AutoShopOwner

APRIL 15, 2025

Do you find your shop doesnt even come up on Google search like the big shops or chains and delivering great customer service is hard, especially when youre busy or short staffed? Do you find it hard to keep customers coming back? Is retaining customers a real struggle, never mind getting them to leave you a review on Google or begging them for new customer referrals.

Car 130

Car Customer Service IT 130

AutoShopOwner

APRIL 2, 2025

Its no secret that time is limited as an auto repair shop owner. Between diagnosing complex engine issues to managing your mechanics and creating a five-star customer experience, theres often little time left to focus on your financials. But what happens when tax season rolls around, and youre forced to buckle down on organizing your records and preparing your returns?

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair Banking Finance 130

AutoShopOwner

MARCH 26, 2025

We dropped prices on nearly 19,000 tires by 30% our biggest markdown ever! To find the on sale tires, start by searching by size. The tires that have been marked down by 30% will have the sale price displayed in red. Free shipping is included on all website orders. The sale runs through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

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AutoShopOwner

MARCH 5, 2025

One change that has been causing waves is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and itsBeneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. On March 25, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear oral arguments in a case challenging the CTA. This legal battle has the potential to change the future of BOI reporting. Im sharing this blog post because its essential for you, an auto repair shop owner, to understand what this case means for your business.

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair Management IT 130

AutoShopOwner

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

Over the weekend I met a 67 year old shop owner who has been in business for 41 years, and still involved in the day to day operations. He added that he has done nothing to plan for his future and his exit. Life can throw us a curve ball at any age, are your properly prepared. I know it sounds a little crazy, but the right time to get you business ready to sell, is when you first go into business.

IT 130

IT 130

AutoShopOwner

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

From what I see, from shop owner friends and clients, 2025 is starting off as a better year than 2024. What are you seeing in your neck of the woods?

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AutoShopOwner

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

Marketing Strategies to Attract and Retain Your Ideal Auto Repair Customers By Joe Marconi I had one main objective when I opened my repair shop in the fall of 1980: Acquire customers. Being a startup, gaining customers, any customers, was essential. Without them, business survival would not be possible. With limited knowledge of marketing, I did what many new companies do, I ran mass advertising promotions in local newspapers offering huge discounts.

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair Tire Rotations Oil Change 130

AutoShopOwner

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

While I know that in some states, paying techs on flat rate is not legal, from what I am hearing, there are a number of auto repair shops in states that do allow flat, moving away from flat rate. What are your thoughts on flat rate pay?

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair 130

AutoShopOwner

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

Hey, auto repair shop owners! With January behind us, it means one thing is coming down the pike: tax season. Before you grit your teeth at the thought of filing, its important for you to understand that staying on top of your tax obligations is crucial for the health of your business. And, as always, weve got your back, which is why were here to break down the key tax deadlines you need to keep in mind, especially as we move through the year.

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair Software Finance 130

AutoShopOwner

FEBRUARY 19, 2025

We try all different things. We send out magnets with our name to new customers (list we buy) We use seals on our envelopes marking our years in business. We have done Band-Aids with our name, bags with our name and now we are going to do Air Freshners. We will put in each car, not opened, It is in the shape of a car with our name, phone number and website.

Car 130

Car IT 130

AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 22, 2025

Welcome to 2025! As a new year begins, its time to start thinking about taxes. For auto repair shop owners, understanding potential tax deductions is crucial for maximizing profitability. This blog post will explore some common tax write-offs available to your business. It will help you keep more of your hard-earned money so you can achieve success!

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Consulting Auto Repair Insurance 130

AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 29, 2025

As we kick off 2025, its a great time for you, an auto repair shop owner, to focus on financial organization, especially with tax season just around the corner. Proper record-keeping isnt just about avoiding headaches with the IRS; its about gaining valuable insights into your business so you can continue to grow and thrive. In this blog post, we guide you through organizing your financial records for a smooth and efficient tax filing process so you can avoid the stress this season.

Banking 130

Banking Auto Repair Shop Finance Auto Repair 130

AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 18, 2025

Champtires has dropped prices on more than 8,000 tires. The markdowns which are mostly between 15 and 20 percent per tire are on top of the companys everyday low prices for high-quality used and take-off tires. BF Goodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, General Tire, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, Pirelli and many other brands are included in the price drops.

Retail 130

Retail 130

AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 16, 2025

Had our industry not had representative lobbyists in D.C., the same thing that happened to the American farmer would have happened to us.

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AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 16, 2025

Let me first say that I hate discounts! The more you understand your numbers, the more you will hate it too. My opinion. BUT, I also know the reality of offering discounts to certain people. Do you offer discounts to employee family members and/or a friend discount?

IT 130

IT 130

AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 15, 2025

Hello all, I'm currently the General Manager of a pre-owned vehicle sales and service center. The business has a great reputation in the community, and has done well for 35 years. The current owners are ready to retire and enjoy a life of less responsibilities. They have deemed me fit to take control, and are helping me out by carrying the note, with a good down payment of course.

