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