3 Mistakes That Decrease Efficiency in an Auto Repair Shop
Auto repair shops continue to increase in popularity as more people discover the importance of vehicle maintenance and care. According to IBISWorld, the auto mechanics market is worth about $77 billion nationwide. However, many repair shops make common mistakes that decrease efficiency and revenue, like not investing in a shop management system. Watch out for these critical errors to ensure your shop’s success.
1. Not Tracking Metrics
Every shop owner must track metrics. You should know how long it takes mechanics to repair a vehicle or perform an estimate. Every owner should also keep track of how often customers come back. Returning customers are loyal customers, the bread and butter of any business. Invest in shop management software to help you keep track of the essential details.
2. Inefficient Shop Layout
The layout of your shop can make everything more inefficient if you don’t put careful thought into the placement of things. Tools should be within easy reach. A mechanic should not have to walk across the shop to grab a specific wrench repeatedly. Larger shops should have zones for particular types of repairs. There should be multiple toolboxes throughout the shop to ensure everyone has what they need. Including a bathroom near the shop floor helps prevent downtime when walking across the building. An efficient layout will make every process faster and more seamless.
3. Poor Scheduling
Properly scheduling employees can lead to an efficient workflow. Having the right number of employees on the clock helps ensure efficient repairs and happy customers. You may need more employees to complete the job and manage the front desk during peak hours. However, having too many employees can lead to you spending more money on hourly wages than you make on repairs, leading your shop downhill. A shop management system can help you get the hang of scheduling.
Other Tips and Tricks
You can increase efficiency in your auto repair shop in several other ways. Preventative maintenance on machinery will prevent breakdowns that can make repairs take longer. Communication is crucial in shops to ensure everyone is always on the same page. Also, ensure employees are adequately trained regarding policies so that every job runs smoothly.
At Auto Profit Masters, we understand running an auto repair shop can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created a shop management system to help. Our software was created especially for shop owners by shop owners. Contact us today to learn more.