February 2020

20 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2020 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net All the latest business tips, tricks and kit to keep you one step ahead BUSINESS ADVICE Servicesure’s payment plan scheme is proving popular with its members, according to the garage network. Auto Service Finance (ASF), allows the customers of subscribing Servicesure members to spread the cost of vehicle repairs over three months. Commenting on his experience with ASF, Steve Todd, co-owner of The Auto Workshop in Birmingham said: “We first started using ASF In August. We felt it would be a fantastic addition to our business, as it’s a service that currently not many independent garages offer and would therefore help us in our quest to be a true main dealer alternative, setting us apart from our competition. “Also, it’s a great way to help our valued customers with their unexpected repair bills.” Two months after signing onto ASF, Steve said the company had taken out 18 successful applications, and had three more pending. Steve added: “ASF has surpassed our expectations, both in ease of use and popularity with our customers.” The service is interest free, and available on any transaction over the value of £60, up to a total of £3,000.ASF undertakes an instant credit check, which is completed online and stored electronically. Garages need to then apply for finance, and once approved undertake the work. ASF will pay the garage all money owed with seven working days minus a transaction fee for each payment. Paul Dineen, Head of Garage Programmes, commented: “This is just another example of the premium services we’re keen to make available to all of our Servicesure members, solutions which allow them to really compete with main dealers and demonstrate their proactive approach to customer service. So far, ASF has helped the Servicesure network to retain £1,000,000-worth of business that might have otherwise been lost.” To find out more visit www.servicesureautocentres.com/become-a- servicesure-garage/ Autopart Online makes “tremendous difference Coventry-based factor Midland Vehicle Components (MVC) has credited various developments within MAM's Autopart Online software for improving accuracy and efficiency across its operations. Simon Haynes, owner of MVC, said "Receive count confirm (RCC) is a real game-changer for the industry," noted Simon. "It has made a tremendous difference and made us much more disciplined in our buyout process. Previously our stock figures weren't always correct and we would sell into negative stock. Now we're actively tracking goods in and out, so have an accurate view of what we have on the shelves." Mark Kendall, sales director at MAM Software, said: "MVC is the perfect example of how one of our longstanding Autopart customers is making the most of their software. We are constantly developing new features and add-ons to help companies in the automotive aftermarket become more profitable, accurate and efficient." Auto Service Finance helps