The truck mechanic and repair industry has grown at a moderate clip since the start of the global pandemic in March 2020. With ongoing supply chain issues, it’s not expected to slow down as more carriers look to their downtime to handle necessary repairs and maintenance they were otherwise unable to address.
That leaves great growth opportunities for the truck mechanic of today. Here are some ways to capitalize.
Contents
1. Document Your Experience
Documenting your experience through credentials and certifications instills confidence in customers. By making it easy to check your experience and credentials, you make their decision easy for them.
It also becomes easier to market, both online and off. You can demonstrate your knowledge through how-to videos, blogs, and even podcasts.
2. Get Involved
Being seen in your community can make a significant impact on getting walk-in business. From there, do the best job you can for as many people as you can, and word-of-mouth marketing will start to kick in.
What are some good ways for your truck mechanic business to get involved in the community?
- Sponsor a local youth sports team
- Get involved with a local charity or community organization
- Offer discounts to seniors, military personnel, or other groups
- Hold a community event at your shop (e.g. a car show)
- Be active on social media
The more you’re seen, the more others will think about you when they need a truck or car mechanic business.
3. Compare Distributor Terms
Another necessary step for how to improve a mechanic business is to look at expenses. Particularly, examine the relationship you have with your parts distributor. Some good ways to do this are to:
- Get multiple bids from different distributors
- Ask for discounts based on volume
- Look for longer terms with set prices
These are just a few ideas. Improving your bottom line will help in the long run, no matter how small the impact.
4. Expand Offerings
Watch trends in your business. Look for easier ways to do things, services specific to makes and models, or any ancillary repair that you can do to increase revenue whenever possible. Some ideas:
- Tire rotations
- Windshield repairs
- Truck washes
- Headlight replacements
- Lift requirement consultations (find out more at the link)
These are services that people are increasingly looking for convenience and value. By expanding your offerings, you improve the overall customer experience and increase ways to collect revenue.
5. Hire Well
Choose employees with proven track records for dependability. They’ve always shown up on time and left on good terms. Also, look for at least some basic shop experience.
Furthermore, know the mechanic salary in your area so you can offer competitive rates. How much should a mechanic make? Create a series of steps that reward experience and tenure.
6. Develop Your Employees
Invest in the development of your employees. Offer training that they can take with them whether they stay with you or not. If you’re creating a hospitable work environment and doing right by them, you’ll keep a whole lot more than you’ll ever lose.
7. Be Transparent
Transparency helps in every area of your business: diagnostics, marketing, pricing, and employee management. The more open you are about the terms of doing business and how you deal with the public, the more trust you will build over time.
Your Truck Mechanic Business Can Grow to New Heights
Take advantage of all the ways that you can grow your business as a truck mechanic. Be ready to think outside the box and capitalize on traditional service offerings and marketing opportunities.
For more business tips and information, check out some of our additional posts!
