QuickLube StandAlone

[Gerry Laughlin]

Hello Everybody,
I was not really sure what would be the most appropriate forum for this, so I welcome anyone from any forum to chime in.
Has anyone had any experience with the Goodwrench QuickLube Plus Standalone program? We have gotten to the point where we cannot run anymore LOFs thru the shop than we currently are without some kind of major change. While at the NADA the Powers that Be saw this program and seem to feel it is the answer to our problems. Regretfully after 25 years in this business I have become somewhat skeptical of any program that is backed by GM parts (remember the Chrome Program, Goodwrench Exhaust, etc.).
I am looking for any kind of input here, if you did not get involved, why not? If you have built one, would you go the same path again?

Thanks,
Gerry Laughlin

[BILL]

I AM CURRENTLY USING MOPAR OIL AND LOOKING AT VALVOLINE'S OIL PROGRAM FOR OFF SITE STAND ALONE LOCATION. VALVOLINE IS VERY AGGRESSIVE IN MARKETING AND EQUIPMENT. THEIR PROGRAM LETS YOU GO AFTER OTHER BRANDS BESIDES GM OR CHRYSLER.

[M ARNOLD]

WE ARE ALL FACED WITH THE SAME CONCERN IN THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE BUSINESS, WE ARE ALL GOING TO BE IN THE EXPRESS SERVICE AND TIRE BUSINESS IF WE PLAN TO MAKE UP FOR LOST $'S IN WARRANTY. THAT BEING THE CASE YOU SHOULD TAKE A VERY AGRESSIVE APROACH TO EXPRESS SERVICE AND TIRES. FORDS AROUND THE WHEEL PROGRAM HAD SOME GOOD IDEAS BUT LIKE ALL OTHER MFG. THEY WANT TO MUCH TO HELP PLAN AND GET STARTED WHEN ITS REALLY VERY SIMPLE EVRYONE HAS TIRE AND OIL DIST. THAT WILL BUST THEIR CHOPS TO PUT YOU IN BUSSINESS JUST FOLLOW THERE ADVICE. THE 1ST MONTH SELLING TIRES FROM OUR VOLVO-SUBARU DEALERSHIP WE SOLD 26 SETS OF TIRES AND 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON EVERY ONE, AND UPSALES ON BRAKES HAVE REALLY GONE UP.OIL CHANGES WILL NEVER BE PROFITABLE JUST A DRAWING CARD.
GOOD LUCK

[Paradise]

Had a somewhat halarious meeting a few years ago with a young, starched "suit" deployed south from Detroit by Chrysler. The bottom line of the meeting was..." We're < meaning all Chrysler dealers in the city and Chrysler> are losing over 600 million $$ per year to GoodYear's, Firestone's, Quick Lube centers. Parts and service business..from brake jobs to tires to LOF's. His parting shot after his presentation was..." What are YOU going to do to attract this business back into your facility. He tried to look serious..we tried to keep from tossing our coffee and donuts on him. The obvious was too obvious. "Well Gee..perhaps if our brake jobs were lower than their house payment by the time we paid even discounted PAD rates from the factory for the parts"...

I have often wondered WHY..facility designers did not design the service /parts depts seperately and "ASIDE" the showroom. Neon signs...tons of accessories..to ape the Goodyear look.Give it some common man flash. Talk to the hand/consumer.
People still hate going to dealership service departments< retail work> and will still go to great legnths to go to ole Will's garage, transmission and storm door company before walking into our facilities.
Any move we can make to physically seperate and give some frontage to our service facility physically is a step into the future that started passing the factory mentalities like Jato-laced Chevys..the day the first GoodYears broke ground. A smart dealer will physically design his way into profits to capture the retail along with the now, extensive warranties. New cars parked between for show and tell. Start with the quick lube..work towards it all !