[carshopjay]

Jay I would like to talk with you about this. I talk better than I type. Email me for contact number.I was a franchisee for a large chain before going independent. bob@stthomasautoguys.com Bob Ward

Thanks Bob. Will get in touch. Cheers.

[carshopjay]

First of all you need to educate yourself about this business and how to run it properly.This will take some time. This training will be integral to the success of the business moving forward.You also need to learn about the franchisor and how a transition to a new owner will occur.When you buy an existing franchise you will need to be approved by them before anything can progress. To walk in blind you will not survive. I have had personal experience with a group called Automotive Training Institute (ATI) located in Baltimore. They special situations like this. Don’t rush this process. Learn as much as you can before you commit. As far as your concern about loss of customers it can be a concern because the business is really the owner and customers are comfortable with him. This is where you need to learn how he handled them and do the same moving forward. You will also need to hire a manager who knows the business so it can be up and running quickly. This is a good volume shop so you will have to be up to speed quickly. Be ready to lose staff as well. Sometimes they will resist change with a new owner. Don’t assume they will transition easily.

Great points! Thanks.

[carshopjay]

Without any experience in automotive you’ll want to be sure the shop is properly staffed. For example if the old owner did a lot of diagnostic work who does it now. If he writes most of the service, how does it now. Also so you said it’s a chain, what does that mean? Franchise? Are the any fees? Is is there an advertising fee for all the show that share the same type of adds? based on your numbers, the Shop has over a $700 average repair order, that is very good for general repair, more along the lines or a European Shop and will be difficult to duplicate without experience finally check the online reputation of the shop, that’s where you’ll see how customers are treated.

Yes its a franchise chain. You are right abou staffing. The owner did the service adviser and preliminary diagnostics I think. There are 3 other techs but none of thm are licensed.

I am now also reviewing another shop that is an independent. Will put  a separate post about it when I have all the info.

[carshopjay]

Thank you, Tom.

Seller used to be heavily involved with customers and worked as service advisor. He also had 40 years of experience as mechanic, so was able to diagnose and help people out when he took their cars for test drive.

I will research the directories for help.