Parts and People magazine profile Eric Ziegler and Scott Shotton, two technicians who provide mobile diagnostic services and now offer a seminar on the subject, “Mobile Diagnostics 101: How, When, and Why” about the challenges of “going mobile” and the benefits a mobile tech provides to shops.
With the ever-growing complexity of today’s vehicles, many repair procedures are not as straightforward as they used to be. But the typical independent shop can’t justify the expense of having on hand all of the OEM scan tools, software updates, and other resources needed to stay up to speed. Some enterprising technicians and shop owners have seen opportunity in that problem...
“This is not for the weak-hearted,” Ziegler said. “Most of the time, you’re looked at like the baseball closer. You come in during the heat of the battle, and it’s ‘zero or hero’ time. You either get it right – and hopefully make a customer for life — or you get it wrong and never get asked back again. It’s a symbiotic relationship. You need them for the work, and they need you to clear their car.”
“I am selling a service that, if used right, will make you more money,” Ziegler said. “Instead of your ‘B’ tech — or even your ‘A’ tech — drowning in a diagnostic repair for which he’s in over his head, have him do what he rocks out on: timing belts, water pumps...My friend Zane can do a GM intake that pays 6.5 hours in an hour and 15 minutes. That is money-making potential for a shop. Keep those guys doing what they do best and sublet the diagnostic part.”
Read the complete article by Jay Sicht at PartsandPeople.com.