The Automotive Aftermarket is a dominant industry here in Canada. But we are all so disconnected.
This is a 32-billion-dollar industry made up of thousands of regional and international manufacturers, distributing their products through over 4600 parts stores to over 26,300 repair centers and employing over 492,000 people across this country. It is that part of the automotive industry focused on the manufacturing, re-manufacturing, and distribution of all replacement parts, accessories, chemicals, tools, equipment, and services outside of the new vehicle manufacturer environment.
Here in the service portion of this industry, we are at the center of this activity.
We are the largest and, for the most part, the final destination for the production of all these products. Yet, we share little to no direct connection with these valued sources other than the products that manage to reach our businesses.
On the front line of this industry, we have the responsibility to make the final decisions on what products and brands we use and sell to service the vehicles within our communities, and, as professionals, our customers expect us to be able to choose wisely, based on our experience, product knowledge, and dependability, not just price and availability. However, to have that ability, we need product knowledge and support resources that can only come directly from product producers and manufacturers, which our product distribution system cannot supply.
That is a huge information and resource gap.
There is no questioning that the relationship between product manufacturers and service businesses is symbiotic. The problem is the absence of communication between both ends required to maintain the relationship. They need our feedback and our support, and we need their support and their resources.
Without that, all we have is price and availability.
That's only half of the problem.
Now, while we may be at the center of the Automotive Aftermarket and understand the critical need to connect with our product manufacturers directly, shouldn't we take our own advice?
We may be just under 1/2 million strong here in Canada, but guess what? We don't talk to each other. Maybe because we have too much pride? Or, maybe because there hasn't been a platform designed for our needs that would allow us the opportunity?
Of course, we all have issues. That's the business. But did you know that many share the same issues and have found solutions? No, you probably wouldn't.
We've been told that we need to be more proactive in our management style as the key ingredient to being successful in our businesses.
How is that possible if we don't have the information or resources we need to be proactive?
We have become conditioned to be reactive.
There is a solution.
Since all roads of the automotive aftermarket lead to the service industry, would it not be logical for this to also serve as the central core of communications among all stakeholders who depend on the aftermarket for their livelihood?
It could also serve as a repository of resources, ideas, and discussions for all to share and contribute.
Plus, it should be focused on this market, starting right here in British Columbia, where it matters most.
Welcome to the Automotive Service Business Network.
As a commercial community and cataloged resource center, ASBN's primary focus is on the British Columbia market. Everyone associated with the Automotive Aftermarket, from suppliers to students, can sign up for free access to shared tips, articles, videos, and podcasts. They are encouraged to continue building these libraries by sharing what they've learned or found so we can all benefit.
It is where manufacturers and distributors, along with the many local small suppliers we need, can showcase their products and connect directly to their commercial marketplace. It's all about building relationships.
It is also a major communications hub that serves as a single connection point to all industry sectors. This means product manufacturers can connect with their customers, educators with businesses or students, associations with the entire regional industry, and especially individuals with friends within this industry, using various tools such as articles, tips, comments, forums, and even our social network.
The best part is that this is our own private network, so we cannot only adapt it as our needs require but also have some fun along the way.
This is our industry and our network. Let's give ourselves the tools and resources we need to not only solve what we're up against today but also allow ourselves to be proactive and better prepared for what's ahead of us in the near future.
Together, the future looks good.
