Auto Repair Facilities - Dealership Or Independent?

Automotive service and repair is something we all have to do or have done. But just like the old saying, "You can't judge a book by it's cover," the same goes for a lot of independent repair facilities and dealerships. I'm not suggesting that one is better than the other, but that there is good and bad in both. Finding the right one should keep your vehicle in excellent mechanical condition without breaking the bank.

So which one would you choose? Dealership service or local repair shops? Keep in mind that all dealerships are not the same, and that goes for local shops as well. You should be able to find quality service at both locations; however, some things to consider :

Who is working on my car? Get to know the person or people that service and repair your automobile. This usually isn't a problem at most local shops, but a lot of dealerships have a service writer to greet you and you may not get the chance to talk with the mechanic. That's almost like going to the doctor and being treated by the nurse without seeing or speaking to the doctor.

Reputation Ask around while your out shopping or at the post office. See what others say about an establishment and how long they have been serving the community. This may not be necessary if your are not new to the area or from near by, but it still may be some interesting info.

Shop Resources and Cleanliness Ask questions to find out if updated equipment and resources are available to your specific repair needs. It's not a crime to not know everything, but it's not good if you don't have the resources to find the correct answer. Shop cleanliness should not be the main deciding factor, but if the time is taken to be neat and tidy, then the extra time may be taken not to overlook simple items while your intake is laying on the bench.

Overhauls and High Mileage Autos Some dealerships and other shops don't work on vehicles with high mileage. So make sure you find a well rounded shop that can meet all your needs, regardless of what you drive.

Parts and Labor Ask for an estimate for the repairs that you may need and check for O.E.M. (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to be installed. Labor rates can vary from $60.00 to $120.00 per labor hour and on up depending on geographic location and vehicle. You can research local rates and repair costs, but hopefully that gut feeling was right when you thought you found the place to trust with your vehicle, and all passengers within it.

Before You Call A Glass Repair Company

Maybe you've had a break-in. Maybe the kid who lives down the street tossed a wayward throw to home plate through your picture window. Or maybe you just closed it too hard and broke it yourself. In any case, you've got yourself a broken window, complete with dangling jagged shards and chunks of razor-sharp glass on the floor.

What do you do? You call a glass repair company. But before you do that, take a few minutes and gather some of the following information which will help expedite getting it repaired, hopefully the very same day.

What is the size of the broken window?

A major factor in same-day window repair is the size of the glass. A glass company employee won't expect you to give them exact measurements over the phone, but will certainly ask you for a rough estimate. Find yourself a tape measure if you have one and (taking appropriate care, of course) measure both the height and the width. Measure only the glass surface you see (it's what's known as "daylight" in the glass repair business). Don't have a tape measure or just can't seem to find one when you need it? Use a sheet of typical copy paper - most are usually eleven inches long.

Knowing the rough size of the glass to be repaired will help avoid the glazier from having to return to the shop for a larger sheet.

Is the window single or double-pane?

Single-pane windows can usually be repaired that very same day, often on the spot. Double-pane (also referred to as thermal or insulated windows) are a different story. This type of window has to be custom-made and will usually have to be ordered by the glass company from their manufacturer. This can typically take anywhere from 5 to 10 working days.

Determining whether you have a single or double-pane window is a fairly simply endeavor regardless of how little knowledge of windows you have or how badly broken it is. At the edge of the glass wherever it meets the frame, look for a silver aluminum spacer anywhere from a 1/4 inch thick to 3/4 inch thick. The presence of this silver spacer almost certainly indicates a double-pane window.

If it is a double-pane window, are both panes broken or just one?

If both panes of a double-pane window are broken it will have to be boarded. If, however, only one pane is broken it can often be left in place without having to board it. Be sure to let the glass company know in advance if it's just one pane that's broken or both.

Is the broken glass in a door?

If so, it will have to be replaced with either tempered or laminated safety glass, even if there is ordinary plate glass in it now. Tempered safety glass must be ordered and typically takes a week or two to get, but laminated safety glass can be cut to size the same day.

Is the broken glass tinted or textured in any way?

If you want the glass repair done that same day, consider getting it replaced with clear flat glass. Bear in mind, custom ordered specialty glass can be expensive.

Is the window arched or rounded in any way?

