Today the buzz words are:
- social distancing
- self quarantine
- quarantine
- close-contact
And, for a repair shop, these words can create fear, worry and anxiety. Quite frankly, if your customers are thinking and saying these words they may also be thinking of distancing themselves from you and your shop.
As we approach “Small Business Development Day” in our country, we want to encourage you, our shop owner friends, and offer some helpful tips in how you can best serve your customers during this time.
The bottom line is that some folks still need to get to work, the grocery, etc. They’ll need their vehicles and they’ll need you. You can minimize fear on their part by calming them and show them that you care and you are taking precautions in your own shop.
We hope that the list below will give you some ideas of what you can do to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to your team, your family AND your customers. Protecting yourself, your team and your customers is very important in today’s world. Let’s ease pain and worry by implementing these precautions:
Before the customer arrives:
- Disinfect all counter surfaces
- Disinfect the bathroom
- Disinfect the waiting area, lobby, kids area, etc
- Consider checking staff members temperatures each morning
Client & Vehicle Interaction:
- Wash hands before and after getting into the car
- Use hand sanitizer on your front desk counter when customer walks in so they see you doing it
- Sanitize steering wheels, shifters, and customer keys
- Have technicians wear gloves (if they don’t already)
- Sanitize door handles
Typical & Expected Precautions:
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently
- Provide hand sanitizers on your counters
- Cough/sneeze into your arm
Know Who To Follow | Be The Resource
There is an incredible amount of inaccurate, and even fake, information out there easily accessible to the public. Be responsible if you share information. We recommend the following reputable and knowledgeable sources of information.
The Centers for Disease Control – Coronavirus Info
The Centers for Disease Control – US Map
Search for YOUR State’s Department of Health
Search for YOUR local hospital or health system
Finally, consider offering services to clean and sanitize the interior of your client’s vehicles such as cabin air filter, air sanitizing services, etc.
We are certainly in unchartered waters here. Together, we can all make a difference if we do our part. We can become frustrated with the situation and complain about all of the tremendous changes and impacts or we can choose to move on and do what is right for our customers.
Are you concerned about the Coronavirus and how it will impact your shop? We are curious and want to hear from you Take our short survey, please.
About The Author
Kim Walker
In addition to being co-owner of Shop Marketing Pros, Kim is a Master Certified Solution Provider with Constant Contact and a StoryBrand Certified Guide. Kim is a past shop owner and has served as President of ASA North Carolina.
