slow down and consider some math. Imagine talking…
Technician Shortage: There is no “master key”
By Allan Janssen The Automotive Service Association held a ‘Talent Recruitment & Retention’ Panel Discussion at its annual meeting at the end of April in Dallas. I must admit that I was hit by a wave of skepticism when it…
Lacombe Auto Service: Our 2019 Shop of the Year
By Allan Janssen When we choose the CARS magazine Shop of the Year, we’re looking for businesses that have had some significant change over the last 12 months. We didn’t expect to find shop owners that have engineered a total…
When cars start phoning the shops themselves
In the fourth in a series of seven articles sponsored by Chevron, reporter Jacob Stoller examines the intersection of predictive analytics and telematics. By Jacob Stoller Breakdowns often occur at the worst possible moment, causing untold disruption for driver and…
All signs point to growing fleet work
In the second of a series of articles sponsored by Chevron, reporter Jacob Stoller looks at how the growth of corporate fleets will impact the business strategies of successful auto repair shops. By Jacob Stoller Whether or not one believes…
Avoiding Phone Fails
By Allan Janssen Despite advances in communication technology, the telephone isn’t going away anytime soon, says customer service trainer Nancy Friedman. The guest speaker on a recent webinar hosted by software company Kukui, Friedman says shops need to know how…
Deepening the Talent Pool
By Adam Malik A bright future awaits the automotive aftermarket – provided the industry can seize the opportunities. A common problem is the lack of young talent. Jobbers can’t find reliable people to work in their stores, shops can’t find…
GREENWOOD: Welcome to the New Aftermarket
By Bob Greenwood, AMAM Isn’t it amazing how much change has taken place in our industry just in the past three years, and how much disruption is entering the aftermarket? Change and disruption will challenge shop owners at a truly…
Better Selling: Ending the Confusion Over TPMS
By Adam Malik It’s enough to make some people want to pull their hair out. Lighting up support lines at tire pressure monitoring system manufacturers is the confusion around programming and relearning sensors to vehicles. It can be confusing to…
Monkey business
There’s a whole generation of young managers that are increasingly frustrated. Here’s why.
Managing your oil supply
SKU complexity has led to new ways to track motor oils. How are you keeping track of what’s on hand?
Game changer
Predictive analytics will shake up the aftermarket long before electric or autonomous vehicles. Jobbers, shops and manufacturers all stand to benefit if they get on board
The DVI revolution: How tablets made their way into the bay
How digital video inspections became one of the auto repair industry’s greatest selling tools.
The More Things Change: Invoicing Systems
Our latest walk down memory lane takes a look at how invoicing systems have changed over the years. March 2019: Invoicing Systems The more things change? Take a look back at the quaint old days of the last century when…
Optimism for today, questions for tomorrow
A stormy aftermarket forecast can be avoided with the right planning. Industry experts weigh in on how the industry can set itself up for success
Challenges ready to hit on all front
From taking on the competition to hiring challenges, jobbers are ready to dig in
A fresh cup of SUCCESS
Six strategies to help you abandon old ideas in favour of new, more relevant ones.
Facing ‘the single-greatest threat to the independent aftermarket’
Plateauing new sales plus higher used sales equals stiff competition ahead
We have a deal
But new free trade agreement means things won’t be ‘business as usual’
New competition expected to emerge
As the import market continues to grow, jobbers could face increased competition
How changes in vehicle ownership will affect your business
Part 5 of 7 in an exclusive new series.
Connecting the dots between online & retail
Jobbers need to invest online, but also in store ‘to complete the circle’
Missing in action online
Go online and search for places to buy windshield wipers. What are the first five links you see? If it’s remotely similar to my experience, you saw a couple of big box retailers, an online retail giant and an e-commerce…
Advancement of autonomous set to accelerate
Robots and humans will soon share the road. How can and will the two co-exist?
An important role during exciting times
New AIA chairman sees plenty of opportunity ahead, but finding talent to fill tomorrow's jobs is a priority
EDITORIAL: Time to get the message out
Changing vehicle technology is setting up another fight between OEs and the aftermarket. The time is now to get ahead of the mudslinging.
