Whether a shop specializes in servicing heavy duty vehicles, performing repair work, or repairing mechanical and electrical malfunctions, there are four different areas that affect overall shop performance. These include shop organization, shop efficiency, customer experience, and business insights.

Over the last year, auto shops have faced all kinds of challenges, from worker shortages to supply chain delays to increasing demand for services as more consumers repair their vehicles instead of replacing them. What are the defining auto industry trends of 2023 so far? From the ongoing auto technician shortage to a demand for electric vehicle service and maintenance skills to customer experience expectations — here’s what to be on the lookout for this year.

Being able to process credit card payments safely and knowing how to avoid common scams will protect your auto shop business and your customers in the long run.

Picture this: A customer brings their car to your shop for routine maintenance. Your technicians recommend a tire rotation, brake pad replacement, and new air filters.

Customers today expect all of their interactions to be as efficient as ordering a pizza online — and the car repair process is no different. The rise of focused, consumer-centric platforms like Amazon has changed how people research their options, compare services, and ultimately make purchase decisions.

The auto repair industry has been hit by a perfect storm: Industry vets are retiring at a rapid pace, and shops have struggled to find and hire employees with the proper training to take their place.

Auto technicians are busy by nature — even without today’s technician shortage piling on the pressure. Many older techs are retiring out of the business faster than they can be replaced, and while demand for new positions is high, it’s difficult right now for shops to find new applicants.

A clean shop floor and a tidy back office doesn't necessarily mean your shop is running smoothly under the surface. Are you losing work orders?

One of the most critical best practices when it comes to accepting credit cards is to be educated on the various forms of fraud that may occur in credit card transactions at your shop.

Accepting credit cards is essential for the growth of your business because it’s convenient for your customers and can significantly increase your cash flow.