July/August 2021

JULY/AUGUST 2021 AFTERMARKET 23 If you make it to the finals of Top Garage, you will face a grilling from the judges, so you want to make sure you know all the methods employed by a successful garage www.aftermarketonline.net Courses can be completed and paid for on a one-off basis, or unlimited access for 12 months costs £1,499. Going digital As well as the changes we’re seeing to the vehicles on the workshop floor, technology is fundamentally changing the way garages do business – from bringing in customers, scheduling jobs and ordering parts, right through to taking payment once the work has been completed. Adopting these solutions doesn’t just help to save time; it helps garages to build customer trust and loyalty by helping them deliver a service that’s slick and professional, and that stands out from the crowd. Introducing digital tools can be simple and cost effective. Garage management software (GMS), for example, can boost efficiency and productivity by automating key processes and reducing the managerial burden on garage owners. Our software, CarSys, uses Haynes Pro data to underpin scheduling and quoting for work – to maximise billable time in the workshop – supported by stock management features and integration with our catalogue, so that any parts can be bought in at the touch of a button, leaving the phone lines free for customers to use. Speaking of customers, the CarSys system provides a simple, integrated platform for quoting and invoicing, helping to streamline customer communications and ensuring a top- quality service from start to finish. Online visibility While many customers still prefer to book appointments by phone so they can discuss what’s required on their vehicle, it’s likely that they’ll choose a garage through online search. Even if they have been given a word-of- mouth recommendation, the chances are they will check out the garage’s website or social media channels before going ahead – meaning a robust online presence sits at the heart of attracting and retaining customers. Being searchable online shows that a garage is reputable, and means they can publicise their capabilities and specialisms so vehicle owners can find what they are looking for. It does not have to mean creating a flashy website either. It can be as simple as setting up listings on Google Maps, and creating Facebook, Twitter or Instagram channels. We offer training courses through our AutoEducation Academy that cover the basics, to ensure every garages can make sure its digital presence is up to scratch. Good luck After one of the most unusual and challenging years many of us will have ever experienced, it has never been more important to celebrate the successes and stand-out achievements of the independent aftermarket. This is why we’re proud to be sponsoring this year’s Top Technician and Top Garage awards. We know that we have an important role to play in helping the independent aftermarket adapt to change and prepare for the future – and highlighting best practice through these awards is key to this. Good luck to everyone who takes part this year. We are looking forward to an exciting few months of challenges, and to see who takes home the top prize. We’re looking forward to an exciting few months of challenges, and to see who takes home the top prize ”