The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike has entered its final stage. Reports indicate that GM, Stellantis, and Ford reached tentative deals to end their employee hold outs.Â
Many auto workers were on active labor strikes since September 15 in demand of fair wages. Their key concerns included stagnant pay, rising inflation, and a lack of job security.
How did this strike affect auto repair shops? And what can your shop do to prepare for industry-specific issues like this in the future?Â
Let’s cover the takeaways from a shop owner’s perspective.Â
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Navigating parts shortages associated with strikes
The UAW strike highlighted a potential industry domino effect that can impact auto repair shops. Less workers at the manufacturing plants means fewer parts are made. When this happens, auto repair shops will face longer wait times on their parts orders. That leads to longer repair times, affecting your business productivity and customer satisfaction.
The strike’s recent parts shortage affected auto repair shops across North America. Moving forward, there are useful ways for your shop to navigate these types of issues.
Drawing insights from parts management experts, we gathered some practical strategies! When faced with uncertainty during parts shortages, your shop can:
- Lean on modern technology. Shop management tools can help you anticipate your future needs and guide your stocking decisions. This means getting a handle on parts that you frequently use and ordering them in advance. Overstocking is a sensible approach, especially when you anticipate future ordering issues.
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- Strengthen your ties with suppliers. Create an open line of communication with your parts suppliers. This will ensure you know about delays or looming shortages ahead of time. By developing these relationships, you can work together to find immediate solutions.Â
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- Maintain transparency. Leverage modern technology to communicate with your customers. Let them know of potential delays in advance. But also reassure them about your commitment to quality service. More on this below!Â
Managing customer expectations when strikes occur
When workers go on strike, factories halt production of parts. This can impact the aftermarket industry, your shop’s productivity, and average repair time.Â
The reasons for that are straightforward. When a car needs that part you’re waiting for, the vehicle will sit without action in your service bay.Â
Amid any auto industry crisis, customers will also feel the weight of uncertainty. Auto repair shops must adapt. Here are some tips on communicating with your customers and managing their expectations:Â
- Maintain transparency: Communicate with your customers right away when you expect parts delays. Check out our free eBook on strategies for mastering communication with your customers.
- Share realistic timelines: Always provide customers with a realistic repair timeframe. It’s better to be upfront than to promise a date you can’t meet.
- Listen actively:Â Customers might express concerns and not know what to expect. Listen to what they say, respond with empathy and clarify the situation.
Closing thoughts
The UAW strike won’t cause the last industry-wide domino effect. That’s why you need a proactive plan for dealing with parts shortages and customer concerns.Â
We hope these insights help your auto repair shop overcome future industry challenges!
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