THA 079: What Drives Your Parts Buying Decisions?

What Drives Your Parts Buying Decision?

This Town Hall Academy summit features Keith Williamson, owner of Williamson’s Repair and Tire in Bondurant, IA, John Long partner in Schertz Auto Service in Schertz, TX, and Keith Katz, owner of Quality Service Center in York, PA.

The panel covers part quality, service, availability, training, price, and warranty. We also get into credits and returns, their salesperson, volume rebates, e-commerce, and labor claims. There is a consensus on the value their supplier brings to their business.

Compare your supplier needs and relationship to what this panel has to say about their parts buying decisions.

Listen and view episode notes

THA 062: Come Backs – Prevention, Reputation and the Cost

The Dreaded Come Back: The Keys To Prevention.

Comeback prevention starts at the front door. It is all about communication. Writing enough information to the technician the better he/she can handle the diagnosis.

To improve the end product and to reduce comebacks, you must build quality into the repair process. Quality control checklists at the end of the repair can only do so much. Quality, not quota, is the strategy you need to adopt to reduce comebacks. You should always be looking to improve. Your processes will drive a well-managed quality program.

The quality of parts today is in question and you need to pay attention to comebacks so your costs and reputation are managed. Tracking every comeback is a necessity if you are going to reduce your comebacks.

Listen and view episode notes

THA 045: Installing Customers Parts – A Discussion | AMi Credit

This panel’s perspective is meant to excite a dialogue, to present ideas and concepts to support your decision or to inspire you to take a stand; one way or the other.

This topic is a worthy discussion because of the growth rate of e-commerce part availability, transparency in pricing, and ease of self-diagnosis on the internet.

At risk can be your reputation based on the quality of part being installed. You own the cause of their concern. This panel has not gotten one new great customer from ever installing parts for walk-in customers.

Listen and view episode notes

THA 035: Supplier Loyalty- The Service Professional Perspective

The Strength of Supplier Loyalty is Based in Relationships and Providing the Needs of the Service Professional.

This team of service professionals shared their views on supplier loyalty and how their first call supplier has earned that position. Bill Nalu, John Bridgwater and John Eppstein bring their insights as shop owners to the discussion.

Having a strong first call relationship is earned by the supplier. The panel discusses trust, part quality, service, warranty, and training as all incumbent reasons they support their supplier.

Listen and view episode notes

RR 239: John Burkhauser – Director of Educational Programs – Bolt On Technology

What You Can Learn from Your Dentist on Setting Appointments.

John Burkhauser, the Director of Educational Programs at Bolt-On Technology has a storied career as an automotive technician and as a post-secondary automotive educator. He is finding his career path has set him up for this current job.

John says the service process really hasn’t changed in 30 years. For many shops, it is still a day of putting out fires and trying to keep one’s head above water. He has his opinions on finding techs in post-secondary schools, the importance of best practices, and insights on digital vehicles inspections.

Listen and view episode notes

RR 198: Oscar Manzo – 2016 Counter Professional of the Year

Longtime O’Reilly Auto Parts Counter Professional Earns National Recognition.

Oscar Manzo, Installer Service Specialist at O’Reilly Auto Parts for over 27 years is recognized as the 2016 Counter Professional of the Year. The honor is given every year, for the last thirty-one, from Babcox Media.

Oscar has dedicated his entire career to the parts business; he started as a part-time cashier. He loves his everyday interaction with his customers and researching hard to find parts. Oscar shares his view on what is new in the parts business and the fulfillment of his customer’s needs.

Listen and view episode notes

RR 169: Seth Thorson from Eurotech Auto Repair

Euro specialist shop owner is also a BMW trainer and embraces technician networking.

Scott Thorson has specialized in the service of European automobiles since 1999. A BMW Trained technician also owns a nationwide BMW tech Support service (LMV Bavarian) that people all over the world use for BMW technical advice.

A national BMW trainer embraces new technology and understands that there is always someone willing to work harder to take everything away.

Listen and view episode notes

RR 148: Bobby Bassett From Gates Corporation

Bobby Bassett, the Manager of Training North America for Gates Corporation, started with Gates in sales in 1999 and transitioned into training. There he found his calling. Powerful Quote and Reason to Listen: “Bottom line for technician, service writer and shop owner are missing tremendous profits. They are not fixing their customers cars; the guy…

Listen and view episode notes

RR 122: ASE Test ‘Uncovered’

ASE Test Uncovered. Everything you ever wanted to know about the ASE Test … ASE 3but were afraid to ask!

Joining me for this very open discussion is:

-Dan Baumhardt, ASE Test Administrator
-Matt Fanslow, Professional Technician and an ASE Subject Matter Expert
-Ryan Kooiman, Director of Training at Standard Motor Products

Listen and view episode notes