The Frustration of running an Auto Repair Shop

[Alan Ollie]

My top 6 issues.

#1 Problem for me. Attracting & Hiring enough qualified Techs   

Employee management
Employee training

Getting things done

Shop – keeping it clean and organized

Debt

[DALE]

Profitability
Warranty issues
Sales numbers
Parts quality
Employee management
Employee training
Customer retention

[Tom]

Some days “all of the above” would seem to be the most accurate reply.

But, when considering each one, the most frustrating for me is dealing with certain vendors and suppliers. The people you depend on to make sure your shop runs right. 

Too often the attitude is some version of: “You and/or your staff are morons who can’t read or follow instructions or use a computer or diagnose a car, etc.”  We are not perfect, but we are not total idiots all day every day. 

[joecval]

My Top 5

__X___ Customers – finding new ones- I would add to this finding the right customer is just as important

___X__ Parts – getting the right one delivered quickly- Delivery time is hit and miss from several suppliers. Getting the right part the first time – we are working on it as it has been a problem. I am surprised how many times it’s the catalog that gives poor info or lack of info to make the right choice.

__X___ Sales numbers- the ups and downs- feast or famine
__X___ Servicing cars quickly and efficiently- we are working on it, but room for improvement.
__X___ Shop – keeping it full of work

[Richard Zaagman]

__9____ Advertising, marketing
__7___ Customers – finding new ones
__1___ Employee management
__4___ Employee training
__2___ Getting things done
__3___ Hiring
__6___ Servicing cars quickly and efficiently
__5___ Shop – keeping it clean and organized
__10___ Vehicle technology