Jun 07, 2018

Why Does a Shop Exist?

Why Does a Shop Exist?

Economic concepts are complex theories to grasp. If you’re running a semi repair shop, however, it helps to know basic principals. For example, why do shops exist? Moreover, how can owners ensure heavy duty repair shop existence as market elements change? Fortunately,  the answers to these questions are fairly simple to understand and tools like shop management software make them easy to put to work.

Heavy Duty Repair Shop Existence: Filling a Need

In 1937, Ronald Coase formed his theory of the firm to explain why an organized business exists. The basic answer he put forth is that firms came to be because it cost individuals too much to do business directly with the market. Essentially, it’s power in numbers. It’s true that some things are cheaper for an individual to deal with on his own. However, having a firm in place to set prices for services and negotiate lower costs for goods, saves people time.

For example, a diesel tech out on his own doesn’t have the buying power that an established shop does. What’s more, customers might try to bargain with him on each job he performs. After all, he’s not working for a shop. He can make the call to charge a little less here and there, right? It’s a hassle to haggle and collect on every last job he does, and can end up being more aggravation than it’s worth. Plus, it can end up costing him more than he makes. Those issues alone account for heavy duty repair shop existence.

Elements That Necessitate Heavy Duty Repair Shop Existence

Heavy duty repair shop existence isn’t solely for repair techs’ convenience. Shops wouldn’t exist if they didn’t offer something valuable. Not everyone has the education and experience to service diesel trucks. Maybe some can perform simple preventative maintenance such as oil changes. But,  what if they don’t have the equipment or the time to do the job? Then it makes sense to pay someone else to do it. The ideal place to go is a semi truck repair shop. It has all the supplies, equipment, and experienced, knowledgeable techs in one place to perform the service quickly and conveniently.

The issue of repair and maintenance is just one piece of the puzzle. Those services are the most obvious, but they’re not the only ones shops provide. Shops search for quality parts and supplies. They negotiate and contract for the best possible prices. They coordinate delivery and stock on hand with jobs that need to be done. Offering all of this as a package deal provides the opportunity to build customer trust. Another essential reason for heavy duty repair shop existence.

Guaranteeing Your Shop’s Existence With Shop Management Software

Firms and shops cannot fully direct market prices. Many factors affect the intricate process of pricing. As the different costs that dictate heavy duty repair shop existence go down, more techs consider working as independent contractors. They’re attracted to the benefits of being self-employed such as having control over their schedules, taking advantage of business deductions, and only taking on the work they want to do. It’s not likely that the number of independent contractors will rise to the point of causing shops to fade away. However, there’s a way to ensure your shop will continue to do business for years to come. Focus on the reasons that justify heavy duty repair shop existence.

Those reasons add value that independent contractors can’t compete with, at least not on the same level. Plus, current technology can help rocket your shop far ahead of the competition. For instance, shop management software simplifies tasks like stock management, parts and supplies ordering, job scheduling, and invoicing. Some shop management software goes the extra mile developing customer satisfaction and trust, as well. Those ultra-effective programs have portals that give power to customers. With them, they have access to their service history, can request service, and pay invoices. The business world is constantly changing, requiring justification for heavy duty repair shop existence. Shop management software is the key that keeps shop doors open.

Lisa