For auto repair shop owners and business owners, it’s important to stay competitive in the ever-changing automotive industry. The services and products you offered in the past years may not be the same that are demanded today. It’s essential to keep up with the trends, technologies, and services your competitors provide to remain competitive and gain new business. To do this, you must look for additional services and products that you can offer customers. Here are some ideas on how you can expand your auto repair shop.
Offer Specialty Services
One way to expand your auto repair shop is to offer specialty services that other shops don’t. This could include engine rebuilds, custom paint jobs, or customized exhaust systems.
Engine Rebuilds—For customers that need an engine rebuild, you can offer a DD15 rebuild kit. This includes all the necessary replacement parts to get their engine up and running, such as crankshafts, gaskets, sealers, and bushings. This gives a vehicle a new life after its engine has been damaged or broken down.
Custom Paint Jobs—If you want to take your shop to the next level, you can offer custom paint jobs. This allows customers to customize the look of their vehicle and express themselves with a unique design. You will need to source the best supplies for this job, such as top-quality paints and primers.
Custom Exhaust Systems—If you want to offer something more advanced, you can offer custom exhaust systems. These systems can improve the look and performance of a vehicle while also reducing noise. You can source custom exhaust systems to fit any make or model of vehicle.
Customers will appreciate the extra attention they get from a specialized service and be willing to pay more. Consider what services would differentiate your shop from the competition and start offering them as soon as possible.
Sell Auto Parts & Accessories
Another idea is to sell parts and accessories through your shop. This could include anything from spark plugs and oil filters to floor mats, seat covers, or even hard-to-find accessories such as car audio systems and performance parts. You can also offer tuning and installation services to help customers get the most out of their new parts.
To cater to the modern models and cars, you can also stock up on the latest car electronics and gadgets. This could include Bluetooth devices, navigation systems, dashcams, and more. You can also start selling online by creating an e-store where customers can easily purchase car accessories and parts. A software solution can help you manage and track inventory, process orders, and accept payments.
You can increase your customer base and revenues by offering various services and products. Ensure that your shop is always well-stocked with the latest parts and accessories, so customers don’t have to look elsewhere for what they need.
Develop Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are an excellent way to reward returning customers and encourage them to return for more services. You can offer discounts on labor, parts, accessories, or anything else you’d like to promote. It’s also great to build relationships with customers and create an exclusive club of loyal supporters to spread the word about your business.
You can also use loyalty programs to gamify the customer experience by offering points or rewards for every purchase they make at your shop. You can create a loyalty program app and integrate it with your online store, allowing customers to track their points and redeem them for discounts. This can help you build a sense of community, create more engagement with current customers, and attract new ones.
Offer Mobile Services
Finally, consider offering mobile services such as on-site repairs or remote diagnostics of vehicles that customers can’t bring into the shop for whatever reason. You can invest in the right tools and technology, such as diagnostic software, laptops, and wireless internet connection. These mobile services can be a great way to get new customers who may not have been able to access your shop before. You might also consider adding additional convenience services such as pickup and delivery or offering financing options so customers can easily manage their auto repair costs.
Consider bringing your shop mobile by setting up a van with your equipment and supplies. This allows you to offer the same services as a traditional repair shop but in the convenience of the customer’s driveway or office parking lot. This saves your customers time and money, as they don’t have to bring their vehicles into your shop.
Providing quality services is the key to success in any business venture—especially when it comes to expanding an auto repair shop! By expanding your services, you’ll be able to give customers a much wider range of options than they would find at any other shop in town—which will ultimately bring in more business.