The February 2019 issue of CarCare Business is now available online. You can flip through it here, but first, a few words from the Associate Publisher of CarCare Business, Shirley Brown.

Time to Make It Happen

Is 2019 the year that you’re going to start with a big bang and kick your opponent’s butt?

Or, like last year, are you going to sit back on what you think are your laurels and conduct ‘business as usual?!’

Have you heard about change and what’s happening in the automotive industry—both OE and aftermarket?! Or is your head still in the sand? C’mon, get over it. Change is here to stay. And to be in business and stay in business today, you need to heed the call. Look around you. Listen! Things are not the same!

New era, new plan

Your business plan of 2005 won’t cut it in today’s marketplace. Nor will employees who haven’t been trained in the latest technology, the best strategies for selling parts, the best knowledge, not to mention politeness. You’re in business to attract people to your business, not push them away.

People are keeping their vehicles longer. Not as many new cars were sold last year as in previous years. Canadian owners are currently keeping their vehicles for more than nine years. By the early 2020s passenger cars are expected to last 11.6 years and light trucks for 9.4 years. So there will be lots of work to be had for the jobber and the repair shop.

Client expectations

Another thing: Have your clients changed? Have their needs changed? Likely, if you run a repair shop, you are getting younger clients. Their vehicles will certainly be different from the ones their parents brought in to you, as well as their needs. For one thing, they want it fixed yesterday! Something else you have to deal with and handle. You and your jobber supplier must be ready for all situations, and newer models require different tools and handling than older cars and trucks.

This, for all intents and purposes, is likely a recap of some of the things I talked about last year! But these are important issues to remember to address. What better time than now? It’s the beginning of the year. You can make 2019 better than 2018 if you “update” and keep ahead of the crowd that’s “just thinking about it!”

All the best for 2019. It’s up to you!

Click here to read the February 2019 edition of CarCare Business