VIN IN DOUBT Tired of getting the wrong parts? Give the wrong info to a parts person and chances are you’ll get the wrong parts. It is imperative when ordering parts for a late model application that you know the year, make, model, engine size and the eighth digit of...

MUSCLE IN THE OFFICE Cash flow is a vital part of every business.....let’s get better at it. -Cover yourself along with your business. Fill out a work order (if you don’t have one... create one). You want it to show: Customer information and the work the customer...

The Secret To Effective Sales Sales is nothing more than a communication between your shop, which sells parts and labor, and a customer who wants to buy parts and labor. This communication can take place over the phone, at your counter or on the web. There are lots of...

Cleaning Precision Measuring Tools We have experienced the same problems for years: how to clean honing oil from dial bore gauges and snap gauges before it can gum up and slow the dial readings. We used to immerse the measuring head up to near the dial in acetone, and...

Don’t Underestimate Advertising And Attitude Every shop needs to advertise because your current customers will someday go away. Getting new customers should be the goal and advertising is one good way to get it. We have our logo and lettering on our delivery vehicles...

CHECK IT OUT AND CHECK IT OFF Checking your parts before starting the job is very important. Many years ago I worked in a machine shop assembling and installing engines after hours. It was very important to have all the correct parts before we close the doors at...