JP D’Arcy, co-owner of JP D’Arcy Car Care and Performance, has successfully addressed staff shortages by implementing a four-day workweek. This change, along with other strategic improvements, has revitalised the business.
The garage transitioned from a generalist to a Mercedes and BMW specialist. A new website, developed by Garage Services Online, increased online visibility and attracted new customers. Employees now work 40 hours over four days, improving work-life balance and attracting new talent.
JP said: “Going on Andy’s training course changed my business focus and we decided to transition to a Mercedes and BMW specialist. However, you can’t just do that overnight and expect a whole new profile of customer to start walking through the door.
“I met Jim around the same time and got Garage Services Online to do a new website. My old one was dead in the water and didn’t bring any work in at all. To be honest, it was so bad, I wouldn’t even have visited my own garage if I’d seen it!
“Over the course of 12 months, the website pulled in more and more of the work we wanted, until it got to the point six months ago where we were confidently deferring anything other than Mercedes and BMW work to another garage.
“We knew with absolute certainty the website was responsible for all the new customers. We got a new telephone number at the same time, and nobody could get that without finding us online.”
The garage now receives around 12 out-of-hours online enquiries per week, in addition to busy phonelines during the day. Quiet summer months are a thing of the past.
Productivity and profitability have also increased, while administrative time has been reduced due to a more targeted customer base. Customer satisfaction has improved with extended opening hours and efficient service, all helped by new staff have who have been successfully recruited and attracted by the flexible work arrangement.
JP continues, “The business would be very different had I not met Jim and got the website. He’s very honest, straight-forward, and has a lot of integrity. These attributes clearly flow through to his team.
“I’d love other garages to know just what’s possible with the right people behind you.”
GSO say it’s worth consider specialising in specific vehicle brands to attract a targeted customer base. And that it’s vital to Invest in a professional and user-friendly website to improve online visibility.
To find out more about Garage Service Online and how they could help your business, please click here.
