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Working with Manufacturers

Business was slow for the first two years, but the shop grew because the staff went out of their way to ensure each customer’s satisfaction. For example, Pick Ups Plus received a referral from tonneau manufacturer Truck Covers USA for a cell phone company who needed work done on multiple vehicles. Nils Forssman, president of Truck Covers USA, says the feedback he received about the shop installs was phenomenal. He says that without service from shops like Pick Ups Plus to back Truck Covers USA’s tonneau products, he would not have much.

“Great service speaks for itself,” Forssman says.

While Forssman was in the Houston area recently, he paid a visit to Pick Ups Plus and witnessed first-hand how the shop represents Truck Covers USA’s products to consumers.

“I got a good feeling there,” Forssman says. “Harold had a customer who had a question about a Truck Covers USA product, and he called them to set up a time to meet with me while I was there. It was excellent follow-up for his business and for the customer. I can put customers onto Harold and know that they’re taken care of.”

While working with some manufacturers is easy, Parker says that struggles can arise when parts don’t fit. In that instance, he calls the manufacturer to get a replacement for the defective part.

“Sometimes you get a part with three left brackets and one right bracket,” Parker says. “Nine times out of 10, they will overnight a correct part to us, depending on the reputation of the manufacturer.”

People and Products

Forssman says that with the price of a new truck today, consumers do their homework before letting a shop modify their vehicle. Having a clean operation and knowledgeable staff are essential to gaining credibility with today’s skeptical consumer.

Parker invests one-on-one time with each Pick Ups Plus employee to ensure they have the expertise his customers demand. Most of the shops six employees have been with the company for three or more years.