Here are some quotes that resonate just as strong today as they did when they were first uttered.
“People like to talk about a job well done and equally like to complain when a job is badly done.”
Fred G. Wacker, President, Ammco Tools, May 1973 issue
“Have enough faith in yourself to advertise your service. Buy advertised products in order that you may safeguard the confidence of your customers.”
Edward Babcox, founder of Brake & Front End, March 1933 issue
“Profit is a dirty word if you put it ahead of servicing and satisfying your customers.”
C.R. “Dick” Bowers, Vice President of Amermac Inc., July 1973 issue.
“We are having trouble holding rotor runout to .005 in., but otherwise disc brakes are easy to work on.”
Survey response from May 1973 issue. Today, most specs are below .001 while on the vehicle!
“You may have a perfect understanding of wheel alignment and front-end geometry. But, if you can’t communicate in “layman’s language” just what is wrong and how to correct it, you are not using one of the most important sales tools you have.”
Lee Hunter, founder of Hunter Engineering in an interview in March 1973 issue.
“A business absolutely devoted to service will have only one worry about profits. They will be embarrassingly large.”
Henry Ford
“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.”
Henry Ford
“A market is never saturated with a good product, but it is very quickly saturated with a bad one.”
Henry Ford
“The cost of racing hasn’t increased in 30 years. Back then, it took everything you had. And it still does.”
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“First, the industry has to admit such a problem exists. Many manufacturers and retailers have ignored the manpower problem and have not fully supported aftermarket programs to boost training.”
Frank Buynovsky, Instructor for Raybestos, September 1973 issue
Some of the best “one liners” come from repair orders and the economy of language used by service advisors/writers. Here are a few of the funnier ones.
Service Advisor: Dead bugs on windshield.
Tech: Live bugs on back-order.
SA: Evidence of coolant leak found on passenger floorboard.
Tech: Evidence removed.
SA: Customer can not turn on car.
Tech: Can I see the customer?
SA: Brakes make the car stop suddenly.
Tech: That is what they were designed to do?
SA: Volume of tire noise unbelievably loud.
Tech: Tire noise volume set to more believable level.
SA: Suspect worn brakes.
Tech: Suspect you’re right.
SA: Driver says the engine missing.
Tech: Engine found under the hood after brief search.
SA: Vehicle handles funny.
Tech: Vehicle warned to straighten up and be serious.
SA: Heater fan hums.
Tech: Replaced with heater that knows the lyrics.
SA: Mouse in engine compartment.
Tech: Cat installed.
SA: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a dwarf pounding on something with a hammer.
Tech: Took hammer away from dwarf.
