Each year, the Aftermarket Profile is highly anticipated among PTEN readership. A big thanks goes to all of you who responded to the survey and helped us determine what tools you’re buying, what equipment you’re investing in, what services you offer at your shop, and much more. You can check out the complete survey results here, but I wanted to highlight some of my favorite findings for you here.

Reprogramming and reflashing

Every year, the number of surveyed shops offering reprogramming and reflashing grows. This year, 35 percent of you said it was a top service opportunity. If you haven’t already, you might want to consider investing in a J2534 device so you don’t have to sublet the work out.

Hybrid/EV training

More than half (53 percent) of the survey respondents said hybrid/electric vehicles is the most needed area for training. Clearly shops and techs are realizing this technology will be rolling in to their shops (if it hasn’t already) and they are acknowledging there is a skills gap. EVs can be quite dangerous to work on or around, due to their high-voltage systems, so please make sure to source your training from a reputable and thorough source.

Smart tools

Tools that require a smart device are unsurprisingly popping up in more and more shops. Whether it be a borescope, videoscope, code decoder, etc. techs are flocking to these types of tools. While just 50 percent used a tool requiring a smart device in 2019, this year’s survey found 60 percent have used such a tool just three years later.

Specifically, we are seeing smart battery chargers gaining considerable traction, up from 52 percent last year to 60 percent this year.

Mobile tool dealers

I love this stat: Mobile tool distributors are the number 1 place you’re buying tools and equipment. It outranked online retailers, auto parts stores, and brick-and-mortar retail stores. I think this speaks to the excellent customer service and strong relationship many of you have with your tool dealers. While I may be a bit biased (I’m the editor of another magazine for mobile tool dealers), I am very happy to see so many technicians and shop owners are supporting these hard-working men and women who have a love for cars and tools, just like they do.

Social media

Nearly 88 percent of you said YouTube influences your tool purchases. That’s astounding! Ok, time for a shameless plug: Subscribe to the PTEN YouTube channel for tool reviews from Scott Brown and Chris Groff, monthly New Tool Innovations videos, booth visits from the tradeshow floors (including AAPEX), and much more. Shoot me a note at [email protected] to let me know what YouTube channels are your favorites. We have many partnership with YouTube stars (including ScannerDanner, Super Mario, Automotive Test Solutions, and WeberAuto) and we are always looking for new ways to bring you the content you want.