In recent years, there has been a growing trend of auto & powersport repair shops refusing to work on vehicles that are older than 10 years old. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing complexity of newer vehicles, the rising cost of parts and labor, and the perceived risk of liability.
In powersports, the issues are extended due to the depth of brands many shops carry, the diverse nature of their supply chain for parts, and the lack of support form the OEM level on dated material.
While there are some valid reasons for this trend, it is important to consider the lost opportunity that it creates. Millions of Americans drive vehicles that are older than 10 years old. In powersports, it can be a badge of honor or emotional commitment to keep the machine. These vehicles are often reliable and affordable, and they play an important role in the transportation system.
When shops refuse to work on these vehicles, it can make it difficult and expensive for owners to keep them running safely. This can lead to a number of negative consequences, including:
- Increased emissions: Older vehicles are often less fuel-efficient and emit more pollutants than newer vehicles. When these vehicles are not properly maintained, they can release even more harmful emissions into the environment.
- Reduced safety: Older vehicles may not have the same safety features as newer vehicles. This can make them more likely to be involved in accidents.
- Increased financial hardship: When owners are unable to keep their vehicles running, they may be forced to take public transportation or buy a new car. This can be a financial hardship, especially for low-income families.
In the events of classic motorcycles, the real expense comes when the inexperienced start a job they cannot finish.
It is important to note that not all auto repair shops refuse to work on older vehicles. There are many shops that specialize in working on older cars & bikes, and they are often able to provide affordable and reliable service. If you have an older vehicle, it is important to do your research and find a shop that is willing to work on it.
If you are a shop… and reading this… it’s time to consider what kind of shop you will be. Don’t forget how you were treated in the Pandemic. When you can’t depend on a steady supply chain, you’ve got to build consistency across the board. For many, Fixed Operations is where the meat and potatoes should be, with sales being the “Icing on the cake”.
The trend of shops refusing to work on older vehicles is a lost opportunity. It creates a number of negative consequences for both the environment and the economy. It is important to be aware of this trend and to take steps to find a shop that is willing to work on your older vehicle.
Think About Perception
Do you want customers to think you are someone to depend on? Do you want customers to refer to your business as a foundational piece of your industry? Without servicing a wide breadth of products, you put forth an air of elitist or grifter in your space. Customers in general can believe you to be a company that only scrapes the easy revenue off the top and leaves them stranded for other issues.
There is also a way to portray their love of a classic as celebratory and unique rather than common and trash. Our training has some scripting to help with the perception of taking in this work and the art of not over-committing and under-delivering.
As one of our core statements “focus on the relationship over the transaction” implies… if you treat the customer right, show concern for their needs, fulfill some wants along the way – the revenue will follow.
What can you do?
If you intend to work on older machines, there are a few things you can do to make it smoother:
- Evaluate the depth of staff knowledge and gauge the work capacity
- Evaluate your numbers and see what your weaker months are for seasonality
- Structure your language to influence older vehicles and projects to fill weaker months
- Profile classics on your social pages
- Establish parts supply that caters to classic needs
- Forecast your hourly rate to match the obstacles of working on older equipment
