AASP-MN News September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

A Way To Reduce Your Credit Card Costs - and Maybe Your Business, Too

PLUS:

• Pillsbury Celebrates 30 Years with Association • UFG Policyholders/ AASP Members Earn Dividend for 2019

DIGITAL BONUS CO NTENT BETWEEN PAGES 10 & 11

Your Champion. Your Ally. www.aaspmn.org

A SYSTEM

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AASP-MN News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org website: aaspmn.org. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 2020 All rights reserved. Cover image www.istockphoto.com.

AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2020 - 2021 PRESIDENT Matthew Feehan

CONTENTS Vol. 29 No. 9

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ............................................................4 Better or Bitter?

by Matthew Feehan, AASP-MN President

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE................................................................6 Work Begins for 2021 Session by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist LOCAL NEWS ............................................................................8 NATIONAL NEWS ......................................................................12

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Carl Thomas SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Archambault COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Jesse Jacobson

AASP-MN FEATURE ..................................................................14 A Way to Reduce Your Credit Card Costs and Maybe Your Business, Too by Mac Hardin, AASP-MN BankCard Program

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Tony Newman

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS! ....................................17 Order Your 2021 Automotive Calendars Now!

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Loren Feldkamp

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFITS ..................................................17

COLLISION SEATS Randy Miller Lee Schlosser

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MECHANICAL SEAT Jeremy Nordgren

STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE

Insurance I.Q. DEG Estimating Tips AASP-MN Feature: The Kansas City Royals Show What Accountable Leadership Looks Like by Sam Silverstein, Sam Silverstein, Inc. Complete Health, Environmental and Safety Services (C.H.E.S.S.): Spray Booths and Sprinkler Heads

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver

UPCOMING EVENTS September 29, 2020

September 30, 2020

Restraint Systems: Repair Them Safely After a Collision Webinar

Diagnosing Multiplexed Data Bus Networks Webinar

PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

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AASP-MN News

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September 2020 | 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Better or Bitter?

Well, the first half of 2020 is over and we have accelerated into the last half of the summer. Wow, what a whirlwind of emotions, circumstances and unbelievable Matt Feehan AASP-MN President events that have taken place. Regardless of how chaotic the world may be right now, you always have a choice as to how you react to what is happening around you. In fact, that is all you can do. So, is 2020 going to make you better or bitter?

A wise mentor of mine told me many years ago that life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you react to it. If that is true – and I believe it to be – what are you doing about your current situation to make sure you are a positive influence for yourself and the people in your life? Whether you are at work or at home, it does not matter. My ask is that you become a shining light for the people that are in your circle.

It is particularly hard to find the fact from the fiction as the media evokes different emotions from

4 | September 2020

you daily. That is why there is a lot of opportunity right now. You must look through the fog. It will require you to stretch and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. I encourage you to reach for the stars, make it a mission that you are going to go all in every day and go make a difference. The world needs you, too!

Many people put life on cruise control because of the pandemic. I say let them; it makes it easier for everyone else to accomplish something special. This may not be a banner year for sales or profits, but I can guarantee if you adopt the above-mentioned mindset, the years coming out of 2020 will be some of the best years ever.

I will leave you with a short story to internalize.

Ben Franklin was once asked how long it would take him to cut down a large tree. Ben replied four hours.

He said, “I will sharpen my axe for three, so I only have to swing the axe for one!” Something to think about. Years like this are made for sharpening your axe! Go win!!!!!

AASP-MN News

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Work Begins for 2021 Session Although the 2020 legislative business remains unfinished, it is time to begin preparations for the 2021 legKevin Walli islative session.

AASP-MN Lobbyist The 2021 session will be the longer policy and budget-setting session. The legislature will convene in early January and the session will run through May. The major responsibility of the legislature will be to assemble and pass a balanced two-year budget covering the timeframe of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023. The budget work will be particularly challenging as the state is certain to face a multi-billion-dollar revenue shortfall because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the longer session, House and Senate Committees also have more time to consider state policy changes.

