How Canned Jobs Can Make Your Shop More Profitable

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May 3, 2023

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Read time: 3 min

Repeat jobs are common in auto repair work. How often does a customer walk in and ask for something common like an oil change or a tune-up? Or does your shop specialize in one type of vehicle, and you're constantly handling the same repairs?

What if we told you we could help you build those most common repair orders in a matter of seconds? That way your service writers can focus on providing amazing customer service every time.

Because let’s face it, regardless of the job, your customers are relying on your team to provide the same quality experience they're used to in so many other industries. And if you own multiple shops, then your customers are expecting you to provide the same quality of service at each location.

Canned jobs make it easy for your shop to not only save time when building estimates and serving customers but also make it easy to provide a consistent and smooth customer experience -- in the end making your shop even more money by boosting your shop's average repair order.

What Canned Jobs Do Shops Need?

How many repeat repair orders does your team do each week? Chances are you can think of at least three jobs that are created over and over.

If you’re able to create canned jobs for just a fraction of those general repairs, you’ll come in clutch for yourself and your team by getting lost time back. 

The repairs your shop creates canned jobs for is entirely up to you, but they should be based on the common repairs you provide. 

Whether your shop specializes in exotic cars, performs total transmission rebuilds, or just general repair work, oil changes, and brake jobs, you’ll want to create a list of canned jobs that are both frequent and replicable at your shop.

Common canned jobs used by auto repair shops include:

  • Diagnosis
  • State Inspection
  • Emissions Test 
  • Oil or Diesel Change
  • Tire Replacement 
  • Tire Rotation 
  • Alignment
  • A/C System Inspection 
  • Battery Core
  • Brake Repair

Four Major Benefits of Canned Jobs for Auto Repair Shops

You and your team work hard every day to accommodate your customers and deliver an exceptional customer service experience every time.

The goal is to make your shop's experience so simple, pleasant, and transparent that customers will feel comfortable coming back the next time their vehicle needs a repair.

1. Streamline Workflow to Boost Productivity

Investing in a shop management system with a full suite of easy-to-use features to create a simple workflow for repair orders.

With Tekmetric, you can tie canned jobs to Digital Vehicle Inspection findings to save time when building estimates for common work, enabling your team to focus on other tasks.

For example, your shop can create an inspection where any cooling system findings are linked to a “cooling system repair” canned job. If the inspection finds an issue, the service advisor can just click the canned job icon next to the finding to automatically populate the estimate.

2. Sell More Work

Canned jobs don’t just save you time, they help your shop sell even more work as well. For example, because we partner with BG Products, Inc., shops can easily include BG products with canned jobs.

And BG Products cover a lot of work.

Each time your shop creates a canned job, you’ll have the option to use high-quality maintenance products for fuel systems, engines, transmissions, brakes, power steering, cooling, battery, and climate control systems. 

We saw that when shops started using BG Products in their canned jobs, they had a 55.93% increase in sales!

3. Provide a Seamless, Consistent Customer Experience

The canned jobs you create at one shop can be saved and transferred across your other shops.

So if you choose to expand beyond owning one shop, or if you already own multiple shops, you can create a consistent customer experience.

Especially when you add features like default inspections to ensure all of your locations provide the same level of care, or even using shared customer history across all your locations to provide a personalized experience.

4. Optimize Your Shop With Data

Since hop management systems touch every single part of running your shop, they’re also keeping track of everything you need to know to run your shop even better. 

More specifically, shops can track all sales data to gain accurate insights into what’s working – what leads to closed repairs – and what isn’t working – what leaves money on the table.

Get More Out of The Work You Already Do

Canned jobs are a secret weapon to maximize your shop’s profitability. Your team will save time during the parts ordering stage and the estimate building stage to keep cars moving through your shop's workflow.

And as a shop owner, you know any time spent on tedious tasks can add up fast. Shaving off time here and there will ultimately make your team more productive and efficient so that they can focus on bringing in more money and satisfying more customers!

