Workshop battery management programme - A business opportunity for professional workshops

Two European workshops used the “CTEK Test & Charge” approach to generate additional revenue when undertaking a standard vehicle service.  

THE CHALLENGE 

Battery problems account for an ever-growing number of workshop visits – when checked 1 in 5 vehicles arriving in workshops have a battery problem. Oil and other fluid levels, tyre pressures and brake condition are all regularly checked and monitored and with the help of CTEK’s unique technology, workshops can now offer this level of service to their customers’ vehicle batteries – easily, safely and without disruption to usual workshop routines. 

SOLUTION 

To make the most of this opportunity the modern workshop needs to be equipped with an up-to-date battery tester, ideally incorporating a printer facility. Complemented by a CTEK charger and its patented 8-step cycle, workshops can automatically charge and condition a vehicle’s battery to ensure it is at full capacity while connected to the vehicle - identified problems will be dealt with by the charger or be brought to the attention of the technician. To demonstrate to the customer that the work has been completed and raise awareness of this service, delivered by world-class products, a promotional mirror hanger was attached to the internal rear-view mirror. 

THE PROCESS 

1. Workshop to test the battery when vehicle arrives. 

2. The printout will indicate the battery’s condition a) good condition, no action is required b) good, but in need of a recharge c) replace the battery. 

3. Customer to be advised of the outcome as part of the review of additional work required. 

4. If the battery requires re-charge and the customer agrees to the cost of this service (€12 per service in this trial), simply connect up the CTEK MXTS 40 charger while other work is completed without interruption. 

5. The vehicle battery will be charged and conditioned by the CTEK unit. 

6. After the charge and condition is complete, workshop to attach promotional mirror hanger to internal rearview mirror. 

7. At the time of payment use the battery test result as evidence for the customer of the work carried out. 

THE RESULTS 

Westerleigh Motors is set to earn thousands in extra income this year by routinely testing vehicle batteries. Using just one MXTS 40 and a PRO Battery Tester, this is how Westerleigh Motors created significant revenue during the trial: 

Average number of battery tests per day: 2 

Working days per year: 312 

Total vehicles tested in a year: 624 

During their trial Westerleigh Motors found that: 

• 11% of those tested needed a new battery – annually that means 68 batteries sold at a minimum of €58+VAT is €3,944 per year 
• 59% of those tested were sold a battery reconditioning service – annually that’s 368 services sold making €4,416 per year 

Minimum additional revenue in 12 months - €8,360 

CTEK carried out a second trial during November and December with a second workshop. This trial highlighted how Winter Battery Strain is affecting batteries not properly maintained during this particularly cold spell. During the two-month trial: 

• 34% of those tested needed a new battery – a significant increase  
• 30% of those tested were sold a battery reconditioning service 

Which in just two months, if we based this on two vehicles being tested per day would generate: 

Average number of battery tests per day: 2 

Working days during 2 months: 53 

35 batteries sold generating additional revenue of €2,030 32 battery reconditioning services sold at €10 per service is an additional €384 

Total of €2,414 in just 2 months  

So, with state-of-the-art CTEK equipment, some minimal training and product familiarisation workshops will be able to create a completely new source of revenue and increase customer satisfaction whilst protecting and enhancing their business reputation. 

“The service was well received – our customers were pleased that we had brought a potential problem to their attention and were more than happy to pay for the service if it was required. The process is quick, the equipment easy to operate and most importantly doesn’t interfere with any other part of the servicing process. I would highly recommend this approach to other workshops.”