In the coming weeks, AASP-MN will be seeking input from members on the policy changes on which we will focus our attention next year. Members will be asked to share issues or concerns that you might have regarding the impact of state policy on your repair business. We will also be evaluating our past priorities and determining whether we want to renew efforts in some of these areas. For example, we have been en-

6 | September 2020

gaged in discussions about the proper collision repair procedures in today’s marketplace. We have shared information on the repair process with key legislators and have negotiated on this issue with the insurance industry and parts suppliers. We have not found consensus.

One of our key partners in these discussions has been the automobile manufacturers themselves. We will be reaching out to the manufacturers in advance of the 2021 session to ascertain their involvement and will also renew conversations within the repair industry to determine whether this will be a priority issue once again in 2021.

The AASP-MN committee process will begin in September with meetings to discuss our 2021 priorities. If you have issues or concerns, be sure to reach out to your colleagues who serve on the Governmental and Regulatory Affairs Committee or the Collision or Mechanical Advisory Committees. Our process involves having each of these committees do their work evaluating issues and ultimately setting the priorities for the association. We need your input if we are to succeed at the Capitol.

AASP-MN News

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AASP-MN News

September 2020 | 7

LOCAL NEWS Pillsbury Celebrates 30 Years with Association AASP-MN Office Manager Jodi Pillsbury celebrated her 30-year anniversary with the Alliance on August 6. She attributes her tenure to believing in the association’s work to serve members, working beside many interesting, intelligent and thoughtful people – particularly her fellow AASP-MN staff (Executive Director Judell Anderson, Membership Coordinator Tom Kluver and Lobbyist Kevin Walli) – and the variety in her dayto-day activities.

“With many different things going on at the same time, there’s really never a dull moment – and I like it that way. One day I’m preparing informational materials for a Board meeting and the next, planning an event or reconciling a checking account. I never really know what my day will bring,” Pillsbury said.

Executive Director Judell Anderson commented, “This association is so very fortunate to have an employee like Jodi on our team.

She is conscientious, dedicated and truly a ‘Jill of All Trades.’ Her head

8 | September 2020

and her heart are in the right place – knowing that members always come first!”

“The past 30 years have flown by so quickly, it’s actually kind of sad to think about,” added Pillsbury. “I’d stop time right NOW if I were guaranteed another 30 years to enjoy the things I like to do (including working for the Alliance), with the people I love and admire most. Instead, I’ll keep hoping my next 30 years don’t pass by as quickly as the last 30 did.”

We second that thought, Jodi – congratulations and here’s to another 30 years!

AASP-MN to Host Webinars for Auto Service and Collision Repair Shops AASP-MN will host two GM webinars later this month.

On Tuesday, September 29, the Alliance will host “Restraint Systems: Repair Them Safely After a Collision,” for collision repair shops.

This webinar will cover the safety procedures to be followed while making repairs for safe operation of a vehicle post-accident. In addition, the following topics will be covered:

AASP-MN News

• Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Components • SIR Disabling • Repairs & Inspection • Scan Tool Diagnosis Also discussed will be SRS component replacement and restoring the system to pre-accident readiness.

On Wednesday, September 30, the association will host “Diagnosing Multiplexed Data Bus Networks,” for mechanical repair shops. This webinar will focus on diagnostic strategy to hone problem solving skills for serial data failure modes in multiplex networks. Included network protocols: • CAN • LIN • GMLAN • Most® Repair methods will also be covered.

For more information or to register, visit the association’s website, aaspmn.org.

Thank you to Suburban Chevrolet for sponsoring these sessions.

UFG Policyholders/AASP Members Earn Dividend for 2019 UFG rewards safety-conscious members of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers’ insurance program The United Fire Group (UFG) board of directors has approved payment of a seven percent dividend on earned premium on all eligible lines for members in the AASP National insurance program, including AASP-Illinois (IL), AASP-Minnesota (MN) and AASPMissouri (MO) policyholders, for calendar year 2019.

Garage-oriented businesses that are members or associate members of these AASP affiliates – or at-large members of AASP

Continued on page 10

AASP-MN News

September 2020 | 9

LOCAL NEWS

Continued from page 9

National – are eligible for these coverages, which include special pricing and the dividend plan.

Effective since August 1, 2012, this program’s success is due to the safety-conscious members of AASP and the professional independent insurance agents who represent UFG. All-eligible-lines dividends are rare in the insurance industry* and are a great reward to insureds for their safety efforts. For more information about the program, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110. *The availability of dividends is declared by UFG’s board of directors from surplus funds and is not guaranteed.