Windows such as these must be made from a template and are often time-consuming.

Is the window located on the first or second floor?

Some windows (especially older wooden ones) can be glazed from the outside only, making second floor installations significantly more difficult.

If the broken window is the result of a break-in, have the police been there yet?

In such cases the glass repair company is often required to wait until the fingerprint technician has completed his or her work.

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Glass companies realize that you're not a window glass expert, but knowing the answers to as many of these questions as possible and communicating them to whomever you speak with when you call for service will certainly increase the probability that the responder will have the right size and type of glass to fix your window that same day.

Most importantly, though, try to steer clear of the broken glass. Whenever possible, let the glass company clean it up. They are professionals and know how to handle it safely.

Qualities of a Good Motorcycle Repair School

Individuals planning to have a successful career as a motorcycle mechanic may consider enrolling in a motorcycle repair school. Duties of motorcycle mechanics include maintaining, inspecting, repairing, and overhauling of motorcycles and other similar modes of transportation: motor scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Mechanics are responsible for different kinds of repair and service duties such as engine repair, transmission work, ignition work, brake jobs, and even minor repairs. Because most motorcycle mechanics work for dealers that service a number of makes or models of motorcycle, they have a tendency to specialize in servicing only the type of vehicles that are sold by their employer.

Requirements for a trainee mechanic position vary greatly from one employer to another. Some employers expect their applicants to have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some are more lenient in that they accept even those with less education provided that they have math, reading, and writing abilities. However, because motorcycles are becoming far more complex, applicants with a diploma or a certificate from a motorcycle repair school often have a greater advantage. This is why more and more are choosing to enroll in this type of trade school so that they can become a certified motorcycle mechanic.

Aspiring motorcycle technicians can either opt for a technician diploma or an associate degree in mechanics. A technician diploma is generally completed in 6 to 12 months, while the associate's degree program can be completed in 1 to 2 years. Although both options are sufficient enter this field, those who finish an associate degree generally have a more extensive knowledge base, giving them a potential edge in the hiring process.

In a certificate program, which is highly focused, motorcycle mechanics are required to complete a coursework that concentrates on 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. Students are considered to have learned the complete mechanic process once they complete training in which they learn about the tools used in the field and safety skills. Typical courses that they can expect to learn in a certificate program include duel systems, ignition systems, exhaust emissions, troubleshooting techniques, and repair procedures.

In an associate's degree program, students learn not only the fundamentals of repair but also other important things. Students learn to work with snowmobiles, foreign motorcycles, and several other types of motorized vehicles. They are equipped with the whole process of how to troubleshoot, repair, and improve a motorcycle as well as other small engine vehicles. Typical courses include Frame Welding, Accounting, Hydraulics, Business Law, and Repair Shop Safety. A combination of mechanics and business-oriented courses like these prepare students not only to work as a technician in a shop but also to manage their own business.

Because there are many technical schools offering motorcycle repair courses, aspiring motorcycle technicians should know how to carefully choose the school that can help them reach their full potential and guarantee their success in the industry. They should look for at least four essential qualities of a good training facility.

First, and perhaps most important, a good technical school should give their students plenty of opportunities for hands-on training. Clearly it is when students work with their own hands fixing motorcycles that they learn the most. Second, a good motorcycle repair school is one that offers the most up-to-date repair classes. This can ensure that students will have the proper training on repairing modern motorcycle engines.

Another thing for students to make sure of is that they attend in a school with highly qualified instructors. Excellent motorcycle repair instructors are often those that have many years of experience in the field. Finally, a good motorcycle repair school is one that helps their graduates land a good job. This way, students are assured that they will not only receive a proper training on motorcycle repair, but that they will also have a good start in this field.

Auto Repair Coupons - The Element of a Great Coupon

Auto Repair coupons are a great way of both promoting your shop and gaining potentially loyal customers. Coupons reward the customer for coming back. And they guarantee them that they will be getting a great deal. In the long run, the shop receives free advertising by word-of-mouth and a bigger client base. It is especially valuable in the auto repair business as vehicle maintenance is mandatory and overall unavoidable. This is a promotional strategy that will require careful execution to protect both you and your customer from feeling like they got taken advantage of or tricked. It is important to clearly spell out the terms of any auto repair coupon offer.

