Cars and trucks are getting older, and the average car on the road in the U.S. is now about 12.6 years old!
As vehicles age, they are more likely to break down, and when that happens, a tow truck is needed to move the car.
For drivers, it’s usually easiest and safest to have their car towed directly to a repair shop. This is where offering towing services at your auto repair shop is helpful. Towing can make things more convenient for your customers, and it can also keep them safe.
Adding towing services to your shop makes a big difference. You’ll help drivers avoid accidents, get them to a safe spot, and show your customers you care about them. This can help build trust and make them more loyal to your business. In addition, it could set your shop apart from other repair shops in the area, and even bring in some extra money.
Things to Think
But before you decide to start offering towing services at your auto repair shop, there are a few things to think about. You’ll need to consider the cost, insurance, and how to handle the extra work that comes with towing.
So, take some time to think it over and see if it’s the right fit for your shop.
Benefits of Offering Towing Services at Your Auto Repair Shop
Customer Convenience
Offering towing services at your auto repair shop is a great way to make things easier for customers. When you fix a car and tow it in one stop, it saves a lot of time and stress.
This is especially helpful for older people, drivers who can’t move their cars on their own, or anyone who gets stuck in the middle of the night.
By offering towing services, you make the whole process smoother and more convenient, which is something everyone will appreciate!
Customer Loyalty
Businesses that go the extra mile get noticed, and customers will stick with you when they know they can rely on you during tough situations. Offering towing services at your auto repair shop gives you an advantage over other shops that don’t. It shows you’re a helpful problem-solver who takes care of everything, from start to finish and cares about your customers’ cars.
Additional Revenue Stream
Towing services also help your business make more money. Whether you charge separately for towing or include it with the repair costs, it’s an extra way to earn. In addition, when customers’ cars are already at your shop for towing, they’re more likely to agree to repairs, which means you’ll make more money per visit.
Improve Efficiency
When you transport vehicles straight to your shop, everything runs more smoothly. You don’t have to work with a third party, so you’re in charge of the timing. You’ll know exactly when the car will get to your shop, and that way, you can start the repairs right away without any guesswork or delays.
Downside and Challenges
Overhead Costs
Offering towing services at your auto repair shop isn’t cheap. A tow truck can be expensive to buy, and there are also costs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance. On top of that, you’ll need to hire and train drivers to use the trucks safely, which adds to your costs. Even if you decide to work with someone else for towing, you’ll still have extra costs to think about.
Liability and Insurance
Towing comes with its own risks. There’s always the chance of accidents or damage to vehicles, and without the right insurance, it could cost you a lot of money. You’ll also need special insurance for your tow trucks, which can cost several hundred dollars each month.
Operational Hurdles
Your main job is still fixing cars, so offering towing services at your auto repair shop means doing two things at once. You’ll need to handle things like scheduling and keeping track of tow services, which could take time away from other important tasks.
To make it work, you’ll have to be really good at managing your shop’s schedule and making sure your team stays focused on what’s most important.
Market Demand
You also need to think about whether there’s enough need for roadside assistance. If most of your customers already have this service through their insurance, you might not have many people who need it. It’s also important to think about whether other towing companies already have a strong presence in the area.
Key Considerations for Success
Make a Plan First
Start by making a solid plan. Figure out how much it will cost to buy, run, and take care of a tow truck. This includes things like paying drivers, fuel, insurance, and licenses.
Compare these costs with how much money you think you’ll make to decide if it’s a good idea. If the upfront costs are too high, you can look into financing or start by working with a local towing company before doing it yourself.
Get Your Paperwork Ready
Before you start, make sure you have all the right paperwork in order, like licenses, permits, and insurance. Find an insurance company that knows about towing so they can help you get the right coverage. You should also learn about your state’s rules, including any special exceptions that apply.
Hire the Right Drivers
Hiring the right people is important, and your tow truck driver is no exception. Look for someone with experience and a good safety record. Once you hire them, train them on how to tow safely, treat customers well, and follow company rules.
Your drivers represent your business, so they should always be professional, on time, and friendly. Keep your customers updated during the process, and ask for feedback to help you improve.
Tell People About Your New Service
If you start offering towing services, don’t keep it a secret! Tell people through your website, social media, ads, and in your shop. Offering deals or bundling towing with other services could help bring in more customers. Also, check local rates to make sure your prices are competitive
Wrapping Up!.
Offering towing services at your auto repair shop is an excellent way to make things easier for your customers and bring in extra money for your business. But it also comes with some costs and challenges, so it’s important to think carefully before you start. If buying a tow truck seems too expensive, you can work with an established towing company to offer the service without needing your truck. Just make sure to agree on good rates and clear terms so your customers still get excellent service. And if you want to make your shop run even better, auto repair shop software helps you do more work in less time.
