A solid customer base is not something that grows overnight. It takes time to cultivate a database of vehicle owners who return for service time and time again, and who also recommend your shop to others. Several factors work together to enable you to earn their trust and respect, which translates into satisfied customers and highly sought after repeat business. Things like high-quality parts, top-notch service and genuine concern for your customers' vehicle safety top the list, but other subtle aspects of the way you do business can significantly impact your shop's ability to earn their lasting loyalty.

With the goal of providing you with ideas to increase customer loyalty, Babcox Research asked a sample of shop owner readers for their ideas on this topic. We received dozens of great responses, so thank you to those of you who responded.

10 Ideas to Increase Customer Loyalty

1. Listen to your customers and make them feel like they are the most important person in your shop. Show them that you have their best interest at heart.

2. Put service first - under promise and over deliver. Always complete the repair as it was explained to the customer and verify that the problem has been solved.

3. Use only top-quality parts, and let customers know you can provide the same level of repair and service as the dealers.

4. Adhere to your shop's original mission statement (i.e. personable service through quality repai...