We’re all about sharing the tips and tricks we’ve learned at Capricorn, so we rounded up four tools or resources you may not have heard of and explain how they can help improve your life.
These are not the only fantastic resources available to you as a Capricorn Member. Check out the full range of Capricorn Preferred Suppliers in the Purple Pages. If it’s in your workshop, it’s in the Purple Pages.
Capricorn Service Data
The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme Bill may have been passed into law, yet between now and 1 July 2022 there are a lot of logistics to work out to begin accessing manufacturer service data.
In the meantime, Capricorn Service Data gives you instant access to the most comprehensive range of online service information covering thousands of vehicles. It includes manufacturers’ service schedules, service illustrations and repair times.
Powered by Autodata — whose global database features 34,000 vehicles from over 60 manufacturers, 96% of cars-on-road coverage in Australia and 87% in New Zealand, 92,000 diagrams, 600,000 step-by-step procedures and 46,500 updates in the last 12 months — Capricorn Service Data is an exclusive Member service provided at no charge.
AAAA Car Parc Data Tool
AAAA’s Car Parc is a simple, interactive tool that uses real-world data to help you find out what vehicles are the most popular in your area.
The tool generates a customised report, specific to your locality, using actual statewide and national demographic data. At a click of a button, you can get information about the cars being used in any local government area in the country. You simply choose a postcode and Car Parc generates a series of graphical reports with detailed and useful data.
Over the past 11 months, we’ve shown you how you can get the most out of the AAAA Car Parc Data Tool to help with parts inventory, marketing, and futureproofing in your workshop.
Find out more about the AAAA Car Parc Data Tool here:
Supercharge your advertising with the AAAA Car Parc Data Tool
Better plan your parts buying with the AAAA Car Parc Data Tool
Using the AAAA Car Parc Data Tool for futureproofing your business
Getting the most out of the AAAA Car Parc Data Tool
I-CAR Training
31% of Capricorn Members rate changing technology as one of the biggest challenges to running an automotive business, with 44% seeing it as one of the biggest challenges facing the industry.
The I-CAR vision is for every person in the collision repair industry to have access to the information, knowledge and skills required to complete safe and quality repairs for their customers during a time of unprecedented technological change.
I-CAR develops technical training programs and delivers them to professionals in all areas of the collision industry. In addition, I-CAR provides a communication forum for anyone interested in proper collision repair. Funding by student tuition allows I-CAR Australia to remain unbiased in developing programs and services on an industry-wide basis.
Podium
In the 2021 Capricorn State of the Nation report, 78% of Members told us they still rely on word of mouth to market their business, and only 27% are encouraging customers to leave online reviews. Online marketing and reviews are an important part of the modern marketing mix; however, it can be a time-consuming task to obtain numerous customer reviews and manage multiple marketing platforms.
Podium aims to solve this conundrum, which is a common problem for local businesses everywhere, not just in the automotive industry. Soon after creating their platform, Podium realised messaging with customers wasn’t just the better way to get reviews—it’s the better way to do business. They’ve since built a multi-product platform that’s modernizing the way local business is conducted.
Their core product makes getting reviews as easy as sending a text. Today, their product suite helps you easily collect feedback in real time, organise SMS campaigns, and connect with your website visitors.
Last year, we chatted to Podium about obtaining online reviews; check out the webinar here.
