An All-Access Pass?
Long before the age of Internet access, Samuel Johnson, the great 18th-century English author and literary scholar, said, “Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.” Johnson’s observation accurately describes the automotive repair information access issues of today because, although an auto mechanic
The Value of My Jobber Partner
Looking back over the 31 years since I opened my own shop, it’s not hard to see that a positive and productive jobber/shop relationship is the primary ingredient for the success of any jobber or any shop operating in the independent market. On the one hand, many shop operators look at their local jobbers as
Keeping Up Professional Standards
How can a distributor help in this area?
Sourcing OE Brands vs Aftermarket
Warranty, performance, reliability all factor into the decision.
Electronics: Where I Buy
Choosing an electronic part isn’t easy for the quality-conscious technician.
The ABCs of Technical Skill Levels
Sitcom stereotypes are no match for today’s master technician.
Hybrid Service, Please
Service opportunities lie mainly in the future as hybrids move out of warranty and into the independent service bays.
Future Shock
Given that group technician programs have the ability to increase the profitability and viability of the average independent repair shop, what technical and marketing challenges do they face?
Accessing Repair Data: A Report from the Field
Today, a diagnostic technician is dealing with networked computer systems that are impervious to reverse engineering and other diagnostic techniques.
Controversies of Shop Licensing
Shop licensing is a symptom of the many frustrations and economic inequities faced by legitimate shop owners trying to compete in an industry where some operate with no standards of professional conduct.
Training is an Attitude
It’s a fixed business expense just like heat, lights and insurance. We must be willing to change right along with vehicle technology to meet the challenges of the future.
Maintenance vs. Repair: The Impact on Parts Sourcing
Knowing what maintenance parts your customers need will make their vehicles safer and more reliable — and your revenue greater.