Five tips for car repair shops

Five tips for car repair shops

Tip 1: Become more efficient – ​​operational analysis helps with crisis management

In the current situation, some workshops will adapt their overall economic situation to the new circumstances in order to continue to exist. For many, the ongoing state of emergency means higher costs and lower income. "Many workshops will have to expect with a sharper pencil in the future. It will therefore become increasingly important to have an overview of the most important key figures as a basis for decisions," says Bert Lembens, Head of Sales Service at Continental. Anyone who has carefully analyzed their own key figures can take targeted countermeasures, for example through better employee utilization, more efficient processes or a more precise approach to customers. To help with this, Continental has developed a key performance indicator compass that motor vehicle companies can use to precisely determine their economic situation. The tool is already in the testing phase and will soon be available to workshops.

Tip 2: Work safer – successfully implement Corona security measures  

In addition to a detailed operational analysis, the correct workshop organization is crucial for a successful restart. The diverse safety requirements under which motor vehicle companies currently have to work often represent major challenges. To reduce the complexity of the requirements, they can also be divided into different categories, such as customer contact, workshop work and field service. This helps to keep track of all regulations, says Lembens. He advises pragmatism: "It doesn't always have to be complicated. Adhesive strips on the floor are still an effective means of ensuring that distance rules are adhered to. Or, as a workshop, you can also put a windshield on the counter and use it as a transparent partition. Whatever is safe is allowed."

Tip 3: Be closer to the customer – It doesn’t work without digital

When it comes to communication, the coronavirus is bringing about fundamental changes. If personal contacts have to be reduced to a minimum, only digital channels often remain. It is now clear: online is a must. Even if most workshops currently lack the resources for a complete digitalization push: online appointments, a placement on Google, an informative website and the timely answering of emails are often enough to maintain accessibility and proximity to the customer. “Here too, ‘practical’ is the order of the day,” emphasizes Lembens. "It's about making life easier for customers through the digital channels that they use themselves. One example is WhatsApp. This allows quick and easy communication, for example for a short update on vehicle repairs. Being there digitally is everything."

Tip 4: Invest in the team – satisfied employees even in times of crisis

During the crisis, the main focus of many workshops is on the continued existence of their operations - and rightly so. But the motivation and appreciation of employees as well as open communication about the status of things must not be left behind. Continental already provided assistance with this at the beginning of the year Personnel report compiled. Further education and training are also still important in times of Corona: because only well-trained employees can satisfy customers. Continental has significantly expanded its range of digital training courses, with technology and product training, qualifications, for example for working on high-voltage systems, and sales training. The first webinars are already available, and more will follow in the next few weeks. Anyone interested can find the complete training program here morecontinental.com.

Tip 5: Develop a strategy – the right way out of the crisis

In order to prepare for the future after Corona, workshops have a variety of options available to them. But the following also applies: the right mix is ​​important. Which strategies and measures are suitable for which company must be decided depending on the individual case. First of all, it is important to create a plan. The central question is simply: Are the measures effective and feasible? Anyone planning their way out of the crisis should be sure that they can follow it to the end. Continental will continue to support workshops with a wide range of offers and services and thus support them in emerging stronger from the current situation.

All tips and information on the current challenges for workshops are also summarized in short online videos, including one specifically for Working under safety conditions or on the topic A new start in the crisis generally.