Selling Batteries with Tom Sciortino and John Armstead [CC 092]

Tom Sciortino, Total Automotive, Tonawanda, NY. Graduated 1983 ECC with an associate degree in Automotive technology. Worked from 1981-1986 (broad Elm, Tire man, and Goodyear) and opened Total Automotive June 1st, 1986 (just celebrated 35 years in business. Purchased his current location in 2016 after renting for 30 years. Tom has 3 techs, 1 service writer and is an ASE Master Tech

John Armstead opened up Armstead Automotive Repair in 1986, out of a two-bay garage, in downtown Holly. In 1992, Armstead Automotive moved to the existing location on Fish Lake Rd. At this location, Armstead Automotive was able to expand and tailor to our customer’s needs. In 2004 we added a heavy-duty 4 bay addition, that can hold vehicles as large as school buses, RVs, and bucket trucks. On the west side of the building, John built a custom railroad track for all hy-rail needs. Armstead Automotive is willing to adapt to what our customers need…challenge accepted.

Now, Armstead Automotive is a fully-fledged auto repair shop complete with nine bays and a family of Armsteads, working tirelessly to deliver an experience that goes unrivaled in Holly, Saginaw, and the surrounding communities.

For an auto repair shop in Holly or Saginaw that looks out for you and your vehicle, no matter what, through the complex transmission repairs, to a simple oil change, look no further than Armstead Automotive Repair. 

Key Talking Points

• Waiting customer- demand purchase, if needs battery customers would rather have it done right away. Offer print out and keep a history of batteries. Be consistent.
• Battery testing- DVI process/inspection
• Both John and Tom sell around 150 batteries per year- 3 per week
• Rotate stock batteries every 90 days 
• Hotter climates batteries often need changing after 48 months
• Some cars won’t start/stop of battery is weak
• Batteries dying- lights staying on (map lights). 
• COVID 19- cars sitting for a long period of time and won’t start
• If you’re not selling batteries then you’re not checking/testing
• Profitability- 25-35%, labor and sale like tires.
• AAA won’t change on road for certain cars with batteries in the trunk or under seat etc
• Thanks to Tom Sciortino and John Armstead for their contribution to the aftermarket
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