Great auto repair coupons need to be eye catching. The company name or logo, including the phone number, needs to be apparent, there is nothing more disconcerting than having a coupon and struggling to find out where one can use it. It stands to reason that the address should also be legibly printed. The simpler the better. Two to three colours is more than enough to get attention and if the route is black and white printing, then the biggest image on that coupon should be the discount. Saving of any kind seems a worthwhile investment for most.

An auto repair coupon not only has to be able to grab the customer's attention, but it must also make a valuable offer. For example, the coupon could cover the mounting of a specific part or include a discount in exchange for a purchase. There should be no "fine print" or hidden clauses in a coupon. This kind of trickery just makes the customer distrustful and less likely to spend money in your shop.

Clarity is the key in creating auto repair coupons. The specific service or part to be discounted should be clear and the conditions stipulated as such. An expiration date is valuable but not always necessary. What it does is to create a sense of urgency to use the coupon and avoids the piling up of coupons with which the customer could abuse discount privileges. However, the expiration date should be reasonable according to the particular service offered. That is to say the coupon would have no validity if it is given as valid for two weeks for a tire change following the same service on the day of distribution. The abuse of coupon usage can also be limited by setting a cut off of the number and/or type of coupons that can be used in the same purchase, again, clearly stating this is important for good customer relations.

It is clear that as much information as possible needs to be relayed between the shop and the customer, which is where an accompanying pamphlet would come in handy. Another good strategy is to print the conditions behind the coupon in plain view. The front should have the most basic, short hand writing and simple images so as to not confuse the consumer; you need to give the customer enough information to make a good buying decision.

The auto repair coupon is a popular way for shops to promote and in conjunction with websites and emails, can reach a far wider audience with even more potential for growth. The coupon could either come with the regular email newsletter from your shop or as a download from the website. In that way, those who have not signed up or used your services before will be invited to use this opportunity as well. Exclusivity is best left out when it comes to a great coupon; the more people have access, the more customers you are likely to obtain and the more advertising you get.

Eye-Catching! Paying less than one would for anything is an attraction enough for people to use auto repair coupons. The elements of a great one lie in grabbing attention and making it impossible to not use one. Valid brief information and the idea of saving sell an auto repair coupon...the coupon sells your service.

Why You Should Install Auto Sliding Doors in Your House

There are various types of sliding doors styles available in the market to beautify your place. You will see glass sliding doors installed in retail shops, commercial places, super markets, public buildings etc. In short, you will see them in most of the buildings and places you visit.

From visitors' perspective, glass auto sliding doors are convenient and quick to make way inside a place. On the other hand, from homeowners or business owners' perspective, auto glass sliding doors are a safe and efficient means to control access inside the building. Moreover, glass also increases the aesthetic appeal of a building.

This glass service is available for both commercial and residential places. Let's look at some reasons that make auto sliding doors so valuable.

1. Dealing with High Traffic
Commercial places like supermarkets, grocery shops etc. are frequented by a large number of people carrying so many things. In such circumstances, there are lots of discrepancies and most importantly, people are unable to use their hands frequently. Auto sliding doors provide large space to enter and exit through without using the hands. It also allows seeing the traffic on the other side through glass.

2. Energy and Ventilation
The frequency of opening and closing the door allows heat and sunlight to preserve in the building. This in turn helps save a lot of electricity, which is good for the environment. Moreover, the continuous air flow inside the system ensures proper ventilation for people who remain inside buildings for longer hours.

3. Maximizing the Door Way Space
With glass auto sliding doors, one can manage a large number of people by facilitating two doors to slide together into each other. This makes more way for people to enter and exit since two doors overlap each other giving the benefit of maximized space.

4. Safety and Light in Emergency
Emergency situations can be met without creating chaos at commercial places since glass is transparent and retains light. With respect to security, these doors can automatically slide back to allow people to move out in case of emergencies.

5. Visual Enhancement
The outlook of a building is very important and crucial, especially for businesses. Commercial buildings can make maximum use of glass service auto sliding doors as they give a prestigious look from a distance. Moreover, glass doors can be used to develop efficient and quick ways of commuting in larger organizations that employ thousands of people.

