ONE MORE TIME - IS IT TIME FOR A NEW VOLUNTARY AFTERMARKET SYSTEM IN CANADA?

The traditional methods of operating a business within the Independent sector of the automotive aftermarket industry in Canada has been very simple. A person or licensed technician has the opportunity of having his/her own shop, raises the required cash and opens up for business. A person or Jobber sales representative has the opportunity to own a parts store, raises the required cash, and the

Want Better Shop Management Skills - Learn to Play Golf

Only the golfers who own/manage an automotive business will really appreciate this particular BLOG and the message it truly sends.I just came back from my annual 10 day golf outing at Pinehurst/Southern Pines North Carolina. I love that region and the overall State itself but most of all I love their golf courses. The people throughout the region are warm and beautiful and the golf courses are

OE Website Access Must Be Planned

On May 1st 2010 all Independent shops in Canada are suppose to have open access to the OEM websites which was agreed to through a voluntary agreement.This simply means that information such as vehicle calibration codes and the ability to re-flash and reset the vehicle computers coupled with diagnostic information is suppose to be available to the Aftermarket for a reasonable fee.Some words of

SLOW TIMES MEANS PAY ATTENTION TO SHOP PROCESSES

Have you ever noticed that when the shop is slow, management has a tendency to panic? Welcome to the break down and repair business. The fact is it has been extremely slow from coast to coast. Over the past 4 weeks I have traveled from the Atlantic region to the shores of the Pacific and regions in between, talking with many people from all levels of the industry. Business is definitely

WE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE TO MANAGE, DO WE HAVE THE GUTS TO MANAGE?

Many shop owners have invested the time to learn how to manage their shop in today's new realities. This is excellent and they must be applauded for that commitment made to their business. Now they return to the real world of the aftermarket after the course with great intentions and are faced with the incredible day to day distracting noise within the industry.The changes required to the shop

7 STEPS TO YOUR NEW BUSINESS MODEL IN 2010

There are steps that a shop owner can start to take to transition the business into the modern day format that is required to be successful for this new decade. Consider each point as it applies to your operation.1. THINK ABOUT THE SHOP'S HISTORY: Never embark on a new plan without first understanding where the shop came from. Discuss the shop's history with your team and talk about why change

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