‘Internal turmoil’
When fraud hits, jobbers are in for a long and distressing ride
Don’t count on mandatory TPMS
There's little appetite in Canada to demand sensors in vehicles
What do they want? Parts. When do they want it? Now
In our annual survey of service and repair shops, we asked what jobbers could do to better serve their customers
EDITORIAL: Survey says, there’s more you can do for your customers
Many of you probably shared this experience over the recent holiday season: you want to get the perfect gift for someone. You know exactly what they need. You looked online first, saw that the store carried the product and made…
The Cost of Saying “No”
How to effectively turn customer objections into opportunities.
Lighting the way to improved sales
Let there be (more) light. That is the recommendation of a 2017 report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that found many midsized SUVs need to do a better job of illuminating the road ahead. According to the…
THE NEW MOBILITY: Autonomous vehicles and the aftermarket
Part 6 of 7 in an exclusive series.
THE NEW MOBILITY: New ways to eliminate pain
Part 5 of 7 in an exclusive series.
Staying In Touch With Your Customers
By staying in touch with your customers, you turn basic transactions into ongoing relationships. But doing this effectively is not as easy as it sounds. Sending an email that simply says “thinking of you,” or something along those lines, has…
Which Platforms Should You Be On?
Once you’ve decided to develop a social media presence for your company, choosing which platforms on which to open a profile can seem overwhelming; each platform has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. You certainly don’t want to miss out…
Is Peak Oil Demand In Sight?
The total demand for liquid hydrocarbons is playing out as a tug of war between growth in the petrochemical sector, and declining demand from passenger cars, according to a recent report by McKinsey & Company. According to the report, petrochemical…
How Connectivity Is Shaping A New Auto industry
The automotive industry is quickly transitioning from infotainment to transformative technologies that will enable Mobility as a Service to spring to life. Third-party platforms like CarPlay and Android Auto are beginning to emerge as OEMs explore the benefits of ADAS…
7 ways to fill the GAPS in your team
Industry watchers have long raised warning flags that the influx of new technicians is insufficient to fill the job vacancies created by those who are retiring. The resultant skills shortage is real… and it’s growing. New estimates suggest the problem…
Ware’s Automotive and Industrial Supply 2016 Jobber Of The Year
Jim Ware, with his sons Tim and Dave and their staff, work very hard to provide unbeatable service, and it shows. Just ask their customers. “They go above and beyond what other jobbers do,” says Jason Maderios, owner of Jay’s…
How To Build Filter Profits
When it comes to profits, filters are often overlooked. It is not that jobbers are unaware of their profit potential; it’s more likely that many focus on lower-cost filters as they can be sold quickly, in great volumes, and appeal…
The Growing Threat Of Asbestos
The Canadian aftermarket is slowly waking up to the realization that asbestos is still coming into Canada in the form of imported brake friction products – and the volume at which it is entering the country continues to grow. According…
The Growing Complexity Of Customer Service
Customer service has always been an important factor for any business. It goes without saying that keeping customers happy is key in the quest to gain loyalty and keep customers coming back for more. Everybody, at some point or another,…
Five Key Tools That Will Boost Sales
Anticipating customer needs is a difficult challenge for any retailer. For jobbers managing a warehouse of auto parts, having every part for every job is impossible, but if you learn to utilize the wide array of analytical tools that are…
E-Commerce Continues To Expand
Consumers expect their auto parts buying experience to be enhanced with convenient, online tools. Roughly half of 1,000 vehicle owners surveyed by eBay had purchased auto parts online, and nearly one in five have purchased a vehicle online in the…
Top Retail Brake Sales Tips
When it comes to brake components, there are a myriad of options at all levels. The brake market is not so much driven by brand preference as it is by the reliability of the components you are handing over the…
Top Nine Retail Exhaust Tips
As many in the industry are aware, the performance exhaust market is an ever-evolving one, going from the fast and furious tuner market, to modern domestic muscle, to trucks and SUVs – seemingly at the drop of a hat. Here…
Motor Oil and Filter Sales Tips
Motor oil, oil filters, and air filters are product categories that play a key role in the aftermarket. They are part of basic regular maintenance, which is considered the lifeblood of a garage. But with the variety of items available…
You Are What You Measure
The oft-used missive, “You can’t manage it, if you can’t measure it,” only goes so far. Inasmuch as you can’t run a business without some level of information on what is actually going on – or at the very least,…
IT’S YOUR TURN: Let’s retire unsafe vehicles
It should be the duty of repair shops to prevent neglected and dangerous vehicles from getting back on the road.
