ROWING TOGETHER - WE'RE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

Let's work together to get to safer shores.By now most shop owners and jobbers must have recognized that the business environment has changed dramatically. In this economic crisis, it's time to put aside petty differences and learn to work together for our mutual benefit.More now than ever, a shop requires a competent jobber who knows how an auto service facility must be operated and measured in

The Holiday Season is Upon Us

The Holiday Season is the time when I like to reflect upon the past year and review the business and personal accomplishments that were achieved. In this reflection, the most important prerequisite is to remember, and think of, the people involved that help make those accomplishments come to fruition.Your participation with AAEC over the past year, through being a subscriber to our website,

AIA PROVES THEIR R2R INTENT

AIA Canada must be congratulated for remaining focused on the important criteria an Independent shop requires in the R2R agreement in order to move their business forward, rather than giving into so-called ridicule by a naive industry sector. AIA Canada has always stated that any agreement (legislated or voluntary) must provide full access to engine calibration in the definition of Data Stream

RIGHT TO REPAIR VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT HAS SO MANY FLAWS

Follow the link to the actual voluntary agreement and please read the detail.I am not a lawyer by any means but as a laymen reads this...........This is not right.Our sector must move forward on an EQUAL playing field.Consider the following FEW..... FACTS:Section I DefinitionsDefinition "Data Stream Information" - "does not include engine calibration related information"......excuse me.....This

SOME AFTERMARKET BRANDS WILL LOSE SALES AND CREDIBILITY AGAIN THIS FALLIt appears another cycle has started again.Over the past ten years it has been discussed many times however it seems the industry is determined to do it their way with the quick fix method. They then will blame the poor quarterly sales and profits on something else instead of squarely on

AUGUST IS AN IMPORTANT MONTH FOR RENEWALAs easy as it is to remain in holiday mode during the month of August, business owners should use this month to review all business processes within their operation to make sure the shop is primed and ready for the Fall service season.Consider completing the following reviews and discussions with all staff members:Initial Facility Image- Is the facility

"I Should'a , I Could'a, I Would'a"These 20/20 hindsight expressions have ruined many businesses.Today's business operations must have a Management capability and style that is focused on a tested and a definitive path that creates business net income along with future growth and security.I find that too many shop owners are not willing to admit that they really don't know the detailed required

WATCH FOR THE NEW NEIGHBOUR ON THE BLOCKThe changes within the industry have been dramatic within the past 60 days. The Chapter 11 filings of both Chrysler and General Motors in the USA will change the automotive landscape forever.It is imperative that every Independent shop keep their eyes and ears open to see which new car dealerships will be closing within their area. This is an opportunity

DON'T WASTE THIS CRISIS

The next 24 months will be the most important months of your shop's business life.This year is not like any other in the history of our industry. This is not a time to accept the traditional Aftermarket summer shut down as we can not afford to lose any time. It is moving that fast.With the demise of the "D-3" and the closing of dealerships, the Aftermarket shops and jobbers must aggressively get

Investment In Training & Development Must Be Sustained

Opportunity is knocking at the front door for every Automotive Service Shop. Is your shop taking advantage of it?I am writing this article just after attending the "Lindertech North" technical training weekend in Toronto. I always like to drop into this event and listen to technicians and their issues. It seems the "elite technicians" of Canada show up for this conference each year and I really

Billed Hours, Then Car Count. The right order of analysis

Across the country everyone talks about needing more car count in their business and the shops that say this are already are doing $500,000 to 700,000 per year in annual business or even more. In my Management classes when further analysis of invoices takes place we find that shops are averaging 1.6 to 1.8 billed hours per invoice on basic consumer maintenance, 2.1 to 2.4 billed hours on diesel

Right to Repair 2009

http://www.aaec.ca/newsite/pdf/Right-to-Repair_2009.pdf

FEEL LIKE YOU ARE WORKING HARDER? YOU MIGHT BE WORKING SMARTER!

The negative news all around us today certainly takes its toll on not only the consumer but also shop management and employees.Consider that tough economic times actually means potential good times for the aftermarket, however, business processes must be adjusted to reap the rewards. Have you had this in-depth discussion with the staff?Realistically, two words must now be communicated to the

Employer Burden Frozen at 2008 Levels. Labour multiples remain the same

The "Employer Burden" is the additional cost to the employee's basic wages. They are legislated by Federal and Provincial Governments across Canada. The total average burden is the same for 2009. We can hold the formula's for establishing labour rates at the 2008 levels.EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009:VACATION PAY 4.00%CANADA PENSION PLAN: 4.95%Pensionable Earnings up $1,400 to Maximum CPP Deduction