👉 Ready to grow your automotive business? [Book a personalized Tekmetric Demo Here]

FAQ

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It’s a well-known fact in the auto-repair world that summer is the busiest time of the year. As the weather heats up and families start going on road-trips, more and more drivers bring their vehicles into the shop for maintenance.

Service advisors are an integral part of running your shop.

Not only do they have to greet every customer and learn what they need, but they also need to connect a lot of moving parts, whether that means sending repair orders to guests, making sure they’re getting approved, coordinating with technicians, or literally tracking down parts for repairs. that service advisors keep a cool head.

Making sure every job makes it through the repair process without fault while providing guests with kind and diligent service can be tough, but there are tools and habits that can make the job a breeze.

Here are a few actionable tactics you can start using immediately at your shop so service advisors can stay brisk in spite of the heat.

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Well, there’s an easy way to make sure none of that happens ever again.

Just like how it’s easier than ever to book an appointment with your doctor, or even your barber, in a matter of seconds online -- your auto repair shop can modernize the scheduling process too.

During a recent webinar, Join Kieran O’Brien Co-founder of ShopGenie Co-Founder, and our very own PJ Leslie, Head of Business Development at Tekmetric, offered their insight on how auto repair shops can provide a modern experience for their customers with online scheduling.

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Automotive repair manuals are packed with detailed instructions. Instead of grappling with trial and error, technicians can follow step-by-step guides. This boosts confidence and reduces repair times. These manuals aren't just about fixing problems. They provide insights into preventive maintenance, helping technicians keep vehicles in tip-top shape. More uptime for a vehicle means happier clients and fewer surprise breakdowns.

Key Benefits of Auto Repair Manuals

  • Detailed Instructions: Clear, step-by-step procedures make repairs efficient and straightforward.
  • Accurate Information: Ensures that the latest techniques and specifications are being used.
  • Preventive Maintenance Tips: Helps keep vehicles in better shape for longer.
  • Enhanced Learning For New Techs: Fast-tracks new mechanics by providing valuable knowledge.

Good manuals go beyond just the basics. They often include diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes, and even tips from experienced technicians. This can be a game-changer, especially for those rare, hard-to-solve problems.

Quality manuals foster consistency. Regardless of which technician picks up the job, the repair approach remains standardized. This is essential for shops that aim to maintain a reputation for reliability.

In summary, investing time in finding and using quality car repair manuals is a no-brainer for any technician aiming for efficiency, accuracy, and safety in their work.

The Best Car Repair Manuals

1. Factory Service Manuals (FSM): The Gold Standard

When it comes to automotive repair, Factory Service Manuals (FSM) are considered the best in the market. These manuals come directly from the car manufacturer, providing the most accurate and detailed information available. FSMs are the backbone of any serious technician's toolkit. Their reliability and depth make them indispensable, ensuring that every nut and bolt is turned precisely according to manufacturer guidelines.

Pros

  • Accuracy: FSMs offer the exact specs and procedures recommended by the manufacturer. It's as close as you can get to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications.
  • Detail: These manuals feature in-depth diagrams, step-by-step procedures, and comprehensive troubleshooting instructions. They cover everything from basic maintenance to complex repairs.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: FSMs cover all models and variations of a particular vehicle. Whether you're dealing with a base model or a fully loaded version, the FSM has you covered.
  • Updates and Revisions: Manufacturers often update FSMs to include fixes for common issues, recall information, and software updates. You get the latest and greatest info.
  • Online Options: Manufacturer websites, auto forums, and E-commerce platforms often offer these manuals in digital format.

Cons

  • Cost: Depending on the manufacturer, these manuals can be more expensive than other options.
  • Learning Curve: Factory Service Manuals are written to professionals and do not offer as much explanation as other manuals.
  • Access: Online versions might require proprietary software or access through specific portals.

2. Chilton Repair Manuals: Accessible and Beginner-Friendly

Chilton auto repair manuals have earned a reputation for being highly accessible and easy-to-use, making them a favorite among DIY enthusiasts. These manuals provide detailed information that is crucial for diagnosing and repairing a wide range of vehicles. They also provide maintenance schedules to keep your cars on the road longer.

