When it comes to pricing jobs over the phone, we all know there are only three ways a call can go: (1) It's a straightforward project for which the price is set, (2) There are so many factors involved that you can't possibly give a price without seeing the vehicle first, or (3) The request is a bit complicated, but you could probably give the customer a rough idea of what it … [Read more...] about Quotes, Estimates and Ballpark Figures
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Improve Your Shop’s Phone Etiquette
Marketing consultant Tom Smisek recently conducted an informal survey of automotive repair shops to gauge how professional they are over the phone. Based on what he learned, Tom wrote an article providing tips on how shops can improve their phone etiquette, and with it grow their businesses. It’s a must-read for every shop owner and employee. … [Read more...] about Improve Your Shop’s Phone Etiquette
Estimating 101: What You Need to Know
Giving fair price estimates is one of the most important skills that an independent auto trimmer needs in order to succeed. While over charging isn’t good for customers, under charging isn’t good for shops. In effect, estimates can either make or break an auto upholstery business. … [Read more...] about Estimating 101: What You Need to Know
How to ‘Sell Through to the End’
Upholstery Journal recently published a helpful article on how to follow through on a sales pitch. While the tips provided aren’t specific to auto upholstery, it’s easy to see how they can help improve the process through which most shops give estimates and close deals. … [Read more...] about How to ‘Sell Through to the End’
Get the Most Out of Phone Estimates
Giving estimates over the phone is a subject that we’ve covered extensively on The Hog Ring – in both our "Better Business" articles and our "Auto Upholstery Forum". However, it’s always great to hear different perspectives. Harry Weimann, director of education at WyoTech Blairsville, recently authored an article for Hotrod & Restoration Magazine that takes an in-depth … [Read more...] about Get the Most Out of Phone Estimates
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