You might think of your parts store as just that – a business that sells auto parts. Sure, you might carry some tools and equipment, but your bread and butter – well, that’s parts.

Even so, having a strong tool-and-equipment offering is a great way to capture add-on sales and take your customer relationships to the next level. Think about it: Doesn’t it make sense to offer the tools and equipment needed to install the parts that you’re selling? Your professional customers are always looking for ways to be more efficient and move on to the next vehicle as quickly as possible. They’re trying to streamline their operations – so why not help them do that by becoming a streamlined operation that offers parts AND professional tools?

Offering and supplying the latest quality tools not only saves your customers money because they can do their jobs faster, but it also increases your value to them. On top of that, it can help you sell parts. For example, selling or renting out an A/C recycle/recovery machine can help sell A/C parts and refrigerant.

Having a strong lineup of professional tools and equipment – and the knowledge to help your customers with their purchasing decisions – can enhance your customer relationships … and your bottom line. Next week, we’ll talk more about selling tools and equipment, and how it can help your business.