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AASP-MN News

The Kansas City Royals Show What Accountable Leadership Looks Like Sam Silverstein was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference earlier this year. His message in the following article is powerful – look for him at a future AASP-MN event!

One of the critical commitments that accountable leaders take on is called IT’S ALL OF US. When you make this commitment, you accept that you do not succeed unless the other person succeeds – and you accept that if the other person fails, you fail. An organization built on this value treats its employees like family, and it doesn’t walk away from them in tough times. This connects to a related commitment, to STAND WITH YOU WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. Recently, the Kansas City Royals showed how embracing these powerful commitments enables an organization to attract and retain the very best talent…even when there is not a big budget to work with.

You probably do not need me to remind you that this major-league baseball season has been turned upside-down by the global pandemic. Most of the focus has been on whether and when the major-league season will begin, and that’s understandable: Fans want to know when they can start watching games and following pennant races again. But one of the big changes this year has been easy to overlook in all the coverage of the negotiations between players and owners: The radical redesign of the annual talent draft.

The 2020 draft was the shortest in the history of major-league baseball. As the result of an agreement negotiated with the players’ union, the draft this year lasted just five rounds. (In a normal year, the draft would go for eight times that long.)

The abbreviated schedule left a massive number of extremely talented players excluded from the formal draft. To address this, owners set up a system that allowed teams to extend as many offers as they wished to players who were not

SAM SILVERSTEIN is the former owner of manufacturing and distribution companies. He currently writes, speaks and consults with audiences around the globe and teaches them to think differently, work with renewed purpose and achieve record-breaking results.

snapped up in the formal draft – but they could only offer a maximum signing bonus of $20,000, far lower than most of these players could have expected to pull down in a normal year.

Translation: Money no longer made a difference. Highly talented players choosing what organization to sign with after the main draft concluded had to make their selection based on something other than which team could sign the biggest check…because all the teams were offering checks of roughly the same size.

Some people expected that players faced with this kind of choice would naturally gravitate toward the big-market teams with the strongest win-loss records and the greatest statistical chance of making a big contract offer somewhere down the line – teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, Yankees and Dodgers. But that was not what happened. The team that signed the most top-tier free agents after the abbreviated draft concluded was a smallmarket team: The Kansas City Royals.

How did they do it? Why did so many highly ranked prospects opt to enter the Royals’ farm system, as opposed to a brand-name farm system run by a club with a far larger marketing and branding presence? According to Sports Illustrated, the main reason was personal: “The players wanted a club where they felt like they’d be supported.”

Kansas City’s decision to keep paying furloughed minor league players during the pandemic, and cut none of them, certainly played a role here. Also, important, and noted widely in the positive media coverage the club received in the wake of its signings, was the team’s commitment to creating meaningful relationships with players and their families. Kale Emshoff, one of the young players the Royals signed, put it this way, “You want to go to a club that’s going to take care of not only their very top valued players, but also their lower ones. You want to know that when you’re in the organization you’re going to be taken care of… That plays a huge role in the decisionmaking process.”

What motivated Emshoff is what attracts any talented person in any industry.

This story is not about who finishes where in the 2020 season standings. Most of these players will not have an impact at the major league level for at least a year. This story is about how the

AASP-MN News September 2020 DIGITAL BONUS CONTENT

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FEATURE

Garage General Liability Coverage

Commercial garages can be full of a number of hazards. They are often filled with moving vehicles, expensive equipment, a surplus of employees and potentially dangerous tools. Even the safest garages will occasionally have accidents, and that’s why it’s essential to make sure that your business is covered.

That’s where garage general liability (GGL) coverage comes in. GGL can basically be thought of as a combination of a commercial general liability policy and a business auto policy that’s designed to cover the typical operations of commercial garages.

However, as with most insurance policies, there are some important exclusions and distinctions you should understand as you elect your coverage.

Garage General Liability: An Overview Garage general liability is designed to cover losses that could occur in the day-to-day operations of your garage. A standard garage general liability policy breaks down covered liabilities into two distinct classes: Garage operations other than covered autos This section includes coverage liability for property damage to the garage itself, as well as bodily injury to owners, their employees and their customers.

