With an ever-changing industry and today’s ultra-challenging economy, it’s not always easy to come up with new, innovative ideas for your business.

However, taking a look into this business briefcase may provide your shop with some hints to improve your shop, sales and bottom line — without spending a lot of time or money in the process.

Here are six easy-to follow files:

File #1- Who To Buy From?
In today’s highly competitive automotive service markets, independent shop owners must often decide whether to buy a replacement part from an aftermarket or original equipment (OE) source.

According to contributing editor Gary Goms, in some instances, the lower price and more tolerant warranty of aftermarket parts might be had only by accepting a sacrifice in performance and reliability. The OE part, on the other hand, might purportedly offer superior performance and reliability, but at the sacrifice of accepting a higher price and a less tolerant warranty policy.

For any progressive shop owner, “the difference between buying aftermarket and OE is often reflected in the number of parts warranties and comeback calls that must be absorbed by the shop’s bottom line,” Goms said.

“In general, most shop budgets ...