Management: The Relationship Rule
It’s an accepted truism in business that doing what you can to keep existing customers is a better strategy for business growth than chasing new ones. Not only does it cost more to get new customers, but when new competitors…
Management Software: Rules of engagement
The idea of “managing” your customers the way you might manage your financial statements seems impersonal. You intuitively feel that regular customers – some of them good friends, and all of them individuals with unique likes and dislikes – are…
IT’S YOUR TURN: Is it time to give back?
There’s tremendous personal satisfaction in helping people who haven’t had the same opportunities that you’ve had.
The Evolution Of Customer Service
We recently moved to a new neighbourhood, and the weeks following the move involved the requisite trips to the local lumber, hardware, appliance, furniture, and grocery stores, as well as numerous stops at local eateries. During this accelerated shopping period…
How Outstanding Customer Service Can Unlock Significant Revenue
By providing an outstanding customer service experience, automotive service providers can generate higher levels of customer retention and unlock significant revenue potential, according to the J.D. Power 2015 Canadian Customer Service Index Long-Term (CSI-LT) Study. The study, which measures the service…
How Product Knowledge Can Drive Battery Sales
When it comes to building battery sales, technicians are the primary influencers of what is chosen by the vehicle owner. A technician can only be that kind of influencer, however, if the jobber is there to help support him with…
Should You Be On Facebook?
Particularly over the last couple of years, Facebook has become much more than a great way to share pictures of the grandkids or hilarious cat videos. It’s become one of the most powerful marketing tools available, and an essential part…
VW Emissions Case: A Stark Reminder
When news broke of Volkswagen’s alleged violations of emissions laws, my reaction was one of profound and personal disappointment. Let me explain. The accusations (of which there seems to be fairly damning evidence) plainly state that VW engineers had installed…
Hiring Right
When there are more positions available than bodies to fill them, it’s more important than ever to have a strategy to keep your benches filled.
Ride Control How Proper Staff Training Can Benefit Your Bottom Line
Ride control is a simple idea, but there are a couple of major misconceptions that are holding back sales, limiting service levels, and even endangering lives. Most drivers, and even many technicians, view ride control as shocks and struts, but…
Staying visible
At 100 km-h, a vehicle travels more than 27.75 meters a second. A lot can happen in 27.75 meters… which is why visibility items like wipers and lights should be a key concern for every driver. There are tremendous benefits…
Finding the right spot
Looking to open a new shop? The right location will make the difference between years of struggling and instant sustainability.
Who dropped the ball?
In late March, a woman brought her 2001 Ford Focus with 137,000 kilometers on it to the shop of a good friend of mine in a major city in Canada. She’d never been to Morris’s place before, but she worked…
Tomorrow’s training
With the growing popularity of webinars is online training ready for prime time?
Which shop will survive?
It’s tough and getting tougher for small shops to thrive in today’s economic climate. Here’s why.
The Forum’s open… come on in!
If you’ve got questions, there are readers out there who have answers. If you have tips, we want to hear them. Got suggestions for the industry, or for this magazine? Great! Or if you’re feeling inspired, you can also consider it a virtual soapbox, allowing you to rant to your heart’s content. We’ll listen and then get right up on our own soapbox to reply when you’re done.
It’s all about relationships
Ontario shop owner believes the biggest key to success in business and life is developing strong ties with the people around you.
Is Your Car Count High Enough?
