Is your auto-repair business struggling to make an impact? Could your client-base do with expanding? Then maybe it’s time to give your garage an upgrade.
As many of you out there will appreciate, running your own commercial business in the current economic climate is challenging at the best of times. However, in order to gain the competitive edge you need to invest now, to make the difference in the future. So how can you go about improving your business to make it stand out from the rest? Read on to find out.
Presentation
Needless to say, your garage is often a busy working environment (given the nature of auto-repair) but presentation can go a long way. Consider what you would think if you turned up to a messy, untidy and dingy garage? It certainly wouldn’t leave the best impression.
This doesn’t mean you need to spring clean every day as this is impractical, but monitored and organised storage around the outside your workshop can give a more professional appearance. Equally, uniforms or branded overalls for your staff also create a more established impression.
Facilities/Services
Along with the above, you might want to consider upgrading your facilities to newer versions. Again this gives a more professional look but overtime you can realise other benefits. Here are some examples:
Garage Door: A retracting garage door can offer easier accessibility, neater frontage and greatly improved security.
Fuel Storage: Much like with your tools and equipment, you can invest in fuel and oil storage which can be found from specialist retailers like Commercial Fuel Solutions. Not only can these help keep your garage more organised by consolidating fuels into one space, but are also more environmentally friendly thanks to their secure containment preventing spills and leaks.
Paint Services: Depending on your available space, give your customers a wider choice by also having on-site vehicle painting services.
Washing Area: Either internally or on the forecourt, set up a washing area to give vehicles a smart finish, ready for their owners to collect.
Staff Skills: By hiring staff with more mechanical expertise or specific skillsets you can expand your service offerings. Alternatively, you can offer training courses for your employees to develop their abilities.
The Bottom Line
Finally, don’t be deterred by having to spend money to invest in such features. At the end of the day, you need to spend money to make money and if you do, your garage could soon recoup the money you’ve spent with new and impressed customers.