Lease out body shop?

[GENE WHITE]

It is not unusual for a Body Shop with one third to one quarter of the number of techniciand in the Service Department to make more net, net, net profit than the Service Department. Proper processes,management ratios, pay plans, and hands on management from the Dealer down are required.

[Jim Shaw]

The dealership Body Shop is typically the most neglected department in the store, and probably the most difficult one to run. The truth is there are too few good managers around, and dealers rarely invest in training even though they'll purchase the sales "program de'jour" from the factory without hesitation. In reality, todays dealer Body Shops represent the single biggest opportunity to improve Fixed Absorption with minimal effort. The fact that someone would suggest leasing out a key department in their store only validates that the Body Shops are the "Red-Headed Step Child". WAKE UP!!!


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JS
ATi360.com

[Hoagie]

I let our bodyshop manager go Oct of last year, the dept was loosing $14k a mth. the DP wanted to shut it down, I convinced him to let me give it a shot for a few mths.What I found was the old manager was picking and choosing jobs,listing to techs,and not going after insurance work.

It took a few months to get things lined out, but last month we made $105.00 in the bodyshop, the DP was very happy.

So until I find the right guy, I'm now the Service manager/Parts manager/bodyshop manager/estimater, and Head baby sitter.

[JustBob]

Hoagie,

Be aware in most states you need to be licensed to be a "Daycare Director".

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Have a tremendous day
Bob Britting

[cantfind122]

Offhanded observation and maybe totally incorrect so be kind. Cars are breaking less (for the most part) and service intervals are becoming longer apart. However, there are still lots of "knuckleheads" crashing into each other. Folks might be letting the dings and dimples slide but when the front fender is pushing the strut into the over head knuten valve and Geico is paying I think there is work to be done.

[Larrye]

Congrats Hoagie! I thought I may be the only PM that doubles as a BS manager.

Similiar situation here. Previous BS manager was losing big time, DP asked me to consider wearing both hats 5 years ago last month. Have turned a handsome profit in the body shop since that time, Kept parts sales intact, and kept us a "full" service dealership. In playing the insurance side, know the game well and develop good relationships with the appraisers and adjusters.

[Carfixer1]

I am a body shop manager 10+ years and if you are not making money and would like to, please email me as I just may be available.

Biggest problem I see as a successful growth manager is the dealer needs to take care of those who take care of them, that's whats' rare to find.