Operation of autos This refers to aspects of coverage analogous to many business auto policies. Specifically, a GGL policy will cover vehicles owned by the business, vehicles D2 |

being held for sale or any other vehicles owned by someone else and being used in business operations.

For example, this would include damages incurred while an employee is test driving a customer’s car or picking up parts or dropping off a bank deposit in their own vehicle.

Exclusions It’s important to note that a GGL policy will have some exclusions. The most important of which is the “care, custody or control” exclusion. This means that personal property left in the care, custody or control of the shop – including, significantly, customers’ vehicles – will not be covered by the GGL policy.

If a customer’s car is physically damaged or if it causes physical damage while in your company’s care, your GGL could leave you exposed. However, a separate coverage commonly sold along with a GGL policy – garage keepers’ coverage – is designed specifically to provide coverage for that physical damage exposure.

Keeping You Covered Your partners at CBIZ are here to help you find the appropriate coverage. To learn more about your GGL coverage options, or for more information on garage keepers’ coverage, contact Brad Schmid at bschmid@cbizaia.com or (763) 549-2247.

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INSURANCE I.Q.

Spray Booths and Sprinkler Heads

By Carol A. Keyes, CSP, and Janet L. Keyes, CIH A hundred years ago, there was no need for spray booths. The first car to be painted by spraying, instead of with a brush, was in 1924. Spraying wasn’t done in a booth until people realized that the paint didn’t always go exactly where it was supposed to go. People soon began fabricating booths to contain the overspray. The first prefabricated booths, usually with fabric walls, showed up in the 1930s. But they caught fire easily.

That led to booths being constructed out of metal and concrete block instead. And paint shops began using filters in front of fans, so the fans didn’t become coated with flammable overspray.

Today, spray booths are designed for four purposes: The original purpose of keeping the spray contained, for fire control, to protect workers from overexposure and to provide a quality paint job.

You rely on a well-designed and operating booth to provide a good paint job. To ensure good paint jobs, most shops are very conscientious about keeping booths clean and maintaining filters. But shops can get slack about priming, where quality isn’t as critical.

From a health, safety and environmental perspective, there is no difference between paint, clear and primer – other than that the waterborne base coats are much safer to use. And there is no difference between a prep station and a paint booth – unless you only sand in the prep station. Any time you are priming you still need to contain the spray, control the risk of fire and prevent workers from overexposure.

OSHA does not have any exemption for only doing small pieces, using small paint cups or spraying in a prep station only once a week. If you are spraying flammable coatings – paint, primer or clearcoat – on a regular basis you need to use a spray booth.

You also need to maintain that booth correctly.

We’ve seen these problems with booths: • Carpeted booths and mixing rooms. The carpet can both hide spills and absorb spills, making them fire hazards. They are also difficult to clean safely unless you use an explosion-proof vacuum.

• It is okay to use thin paper or plastic or strippable coatings to make cleanup easier. But replace those routinely. You can’t allow overspray to build up on the floor or walls.

• Sprinklers that are not covered. If overspray gets on the sprinkler heads, it will slow down their reaction time or even stop them from working.

The fix (draining the system to replace the single

sprinkler head) will be costly but, if you are fortunate, it will be discovered during the annual inspection of your sprinkler system, not during a fire.

• Sprinkler heads covered with plastic bags. The standards call for the sprinklers to be covered by very thin cellophane. That is a different polymer than the polyethylene found in sandwich bags or plastic wrap. Cellophane is weaker and lets moisture through. If the sprinkler is activated, the cellophane readily gives way. That is not true with plastic. Cellophane bags aren’t hard to find (they’re often used for food and as small gift bags). But it can be difficult to find ones that are thin enough, only 0.003 inches thick. The alternative: Use thin paper bags, such as the cheapest unwaxed paper lunch bags you can find.

Don’t use masking paper. It’s too thick and it’s coated. Use as little tape as needed to secure the lunch or cellophane bag. Or consider tying the bags in place with lightweight string.

• Missing exhaust filters. Missing or gapping exhaust filters will increase your risk of fire and increase how much you pollute. The exhaust filters trap particulates that could clog your fan blades and your ductwork.

• Blocked exits. Even if your painters rarely use a booth’s sidewalk door, it can’t be blocked. Those walk doors provide your painters with escape routes – if the path to the exit is kept clear.

