Even top-of-the-line trucks and cars need professional attention to keep up their performance. Auto repairs can be inconvenient, but it can be extra irritating when the customer needs to bring the same vehicle back for the same issue. Since customer service is everything in the automotive industry, it’s imperative that aspiring mechanics learn how to perform quality repairs. NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, New York, offers automotive training programs that teach these skills. Here, we explain how to run a successful auto shop by completing repairs correctly the first time.

Why Does It Matter?

If you plan to own an auto repair shop, one of the best ways to improve your customers’ experiences is by doing the job right on the first visit. This eliminates the need for return visits, reducing inconvenience and limiting complaints. It also provides the following benefits to both your customers and your business:

Improved Brand Trust

For a vehicle owner, having a reliable auto repair center can provide peace of mind. The driver knows that when something goes wrong, they can count on your shop to deliver quality work. Meanwhile, your business strengthens its relationship with a customer – potentially leading to continued patronage.

Positive Referrals

The majority of business for auto and collision repair comes from referrals. As a result, word of mouth is a powerful tool. One positive or negative review may make the difference in a customer’s decision to patronize your shop. If repairs take too long or if they fail to fix the problem, customers may take their business elsewhere. Fixing the problem correctly the first time often leads to positive referrals and more potential customers.

Reduced Lost Profits

When a customer comes back with the same issue, auto repair shops may redo the job without additional charge. This means that you and your team are working without making a profit. This also results in less space in your schedule to take on paid work. By completing repair jobs right the first time, you help keep your business profitable.

Ensuring Standards Are Met

When it comes to providing high-quality work, there are several steps mechanics should take for quality control. NYADI covers the following in our automotive repair programs:

• Documentation: Carefully document your problem analysis and update it as you work. This encourages customers to share relevant details and gives you a handy reference.
• Direct communication: Never beat around the bush when speaking to customers. Give an honest analysis right from the start, and be clear about what they should expect. This prevents future problems and establishes you as a trusted advisor.
• Full attention: Give every repair your undivided attention. Avoid distractions on the job and don’t try to multitask multiple projects. Even if it feels more efficient, splitting your attention leads to missed details and a sloppy finished product.
• Quality check: Finally, before returning a vehicle to the customer, perform a comprehensive quality check to ensure the problem is truly resolved and won’t reappear.

These quality control and customer satisfaction skills are just as important as technical knowledge. As an aspiring repair mechanic, you’ll ensure your success if you develop these skills during training.

Where to Learn Customer Satisfaction Skills

Fortunately, customer satisfaction skills can be learned alongside repair skills in the right academic program. Institutions like NYADI pair hands-on technical training with courses on running a business.

Students at NYADI learn college-level reading and writing to help them communicate with customers and colleagues. In our programs, like automotive technology, we also explore the impact of automobiles on modern society. This helps future mechanics understand what customers look for in auto repair, equipping them to meet those needs.

By training students in business and people skills, we prepare them for interactions that leave customers feeling satisfied. Students are set up for success not just on certification tests, but in all aspects of their future careers.

Why Choose NYADI?

The right training doesn’t just prepare you to perform repairs well, it also provides the skills you need to keep customers satisfied. This is why choosing a high-quality school is so important. NYADI provides students with all the tools they need to thrive in the automotive industry. Here, students benefit from:

• Knowledgeable instructors who teach from personal experience
• Access to the latest information and technology
• Support in earning a GED (General Education Development) diploma via our Ability to Benefit program
• Student career services to help you find work after graduation

We also understand that education can be a financial burden. This is why we offer financial aid for qualified students to help them cover the cost and stay focused on their studies.

Learn How to Run a Successful Repair Shop at NYADI

Ready for more tips and advice on how to run a successful repair shop? NYADI is committed to helping students build strong career skills and put them to work in auto repair shops or elsewhere in the industry. Our programs are delivered from our Jamaica, NY campus. To learn more about admissions or enrollment, contact an admissions representative today.