Service Shops: Time to Put Plans into Action

Hone your business’ goals for 2023

Service Shops Service Shops

It’s a little late to say, “Happy New Year,” but it’s not too late for automotive service shop owners to make plans for the year ahead and start executing. Spring is usually a busy season for service shops, and it is right around the corner.

 

Even if 2023 is underway, you may find it helpful to make a checklist of items that need attention to firm up an annual plan. Based on conversations we’ve had with operators, here are some common priorities:

 

Marketing plans: By now, you should be mapping out a plan for the year ahead if you haven’t already. What has worked well in the past? Are there any new ideas you want to try? Do you have a budget, and how do you plan to allocate it? This is a time to talk to vendors, hear their ideas, and figure out where you want to focus your efforts. Think about whether your website or social media presence is due for a refresh.

 

Changes to inventory: Take a look at your product mix and make sure it is up to date with current trends. The move to synthetic oils continues to accelerate, particularly with newer cars. It may be time to switch out your bulk tanks from older viscosities to newer full synthetics. Take a look, too, at your ancillary products – are you seeing enough turnover with them, and does your supply match your anticipated demand?

 

Share your KPIs with your team: In a small to medium-sized business, everyone on the team has a stake in success, and everyone’s contribution makes a difference. Make sure your team is aware of your key performance indicators and how they can help achieve your goals. What are you looking for in terms of car count? What is the revenue and margin per car the business needs to be profitable? What is the average ticket price that will drive that revenue? It pays to be transparent with your team. When they understand what is required to advance the business, they will be more likely to perform.

 

Review your suppliers: The supply issues from last year are starting to get under control, and you should expect to see improved availability of quality products. Review your suppliers and see what each has to offer. Talk to them about what they expect to see in the future. Be sure you have back up sources in case a supplier comes up short. Get a good idea of which supplier is going to consistently meet your needs.

 

Review safety procedures: Be sure you are up to date with the latest OSHA requirements and that you have the necessary safety equipment and supplies. Review with your team the protocols and procedures to follow in the event someone gets injured on the job. Keeping safety top of mind is good practice.

 

Engage with your site manager(s): If you have someone who oversees the shop day to day, or if you have more than one location, make sure your managers are in on your planning process. Get their feedback, encourage their input, and get them involved in your decisions.

 

You may have other items to add to your checklist based on your own experience. The main point is to have a roadmap and be proactive.

03/02/2023

Jim Smiley
Jim Smiley, Consumer Sector Manager, America’s Fuels and Lubricants Jim Smiley is the Consumer Sector Manager, with responsibility for managing the Havoline and Techron brands. Prior to Chevron, Jim led brand and product management at Intuit, Yahoo!, DuPont and several start-ups. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Georgetown University.

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