STRAIGHT TALK

from Auto Service Professional - June 2021

by EndeavorBusinessMedia-VehicleRepairGroup

Technical

Digital Inspections

If your shop isn’t providing them, it’s time to shift gears

igital inspections” are all the rage

Dthese days and with good reason. During a pre-work safety inspection or as a result of diagnostics or during disassembly, the technician can easily snap a photo (or video) using a modern scan tool or digital pad device. You can then show the customer what the problem is or use a text message to the customer if the customer is at a diff erent location after dropping the vehicle off . This off ers transparency, proving to the customer a specifi c problem or need for repair.

As a case in point, I recently observed technicians performing a safety inspection prior to installing a set of new tires. They quickly discovered a loose (and ready to separate) outer tie rod end. One of the techs immediately showed a digital photo and video of the concern to the vehicle owner, providing proof of the need for repair. While this particular shop has a glowing reputation for quality work and honest dealings, since the tech provided visual proof and a clear explanation of the hazard, the fi rst-time customer didn’t need to wonder if she was being taken advantage of, and immediately approved the repair. The technicians also took snapshots of the vehicle’s odometer, VIN plate, checking fl uid levels, tire infl ation pressures, existing body damage (dents, scratches), etc, all to be stored in the customer’s fi le for current or future reference.

Given the availability of devices that can capture images (and sound) and the ease of presenting this to the on-site customer or remotely by messaging/tex-

If your shop isn't providing a digital inspection, please consider adding this feature."

ting to customers in a heartbeat, this provides reassurance to vehicle owners in a much more direct and effi cient manner as opposed to trying to explain the issue over the phone or in your shop’s waiting room and serves to increase the customer’s trust factor.

Performing a digital inspection also allows you to create and maintain a visual record of the concern and repair, again which can be stored in the customer’s fi le.

If your shop isn’t providing a digital inspection, please consider adding this feature. Shops that have adopted this customer communication process have reported a substantial increase in service sales, in many cases by as much as 70%, as well as speeding up the job process.

This is a good example of how modern technology works in our favor. A plethora of available software allows seamless integration between the hand-held tool and offi ce management, speeding up parts ordering, customer history fi les and billing.

MIKE MAVRIGIAN

EDITOR

OnlIne

ASP’S WEBSITE IS THE GO-TO SITE FOR VEHICLE INFORMATION 24/7.

Turn to it any time you need the latest technical service bulletins, in-depth technical articles and the newest products. Our site also features news from suppliers and manufacturers to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in the automotive industry.

Plus, go to our website to renew your subscription to ASP, read the digital version of each issue and sign up for a free subscription to our weekly eNewsletters!

VISIT AUTOSERVICEPROFESSIONAL.COM TODAY

THE TECHNICIAN’S RESOURCE

3515 Massillon Rd., Suite 350, Uniontown, OH 44685 (330) 899-2200, fax (330) 899-2209 Website: autoserviceprofessional.com

Publisher: Greg Smith, ext. 2212 gsmith@10missions.com Editor: Mike Mavrigian, (330) 435-6347 birchwdag@frontier.com Managing Editor: Ron Ledgard, ext. 2216 rledgard@10missions.com

Senior Editor & Digital Projects Editor:

Joy Kopcha, ext. 2215, jkopcha@10missions.com Production Manager: Karen Runion, ext. 2210 krunion@10missions.com Art Director: Zach Pate

Graphic Designer: Olivia Curti Production Artist: Lauren Coleman

CONTRIBUTORS

Je Taylor, Diagnostics & Driveability Specialist Bill Fulton, ASE Master Tech Edwin Hazzard, Mobile Tech Specialist Jake Sorensen, McNeil’s Auto Care

ADVISORY BOARD

Chris Chesney, CARQUEST Jake Sorensen, McNeil’s Auto Care Seth Thorson, Eurotech Automotive Donny Seyfer, Seyfer Automotive Bill Fulton, ASE Master Tech

SALES

Dan Thornton / dthornton@10missions.com (734) 676-9135, mobile (734) 626-4950 Sean Thornton / sthornton@10missions.com (269) 449-0257 Bob Marinez / bmarinez@10missions.com (330) 899-2200, ext. 2217 Marianne Dyal / mdyal@10missions.com (706) 344-1388 Customer Service/Subscription Service Phone: (800) 260-0562 Email: subscriptions@autoserviceprofessional.com