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Jim Masella replied to the topic Parts shortages and backorder questions and what we are doing in the forum Parts and Tire related topics 1 month ago
Mostly just tires for us. We have not been able to get the brand we like sometimes but other then that and some dealer parts we have not had a problem. One of my suppliers has told me he stocks a lot more now because he has trouble getting parts but I have not seen it at my shop. I will honor an estimate up to 6 months if I can. I don’t like changing the price on people and will eat…Read More
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Jim Masella started the topic Autologic Drivepro ES -looking for any recent reviews since this new tool is out in the forum Equipment And Tools 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Hi guys, has anybody been using auto logic’s new drive pro ES. It’s available for use on Asian domestic and European cars. It has an RAP built in it. With its monthly subscription, it comes with tech assist and all updates. we have been doing more European cars I need something more capable than my snap on and autel.
thanks, Jim M.
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Jim Masella replied to the topic Postcard marketing to specific car lines vs general mailing to select postal rts in the forum Marketing For Auto Repair Shops 1 year, 1 month ago
Thanks Tom. I think I’m gonna go with Honda/Toyota makes in my area. I would like to do BMW/Mercedes, but I’m not a euro specialty shop, so I don’t know how well that would go over.
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Looking for any input on results of postcard marketing to specific car lines like Toyota/Honda owners @ almost twice the price per piece vs. a general mailing to specific postal areas and zip codes with a good income range @ about half the price per piece of the car specific lines. Also, I have one major mail company telling me new home owner mailers don’t work (at the higher price by…Read More
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Jim Masella started the topic Air line type for shop air in the forum Shop Design & Efficiency 2 years, 7 months ago
Has anyone used Rapid Air Max Line for their airlines in their shop? It’s a special three-quarter inch blue air hose with an aluminum core that’s easy to work with like PVC and made for airlines. Available from Northern tool and Amazon
PVC – not to code?
Galvanized- flakes off and gets into air tools + hard to work with
Black pipe- rust problems and hard to work with
Cop…Read More -
Ran my whole shop on QB’s Enterprise solutions for 20yrs. Now looking to switch to Mitchell w/bolt on (a little pricy) or Shop Boss (less expensive and in cloud). Any advise would be helpful. (Need electronic work orders due to distance from office to back bays and would like to try DVI.
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Jim Masella replied to the topic Fluid flushing intervals in the forum Everything Else 3 years, 4 months ago
I agree with Tom. The only thing we do extra on top of the factory maintenance is brake fluid flushes that I don’t seem to find in the manual on most manufacturers. If we find a fluid is dirty During our inspection we will recommend it whether it’s due for my mileage or not according to manufacturer. Seems to me that every 30,000 miles per power steering flush is is a bit exces…Read More
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Jim Masella replied to the topic Security Camera System in the forum Everything Else 3 years, 6 months ago
Hi Dan, for a less expensive route, I installed a system myself for about $700- Defender-usa.com. I bought a 2T hard drive system w/ 8 cameras expandable to 16. I installed a total of 10 cameras so far. Reviews were great. Purchased from walmart.com w/3 or 4 yr extra warranty. Hard wired, each camera came with 60′ cables and I purchased some longer cables on the internet cheap…Read More
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Jim Masella replied to the topic Shop Management Software – Links, Ratings and Reviews in the forum Auto and Truck Shop Management Software 4 years, 5 months ago
Larry, thanks for your input on QuickBooks. I’ve been using QB’s as a shop management program since 1996 for everything. I keep hearing people say I’m missing out by not having an automotive specific program. I have checked out Mitchell SE Manager and it seems to be very popular w/few complaints but I have gotten so fast w/QB’s, I don’t know that I would save much time with a new pro…Read More
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Jim Masella replied to the topic Is a 50 Hour Tech worth $75,000? in the forum Employees 4 years, 6 months ago
Finding a hard time getting A rate techs. Does anyone have a competency test for new hires? Like a modified ASE test.
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Jim Masella replied to the topic Quickbooks in the forum Auto and Truck Shop Management Software 7 years ago
Feel free to call me if you have any questionsJimMasella’s Auto RepairVenice, FL
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Jim Masella replied to the topic Quickbooks in the forum Auto and Truck Shop Management Software 7 years ago
I have used QB’s since 1996. I is probably the most cost effective system out there. You can customize your invoice, write estimates and convert to invoice later, payroll, and many good reporting features. I love being able to pull a P&L statement at any time and compare it to last year to date. It always works and is very reliable. Drawbacks are 1. Not great for CRM. I can’t…Read More
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Jim Masella replied to the topic Lunch Breaks in the forum Employees 7 years ago
12:00-1:00- unless a customer is waiting, then my techs may take a later lunch. I also allow my techs to take a different lunch time if I have notice. I cover the front office myself during lunch and may take a later lunch myself.
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Jim Masella replied to the topic What are You Currently doing to Improve your Shop? (Ongoing list of ideas) in the forum Everything Else 8 years ago
We put in a Kerig coffee station and small frige with free water and soda for customers in the waiting room. The response is very positive from our customers. They overwhelmed with the gesture. It only cost about 13 cents per water, 25 cent per soda, and K-cups are about 35 cents each. Small investment for the feedback I get from my customers.
