PEAK SEASON PREP

Protecting the bottom line( and the people)

Efficiency is not just about speed; it is about the environment. Tallman emphasizes that a professional workspace— clean, well-lit and properly equipped— improves safety, efficiency and morale.“ Technicians are far more likely to stay with employers who invest in their tools, facilities and working conditions,” he says.

Additionally, dealers should not be afraid to adjust labor rates to reflect the current cost of doing business. Underpriced labor erodes margins and increases the pressure on technicians to work faster, often at the cost of quality or safety. Moving to job-type pricing( flat rates for simple jobs and diagnostics for complex ones) can also streamline the approval process with customers.

Final word

Spring will likely never be easy, but it does not have to be a roller coaster. By treating the spring rush as a predictable event rather than an emergency, and by investing in both technology and technician development, shops can trade seasonal chaos for professional control. When the phones start ringing and the units start pouring in, the prepared shop is the one that stays profitable and keeps its team intact.

“ Shops that handle the spring surge best are the ones that prepare intentionally in the offseason and stick with the plan once demand hits,” Tallman concluded.

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www. OPE-Plus. com March 2026 OPE + 9