How can I get more business in to my auto repair shop?

Question

My auto repair business is slow and has been for some time now, we have a good reputation and do high quality work. Unfortunately a lot of my good clients have either died or have moved to far away.

Now we are struggling with money so we don’t have a lot to spend on advertising.

Any ideas on getting new business in the front door without spending a lot, we can usually keep them if we can get them in.

Answer 1

if you're on a busy street, temporarily put up a big sign or have someone hold a sign and wave to people: signsays: 10 minute oil change $10. then give them the best customer service ever. they'll remember you and come back for other stuff. there are a couple of garages here who do something like this and their lot is full. if you're in an obscure location, hand out fliers at the mall or flea market with a coupon for services and directions to the place. advertise a cookout or fish fry one saturday. everybody loves a free hot dog!

Answer 2

Unfortunately i think your going to have to squeeze some money out for promotion.

Its worth it, but your going to have to learn how to get the bang for your buck.

I dont think its one big solution, just alot of small ones.

I think to save your place, you need to be flexible and go after your customer.

Firstly anything you can do to draw attention to you place, while people drive by. Like a guy holding a sign, or a banner.. There are tons of things you can do.

It might be smart to offer some other service to bring more people in.. like a really great car wash. You really will have to be flexible, but thats a great and fairly cheap way to bring people in, and show them you guys do quality repair work.

once you get the business going, you can decide whether or not you want to keep the other service.. but the car washing thing might actually be a great way to expand your business.

Also go where your customers may be.. maybe like used car dealerships.. maybe car shows..

It dosent take much to make flyers. You can even make your own. Convey professionalism and dependability.

Also the fact that you arnt corporate owned is an advantage. Places like yours, and specialty places in general, are becoming a rarity.. work it.

I know it may be hard to go with the extra service (like quality carwashing) because you do auto repair, you've always done it, thats what your guys know, and that what your best at, but honestly the reason i see so many businesses fail is because of an inability to be FEXIBLE.

Be creative.. go where your customers are.. draw attention to your place.. have EXCELLENT easy customer service, and keep your door open, use the independant business image to your advantage and people/money will follow.

good luck :)

Answer 3

the best thing to do is to give people a GOOD PRICE.

for example, to replace a transmission, instead of charging 1,100 Dollars, charge them 600.  A person would be very satisfied and he/she would later recommend you to your friends.  

That's how I started. I keep the prices LOW and i have a bunch of customers.  In the long run you earn more.  =]

Answer 4

Write articles about your website or ideas.

Submit your website for users to review, free!

Go to Famous Pages

http://famouspages.info

Answer 5

My name is LaShunda Long, and I am the owner of  "Dirty South Rhythmz Magazine."

We currently have a 1 year special package for small business that’s seeking advertisement

1 YEAR PACKAGE- $99 PER MONTH

-Half Page Ad in each issue of Dirty South Rhythmz Magazine

-Your company logo on Dirty South Rhythmz Magazine stage banner

-Your company logo on Dirty South Rhythmz Magazine promotional T-Shirts

-Your company logo on Dirty South Rhythmz Magazine website

For additional info, feel free to email me @ [e-mail]

Website URL: www.dirtysouthrhythmz.com

Answer 6

Get your business listed on the free business websites: Merchant Circle, Kudzu, etc...

List your business in local classified sites like craigslist, kijiji, stumblehere etc...

To get search engine traffic make sure you find out what keywords your customers would be typing into the seach engines to find you...

Use those same keywords when you advertise your business online.

Start a blog and name it your major keywords...preferably you want to get the name of your city or closest major city in your title/description.

Good luck