Pros

  • User-Friendly: Unlike Factory Service Manuals, Chilton uses clear and easy-to-understand language making even complex repairs easier to understand and execute.
  • Detailed Diagrams and Illustrations: Visual aids enhance comprehension, providing clarity on intricate parts and procedures.
  • Troubleshooting Sections: Identify problems quickly with systematic guidance to diagnose and fix common issues.
  • Layout: Chilton manuals are organized in a way that makes finding information quick and painless. Indexes and tabulated sections ensure that users can quickly navigate through the content without unnecessary hassle.
  • Online Options: Chilton auto repair manuals can now be accessed online, providing additional convenience for tech-savvy technicians and DIYers. Benefits include instant access, search functionality and regular updates.
  • Cost: Some libraries and websites feature these manuals for free making them a more budget-friendly option for DIY enthusiasts and small auto shops.

Cons

  • Generic Content: While comprehensive, Chilton manuals may not be as detailed as Factory Service Manuals, especially for complex repairs. Chilton tries to cover a range of models, which can sometimes lead to less specific guidance.
  • Visuals: Chilton can be stingy on visuals and may not be best for those technicians who prefer diagrams and graphics.
  • Complex Repairs: May lack the depth needed for very advanced or intricate repairs that professional mechanics might require.
  • New Models: May not always cover the very latest models immediately after they are released.

3. Haynes Repair Manuals: DIY Friendly Guides

Haynes auto repair manuals have been a go-to for DIY enthusiasts because they use easy-to-understand language and more visuals than other options. These guides excel in breaking down complex automotive tasks into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Each manual is backed by hands-on reviews, ensuring the steps and procedures actually work. This reliability adds a layer of trust, making these guides a dependable companion for any repair task.

Pros

  • Visuals: Haynes repair manuals offer more photos and illustrations than Chilton.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Haynes auto repair manuals cover everything from maintenance and troubleshooting to engine and transmission repair. However, they do not offer as much depth as Factory Service Manuals.
  • Tips and Tricks: Cost and time saving tips from experts are included in Haynes manuals to speed up any repair project.
  • User-Friendly: Written in plain English with large text, headings and lie-flat design make this manual easy to read even with greasy hands.
  • Digital Options: Online versions are available and feature search functionality, zoomable images and bookmarks. Haynes is typically cheaper than Factory Service Manuals.

Cons

  • Shallow Content: While Haynes offers comprehensive coverage, more experienced mechanics prefer Factory Service Manuals for more specific guidance.
  • Coverage for New Models: May not immediately cover the latest vehicle models or recent changes in technology.
  • Specialized Repairs: Might not cover specialized or unique repairs that are specific to certain models or configurations.

4. AllDATAdiy: Online Subscription for Advanced Users

ALLDATAdiy repair manuals offer original factory repair information that professionals use, including maintenance schedules, diagrams, and repair procedures. However, they only offer an online subscription-based model with no print options. These manuals are typically preferred by professional technicians and have a larger learning curve for DIY enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Factory-direct: Information is straight from the factory and has not been edited.
  • Updates: Regular updates cover newer car models and reflect the latest information.
  • Accessibility: Online format enables you to take this with you wherever you need it (as long as you have a stable internet connection).
  • Comprehensive:  Offers in-depth diagnostic and troubleshooting guides to help identify and fix issues accurately. ALLDATAdiy provides more advanced information than Haynes or Chilton.

Cons

  • Cost: ALLDATAdiy can be more expensive than other auto repair manual options because of the subscription-based pricing model.
  • Learning Curve: The information can be technical and may assume a certain level of expertise, which can be challenging for novice DIYers.
  • Interface: ​​The digital platform might have a learning curve, particularly for those who are more accustomed to using printed manuals.

5. E-Manuals Online: Convenience in the Digital Age

Navigating car repairs has never been simpler, thanks to the rise of e-manuals. No more flipping through bulky paperback manuals—technicians now have repair information at their fingertips, right on their devices. The world of auto repair is rapidly evolving, and e-manuals are leading the charge toward a more efficient, convenient, and eco-friendly future.

