For starters, thanks to all who commented on my left post. It truly helped. For some context I just opened a mechanic shop and there’s no better community to ask for help than mechanics themselves. What are some call to actions? I’m trying to get people in the door. More foot traffic. So right now I have a “10% off first service” right on my business cards. I’d like to make a sign and put it out front considering that it’s a highly traffic dense area. I’m thinking “free oil change” just pay for the oil and filter. No labor being charged. At that point I’ll up charge in the oil a tad bit just to cover the basics. Any other call to actions? How can I gain business and even more business? Obviously besides my personal socials and words of mouth. How can I get more people in the door? Thanks again

  • zombienutz1@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Set up business pages for Facebook, Instagram, Google, Yelp, etc. Post your services and contact info on all of them. Make at least a few posts a week with photos. Post in any local community forums. Ad space is typically cheap on restaurant tables or church pamphlets.

    Talk to businesses that have fleet vehicles like construction, trades, delivery, etc. Pretty steady business right there just doing tires, fluid changes, and brakes.

    “Free oil change” might turn away business if they assume it truly is free and find out they have to pay for materials. Maybe just set a “basic oil change” price and keep it fairly low.

  • strayclown@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I would advise against “free” anything for awhile. A loss leader is one thing, but you will get more people who only want the free thing that it will tie up your time and not lead to more profitable services. Those are also the customers who tend to keep shopping for lowest prices and don’t turn into profitable business regardless of the quality of the experience. It also tends to attract nightmare vehicles.

  • International-Hat636@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I would also advise not giving away free oil changes. You will set yourself up to get those customers who just want free things. These are not the customers you want. I don’t know I your state has safety inspections. If so do those for a cheap rate to get customers in the door. Also offer tire fixes patches or plugs. If a customer I have never met comes to my shop I alway give the first plug tire free and say bring it back when you have a real problem. Also free obd che KS will get people in the door. Honestly there are so many cars ifyou open the doors people will start showing up

  • RickMN@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Don’t give away oil changes. That will just attract all the cheapskates in your area. Instead, give away up to 1 hour of diagnostic time. That way at least you have a chance to snag the actual repair labor and parts. If you have more time than money, give away time that will result in more business right away. Oil changes don’t do that