Checking your parts before starting the job is very important. Many years ago I worked in a machine shop assembling and installing engines after hours. It was very important to have all the correct parts before we close the doors at night, there…
Ken Marlar Sterling Engine Parts Minneapolis, MN
No, I’m not talking about re-ringing a V-8. Like most EB readers, I’ve worked around cars and loud noises most of my life. I never gave a second thought to the high pitched whine of an air ratchet wrench, the sound of a milling machine, or…
Steve Rich Sterling Bearing Inc Kansas City, MO
Many years ago, before I got into the engine business, I met an attorney who told a story that made sense then and still applies today. He said, “when I represent a defendant, I get paid 100% up front, that way I only have to worry…
Mark D. Sarine Engine Rebuilders Warehouse, Inc. Dania Beach, FL
Organizing your parts inventory in your shop, building or warehouse is difficult whether it’s a few pieces or a few thousand parts. Start by thinking about what it’s going to take to find that part later on. Have an area set aside for just parts, arrange it…
Ken Marlar Sterling Engine Parts Minneapolis, MN
US Census reports 18% of households relocate every year, meaning new potential customers pass your building every day. A one-time investment in a well-designed sign will pay for itself very quickly. Signs are cheap to produce and if they…
Steve Rich Sterling Bearing, Inc. Kansas City, MO
Many times a customer sends a head in with spark plugs in it, a temp sender or an exhaust gasket still attached. No matter what is on the head or block when it comes in, save it. From time to time our…
Jeffrey Myers MAR Automotive, INC Philadelphia, PA
Everyone once in awhile we get a slow day or two. You may notice that your guys want to slow the pace as well and laze around, but you have to keep them moving! Many things can be done on slow days. Clean the shop, organize…
Jeffrey Myers MAR Automotive, Inc. Philadelphia, PA
I got a hand-addressed letter in the mail this week. It’s so unusual to get mail that is hand written, that I opened it first. Inside there was a plain note card with these words scrawled in neat block letters, “Hi Steve, just a quick…
Steve Rich Sterling Bearing Inc. Kansas City, MO
When I get a call for an engine rebuild, I am not immediately willing to give an exact price over the phone. I like to give a ballpark estimate and tell them that not until after we take it apart and check out the…
Jeffrey Myers MAR Automotive, INC Philadelphia, PA
‘Shopping” Around One of the best ways to increase business is to make personal contact with your customers. Here is a somewhat different approach. A machine shop owner in Missouri started a program last year that he calls “Fat Friday.” Each Friday morning, he drops by the local donut shop…
Steve Rich Sterling Bearing, Inc Kansas City, MO