Figures released earlier this year by WhoCanFixMyCar reveal that 72 per cent of car owners now shop around before settling on a garage, suggesting that it’s never been more important to know your competition.
Trend Tracker data shows that the retail value of service, maintenance and repair (SMR) costs have risen by £1 billion since the 2008 recession.
With latest studies showing that independents are holding up well against the main dealers, we turn attention to the fast-fits that are taking a cut from that billion.
Kwik Fit
There are over 600 Kwik Fit centres across the UK.
The household name undertakes a wide range of work including tyres, exhausts, brakes, MOT testing, car servicing, air-con servicing and windscreen repair.
Recent investments include the installation of Hunter laser wheel-alignment equipment and customer waiting area improvements, which now offer free Wi-Fi.
The brand has a strong local and national media presence and has an interactive website, which allows customers to book services online.
ATS Euromaster
In addition to its core business of tyre-fitting, services at ATS Euromaster include batteries, brakes, exhausts, suspension, servicing and Class 4 and 7 MOTs.
Its 340 centres and 820 mobile service vans employ around 2,600 technicians.
ATS has recently updated it branding and is planning to build up to 20 new centres in the next five years.
Just last year, the company opened its new £350k flagship service centre in Wrexham.
Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres has more than 300 UK centres offering MOTs, servicing, brakes, tyres and general repairs for more than 850,000 customers each year.
A price match service proves popular in attracting custom, as does a guarantee on all of its work for 12 months or 12,000 miles.
National Tyres and Autocare
National has 233 branches across the UK and operates a network of mobile tyre-fitting vehicles for fleets.
The brand boasts a ‘while you wait’ service on tyres, exhausts, batteries, steering, suspension, servicing and also carries out MOTs.
National has recently invested in MOT expansion programme, which has seen the company open more than 70 new sites in the past couple of years.
HiQ
There are 125 HiQ Franchise Centres and 195 HiQ Fleet Service partners in the UK, offering tyres, MOTs, servicing, air-conditioning maintenance, exhaust work, batteries, oil and filter change, and fleet checks.
The brand also offers a contracted mobile service with pre-booked appointments and rapid response.
Personal touch
It’s no secret that the big-chain fast-fits have been attracting the attention of some motorists with bold signs, bright lights and cut-price deals but it’s the personal touch of the independent sector that cannot be replicated, notes Stuart James, IGA Director.
James told GW: “These people [independents] are always good technicians, that’s why they set up their own businesses.
“They talk to the customers, are a part of the community and offer superb value for money.”
Leave your comments and share your stories below. How do we ensure that more motorists continue to support the independent sector?
M CHADWICK
Fast fit centres are getting work from the Main Dealer Market. But the main problem we hear from our customers is because its a large UK wide brand they feel they will get looked after better. Unfortunately that’s not the case and we are hearing of some terrible experiences our customers have had!
I feel this is mainly down to Bonus Driven Pay Structures. While these systems are in place the customer will never get the best deal at any of these outlets the more work through the till the more wages for the staff!
b
Garage Wire Editor
Thanks for your comment M Chadwick. It’s a view that many share with you, a mass retail-type structure is very different to the way in which independents operate. It seems the public has a perception that a national company will automatically offer better value and service. Of course, most of us know that this is rarely the case. As Stuart James so neatly put, when it comes to the independent sector, you just can’t beat that “personal touch”. We know that, unlike the big-chain fast-fits, it’s in the interest of independent garages to provide good service and value. The question is, how to we educate the public and change perceptions?
M CHADWICK
Fast fit centres are getting work from the Main Dealer Market. But the main problem we hear from our customers is because its a large UK wide brand they feel they will get looked after better. Unfortunately that’s not the case and we are hearing of some terrible experiences our customers have had!
I feel this is mainly down to Bonus Driven Pay Structures. While these systems are in place the customer will never get the best deal at any of these outlets the more work through the till the more wages for the staff!
b
Garage Wire Editor
Thanks for your comment M Chadwick. It’s a view that many share with you, a mass retail-type structure is very different to the way in which independents operate. It seems the public has a perception that a national company will automatically offer better value and service. Of course, most of us know that this is rarely the case. As Stuart James so neatly put, when it comes to the independent sector, you just can’t beat that “personal touch”. We know that, unlike the big-chain fast-fits, it’s in the interest of independent garages to provide good service and value. The question is, how to we educate the public and change perceptions?