What do you look for in a shop?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by RoadDoctor, Nov 7, 2013.

  1. RoadDoctor

    RoadDoctor Bobtail Member

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    Hi Guys,

    I'm in the process of overhauling my shop, and I'm looking for some input. I'm looking for input on the intangibles that would separate a shop that already has a competitve hourly rate and first class work.

    What do you guys look for when your finding a shop?

    How imortant are the little things like free coffee, donuts, and a TV to watch while your waiting?

    What suggestions do you have for shop owners to make their shop better?

    Thanks in advance!
     
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  3. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    hot receptionist helps jk lol
     
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  4. ipogsd

    ipogsd Heavy Load Member

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    Clean, clean and did I mention clean. Wifi, lounge, TV, coffee, not so much on donuts, a PC or two for internet access. The more a driver can do while waiting the better for you and him. It get's real boring real fast.
     
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  5. RoadDoctor

    RoadDoctor Bobtail Member

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    Nov 7, 2013
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    Thanks for the input!

    It brings up another question currently we don't have a receptionist. We jump out from under trucks to help a customer when they come through the door. Sometimes if we're not at a stopping point(for example in the middle of dropping a transmission) it can take a few minutes. Would that make you second guess doing business with my shop?
     
  6. ipogsd

    ipogsd Heavy Load Member

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    If you don't already have on set up a door buzzer so you know and the customer knows you know they are their.
     
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  7. osokusmc

    osokusmc Light Load Member

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    That wouldn't bother me as bad as if it was my truck you were knee deep in when you were interrupted from what you were working on. Even people who excel at getting their work right despite interruptions, probably still do better work without the interruptions.
     
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  8. bull hauler

    bull hauler Medium Load Member

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    What kinda shop are ya? Like just a indy or a place off a big interstate? If ur an local indy...who cares bout all that extra happy horse sheeeet just focus on keepin overhead down so u aint chargin me $100/hr and markin parts up 60% cuz i just wanna drop my truck off and pick up when done and not get pissed when i get the bill.....If u off a big travel route with jo blows from other states comin in yeah bring on all the happy horse sheeeet...tv lounge shower puter food guest room shuttle service food drinks massager

    gotta have a popcorn machine
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2013
  9. pcfreak

    pcfreak Heavy Load Member

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    Competent mechanics are a must! My last company had some pretty mediocre ones. Had a leak in an air to air unit which could be heard at high idle. "We couldn't find it!" was the usual response. The boss was doing a yard walk and came up to me while I was fuelling and I just started the truck and idled it up to show him. Didn't take long after that.
     
  10. heavyhaulerss

    heavyhaulerss Road Train Member

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    The first impression is important. the look ya get from a lot of shops at first contact is like, What do you want? I hope you don't want anything that I don't feel like doing. it's close to my lunch break, I don't like my job or my boss, they don't pay me enough to be nice to customers, e.t.c. quality work & prices are important too. knowledgeable mechanics a must.
     
  11. Johny41

    Johny41 Road Train Member

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    Parking for trailer; fast diagnosis, inform the client asap about problem ,total cost of repair,,parts availability and waiting time,Competent mechanics.
     
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