ACtion Magazine - May 2012 - (Page 6)

Outlook Andy Fiffick MACS Chairman A ll of us in the aftermarket repair business have been through tough times lately. If you listen to the experts in our government, the recession is actually over, things are getting better, jobs are being created, and health care for everyone. Sure, there are many statistics and forecasts that show that aftermarket repair should be in a growth boom and indeed, there should be vehicles lined up to purchase our services: the ageing and growing vehicle fleet, closing of dealerships, fewer service bays, and so on. These are all good signs and I pray that they do indeed help us grow and prosper. It appears to be all good news; however, all that glitters is not gold. New franchised vehicle dealerships are fighting hard for our client base by installing quick-lube service lanes, free car wash stations, offering tires, advertising service on radio and TV, providing special pricing and extended hours, providing years of free scheduled maintenance, and installing waiting lounges nicer than most of our homes. With leadership, support and pressure from the manufactures, these businesses are coming after our client base with a new-found vengeance. Additionally, new vehicle sales are up and these vehicles require less of everything. Drivers are logging fewer miles, too and this equates to less maintenance or repair for all. Hybrids, plug-inhybrids, electric and LEV vehicles are entering the mainstream. Is our industry ready to service them? Is your shop ready for them? Yes, there may be jobs being created. However, those are not of the same quality and pay scale of the millions of jobs that were lost or shipped offshore. Reduced wages and benefits equate to less disposable income and less money in the marketplace to maintain and service the fleet. I don’t want you think that my viewpoint is all doom and gloom. All of these aspects of our industry are factors and have been in play for some time. What I am pointing out is that we— individually and as an industry—need to be better organized, better prepared and we need to launch our own assault to gain a broader client base. If only our industry could unite to take on the competition, but uniting the industry is another matter. The question is, what can we do to compete? Knowing where we stand, understanding the marketplace and our competition can provide a starting point. Learn what is going on in your area, and from “who, what and where” your competition comes. Take it all in, devise your own strategy, and then do it better or outperform them. This sounds like a daunting task and our survival is not guaranteed; however, taking on the competition head-on with a well-thought-out advertising, business and marketing plan is the first step to your success. Most of us are small, one owner shops who do indeed have one massive weapon in our arsenal. Unlike our competitors, we can offer “Constant and Consistent Personalized Service” to our clients that most large organizations cannot match. Repair the vehicle correctly the first time at a fair price and capitalize on your relationship with your client. You can win the battle for client retention and grow your business. ❆ Sincerely All that glitters is not gold Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) Andrew Fiffick Chairman & CEO chairman-macs@macsw.org Elvis Hoffpauir President & Editor-In-Chief elvis@macsw.org Jim Taylor Editor jt@macsw.org Marion Posen VP Sales & Marketing marion@macsw.org Laina Casey Graphics & Design Manager mcasey@macsw.org Corporate Offices Mail To: P.O. Box 88, Lansdale, PA 19446 Ship To: 225 S. Broad St., Lansdale, PA 19446 Phone: (215) 631-7020 Fax: (215) 631-7017 E-mail: membership@macsw.org May 2012 Volume 12, Number 3 ACTION magazine is published eight times per year by the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide, 225 S. Broad Street, Lansdale, PA 19446. While MACS Worldwide takes reasonable steps to make sure that the information reported in ACTION is accurate, errors can still occur. The accuracy of all information contained in ACTION should therefore be independently evaluated by the reader. Since conditions of its use are outside of the control of MACS Worldwide, MACS Worldwide assumes no liability for the use of such information or any damages incurred through its use or application. Nothing contained in such information is to be construed as contractual or provide some form of warranty on the part of MACS Worldwide. The opinions expressed in guest editorials are not necessarily endorsed by MACS Worldwide. MACS Worldwide is not responsible for any claims made in or by advertisements or press releases published in ACTION. All company names, products and product names, emblems, logos, images, trademarks, service marks and trade dress appearing in this magazine are the property of their respective owners and are protected under federal laws of the United States and international agreements. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The ACTION logo and MACS globe emblem are property of MACS Worldwide. Reproduction of contents without permission is prohibited. Send requests for permission to copy or reprint to Editor@macsw.org or to ACTION Magazine, Box 88, Lansdale, PA 19446. Non-member subscription rates: one year (seven issues) – U.S. $25; Canada/Mexico $40; international surface $45; international air $55. Send subscription mail, including address changes, to ACTION, P.O. Box 88, Lansdale, PA 19446 or editor@macsw.org. For advertising information contact Marion Posen: marion@ macsw.org or 215-631-7020 x304. H.G. Roebuck & Son, Inc. 4987 Mercantile Road Baltimore, MD 21236 Andy Andy Fiffick chairman-macs@macsw.org • 440-667-3278 ISBN 1949-3436 2004-11 IAMA Awards Winner 6 ACTION • May 2012 http://www.macsw.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - May 2012

ACtion Magazine - May 2012
Table of Contents
Outlook
Expansion Valve
Technically RELAY-ted
Under the Southern Cross
Leonard’s Law
Cooling Corner
Virtual View
News & Updates
New Tools and Tricks From the MACS Trade Show
Vacuum: How Much Is Enough?
“Universal” Compressor Oil?
Association News
Quick Check
New Products & Services
Last Watch

ACtion Magazine - May 2012