There are highs and lows in any business. There are periods when things are hectic and when they are not. But, let’s face it: they’re slow.
This blog article will explain how we came to this conclusion and what we did to prepare for future years.
How can you know whether you’re in the middle of an auto repair slow season?
When you notice that shop traffic is significantly lower than in a usual month, particularly when compared to the same month in past years.
What factors can have an impact on an auto repair shop?
The following are examples of possible circumstances:
- Summer (some say this is a myth)
- Recession
- Holidays
What should you do if you anticipate a slowdown?
You do not have to be innovative, but it might be beneficial! Try to come up with new strategies to attract folks in the door. Pulling out the creative side may be too much for some, but it can be done.
Also, plan ahead of time for the projected quiet season.
Tips for preparing for the next sluggish season include:
If your repair shop is experiencing a slowdown, here are some suggestions to help you devise a strategy for making the slowdown a good experience for you, your team, and your clients.
By looking backward, you can move forward.
Examine your previous year’s results around the same period. Get a realistic sense of how things were in the past. Then, make a note of those figures. It’s critical to understand your starting point to make goals for where you want to go!
Make a goal for yourself.
During that period, how many cars do you wish to see? Maybe it’s not the number of vehicles, and perhaps it’s a specified amount of services of a particular type. Set whatever target YOU want to achieve for YOUR shop during that season, and make a note of it.
Take a moment to consider what is causing the slowdown.
You can begin to think of methods to work with or around the slowdown after a strong idea of what is causing it. Look into the situation. Do your homework. Make the reason for the sluggishness your ally. It’s not your adversary; find a method to become friends with it! To improve exposure and awareness, consider hosting certain types of events.
These could include the following:
- After-Hours Chamber Business
- Girl Scouts’ Clinic
- Partnerships with Non-Profit Organizations for Events
If you decide to partner with a local non-profit, for example, any customers who come in during that period can make a gift for each oil change performed that month. Consider collaborating with a different non-profit every month or quarter to acquire even more exposure. The non-profit can assist in spreading the word about your store’s unique offer to its members, and it’s a true win-win situation.
Educate your employees.
The most important aspect of marketing that is overlooked is when you, the store owner, make decisions without informing your employees.
Everyone should know!
Your service advisors, of course, need to know, but so do your technicians, detailers, parts professionals, finance, and everyone else on your team.
They can assist in spreading the message. They are also excited to be a part of the process. Consider rewarding the team member who referrals the most customers with a bonus.
Always inform your consumers and followers in advance, and repeat promotions during the promotion period. In your auto repair marketing, you may achieve this in a variety of ways:
- Website
- Email marketing campaigns
- The Internet and Social Media
- Radio
- Billboards
- Fliers
- During networking events (BNI, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
Keep track of the outcomes.
Take some time after the promotional period has ended to review your results. How did it go for you? Did you succeed in achieving your objective? Your team should be informed of the outcomes. Make adjustments to your process, concepts, and promotion. Discuss how things went so you can improve for the next time.
Above all, we hope that this blog article inspires you to be more creative. That you get your blood rushing in your head and are encouraged and inspired to come up with a way to speed up your ordinarily slow time.
It doesn’t have to be a groundbreaking concept. All that is required is for it to be effective. You’ll never know unless you try!
We’d appreciate it if you could contact me with your idea (s). Tell us about your sluggish season and what causes it, and we’ll give you some suggestions.
So, what do you have to lose?
Don’t you think you deserve to have a successful business?
Are you frustrated with attempting to attract new customers by offering low-cost oil changes only to lose track of them?
Are you concerned about your marginal profits?
Is it because your technicians aren’t working enough hours to support their families that shop morale is low?
Let’s get started!
Let us know if you need assistance advertising a special offer or increasing client flow in your firm. We can assist you!
By Talitha Turkin