• Electrical cords or devices in spray booths.

Unless these are designed for explosive atmospheres, keep them out of your booths.

Devices used for drying or curing can be used if there is an interlock preventing any spraying when the drying device is in use and the booth has been purged (for at least three minutes) of any flammable vapors.

• Booth controls left open. There’s a risk of shock, so keep them closed and only allow trained personnel to open them.

• Flammable materials stored in the booth and combustible material within a three-feet area continued on pg. D4

AASP-MN News September 2020 DIGITAL BONUS CONTENT

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COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.)

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CCC: Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)/Glue Pulling Recent Inquiry 16631 (https://deg-heroku18.herokuapp.com/inquiries/16631) regarding PDR/Glue Pulling states, “Paintless Dent Repair, PDR, is not an operation included in the MOTOR collision estimating database and therefore PDR included and not-included operations are not part of the MOTOR Guide to Estimating pages. A glue pull dent may require an on-the-spot evaluation.”

Additional considerations when performing PDR/Glue Pulling methods may include: • Heating the panel for adhesion and to release glue • Pulling with conventional frame racks or pull towers (larger repairs) • Release solution and cleaning cloths • Material cost (glue, tabs, cleaning agents, etc.)

All Three Systems: Modifying Part and Operation Type Labor Times - In this week’s estimating tip, please watch the video showing how modifying a part and/or operation type labor time can affect your estimate for adjacent and/or attached parts of the component being modified. View https://youtu.be/1Q7AKYVEqF4.

Audatex: Feather Prime and Block for Welded Panels - Please reference this video regarding feather prime and block operations for welded panel operations that may require additional repairs to the replaced panel: https://youtu.be/uFz7N1nxbys.

CCC: Additional Operation, “Add for Foglamps” This week’s tip discusses some changes in how the “add for foglamp” features will now appear in the Additional Operations group in the front bumper section in CCC. https://youtu.be/2YUIefuZqN8

Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY - it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair. You can view these tips and others on the DEG website, DEGWEB.ORG.

FEATURE

C.H.E.S.S.

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continued from pg. D3

Kansas City front office decided to treat people, and how their decision to honor the commitments I call IT’S ALL OF US and I STAND WITH YOU WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE drove so many free agents to want to be a part of their organization, even though there was no immediate monetary advantage for doing so.

Here is the moral of the story. The companies that attract and retain the best people are the ones that outperform their competitors over the long haul. If your organization is not attracting the best people, or if your company is a turnstile and you are not retaining the best people, there is a reason for that. And the reason, more times than not, is not attached to money. It is how people are treated, how people are thought of, how people are valued and how people are heard.

The senior leadership at the Kansas City Royals organization are thinking for the long term by embracing the commitments of IT’S ALL OF US and I STAND WITH YOU WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. Your organization should be doing the same.

D4 |

around your booth increase the fire risk.

• Cracked glass over light fixtures. It’s cheaper to have sealed covers over your light fixtures than to have truly explosion-proof lights. If the covers are cracked, ignitable vapors can get into the light fixtures. Turning on the lights could spark a fire.

• Over-pressurized booths keep dirt out but let overspray escape. That increases the exposure of other employees and increases the fire risk. If the door seals are bad, the paint vapors and overspray can escape into your shop, affecting your employees, instead of going up the stack.

To protect your shop from fire and your employees from chemical overexposure, only spray in areas protected by sprinklers and exhaust ventilation systems designed for paint. Check your booths routinely. Keep the sprinklers covered with lightweight paper bags or, if you can find them, very thin cellophane bags.

For more information, contact Carol Keyes at (651) 481-9787 or carkey@chess-safety.com.

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ESTIMATING TIPS

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Higher 2020 Used Car Prices Help Aftermarket Despite the surge in off-lease vehicles during 2020, used car and light truck prices are rising.

Used vehicle prices have climbed substantially dur-

ing the last several months, contrary to the expectations of many analysts at the beginning of the year.

High used vehicle prices are generally positive for the aftermarket since they raise the value bar at which old cars and light trucks are scrapped, keeping more vehicles on the road. Increasing used vehicle values also makes it easier for owners to justify investing in the maintenance of older cars and light trucks.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY to the official publication of AASP-MN / the Alliance!

