Are You Running Your Shop Like It’s 1970? Signs Your Business May Be Falling Behind

The auto repair industry is evolving rapidly. New technology, changing consumer expectations, and shifts in vehicle complexity mean that running your shop the same way you did decades ago is no longer a viable option. If you’re still operating your business with a 1970s mindset, you may already be falling behind.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key signs that your shop may be outdated and, more importantly, how you can adapt to stay competitive in today’s ever-changing market.

The Danger of Stagnation in Auto Repair Shops

Rick White of 180BIZ shares a powerful thought:

“The moment you think you know everything, you become obsolete.”

This mindset is a trap many shop owners fall into. If you assume your current processes, pricing, and customer service approach will always work, you risk losing relevance.

The auto repair industry is not the same as it was in 1970, 1980, or even 2010. Vehicles are more advanced, customer expectations have changed, and business strategies need to evolve. If you are not keeping up, your shop could be losing money, customers, and employees without realizing it.

Below, we break down six warning signs that your business may be stuck in the past and provide actionable steps to future-proof your shop.

1. Your Customer Base is Shrinking

If you have noticed a drop in new customers or repeat business, it could be a sign that your shop is not meeting modern consumer expectations.

Why This Happens:

• Your marketing strategy is outdated or non-existent
• Your online presence is weak (poor website, no social media, no online reviews)
• Customers find your competitors more convenient and tech-friendly

How to Fix It:

• Invest in a Google My Business profile and encourage reviews
• Improve your shop’s SEO so you appear in local searches
• Offer online scheduling, text updates, and easy payment options

Modern customers expect convenience. If your shop still operates with a “drop-in anytime” approach, you are losing potential business.

2. You Struggle to Find and Keep Skilled Technicians

If your shop is constantly short-staffed or experiencing high turnover, you are not alone. The automotive industry faces a technician shortage, and if your business is not keeping up with modern hiring expectations, you will struggle to attract the best talent.

Why This Happens:

• Your pay and benefits are not competitive
• Your shop lacks opportunities for training and career growth
• Your work environment is outdated, discouraging younger technicians

How to Fix It:

• Offer competitive wages and performance incentives
• Invest in ongoing training to keep your team up to date with EVs, hybrids, and ADAS technology
• Modernize your work environment with better tools, software, and a positive culture

Younger technicians want more than just a paycheck—they want career growth, a great work environment, and a forward-thinking employer.

3. Your Profits Are Not Growing (Even If You Are Busy)

You are working on plenty of cars, but at the end of the month, your profits do not reflect your hard work.

Why This Happens:

• Your pricing strategy is outdated, leaving money on the table
• You are spending too much time on unprofitable services
• Your shop’s efficiency is low, leading to wasted time and resources

How to Fix It:

• Review and adjust your labor rates based on industry benchmarks
• Identify higher-margin services and consider specializing
• Use shop management software to streamline workflow and improve efficiency

Being busy does not always mean being profitable. Smart pricing and efficiency improvements are key to increasing revenue.

4. You Resist New Technology and Processes

Do you still rely on paper invoices, handwritten work orders, and phone call-only communication? If so, you are not just slowing down operations—you are frustrating your customers and employees.

Why This Happens:

• Fear of change and technology
• Unwillingness to invest in new tools
• A belief that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

How to Fix It:

• Adopt digital vehicle inspections (DVI) for transparency
• Use cloud-based shop management software for scheduling, invoicing, and tracking
• Offer text and email updates to improve customer communication

Customers appreciate modern, seamless experiences. If your competitors offer it and you do not, guess where customers will go?

5. You Try to Fix Everything Instead of Specializing

Years ago, it was possible to run a general repair shop that worked on all makes and models. But today’s vehicles are more complex, making it harder to be a master of everything.

Why This Happens:

• The belief that more services mean more customers
• Fear of losing business by narrowing focus
• Lack of knowledge about specialization benefits

How to Fix It:

• Consider specializing in EV repairs, hybrid technology, European vehicles, or fleet services
• Invest in training and equipment to become the go-to expert in your niche
• Market your specialty to attract higher-paying, loyal customers

Specialists often make more money per job than generalists because they build a reputation for expertise.

6. Your Customer Service Feels Stale

Customers have more choices than ever. If your shop still follows the old-school approach of “fix the car and send them on their way,” you are missing out on retention and referrals.

Why This Happens:

• Lack of customer follow-up
• No effort to create a personalized experience
• Failing to educate customers about their vehicle needs

How to Fix It:

• Train staff to provide exceptional customer service and make clients feel valued
• Follow up with thank-you texts, service reminders, and satisfaction surveys
• Offer perks like loyalty rewards or referral incentives

A happy customer is your best marketing tool. Keep them engaged, and they will keep coming back and bring friends.

Final Thoughts: It Is Time to Step Back and Evaluate

If your shop is facing these challenges, do not panic—it is never too late to adapt and improve. The key is to regularly assess your business and ask:

• Are we using the best tools and processes available?
• Are we meeting customer expectations?
• Are we profitable, or just busy?

If the answer to any of these is no, it is time to step back, reevaluate, and embrace change.

Next Steps: Future-Proof Your Shop

1. Join Our Shop Owners Round Table – Every second Thursday at 7 PM Eastern. Connect with other shop owners and learn strategies to stay ahead.
2. Attend Our Pocket Business Genius Webinar Series – Get actionable insights to improve your shop’s operations and profitability.
3. Start Implementing Small Changes Today – You do not have to overhaul everything overnight. Start with one improvement at a time, and keep moving forward.

What is one outdated practice in your shop that needs an upgrade? Drop a comment below.