Unlike the periodic fluctuations in the numbers and margins of new and used car sales, service lanes provide consistent opportunities for profit. But many dealerships fail to place adequate emphasis on their fixed operations…
Drive to Success: Bottom Line Efficiency
In an industry as competitive as auto sales, dealerships must think creatively to find efficiencies and increase profits. From a focus on fixed ops and F&I to hiring and retaining the right employees, dealerships…
Drive to Success: Service Lane
The dealership service lane is a place for profit-boosting opportunities. Every dealership customer should be made aware of the service department and all it has to offer. Stay updated on efficient service trends like providing real-time customer repair updates and offering auto tools and accessories after each service visit to increase your dealership’s revenue.
Drive to Success: Fixed Ops
If you haven’t already, it’s time increase revenue with your Fixed Ops department. Read why experts suggest you drive customers to the service lane and how to do it.
Fixed Operations – A Great Way to Step Up Your Game
In times when consumer demand dips or plateaus, it’s important to rely on the other, more literal tools of your trade. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to invest in fixed operations.
Sharon Kitzman Reflects on 26 Years of NADA Attendance
Sharon Kitzman, Vice President and General Manager at Dealertrack DMS, offers a unique perspective on the industry’s current innovations, opportunities, and challenges after attending her 26th National Automobiles Dealers Association event.
7 Ways to Grow Your Fixed-Ops Digital Performance
Seven tips to help service managers streamline operations, provide better service, and create long-lasting customer relationships that will greatly benefit every part of the dealership.
Three easy ways to boost your tech supply
Are you seeing a lack of talented techs come through your doors? Many dealers are. The industry is buzzing about a shortage that may affect your bottom line for years to come. But while some dealers worry about the shortage, others are proactively taking matters into their own hands.
Four tips for effective fixed ops communications
Top dealers consistently attract, retain, and grow their fixed operations business through effective communications with customers and colleagues. That builds lasting, loyal relationships, even when there’s a competitor around every corner.
3 Steps for a Smoother Annual Parts Inventory
It’s that time of year again, when your dealer principal or CPA requires a “firm” parts inventory count for tax and factory filing purposes. If you dread the event, you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to be that hard. If you put several steps in place throughout the year to improve consistency and better secure your parts asset, you will minimize variances, risk of theft, and dread of the annual inventory. Industry consultant Mike Nicholes recommends every dealership put three steps in place to ensure a smoother annual parts inventory.
Top 3 questions service managers should ask
Smart dealers know that the fixed ops department is their best bet for steady, consistent revenue. Yet the majority of service departments are leaving major money on the table. Why is this happening? It’s a perfect storm of a lax inspection process, no accountability and a service-not-sales mentality. In a market where competition is up and ROI is shrinking, you can’t afford to have your service technicians missing opportunities or just picking low-hanging fruit – like brake and power steering flushes – instead of completing a thorough inspection and selling customers on services they actually need. Not only does this approach improve sales, but it also improves customer loyalty and trust. Want to get more revenue out of your lanes? Make sure your service manager can answer these three questions.
