Are profits at your quick lube shop stuck in neutral? Does it feel like your margins have hit a wall? You’re not alone. But don’t worry, because there’s plenty of room to grow within your current space and expertise.
One of the most effective ways to boost your bottom line, not to mention improve the customer experience, is by offering add-on services that complement your core oil change business. Let’s explore some proven options and how they can contribute to the long-term success of your shop.
The Power of Profitable Add-Ons
Add-on services are a great way to increase revenue without requiring a significant investment in new infrastructure. Many of these services are easy enough to implement within the quick turnaround model, and can be incorporated alongside your existing services (e.g., oil changes and inspections) without requiring much extra training.
In addition to generating revenue, add-on services can also raise your level of customer satisfaction and loyalty. When people are able to get all their maintenance needs handled in one place, they’re more likely to come back in the future, especially if they received exceptional service. This helps create satisfied customers who will spread the word to friends and family and sing your praises online.
Add-On Service Categories
The best way to work add-on services into your lineup is to start with those that are easy to incorporate and then move into more complex areas when you’re ready to scale up. Here are some profitable add-on service categories to consider:
Easy to Implement
Fluid Services
Transmission fluid top-off/flush: Offering both types of services appeals to a wide range of customers, whether they need a basic top-off or a more comprehensive flush.
Power steering fluid top-off/flush: Like transmission fluid services, offering both top-off and flush options caters to different customer needs.
Differential fluid change: This service is another way to attract customers with older or high-mileage vehicles that may need more extensive fluid maintenance.
Brake fluid exchange: Communicate the safety benefits of fresh brake fluid to justify this service. Informing customers that contaminated brake fluid can cause brake failure should help convey its value.
Filter Replacements
Cabin air filter replacement: Highlight how a clean cabin air filter improves air quality inside the vehicle. This should appeal to health-conscious customers and/or those dealing with asthma or allergies.
Engine air filter replacement: Explain how a new engine air filter improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance. Saving on fuel costs should strike a chord with most customers.
These services don’t require much additional training or investment. They’re relatively easy to implement, even across multiple locations, and come with good profit margins on parts/equipment as well as labor.
Some Training Required
Wiper Blade Replacements
Customers should appreciate both the safety and convenience elements of this service. Stock a variety of wiper blades (e.g., standard, beam, winter, etc.) to fit different driving needs and vehicles.
Light Bulb Replacements
Replacing dim or burnt out headlights, taillights, brake lights, or other exterior and interior bulbs during service visits saves customers valuable time (and probably should be done by a professional regardless).
While these services come with great mark-ups on parts and labor, they do require some additional training, and possibly equipment. For example, mechanics must know how to avoid damaging the wiper blade arm during replacement, especially on older vehicles.
Making An Investment
Tire Services
Tire rotations: Regular rotations are essential to extending the life of tires, a service that many customers will appreciate.
Flat tire repairs: Offering repairs will keep customers coming back to your shop rather than looking for a tire specialist.
Air pressure checks: Properly inflated tires improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and safety, making this a quick but valuable add-on.
Incorporating tire services means you’ll have to invest in some equipment (tire changers, etc.) and training. But there’s excellent revenue potential here, especially with tire sales, which offer great opportunities for upselling. You could even partner up with local tire suppliers. Consider starting with rotations and air checks, then expanding into repairs and sales.
Scaling Your Add-On Success
To get the most out of your add-on services, you’ll want to focus on three key areas: standardization, staff training, and communication. The goal is to introduce new services as your business grows, or make them easy to scale across multiple locations.
Standardization is Key: Establish consistent procedures from the start–and throughout all locations. This ensures maximum efficiency and a uniform customer experience.
Technician Training: Invest in continuous training for your staff so they’re schooled on the latest techniques and safety procedures. This helps ensure they always provide quality service.
Customer Communication: Employees should know how to clearly explain to customers the benefits of add-on services, and be able to take advantage of any upselling opportunities. Just be sure to avoid pressure tactics; they rarely move the needle anyway.
The Benefits of Bundling
Bundling add-on service packages at a discount could be just the carrot customers need to buy in. For example, a "Fluid Protection Package" could include transmission, power steering, and brake fluid services.
Adding It All Up
Add-on services are a proven way to grow your quick lube shop's revenue while providing a more complete car care solution for your clientele. It may take some trial and error to arrive at the right formula, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little with different services. Remember, the keys to success are consistency, training, and clear communication with customers.
And don't forget the importance of customer loyalty programs in retaining clients and driving repeat business. Offering in-demand services and incentivizing customers with discounts on add-on services is a win-win, and a surefire way to build a more sustainable, profitable oil change business.
What’s more, investing in the right oil change software can help you streamline operations, improve customer service, and ultimately increase your bottom line. Request a free demo of Shopmonkey’s all-in-one solution and see just how much more efficient your quick lube shop management can become.
