4 minute read
Business
from Auto Service Professional - October 2019
by EndeavorBusinessMedia-VehicleRepairGroup
The Great Bear shop is located in Flushing, N.Y., in the borough of Queens, east of Manhattan.
moves the fear factor. By ‘telling not selling,’ we explain a problem and the remedy instead of simply selling them in order to increase the repair ticket. We emphasize service instead of sales. The shop will earn a fair price for parts and labor without the need to unduly pressure the customer by telling them ‘well, you need this.’”
Fordin noted that, “We strive to educate our customers, especially females, about their vehicles, in terms of how systems operate, the role that certain components play, and what’s involved in repairs. This affords us transparency with the customers, giving them the opportunity to communicate and participate in their auto maintenance service and repairs. This boosts their confidence by reducing or eliminating any apprehensions and increases their understanding of the parts and labor required for specific repairs. By educating our customers, they better understand why certain repairs are required.”
What do customers want/expect from your shop?
Our shop is recognized for professionalism, quality of work. We make it clear that we stand behind and guarantee our work. As a result, we have developed an extremely loyal customer base.
What is your approach to technician training?
Our technicians undergo continuous training in terms of daily hands-on experience, in-house
The shop routinely offers basic automotive knowledge events for female customers.
training seminars, in addition to online practical and theory education.
Where do you buy your parts?
We purchase parts from local suppliers including Parts Authority, Coney Island Auto Parts, AutoZone and Worldpac.
What influences your parts buying decisions? Rank from 0 to 3, with 0 having no influence and 3 having the greatest influence.
Price................................................. 3
Brand name recognition............. 1
Promotion in racing .................... 0
Perceived quality........................... 3
Availability/time........................... 3
Other (describe)… We try to read/research to stay informed regarding newly available parts.
How has ASP benefited your business?
ASP deep dives into all aspects of the repair and techniques (tips and tricks) to give factual information that helps us to communicate and share with my customers regarding how stuff works. ■
GREAT BEAR AUTO REPAIR
Flushing, New York
Owner.............................................. Audra Fordin Business founded..........................................1933 Number of bays................................................... 5 Number of certified technicians ......................... 4 Shop size.................................. 3,600 square feet Number of vehicles serviced per month.........250 Hourly labor rate ......................................$109.99 Average job ticket price ....... Approximately $250 Gross profit............................ Approximately 50% Average spent on tools and equipment annually ..........................$25,000 Vehicle makes serviced ......American, European, Asian, electric and hybrid
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT TO ENHANCE SHOP EFFICIENCY
TProducts for working smarter Compiled by Mike Mavrigian There are tools that allow you get the job a wheel or wheel/tire combo, an automatic wheel done, and there are tools that allow you washer is now available from Martins Industries get the job done quicker and/or more ef- Inc., capable of handling up to a 35-inch tire outficiently. In this brief article, we cherry-picked a er diameter and up to 13-3/4-inch tire width. It is few examples of items that help to make shop life suitable for all wheel types and finishes. easier, with less effort and that help to maximize Select the washing cycle (80 or 120 seconds) labor profit. This is by no means a complete list of and the washer goes through three working all currently available tools that fall into this state- phases — pre-wash to remove course dirt from of-the-art category, but there’s enough listed here the wheel, softening action for the detergent that to whet your appetite. dissolves dirt, and deep cleaning through rotat-
Clean wheels = happy customers 110 psi.
Rather than spending time trying to hand-clean
ing nozzles operated by a high pressure pump at Hose clamp hero Mayhew Steel Products Inc. recently released its new 90-degree locking hose clamp pliers, P/N 28620, for dealing with automotive and heavyduty spring clamps. Included is a spring-loaded COURTESY OF MARTINS INDUSTRIES ratcheting locking position feature with multiple stops, double-hinged locking mechanism for added leverage and a fine-tune adjustment locking feature to prevent damage to plastic clamps. This makes quick work of dealing with spring-type hose clamp removal or installation, with a no-slip positive-grip retention on the clamps. Overall length is 8 inches. The tool handles spring clamps from 3/4-inch to 2-3/4-inch.
Power Lifter Installing or removing a heavy wheel/tire assembly on a vehicle that’s on a lift can be a chore, especially for larger and heavier applications on trucks and SUVs. Load capacity for the Martins
