9 Ways to Increase Your Average Auto Repair Order

Increasing your average repair order is a key strategy for enhancing your auto repair shop’s profitability and efficiency. By focusing on a thorough approach to vehicle care, you ensure every aspect of a vehicle’s needs is addressed. This not only boosts service value, but also builds customer trust. A skilled team providing comprehensive inspections and transparent recommendations helps customers understand the necessity of additional services, fostering a positive experience. Let’s explore nine effective strategies to increase your average repair order while enhancing customer satisfaction and maintaining trust.

1. Offer Digital Vehicle Inspections

Digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) provide detailed records of a vehicle’s condition. This technology captures and shares comprehensive inspection data with customers, uncovering additional repair needs that might be missed otherwise.

Benefits: Detailed digital reports and high-quality images enhance inspection accuracy, making it easier to recommend necessary services. This transparency builds trust and helps justify additional repairs. Learn more about what's included in a digital vehicle inspection here.

2. Upsell Preventive Maintenance Services

Preventive maintenance keeps vehicles running smoothly and uncovers additional repair opportunities. Train your technicians to offer preventive services like these when they spot potential issues:

• Brake Work: Suggest checking fluid levels, belts, and hoses during brake repairs.
• Oil Changes: Recommend a tire rotation or battery check.
• Transmission Service: Propose a transmission fluid check if shifting issues or high mileage are present.

3. Implement a Loyalty Program

A loyalty program encourages repeat business and larger orders by rewarding customers for their continued support.

Design Attractive Rewards: Develop a program offering meaningful rewards like discounts on future services or free inspections. Consider a points-based system for every dollar spent, redeemable for rewards.

Promote the Program: Use in-store signage, social media, email marketing, and direct mail to inform customers. Ensure they understand the benefits and sign-up process.

Track and Adjust: Regularly evaluate your program’s effectiveness, monitor feedback, and adjust rewards to keep it appealing.

4. Leverage the Value of Direct Mail 

Despite technological advances, placing something tangible in someone's hands remains irreplaceable. Direct mail offers this unique advantage, ensuring the recipient physically interacts with the marketing piece. Customers engaging with direct mail undertake four deliberate actions before buying: collecting the mail, sorting it, reading the offer, and retaining it for future use. 

According to BOLT ON Technology’s internal sales team, over a 3-4 month span, direct mail often outperforms text and email campaigns. Unlike fleeting text messages read within a minute, a direct mail piece tends to be kept where it won't be lost or damaged. Direct mail campaigns can effectively target various income demographics. For instance, high-income earners are more likely to respond positively to direct mail, such as letters or rebate checks, as they view it as a way to make their money work for them. Direct mail campaigns can also be tracked for accuracy through QR codes, allowing for precise measurement of customer response and revenue generation over 3-4 months.

5. Train Staff on Sales Techniques

Proper sales training helps staff upsell and cross-sell services effectively.

Focus on Key Techniques: Equip your team with techniques like bundling services and highlighting special offers. For instance, suggest a brake inspection during an oil change visit.

Provide Ongoing Training: Offer regular sessions to update staff on upselling best practices and effective communication.

Set Sales Goals: Establish clear goals and monitor performance. Recognize and reward employees who excel to motivate them.

6. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology can streamline operations and enhance service recommendations.

Integrate Digital Inspections: Digital inspections offer detailed reports that help identify additional service needs, increasing the likelihood of additional purchases.

Utilize CRM Software: Customer relationship management (CRM) software tracks interactions and service history, enabling personalized recommendations and targeted offers.

Implement Automated Systems: Automation tools for scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups reduce administrative workload, allowing staff to focus on service and upsell opportunities.

7. Create Service Packages

Bundling services into packages can simplify decisions for customers and can increase average repair orders. Develop packages for common needs like seasonal maintenance or mileage-based bundles. For example, a "Winter Readiness Package" might include an oil change, battery check, and tire rotation at a discounted rate, making comprehensive care easier for customers to choose.

8. Focus on Customer Education

Educating customers about their vehicle’s needs leads to increased investment in repairs and maintenance.

Build Trust Through Education: Use brochures, educational videos, and clear explanations to communicate the benefits of services. Honest, informative interactions counteract negative industry perceptions and build loyalty.

Engage with Customers: Offer consultations or Q&A sessions to address concerns and explain service options. Engaging directly helps build relationships and encourages investment in necessary services. Read more about the impact of customer skepticism here. 

9. Foster Strong Customer Relationships

Building strong relationships with customers is key to business success.

Personalize Interactions: Use customer data to tailor interactions and remember details about preferences and vehicle history. This personal touch enhances the customer experience.

Provide Exceptional Service: Focus on outstanding service in every interaction. Exceeding customer expectations builds trust and encourages repeat visits. 

Unlock Greater Profits with Expert Solutions

Boosting your average repair order isn’t just about increasing sales; it’s about delivering greater value and efficiency to your customers. With Bolt On Technology’s specialized services, you gain access to advanced tools that streamline digital vehicle inspections, enhance upselling opportunities, and leverage technology to optimize your operations.

Imagine transforming your shop into a well-oiled machine where every repair order contributes to a stronger bottom line and improved customer satisfaction. Bolt On Technology’s solutions are designed to help you achieve exactly that, offering strategies that drive revenue growth while making your shop more efficient.

Ready to see the difference? Contact BOLT ON Technology today, and let us show you how our industry-focused solutions can boost your auto repair shop’s performance and profitability.