Spiro Morogiannis | BG Training Manager and BGU Instructor
In the automotive industry, strong partnerships and outside shop support have proven to be important, time and again. The industry has a constantly changing climate with factors such as technician and customer service training, market trends, parts/supplies availability, and more. With so many moving parts, it is essential to make strategic partnership choices that lead your shop and team to success.
This is why I make it a point to ask shops:
Do you work with vendors or partners?
How They Differ
A vendor drops off the products you need when they can get to you. They supply the bare minimum to the needs you are trying to fulfill. When you call, they respond during normal business hours. Does this sound familiar?
A partner does everything to ensure you have not only what you need but also provides tools and solutions for areas that could be improved. They include training for the best interests of your business, and they educate, support, and help create an “easy button” for your long-term success. They care about how your business performs. You’ll experience a level of commitment beyond what you get from vendors.
A partner increases your opportunity and profitability with their value; a vendor simply offers basic service.
Why Partnerships Matter
You shouldn’t have to settle for the bare minimum service when it comes to your business. Having partners that are committed to you beyond the products they sell is the key piece of your shop’s success puzzle, especially when you rely on the products/services outside of what you can control. This goes for parts/supplies, automotive fluids, preventive maintenance services, and shop management systems.
If you are offered quality training and resources through a provider that simplifies your business or improves your profitability, you have a partner. If their support and service save you time while creating ease through their processes, you have a business partner. Any business you purchase from that doesn’t provide this level of service is nothing but a vendor. A partner goes beyond your minimum needs and is dedicated to setting you up for success.
Why Training Is Key
There is never too much training that you can undergo in our ever-changing industry, and there is no substitute for good training. When quality training is offered (especially at a low or no cost to your shop), you and your team can gain skills and expertise. Techs want training, and staff want development in their customer-facing roles. If these are offered by a company you conduct business with, it’s a no-brainer to unlock all its true benefits for your business.
Training offers your new hires expertise, teaches them new skills, and boosts their confidence so you can capitalize faster as a quick lube shop owner. It empowers established techs by helping them hone their skills and stay up to date on industry trends. Customer service and sales training introduces improved approaches to better customer interaction, which help shops not only save valuable time, but also drive customer retention so your customers keep coming back.
Training is not only important for the success of your business, but it shows your team that you are willing to invest in their betterment, which in turn helps retain your top performers. Training benefits everyone in the automotive repair industry, from quick lube business models to full automotive repair — and that’s why it is essential to invest in it especially if you have a business partner who is willing to provide that as part of their service.
Final Thoughts
Products are crucial to the growth and success of your shop, but products alone aren’t enough. Great products will not make up for poorly trained personnel. You need premier products and outstanding training to deliver top-notch service and scale new heights in the industry.
You’re probably aware that your team is the most powerful asset you have, and that’s why you must invest in their training and development. Utilize your partners to elevate your team through their expertise and knowledge.
A great partnership goes beyond just products.
About the Author
Spiro Morogiannis has more than 15 years in the automotive industry, with 8+ years at BG Products. With a deep understanding of maintenance and repair operations, as well as specializing in independent automotive shops, Spiro brings valuable insights into best practices and industry trends.