Visit https://forms.gle/ipnVyZzeLMYcoZvS7 to begin receiving the print version of AASP-MN News every month!

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AASP-MN News

SAFE Meets requirements for ASME PASE-2014 Safety Standard.

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September 2020 | 13

AASP-MN FEATURE

By Mac Hardin, AASP-MN Bankcard Program

A Way to Reduce Your Credit Card Costs – and Maybe Your Business, Too Those of us in the bankcard processing business are not always well thought of. Thanks to some less than honorable salespeople, the world often lowers our image to the likes of ambulance chasing attorneys.

Would you believe me if I say there is a way to eliminate your credit card processing costs? It is called surcharging, which means passing your cost along to the customer.

I will tell you up front that I am not a fan of surcharging. First, though, a few facts you should know: • Do not plan on eliminating all your bankcard processing costs. Only credit card sales can be surcharged. Debit card sales cannot.

• On the bankcard receipt, a separate line item labeled “Surcharge,” along with the surcharge amount, must be displayed for your customer to see.

• You will most likely need to buy a new terminal. Most existing terminals are not designed to handle the needed software.

• Your intent to surcharge must be registered with Visa and MasterCard.

• You will also need to post two signs disclosing your surcharge: One on the front door of your shop and the other at the counter where the transaction occurs.

The AASP-MN bankcard service does offer a surcharge program. Your customer would see a three percent fee added to their bill. The shop would pay a one percent fee on all debit card sales, plus 25 cents per transaction.

A major part of your decision to surcharge customers should rest on what your competition is doing.

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AASP-MN News

While bringing your credit card acceptance costs down to zero could save thousands of dollars per year, the question becomes, how will your customers react?

They have gotten used to being charged for shop supplies, for example, but most every shop does that now. Very few shops are surcharging.

I want to tell you a personal story that happened last summer when my wife broke her leg. After 17 days in the hospital and rehab, I was dispatched to the medical supply store to rent a wheelchair.

The deal was a $300 deposit, a $30 per week rental fee and, of course, sales tax. I was told to have the chair back in a week as it was promised to someone else.

Fine.

At the end of the week, I returned the wheelchair. It was then I took a good look at the receipt I had originally signed. There, proud as could be, was a line labeled surcharge. To the right of it was an amount, $13.47. Since I’m in the business I knew what a surcharge was, but I couldn’t help asking the person behind the counter, “What’s this $13.47?”

She replied, “It’s an amount your bank is charging you.” Well, technically that’s true, but it was the medical supply store’s way of getting me to pay their cost. Not so fine.

Well, my wife was far from done needing a wheelchair, so I headed to the next medical supply store. Same deal, but guess what?

No surcharge.

Granted, I live in the Twin Cities where the wheelchair options are plentiful. But if I ever need to rent another one, which store do you think I’ll go to? It won’t be the one where I pay the surcharge.

Even in smaller towns, there is no shortage of auto repair shops.

The reason your customers come

to your shop is not only to get their car fixed properly, but because they trust you. You have worked long and hard to gain that business, so why irritate them with a surcharge? A repair bill is made up of many different items and costs. Perhaps one of those could be adjusted to cover your credit card fees. With that thought, I’ll leave it to you.

I’m always available to help with your bankcard processing. If you would like to see if the Alliance’s program can reduce your costs or if you have any bankcard questions in general, I can be reached at (612) 750-2988 or mach@retailfinancialservices.biz.

AASP-MN News

September 2020 | 15

WHY GENUINE PARTS? It’s the Right Thing to Do

You lose money when aftermarket parts don’t fit. Toyota Dealers are your best source for Genuine Toyota Parts. All it takes is one call.

For Toyota Genuine Parts please call one of these authorized local Toyota Dealers: Inver Grove Toyota 1037 Highway 110 Inver Grove Heights, MN PH: 651-306-4630 FAX: 654-457-8705 www.invergrovetoyota.com

Burnsville Toyota 14730 Buck Hill Road Burnsville, MN 55306 800-448-5912 PH: 952-435-8401 FAX: 952-435-8515

parts@invergrovetoyota.com

Maplewood Toyota 2873 Highway 61 Maplewood, MN 55109 PH: 651-490-2648 FAX: 651-490-2652 TOLL FREE: 877-574-0667 parts@maplewoodtoyota.com

ToyotaPartsAndService.com 16 | September 2020

AASP-MN News

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS!

