Are you prepared for increased Class 7 demand in MOTs?

With the hangover from the MOT extension earlier this year and the demand remaining high into December, the DVSA is warning that some van operators are finding it difficult to book Class 7 test slots in some parts of the country.                

Working smarter, not harder

Vans are in peak demand right now, which is why we're advising garages take advantage of high demand for tests over the next few weeks, before things quieten down. Bringing in business between now and Christmas will help to offset the impact of what's been a challenging year.

Not only have most of us already switched to online shopping thanks to lockdown, we’re in the run up to the busiest shopping period of the year, so there are plenty more deliveries being made right now.

What the DVSA is saying…    

“We want to ensure everyone that needs an MOT can book one. So, we’re asking that those of you who run Class 7 test stations consider this when you are taking bookings and give some priority to business users trying to book a Class 7 test. We appreciate that demand for test slots is high. But prioritising just a few Class 7 tests a day will really help.”               

What can I do?          

  1. Prioritise Class 7 jobs wherever you can

If your customer has an urgent need, they are much more likely to come back to you in the future. Plus, most van drivers have a car too, so you could be securing future business by getting to them quickly now.

  1. Flex your opening hours

December’s a traditionally quiet month, and with business ebbing and flowing throughout the lockdowns and national restrictions, this could be a great opportunity to bring business in between now and the new year.

  1. Bring temporary resource in

Got the space, but limited on the manpower? You can tap into temporary tech support with AutoTech Recruit and it doesn’t cost as much as you might think.

Expert advice

Here’s what Anthony McAteer, Trading Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts has to say on the situation:

"The Christmas period is always the busiest time of the year for deliveries and this year is no different. The current pandemic means people are opting to shop from their sofa now more than ever. Us, and our workshop customers have an important part to play in keeping vans moving safely over the next few weeks, so their drivers can keep doing their jobs when it matters most.

"As well as prioritising inbound Class 7 requests, even if it’s just a few per day, garages can work through their databases to identify where there are Class 7 tests due (or overdue) and proactively encourage drivers to bring their vehicles in. Available slots can also be advertised on social media. Demonstrating awareness and understanding of the urgent Class 7 testing need will also help to encourage loyalty from new and existing customers.”

Are you prepared?

With four million LCVs on the road, and an average of 20,000 more MOT tests conducted each day vs this time last year, it’s important you get booking MOTs in now and make the most of the opportunity.

We’ve got the parts for the repairs and are ready to support you when you need it.  We have tools to help you succeed through our Service Solutions, designed to help you work smarter, not harder, during the increased demand for MOT’s.

Get in touch with your local branch to find out more!

                               

               

 

 

 

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