By Colby Horton
Shop Site of the Month
Butler Automotive Service - Augusta and Martinez, Ga.
www.butlerautomotive.com
This site offers several innovative features such as an electronic appointment scheduler and employment classified section. The “Ask a Technician” section allows visitors to ask technical questions and promises a response within 48 hours. Automotive tips, a complete service menu, clean layout and professional graphics make this site informative and easy to navigate.
Web Wise
Internet Options for Outsourcing Your Payroll
In this high-paced world we live in, every minute seems to count. Running an automotive repair shop is a full-time job, encompassing many hours of technical and administrative work. But if part of your job still entails payroll duties, there are solutions available to make the job easier. Outsourcing payroll has been an option for years. But, some innovative companies are extending their business to include Internet options for outsourcing payroll, reducing lost time and technicalities that often come with doing payroll.
Outsourcing payroll used to entail calling a representative on a specific day and time, taking valuable time away from the shop owner. But with the convenience of the Internet, companies now offer Web-based interfaces that allow you to connect to your service at any time of the day at your convenience. SurePayroll (www.surepayroll.com), an outsourcing company based in Chicago, allows you to enter your payroll data and then automatically calculates, deducts, pays and files all taxes for you with the click of a button. This gives you the freedom to decide when you want to process your payroll.
One key advantage of Internet-based payroll outsourcing is you are able to view your data in real time, virtually eliminating data entry mistakes often associated with payroll outsourcing. In addition, these companies keep up-to-date with changing tax laws, allowing for possible IRS penalties to be eliminated.
Most Internet-based outsourcing programs give you complete control of the program. You will be able to add overtime pay, bonuses, change pay rate, or simply change basic employee information. Most give the option of direct deposit or the ability to print checks directly from your computer.
Of course, security is a top concern for Internet options in outsourcing payroll. Make sure the company you deal with is reputable and offers secure connections when distributing data. For more information about various payroll vendors, including free quotes and comparisons, visit Buyerzone (www.buyerzone.com/personnel/payroll/index.htm
Net Numbers
The worldwide Internet population grew to a record level of 308.8 million users earlier this year.
comScore Networks
ASA Web Ways
Shop Web Sites Listed in “Find Nearest ASA Shop” Section
One of the most popular sections of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) Web site is the “Find Nearest ASA Shop” section. Consumers turn here to find a reliable shop in their area. All ASA members are listed in this section, with pertinent shop data such as address, phone number and contact information. If your shop has a Web site, ASA provides a free link to your shop's site from your listing. To have your shop's Web site linked to your listing, please send your Web address to colbyh@asashop.org.
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Net Worth is written by Colby Horton, ASA's electronic communications manager. He can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 234, or by e-mail at colbyh@asashop.org.
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