Freya Coleman visited SF Tebby & Son in Avonmouth to learn more about their experience with the Midtronics CPX900ROBISP battery tester, supplied by Rotronics.
Established in Clifton in 1971, SF Tebby relocated to a new, purpose-built site in Avonmouth in 2022. The site boasts seven lifts and a dedicated team of eight staff members, including an apprentice. The move to Avonmouth marked a significant step in meeting the growing demand for their services. One of the crucial upgrades in their toolkit has been the integration of Rotronics’ Midtronics CPX900ROBISP battery tester, which is what I travelled to Avonmouth to hear all about. I sat down with Ken Clark of Rotronics and Jack Bryant, assistant manager of the garage.
The search for a reliable battery tester
Jack started by explaining to me the challenges faced with their previous battery testers. The recurring issue of ‘boomerang jobs’, where vehicles returned with unresolved battery problems, prompted a search for a more reliable solution. The market offered a plethora of options, from budget models to high-end testers, making the decision process daunting. The abundance of battery testers in the market seemed even more overwhelming as all models seemingly offered the basic function of testing batteries, right? What’s the difference between them?
Amidst this, Jack connected with Ken from Rotronics, who lives nearby. Ken’s demonstration of the Midtronics CPX900ROBISP impressed Jack, particularly its ability to record comprehensive test histories and deliver reliable results— capabilities their old testers lacked. This hands-on demonstration helped justify the investment, leading to the acquisition of the tester at the beginning of this year.
When I questioned Jack on the advantages of this battery tester for his workshop, the answers could be split into three categories: customer satisfaction, performance and revenue.
Customer satisfaction
With the Midtronics CPX900ROBISP, Jack said his staff were able to confidently provide accurate battery diagnostics. The tester’s cloud feature, ROBIS, stores detailed battery test results, allowing the garage to print comprehensive reports for customers. This transparency builds trust, as customers receive clear, detailed insights into their battery’s health.
It is also particularly useful for accountability and providing ongoing customer service. For instance, if a customer returns with a battery issue a year later, SF Tebby can reference the stored test results to validate their previous work and reassure the customer.
Ken explains, “batteries now support much more than just starting the car. With features like air conditioning, heated seats, and stop/start systems, the battery’s workload has increased significantly.” This makes thorough testing crucial. SF Tebby tests every vehicle, not just those with apparent issues, catching potential problems early, especially on batteries they’ve installed. Although some customers might be sceptical if their car still starts, most appreciate the detailed printouts and the proactive approach.
Performance
The Midtronics CPX900ROBISP excels in assessing the reserve battery capacity, a critical factor for modern vehicles laden with electrical features. Ken elaborates, “reserve capacity is crucial. Your car might start, but inadequate reserve capacity can lead to breakdowns, especially with stop/start technology.”
When I asked what it was, Ken helpfully explained what reserve capacity was to me by comparing it to a pint of beer: “If you imagine you’ve been served a pint of beer and you’ve got a third of head on the pint, well that’s your reserve capacity gone. It looks full because you’ve got three-quarters beer and a head that takes it up to the limit, so I’m giving you a pint. But it’s only three quarters full.”
From speaking to Jack, it was clear that this was what sold them on the tester, eliminating the boomerang jobs. He said “The reserve capacity test is not just about starting the car. With all the additional features in modern cars, from heated seats to stop/start systems, the battery’s reserve capacity is more important than ever. The Midtronics CPX900ROBISP checks this crucial aspect, giving us and our customers confidence in the battery’s overall health.”
Revenue and upselling opportunities
The initial investment of more than a grand for the Midtronics CPX900ROBISP, plus a £240 annual subscription, is easily justified by the revenue it generates. SF Tebby offers free battery charging with any service, and a £10 fee for standalone fixes. This strategy, combined with a high battery replacement rate of around 30 per cent, translates into significant revenue.
Jack shares, “the tester pays for itself within a month. The revenue opportunities are incredible, and we have confidence in the results we provide to our customers.” Since implementing the tester in January, SF Tebby has conducted 904 battery tests, identifying issues in approximately 40 per cent of vehicles tested. February, for instance, was a particularly profitable month, with the garage earning £6,890 from battery-related services.
As is best practice, they test every vehicle that comes in, not just those with batteryrelated issues. This proactive approach allows them to catch potential problems early and offer solutions before they become major issues. Customers appreciate this level of service, and it enhances the garage’s reputation for reliability and thoroughness.
The detailed printouts provided by the Midtronics CPX900ROBISP also play a crucial role in upselling opportunities. When customers see the clear, detailed results of their battery tests, they are more likely to agree to necessary replacements or charging services. This transparency and clarity builds trust and makes it easier for the garage to explain the need for additional services. Although, Jack shared that often customers are happy to continue driving their car if it’s still working, even if the battery needs charging! I guess even with receipts, sometimes the ‘if it runs, I’ll drive it’ mentally is hard to shift.
The integration of the Midtronics CPX900ROBISP battery tester has enhanced customer satisfaction, boosted performance, and has driven revenue growth. As vehicles become more complex and their electrical demands increase, having a robust and accurate battery tester is essential. For SF Tebby, the decision to invest in the Midtronics CPX900ROBISP has paid off handsomely, setting a standard for other garages to follow.
