Providing Contract Lube Services

Providing contract lube services can only be sold effectively if the dealership provides the value added services that are not currently available internally, or being provided by the current service provider. A couple of key value added elements that must be provided are:
1. Machine inspection that encompasses more than just changing the oil and greasing the machine. Develop a machine inspection form that utilizes the customer's suggestions, the OEM's inspection recommendations, and the safety features of the machine (back-up alarm, seat belt and wiper blade condition are a couple of examples).
2. Note other repairs that need to be reviewed, noting the priority. Some of the needed repairs may be a higher priority than others. The higher priority items should be scheduled as soon as possible, while the other repairs can be added to a "backlog" list to addressed at at time when the machine will be scheduled down for other repairs.
3. Review and report back on fluid sample results. It is important to notify the customer that everything is okay, as much as it is to notify the customer there is a problem. The customer deserves knowing what is being done to manage his asset.
4. Manage the schedule for the next service. Keep abreast of when the next service is due, what was done during the last service, and what was left undone to schedule the repairs if possible.

Contracting, or out sourcing, lube services should be a positive experience for the customer and a great opportunity for the dealer to provide value added services that assist in managing the asset.