Pros

  • Accessibility: Technicians can access manuals 24/7, whether in the shop or on-site at a customer's location. These manuals can be accessed digitally, printed or downloaded for offline use.
  • Search Functionality: Quickly locate specific information using keyword searches, saving precious time.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Reduces the need for printed materials, contributing to environmental sustainability.
  • Cost: Generally less expensive than printed manuals or subscription-based services like ALLDATAdiy.

Cons

  • Digital Proficiency: Users need a basic level of digital proficiency to navigate and use the manuals effectively.
  • Updates: Unlike subscription services, E-Manuals may not receive regular updates, potentially leading to outdated information, especially for newer vehicle models.
  • Technical Depth: E-Manuals may assume a certain level of mechanical knowledge, which can be challenging for beginners. They may lack the depth required for very advanced or specialized repairs compared to Factory Service Manuals.

6. MOTOR Auto Repair Manuals: Professional Grade Manuals

MOTOR vehicle service manuals are widely used by professional mechanics and automotive technicians. They provide extensive coverage, detailed diagnostics, and professional tools that are essential for efficient and reliable vehicle repairs. However, their cost, complexity, and professional focus may make them less suitable for casual DIY users.

Pros

  • Extensive Coverage: Provides detailed repair procedures, diagnostic information, and maintenance schedules for a wide range of vehicle makes and models.
  • Up-to-Date Information: Regularly updated to include the latest service bulletins, recalls, and technical updates from manufacturers.
  • Print and Digital: Available in both print and digital formats, catering to different preferences and needs.
  • Labor Time Guides: Includes labor time estimates for various repairs, which are useful for both professionals and customers to estimate repair costs.

Cons

  • Cost: Generally more expensive than consumer-oriented manuals like Haynes or Chilton with online options having recurring subscription fees.
  • Technical Language: Written for professionals, so the language and terminology may be difficult for novice or DIYers to understand.
  • Professional Orientation: Primarily targeted at professional mechanics, which means it may not always consider the needs of DIY enthusiasts.

7. Car Repair Forums and Online Communities

Auto repair forums and communities offer a treasure trove of knowledge that complements online auto repair manuals. Technicians can gain real-world insights, share experiences, and solve unique issues by participating in these interactive platforms. Top platforms include Reddit, YouTube, FaceBook, Instagram and more.

Pros

  • Build Relationships: Forums and communities provide opportunities to converse with fellow mechanics and learn from peers.
  • Relevant Information: Chances are that if you have had a question that someone else has asked it before you did. Provides up-to-date information.
  • First Hand Information: Learn from those in the field with first hand knowledge.
  • Cost: Most car repair forums are free to join and use, making them an affordable resource for information and troubleshooting.

Cons

  • Inconsistency: Each forum has different rules for members and it can take awhile to find the information you are looking for.
  • Quality of Information: Information can vary in accuracy, as advice is given by users with different levels of expertise and experience.
  • Standards: Solutions may vary in quality and reliability, and some suggestions may not follow professional or manufacturer guidelines.

How to Choose The Best Auto Repair Manual

Selecting the best auto repair manual can make a huge difference in terms of efficiency and ease of fixing vehicles. Technicians should consider a few key factors before settling on a manual:

  • Coverage: Make sure the manual covers the specific make and model of the vehicle being serviced. Some manuals offer broader coverage, while others are more specialized.
  • Detail: Look for manuals that provide step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and photos to make the repair process as clear as possible.
  • User Reviews: Check out what other techs are saying. Real-world feedback can offer insights into the manual's reliability and usefulness.
  • Updates: The automotive world changes constantly. Manuals that receive regular updates will always have the latest information and procedures.
  • Cost: Consider the price but also weigh it against what you’re getting. Sometimes paying a bit more means getting a lot more in value, other times it is best to opt for a free version from a library or website.
  • Accessibility: Evaluate how you will access the manual. Can it be easily viewed on a smartphone or tablet while you’re in the shop? Is there a downloadable option for offline use?

Always remember, the best manual is the one that fits your specific needs and workflow. Each repair shop is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Be strategic and thoughtful to ensure you’re choosing a resource that will serve you well in the long run.

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