How many scan tools does your shop own? None - 50%   1-2 - 0%   3-5 - 0%   5 or more - 50%

Does your shop own an on-the-car brake lathe? Yes - 50%   No - 50%

Have the closing of new car dealers affected how you source parts in the past year? (No dealers near by, low inventory levels or longer wait times for parts.) Yes - 50%   No - 50%

Does your shop advertise? Yes - 45%   No, our shop uses "word of mouth" advertising only. - 51%   Abstain - 4%

Does your shop allow the use of personal cell phones during work hours for calls or texting? Yes, management feels it better than using the shop's phone. - 21%   Yes, but certian rules apply. - 26%   No, only on breaks, lunch or emergencies. - 38%   No, they are not allowed in shop at all. - 14%

What’s the next piece of shop equipment you plan to purchase? Lift related - 25%   Brake Service Equipment - 4%   A/C/Coolant Equipment - 21%   Diagnostic Equipment - 36%   Torch/Welding Equipment - 4%   Tool Storage - 7%   Computer/Office - 4%

Have you noticed longer than normal order times or low inventory conditions with some of your parts suppliers? Yes - 83%   No - 17%

As your company plans for 2010, do you plan to add, maintain or reduce staff? We will maintain the same number of employees - 58%   We will add employees - 15%   We will reduce the number of employees - 27%

Have your parts suppliers become more strict about returns and cores since the economic downturn? Yes - 43%   No - 28%   Have not noticed - 30%

Are you concerned with the quality and safety of brake rotors your shop purchases and installs? Yes, I am concerned - 77%   No, I am not concerned, I trust my supplier and/or manufacturer. - 23%

Gas prices are again expected to climb to nearly $4 per gallon this summer. How will this impact your business? Positive Impact - 100%   No Impact - 0%   Negative Impact - 0%

It has been reported that miles driven has started to rise again slightly after months of decline. Do you believe miles driven will continue to climb? Yes - 42%   Possibly if the economy improves - 30%   No, I believe they will go back down again as gas prices rise - 27%

The U.S. House of Representatives just approved a $1billion "Cash for Clunkers" bill and the legislation is now under review in the Senate. How will passage of "Cash for Clunkers" impact your business? Positive Impact - 12%   No Impact - 31%   Negative Impact - 57%

Did your shop offer any special promotions in support of National Car Care Month in April? Yes - 30%   No - 70%

Do you offer evening and/or weekend hours at your shop? Select all the responses that apply. Open 1-2 evenings per week - 4%   Open more than 2 evenings per week - 18%   Open Saturdays - 38%   Open Sundays - 5%   Not open any of these times - 35%

Advertise • Contact Us • Subscribe • Article Index • Privacy/Terms of Use