Articles
Practical articles for dealership teams on the service drive, the sales floor and in the F&I office.
Service Drive
Do you know what your service department actually sells? Many automotive professionals have no idea what the service department sells. Is it parts? Knowledge and skill? Indeed, all of these are pieces…
Ted Ings2 min read
Industry Leaders
Ted Ings5 min read
Service Drive
Ted Ings2 min read
327 articles
Industry Leaders
Think the Fixed Ops Roundtable is just another meeting? Think again! This event is a powerful platform for automotive retail experts to learn and be heard. Don’t miss out on this once opportunity! The…
CPI2 min read
People
You may recall having a mentor while in school, or perhaps on the job. That person was undoubtedly an older individual, tasked with teaching you years of accumulated life lessons. But what if the…
Ted Ings3 min read
Industry Leaders
He turned a loan from his father Into $26 Billion. He is known for his hands-on approach of visiting his current dealerships, checking in with the mechanics or having coffee with the parts…
CPI3 min read
Service Drive
It isn’t rocket science: the quicker you can get cars in and out, the more successful you’ll be. Yet many service departments have inefficient practices that slow workflow, reduce profit and waste…
Ted Ings3 min read
Leadership
When you need to see a medical doctor, you don’t just arrive at their office, you make an appointment, and you arrive on time. This ensures that everyone can plan their day and utilize their time…
Ted Ings5 min read
Service Drive
Being promoted from service advisor to service manager can be both exciting and intimidating Now you’re the one at the helm, in charge of the entire department. Obviously, you want to do the best job…
Ted Ings3 min read
F&I
It’s been more than three decades since Ted Ings was featured in DealerWorld Magazine. Under his guidance, Fette Ford in Clifton, New Jersey improved their Red Carpet leases from 20 per month to over…
CPI2 min read
People
Many companies and employees welcome the work-from-home guidelines that have been adopted since the start of the pandemic. However, the retail automotive business has been mostly exempt from…
Ted Ings1 min read
Service Drive
It’s no secret there’s an industry-wide shortage of automotive technicians. These 5 strategies will help your shop beat the drought by hiring the best in the business. Firestone Complete Auto Care has…
Ted Ings4 min read
Service Drive
Two departments that seem worlds apart are service and the F&I office. One deals with vehicle financing during the sale and the other only comes into play months later, right? As automotive…
Ted Ings2 min read
Leadership
Having formalized sales, finance and fixed operations processes for your business can save you time and money by increasing efficiency. Your team can get more done in less time by following set…
CPI2 min read
People
Many dealerships fear training employees who may ultimately leave. But what they need to be afraid of is untrained employees that stay. It seems like every time I visit the local dealership service…
Ted Ings3 min read
Service Drive
Many consumers think they’re getting a better deal on oil changes at the quick lube shop. But are they really? An oil change is an oil change, right? At least that’s what many consumers mistakenly…
Ted Ings3 min read
Sales
The Peter Principle states that in a hierarchy people tend to rise to “their level of incompetence.” This basically means that as people are promoted they become less and less effective because…
Ted Ings6 min read
Service Drive
Make the most of your real estate: decide how many bays your shop needs The number of service bays in the United States has steadily been on the decline. In 2011, a study by Digital Dealer found there…
Ted Ings3 min read
Sales
Do you want to outperform the competition and be the top salesperson or service advisor in your company? Or better yet in your industry? One, simple step could be the move that pushes you over the top…
Ted Ings5 min read
Customer Experience
It’s a thriving, growing industry, and it’s focused on earning money at every level. Let’s put it into perspective: Statista reports that the US motor vehicle and parts manufacturing annual output in…
Ted Ings2 min read
Service Drive
A friendly and efficient walk-around is undoubtedly a best practice in the service drive. The service advisor should greet the customer with a smile, welcome the customer by name, and be genuinely…
Ted Ings2 min read
Technology
At the most recent Fixed Ops Roundtable, we brought you the idea to host a technology clinic in your dealership. The intention is to help customers become more familiar with their vehicle and its…
Ted Ings1 min read
Service Drive
If you were ever on a sports team, you probably recall the coach walking around with a clipboard, hastily scribbling notes. Your athletic performance was dutifully noted with each stroke of the pen…
Ted Ings3 min read
Customer Experience
When you love someone, you find ways to show your appreciation. A special note, a little gift, or an intimate dinner tells them that you care. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to express that…
Ted Ings1 min read
Service Drive
With the renewed focus on keeping vehicles on the road longer, customers now realize they have more choices for auto repair than ever before. Competition is fierce and you must work extra hard to earn…
Ted Ings3 min read
People
It is no secret that women account for only a small part of the retail automotive industry. Posing the question in its simplest form, why? Why is there a shortage of women represented in the…
Ted Ings6 min read
Service Drive
A customer hands you the keys to their car expecting a brake job by EOD. Although you have good intentions, time slips away and suddenly, it’s closing time and their vehicle remains untouched…
Ted Ings3 min read