Order Your 2021 Automotive Calendars Now! AASP-MN and CDH Promotions team up to offer Alliance members huge discounts on customized automotive calendars.

Celebrate the year 2021 by getting your message into the homes and offices of your customers and potential customers - daily. Let them know that you intend to shine bright in this new age and will be there to serve their needs.

Calendars are used all year.

Plus, they are often saved as personal records and looked at year after year. Calendars are used where buying decisions are made: On the job, in the office, on the road or at home. Sixty-five percent of all calendar recipients write appointments/reminders on their calendar. This daily involvement keeps your advertising sign working all day, every day.

2021 calendar styles and pricing can be found on the AASP-MN website, aaspmn.org.

But That’s Not All – We Can Print It All! AASP-MN also teams up with Royal Business Forms and others to provide members discounts on most printed business forms, such as: • Envelopes, letterhead, business cards • Repair orders, monthly maintenance or CSI postcards • Invoices and statements • Voucher and payroll checks • Valuable core tags and merchandise labels • Continuous data processing forms available in one, two, three or four parts - multiple carbon or carbonless • And more!

For more information or a free quote, contact the Alliance office at aasp@aaspmn.org or (612) 623-1110.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS PROPERTY/LIABILITY AND WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA and United Fire Group (UFG) have created a program for members that includes a special premium discount, exclusive coverage and potential safety group dividend. CBIZ AIA can present quotes from multiple carriers and, as an added bonus, offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums.

LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick 800-496-6789 Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com Autoshop Solutions has developed the most cutting-edge marketing platform for AASP members. Really Powerful EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Business Planning Professionals Marketing (RPM) is an all-in-one program that bundles your Contact: Dennis Begley website, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, social media, 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com and much more! With five levels of RPM to match your budget, Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN members goals, and competition, it’s built to drive your shop forward! with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health Net Driven insurance, long-term care and disability insurance.

Contact: Rich Mullen EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY BENEFITS 877-860-2005, ext. 224 / rmullen@netdriven.com Colonial Life Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet Contact: Deb Ferrao marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive 612-600-4135 / deb.ferrao@coloniallifesales.com industry. AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are or Tracy Bailey eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees.

612-801-0139 / tracy.bailey@coloniallifesales.com Dedicated representatives can help members transform INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 their benefit package with competitive rates, value added Contact: Mitchell1 Representative services at no cost and complimentary legal document preparation service. Colonial Life has the tools and flexibility 888-724-6742 x 6986 Mitchell1 offers AASP members special savings on Mitchell to create a plan to fit everyone’s needs.

1’s ProDemand, Manager SE & Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer Service at 888-724UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services 6742, ext. 6986.

Contact: John Majchrzak Mitchell International 612-670-4034/ majchrzak-john@aramark.com Contact: Mitchell International Representative Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, 800-238-9111 entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of AASP members receive a 15% discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit ww.w.mitchell.com/ their business with AmeriPride each year. products-services/collision-repair-shop-solutions/cloudCREDIT CARD PROCESSING estimating for more information.

Association BankCard Services Contact: Mac Hardin TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 952-933-2026 / mach@retailfinancialservices.biz 800-288-6220 Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. Terminals and Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipment is also technical information hotline, Direct-Hit. available.

AASP-MN News

AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Nate Page 952-854-6551 / nate@aai-assessment.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price, starting as low as $15 per assessment.

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discounted rates on printed business forms and calendars.

CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services 877-520-2987 Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments.

SAFETY COMPLIANCE Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. Contact: Carol Keyes 651-481-9787 / carkey@chess-safety.com AASP-MN members receive a 20% discount on Safety Data Sheet Management (SDSLinks), Right to Know(RTK)/Hazard Communication program customized for your facility and monthly safety reminders, and other safety, OSHA or environmental assistance.

PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Carrie Hobrough 612-436-4620 / chobrough@cbiz.com Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and services (excluding 401k).

BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Members receive a 20% discount on one-on-one sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments. Members also receive a 20% discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20% discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.

September 2020 | 17

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AASP-MN News

September 2020 | 19