At Elite we believe that all shops should have financing options available for their customers. I realize that since the collapse of the economy money has been tight, and it is now a lot harder for many people to qualify. But before you judge the success of your financing programs based on the percentage of your customers who qualify, consider that by offering 90 days same as cash, you’ll be able to promote “financing” in all your marketing programs. There’s no doubt about it: This in itself will help you bring in more customers during tough times.
Federated customer Don Nyland of Max’s Car Care in Black Canyon City, AZ, was not planning on being in Las Vegas in early November. However, when he found out he was the grand prize winner of the Federated “Sweet Ride” Sweepstakes, Nyland set out for Vegas to collect his prize, the “Sweet Ride” Corvette.

The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) presented the first-ever Aftermarket Women’s Business Summit Nov. 1-3 in Las Vegas, NV, during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). Female shop owners and managers from all over the country attended the day and a half event, which featured education sessions and networking opportunities focused on empowering them to achieve business and professional success.
Adding to the mounting body of evidence that steel wheel weights are the best alternative to lead weights, the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Department of Toxic Substances Control has released the findings of its “wheel weight assessment,” declaring steel weights the “preferred alternative.”
The Auto International Association (AIA), the import segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), has announced the recipients of the 2011 AIA Import Product and Marketing Awards. The winners were honored at a special AIA press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 1, and recognized at the AIA Luncheon and Awards Program on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, NV.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information on May 23, 2003. By now, most repair shops should have implemented their information security programs and taken steps to ensure compliance with the Safeguards Rule. If you have not, we recommend taking steps to get in compliance immediately. If you have, it’s still important to periodically review and assess your program to ensure you remain in compliance.