Auto body and paint shops: management tips
In an auto body and paint shop, running out of paint, filler or sandpaper in the middle of a job means a car sitting idle and a missed deadline. And since every job carries a high materials cost, mispricing or losing track of cash quickly hurts results. With the fleet growing, Brazil reached about 1 car for every 4.4 people, according to Denatran (the national traffic department), so demand is there. What sets growing shops apart is management. Here are tips to run your auto body and paint shop better.
How to improve body and paint shop management
Control inventory
Inventory control is one of the most important parts of this business. Paint, clear coat, filler, sandpaper and parts need to be available when a job starts. A missing item can force the shop to turn work away or delay delivery. Track both the products you sell and the materials used on jobs.
Track money coming in and going out
Financial control is as important as inventory control. Tracking cash flow shows how much the shop needs to bring in to make a profit, helps set job targets and provides a basis for pricing each service.
Use specialized management software
A system built for automotive businesses already includes the features a body shop needs, from general to specific. With software suited to your business model, you get:
- faster processes
- more efficient time management
- integrated financial data and better tax control
- effective inventory control
- records of customers and services performed
- better information security.
For other practices specific to the industry, read about how to organize a body shop.
Efficient management with Onmotor
Onmotor is an auto repair shop system that also serves body shops, with control over operations, expenses and earnings. There are six plan options. Talk to our team and learn about the Onmotor system. Find out more about our company.