Why Every SERVICE MANAGER Should Understand Dealership Financials
Most SERVICE ADVISORS and SERVICE MANAGERS spend their careers chasing numbers they don’t fully understand. Hours per RO. Effective labor rate. Gross profit. Net profit. Expense percentages. They’re expected to improve these metrics, yet many never receive a clear explanation of how they’re calculated or why they matter. The reality is that understanding dealership financials […]
How Should Service Advisors Handle Customer Objections
Every dealer knows that strong sales conversations rarely start with a simple “yes.” Instead, customer objections pop up at every turn. It may be questions about pricing, concerns about features, or doubts about financing, you name it. Now these moments can stall the deal, slow momentum, and sometimes cause you to lose a sale even […]
Top Service Advisor Phone Scripts to Book More Appointments
It only takes one missed phone call or awkward conversation to lose a customer you’ve worked hard to earn. Yes, you heard it right. Many service advisors find themselves stumbling over words, losing track of critical details, or sounding too scripted. The result? Missed opportunities to build loyalty and secure future business. Even though it […]
How Did Chris Collins Build the Best Advisor Training
Strong advisor training is the backbone of a dealership’s success, but it’s where many stumble. Too often, service advisors get thrown into the deep end, armed with theory but missing the practical tools to handle packed schedules, upset customers, and real-world curveballs. The gap between what advisors learn in a classroom and what actually happens […]
Are Your Fixed Ops Ready for the Summer Road Trip Surge 2026
It’s no secret that travel plans look different this year. Packed airports, high prices, and hard plans can make a vacation feel heavy before it starts. Instead of relief, many families and solo travelers feel stress. That is why more people are choosing the classic summer road trip. It gives families and friends more control, […]
How to Master the Customer Write-Up as a Service Advisor
A missed detail in a customer write-up can lead to misunderstandings, delayed repairs, and frustrated customers. Sounds exage, doesn’t it? But it’s true. And it’s a common issue that not only slows down your service lane but can also hurt trust and satisfaction. Every incomplete note or unclear description can pile up, costing you time […]
How to Spot & Stop Service Profit Leaks at Your Dealership
Every dollar counts in the service department, yet many car dealers watch profits slip through their fingers without realizing it. Service profit leaks often go unnoticed because of outdated inspection processes, inconsistent pricing, and missed service opportunities. These hidden losses can slowly erode your bottom line. The last thing you know, it’s already getting harder […]
How Great Service Advisor Training Was Built
Most SERVICE ADVISOR training programs focus on scripts, sales tactics, and word tracks. But the best training usually comes from something else entirely:real experience. In Service Drive Revolution #360, Chris Collins shared the story behind how his SERVICE ADVISOR training was originally created—not from a classroom, but from years of working inside dealerships, watching customers […]
10 Proven Ways to Drive Repair Order Growth Fast
When service bays aren’t as busy as they should be, every car dealer starts asking the same question: How can more vehicles come through our doors? Nowadays, relying only on vehicle sales is no longer enough. What you need to keep your business stable is steady repair order growth. Too often, dealerships see their service […]
What New Vehicle Gross Decline Means for Fixed Ops
Margins aren’t what they used to be. More and more dealers are seeing the steady creep of vehicle gross decline cut into profits, leaving less room to cover costs and invest in winning strategies. Now, there’s a lot that goes into this. Factors like manufacturer restrictions, tighter inventory controls, price-sensitive shoppers, and the rise of […]
How Did Chris Collins Build His Automotive Coaching Career
Many dealership service departments often struggle to break out of old habits. Low morale, inconsistent processes, and stagnant profits make it even tougher for leaders to drive real change. It’s a common story—talented teams lose momentum while revenue slips through the cracks. The worst part? Dealers know their service drive has untapped potential, but they […]
How Can Recall Visit Customers Become Loyal Clients
Dealing with recall visit customers can feel like another hurdle in a busy week, right? Many dealerships see these appointments as interruptions. We can’t blame them, though, since these visits are often extra work that rarely yields much profit. When customers walk in frustrated and anxious about recalls, it’s easy for trust to slip through […]
