Sarah Mitchell
Sarah has spent over a decade advising small and family-owned auto repair shops on growth, hiring, and customer experience. With an MBA from Western and a background in small-business lending, she has worked directly with more than 200 independent Canadian shops on pricing, marketing, and CRA-compliant bookkeeping. She writes about the operational and regulatory side of running a profitable independent garage in Canada.
465 articles by Sarah
Level 2 vs. DC Fast Chargers: Which One Should Your Shop Install?
Level 2 and DC fast chargers serve different customer needs. Learn the differences in charging speed, cost, installation requirements, and revenue potential to choose the right charger for your shop.
Facebook Ads for Garages: Targeting Car Owners in a 10km Radius
Use Facebook ads to target car owners within 10km of your shop. Learn targeting strategies, budget allocation, and creative best practices.
Text-to-Pay and Digital Invoicing: Why Convenience is the New King
Implement text-to-pay and digital invoicing to meet customer expectations. Learn how convenience drives customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Educational Marketing: Teaching Customers About Planned Obsolescence
Use educational marketing to teach customers about planned obsolescence. Build trust by helping them understand vehicle longevity and maintenance.
Managing Holiday Slumps: End-of-Year Marketing Ideas That Work
Combat slow season with strategic end-of-year marketing. Learn promotions, loyalty incentives, and campaigns that drive business during holiday slumps.
Loyalty Programs for Local Shops: Moving Beyond the 10th Oil Change Free
Design modern loyalty programs that deepen customer relationships. Move beyond simple discounts to create genuine value and long-term loyalty.
Marketing to Women: Building Trust and Transparency in the Waiting Room
Women make 65% of auto repair decisions. Learn how to build trust through transparent communication, education, and a welcoming service environment.
Hyperlocal Commerce: Why Canadians Are Choosing Trusted Local Shops
Hyperlocal commerce is reshaping auto repair. Learn why Canadian consumers prefer local shops and how to position your business to capture hyperlocal demand.
Creating a Road Trip Readiness Package: Marketing for the Summer Season
Design and market a road trip readiness package for summer travelers. Learn what to include and how to reach customers planning summer adventures.
Seasonal Marketing: Spring Maintenance Packages and Winter Tire Sales
Boost revenue with seasonal marketing. Learn how to create and promote spring maintenance and winter tire packages that customers expect and want.
The Amazon-Prime-ification of Car Care: Meeting 2026 Customer Expectations
Customers expect Amazon Prime-like convenience in auto repair. Learn how to meet 2026 expectations with fast service, digital updates, and transparent pricing.
Phygital Retail: How to Connect with Customers Using Phones in Your Bay
Blend physical and digital experiences with phygital retail. Use smartphones in service bays to send photos, videos, and updates that build customer trust.