Running a business requires a large number of resources to ensure that everything is operating properly. There is perhaps no better example of this than the automotive supply chain management that is utilized at most auto repair shops. Regardless of industry, supply chains are vital to nearly every aspect of a business, from managing inventory to building the ideal customer experience that will convince them to return to your business time and time again.
In an industry like ours, where customer service is everything, your automotive repair locations must have all supply chain issues addressed and resolved promptly. Failing to do so can compromise the quality of service that you can deliver to the vehicle owners who trust you to fix their cars – which in turn can motivate them to choose another auto shop that can provide a better experience.
At Midas, we have spent the last six decades running some of the best automotive service locations in North America. This time in the industry has allowed us to learn the “ins and outs” of everything needed to succeed in auto repair – most notably, the supply chain management tactics to keep our locations running smoothly. Over these many years, drivers have come to recognize the excellent customer service that Midas franchises provide and regularly return to their nearest location whenever their car needs repairs or routine maintenance.
Customers are not the only ones who benefit from our expertise, however. Entrepreneurs who choose to franchise with us also recognize the value of our franchise opportunity. Some of this is due to our specific support efforts, such as our supply chain assistance, which is unlike anything that many other automotive service brands can offer their franchisees.
Why Supply Chains Affect Franchisees in the Automotive Repair Industry
Like any other business, an auto shop depends on getting what it needs from a functioning supply chain. These networks link all suppliers of the raw materials needed to produce a product with the vendor or retailer that eventually assembles or sells it to the customer who makes the final purchase. The operations of a supply chain affect almost every other aspect of the business (1), most notably:
Distribution – Perhaps most commonly associated with the supply chain process, distribution is the product’s journey from the vendor or retailer to the end user.
Marketing – Marketing strategies largely rely on the product's availability and placement, which requires a functioning supply chain to get it in the right places and in front of the target audiences.
Product Development – Creating new products or redeveloping existing ones requires the supply chain to provide the correct materials to complete the process. If there is a break in the supply chain, it can stall product development efforts dependent on these materials.
Customer Service – Customer service extends throughout the buying life cycle, which is much more involved than the process of a consumer entering a store and purchasing a product or ordering it online. Supply chains are often vital to resolving customers’ challenges and building brand loyalty through their experience with your business.
How You Benefit from Midas Automotive Supply Chain Management
Midas franchisees can leverage multiple revenue streams beyond just the standard scheduled maintenance and checkups that car owners can find at most auto shops, such as:
- Brake repair
- Tire replacement
- Oil changes
- Steering repair
- Wheel alignment
- Exhaust repair
- Suspension system services
- And plenty more!
This is why supply chain management is vital to an automotive services franchise like Midas. Not only does it help you obtain the proper level of inventory of products that you can sell to nearby vehicle owners, but it can also help you find the right tools and equipment to service their cars.
Midas uses our widespread distribution and supply chain network, which includes more than 100 distribution centers across North America, to help you manage this critically important process. Our supply chain management has played a crucial role in our ability to expand our reach into new territories. Since our humble beginnings over 60 years ago, there are over 1,000 Midas franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada, giving us plenty of experience managing and adjusting our supply chain to better service franchise owners and their customers.
Want to learn more about how our supply chain management can boost your automotive services franchise? Contact the Midas team today for more details!
1 What Is Supply Chain Management, and Why Is It Important?; University of Maryland, Accessed Apr 26, 2023
