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Ok so we have been in business since 1940's, about a year ago we moved to a new location. We were a 2 line dealership until GM decided to get out and now we only have one car line. I am looking for some ideas on what I can do to help pickup business both inside my shop and wholesale. This year has really started off slow for us and now we are at the point where guys are leaving early because we have no work. Anyone have anything new or old that has been working to help bring in more customers???

WE used a print out of lost customers(had not been in within last 6 months) sent them an invitation to come back for a free 100 point inspection, and if they purchased any thing found they would get a sliding scale discount on needed repairs. The big thing about this is you will need to impress the hell out of them if they come in to try and win them back. Show them why they should be using you. Make sure the techs, advisors and everyone else is on board. If something is found on the inspection take the customer out and visually show them (builds trust) on the discounts we did $10.00 off $100.00 repair $25.00 of $200.00 and $100.00 off any $600.00 repair. It worked pretty good and got some customers back. We have since used the sliding scale coupon in various mailers (different $$ amounts) and has been working well.

Hope this helps.

X476-

Thanks for the reply. That is a good idea I will add it to the list. thanks

In 2012, pre GM SLP program, our Service Manager asked us to participate in a Car Clinic on a Saturday. It was held from 9am-1pm and advertised as offering free coffee & doughnuts as well as a free 27 point vehicle inspection. Of course we were skeptical as to the outcome, but came in to help out.

We put together 3 teams of 2 people, whereas the technician would rack the vehicle, and begin the inspection, the other person would get the VIN, mileage and customer's information. Techs would tell the "writer" person what he felt needed addressed and how urgently, and the Service Manager would speak to the customer to let them know we would call them with an estimate on the repair(s) if they wished. The writer would make sure any parts needed were priced out, then give the inspection to the Service Advisors to quote the job, and call the customer.

We received about 30 customers or so for inspections (who knows how many were in for the free doughnuts ) Some did not require anything, some required a lot. What I found most interesting is, nearly all who were quoted, came back in for most, if not all, the repairs recommended.