How to Find Auto Body Shops

Before you try to run out and find auto body shops near you, take a moment to read through this article and consider including some of my personal experience as a mechanic into your own personal deliberation about what constitutes the best auto body shops in business. When you break things down, there are really two types of garages in business: good ones and bad ones. The best place to start when trying to scope out a potential body shop is the owner. In bad auto body garages the owner usually instructs the employees to give the impression that your car is in worse shape then you think, or that something is broken and needs to be fixed right away. In a legitimate auto body garage, the owner is more concerned with forging a long standing relationship with you and getting your repeat business rather then just ripping you off and potentially never seeing you again.

The reason why most owners are concerned with ripping people off, especially in a body shop, is because the only two reasons cars ever go in there is for repairs on collision damage or for custom work; this means that the owners of the shop realistically do not see the owners of vehicles too often and do not see the value in repeat business, they would rather try to squeeze every dime out of your while you are there.

The best auto and body shop you can ever find is where the owner looks to develop long term relationships with their clients. While it is true they can potentially never see a newer customer again, these owners are smart and do the best work possible not only to help you out, but to impress you and have you refer your friends and family to him or her. These owners are less interesting in gouging your wallet and more interested in establishing a reputation in their local community for outstanding work and service. These types of people see the value in what it means to be a true professional and are more successful then their more selfish friends in the business.

The best way you figure out which owners are the good or bad guys is either by your own direct experience or the experience of others. You should not be afraid to talk to the auto body shop manager directly and begin to get a feeling for what he is about. After a short conversation and carefully studying his body movement and language, the first impression you get is often the right one.

7 Tips for Better Auto Repair Shop Advertising to Increase Car Counts

Most auto repair shops do the same advertising over and over and still expect different results. Maybe it's the sales person that talks them up and they get 'visions of dollars dancing in their heads'. Well, from the responses I hear about, the only visions of dollars are in the sales person's head.

When you're promoting your auto repair shop to increase car counts, use the following 7 Auto Repair Shop Advertising Tips as a guideline so that you get a better response.

1) Your ad shouldn't be about YOU: Most of the auto shop ads I see talk about everything THEY do; but they forget about the customer. The customer (like everyone else) is only looking for 'What's In It For Them'. What is their benefit? It's not the fact that you're family owned; It's not the fact you've been in business for 25 years. You have to advertise the benefits that the customer is going to get.

2) Do you provide a solution to a problem? Why else would anyone look for an auto service shop if they didn't have a problem? Does your ad speak to that problem? Do you provide a solution? Sorry, but being family owned is not a solution to any auto service problem that I've heard of.

3) How many ways to you have to contact you? Remember, there's the internet and websites; e-mail; the Mobile Internet (for those accessing online searches from their phone); some people still use fax machines too! What about your phone numbers? How many do you have? Do you have a 24 hour help line? Do you use QR Codes to direct visitors to a Mobile Website?; Do you have a mobile website?; What about a 24 hour message line so I can get information about you before I visit? Make it easy for your customer to get in touch and give them as many ways as possible to connect.

4) Always include a non-threatening way for prospects to contact you: In some cases, people just want to get more information. Remember, they only purchase from those they know, trust and like. Do you have methods to deliver that information? What about a FREE Report that I can download from your website. What about a FREE Trial offer? Remove the risk and give people a non-threatening way to find out more about you.

5) Quit trying to sell from your ad: How many of those fancy 10% discount coupons have you ever received back? Yeah, I figured. Your ad isn't about getting your customer to buy when YOU want them to. Your ad is about getting them to buy SOMETHING so that you have a customer; then continue to market to them with ongoing offers, discounts, promotions and specials.

6) Make your ad a way to collect leads; not to sell: This is really important as it's the perfect way to build your 'Sales Funnel'. Yes, people may be interested in your auto shop services, but typically they don't purchase from those they don't know, trust or like. Make your ad a 'Lead Generation' ad so that those interested will get to know you better.

7) Most Important - Create a Strong Call To Action: Nothing is going to happen unless the prospect takes an action. Buying something from you just because you placed and ad in a newspaper typically doesn't work, right? (I am sure you can attest to that!) But taking an action can be as simple as getting them to download your report; Texting to get an offer or special; Listening to a 24 hour recorded message. There's a lot of ways, but the important thing is that they take action.

Following these 7 tips will help improve your auto service shop advertising and let you build your business and increase your car counts!