Vehicle 130

Vehicle Management Car IT 130

AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 14, 2025

Welcome! Hope everyone had a great holiday and Christmas! Its been a struggle around here but thats only because I had to bite the bullet and move! So now, Im proud to say that weve moved well, digitally that is. Unfortunately, most of my old links and links on YouTube videos are going to evaporate! But wait, theres more! And the more part of that statement is pretty crazy!

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair Car IT 130

AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 13, 2025

We need better resources for diagnosing European cars' DTC's. I'm talking about 8-12 year old models, in the prime years of major repair, that our primary tool, AllData has no information on. They may have many other codes listed for these vehicles, but not what we seem to need. Example: 2014 MB GL450 with codes u0121-87, u0147-87, c2321, c030a, p179a-12 and several others, with symptoms of not being able to drive car, a warning of "transmission not in park, vehicle may roll" illuminating.

Vehicle 130

Vehicle Car 130

AutoShopOwner

JANUARY 5, 2025

Hi my name is Zenas and I am 26 years old from Alberta, Canada. I started my own automotive repair shop in December 2023. After running it for 1 year I made a little bit of profit. I needed some advice on how I could increase it. Its a 3 bay shop with two 2 post hoists and one 4 post hoist with alignment. I am the only mechanic in the shop as I can't afford to hire anyone at this point.

Automotive Repair 130

Automotive Repair Mechanic Management Automotive 130

AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 26, 2024

Premium Member Content This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

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130

AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 26, 2024

We are almost at the end of 2024, a time when you need to do an assessment of 2024, and look forward to the future. Leaders must have clearly defined written goals. Have you taken the time to establish your goals, shared them with your team and created the steps to attain these goals?

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AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 26, 2024

Years back, we did very little advertising. Fast forward to today, and we are seeing more and more auto repair shops using a marketing company. Are you using a marketing company to help with advertising and marketing? How is that going? And what are the advantages?

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair 130

AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Premium Member Content This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

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130

AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 17, 2024

If youre running a small automotive business, doing a year-end review gives you an accurate picture of your performance over the past twelve months. The information you collect gives you the opportunity to create a tangible action plan for growth as you enter 2025. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is actually a helpful tool that will set your business up for long-term success.

Finance 130

Finance Automotive IT 130

AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 3, 2024

There’s less than one month left in 2024. Is the bookkeeping for your automotive business up to date? If you’re anything like us, you feel like this year flew by in the blink of an eye. It’s time to ensure that your books and reports are squared away as this year comes to an end. In this blog post, we share important steps to start the new year on a healthy financial footing.

Banking 130

Banking Automotive 130

AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 1, 2024

December is the best time to do a final review of the year and to finalize your goals and objectives for the new year. What new goals and objectives do you want to attain in the coming year, 2025?

IT 130

IT 130

AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 1, 2024

Premium Member Content This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

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130

AutoShopOwner

DECEMBER 1, 2024

Labor rates are increased across the board in the last 4 years at a pace I have not seen ever. BUT, expenses have gone up too. Do you feel that your labor rate is in line now? Or do you think the auto aftermarket is ready for more labor rate increases in 2025?

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AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

This has happened to most of us: You have a series of interviews, asked all the questions you needed to ask, did your due diligence, and hire a new employee. Two weeks, later, you realize you made a bad mistake. What do you do, what have you learned from the wrong hire? And how long do you hold on this person?

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AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Premium Member Content This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

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130

AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

It seems there is a big movement to change business software management programs these days. I would like to know who has, the old program, the new one you choose, why, and if you are happy with your choice?

Management 130

Management Software IT 130

AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

I want to wish all our members the very best this Thanksgiving! Take time to reflect on your wins, celebrate the great times, and most of all spend time with family and friends. It's much healthier to be thankful for what you have, rather than to focus on what you don't have.

IT 130

IT 130

AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Premium Member Content This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

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130

AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

I couldn't find a place for book recommendations, so I started one. Here's a great list of "must-read" books for business. It's from Ratchet & Wrench magazine.

IT 130

IT 130

AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

At Three Rivers Bookkeeping, our auto repair shop clients have experienced significant financial improvements this year – and we’re raising a toast to them in this post! It is our mission to provide five-star bookkeeping services to every client we work with, and it certainly shows through the growth and success of these businesses! Here’s a look at what we’re thankful for in 2024.

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair Service Advisor Finance 130

AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is? By Joe Marconi, an Elite Worldwide Blog - My roots in the automotive industry go back to the 1970s working in a small 2-bay auto repair shop. As a young technician, my goal was to attain the status of master-level. That meant that I was expected to repair or service nearly anything that rolled into my work bay.

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop ASE ASE Certification IT 130

AutoShopOwner

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line By Joe Marconi, an Elite Blog - A recent Small Business Administration (SBA) report revealed that one of the main reasons for small business failure is due to a lack of financial knowledge. Another survey, also conducted by the SBA, found that 83% of failed business owners stated that their failure was due to cash flow problems.

Auto Repair Shop 130

Auto Repair Shop Service Advisor Auto Repair Customer Service 130