Two classes to help boost the automotive aftermarket are taking place this month at Hams Management Systems in Michigan. The training facility reports its Shop Management Schedule will look at specialization and service advisors in April.
Classes are Specialization, Is It for You?, April 11, and Ultimate Service Advisor, April 25. Rounding out the following months, classes include Efficient Shop Management, May 16; Practical Marketing, May 30; Key Numbers; Which Ones Should You Really Watch?, June 13; and CASH! Am I ending up with enough of the pie?, June 27.
All of these classes are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details of each class are listed below.
Specialization, Is It for You?
Nothing strikes more terror in the heart of many shop owners than suggesting that they target a certain specialty and down play the others. But, could it be that you would be better off targeting certain makes or types of repair? Or, should you cast the widest net that you can? Would specialization increase or decrease your bottom line? What are the advantages and disadvantages of specialization? Will specialization grow or decrease in the future? Can any shop specialize? How would you select a specialty?
Ultimate Service Advisor
What are the two critical keys for a great service advisor? What type of person is best suited to be a service advisor? Review of: Service advisor tools and systems, selling, estimating, customer contact. We'll take a look at these service advisor issues and many others.
Efficient Shop Management
Specific procedures, systems and checklists designed to make the management of a repair shop more efficient. Covered areas include: Scheduling, service recommendations, service history, staff assignments, customer write up, RO procedures, arming the tech, in shop communication, service advisor procedures, canned jobs, estimating, inventory handling, parts acquisition, quality control, customer follow up, shop care, inspections, and how to take a vacation without the shop falling apart.
Practical Marketing
It's much more than just buying some ads. Included are dozens of ideas and samples, most at low cost, that you can employ to increase your sales. Topics include: Drive by impressions, customer area, shop area, direct mail, write up, ROs, tracking what works, pricing, shops in your area, recommendations, referrals, oil changes, specials, new customers, existing customers, signage, after hours, people contact, inspections, displays, menus, and much more!
Key Numbers, Which Ones Should You Really Watch?
Whether we like it or not, business means numbers. We all watch certain ones. But, are we watching the right ones? Are we even aware of all of the right ones that we should watch? How closely should we watch them? How do we track them? Which ones are really important and which ones are not? Students are welcome to bring their laptops and numbers with them for reference and discussion. Plan to cover some things you may have never even considered.
CASH! Am I ending up with enough of the pie?
Five, 10, 15 percent or even more of the income in many automotive shops wanders off every year. How much money evaporates in your shop? How well do you manage your money? Do you look for the best deal, negotiate, and ask for discounts? Do you regularly compare your expenses with other shops? Do you have a budget? We'll explore these issues and many more!
All management classes are AMI approved. Management classes are $175 per class (or $150 if registered by April 8). Classes are limited to 20 students.
To register, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (616) 299-9298. To register for the hybrid class, contact Jack Rosebro at (310) 801-7817 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Tom Ham has been in the automotive service industry since 1969 where he got his start on the service station drive. He and his wife Deb are the owners of Hams Automotive, specializing in Honda and Toyota, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Rosebro teaches advanced vehicle technology for Perfect Sky throughout North America, and produces technical information for the automotive training industry.
