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Worrying times ahead

Posted by p. nicholls on July 9, 2008, 10:27 pm
Philip Nicholls

Over the last few weeks we have noticed and considerable down turn in work, where people usally have service and mot together now only having the essesntial MOT, and repairs done., also speaking to local car sales , and snap-on, dealers, all saying bad times ahead. 3 local garages already closed, hope this is only temporary, no work, and large bills dont go.

phil

Re: Worrying times ahead

Posted by Barry Rudd on July 9, 2008, 11:18 pm, in reply to "Worrying times ahead"

We are really busy at the moment and have record weekly profit-but would say are working harder than would have hoped, on my travels I find that some garages are quieter but others are busy. The newspapers are full of doom but a train driver sill earns 40 grand, so does a teacher
I have been through two recessions 1980 ish and 1991 ish and will survive.
We must all adapt. This is still one of the five richest countries in the word and "hard times" are all relative.
Realisticaly, we may have to lay off staff or cut hours, but the "punter" is still earning a reasonable wage and we must endeavour to ensure that we take our share, before he books his holiday or his wifes botox or has his drive block paved.
We must all put our salesmans hats on (even if it is not our forte).
You will find that new car sales are down, but retained cars need to pass MOT's and that heater will have to be fixed and repairs done rather than trading it in. So adapt and have faith,
been there got the T shirt

Cheers
Barry

Re: Worrying times ahead

Posted by Keith Simpson on July 10, 2008, 10:24 am, in reply to "Re: Worrying times ahead"

I don't think our trade will suffer as bad as what the Doom and Gloom mungers might think. Yes some garages have closed, but what you need to ask your self is why.

Stand out side look at the condition of your premises, is the workshop clean, is your reception clean and inviting, do you look professional, are female customers put off by the image you portray, these are all basics that a new customer will look for.

There are many good garages out there that do a good job and look after it's customer, there are just as many that don't in my opinion ( the dog will have it's day springs to mine) We all have quite weeks, and we all have very busy months. It's the way the trade is and has been for years.

I personally welcome a quite period this is the time to have a good clean up and catch up.

Keith

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