“Maybe you could have some black and white pictures taken of you working on cars. That would look nice on the walls,” Sophie said.
“I don’t know any photographers.” And I was hoping to keep marketing cheap for now. We couldn’t afford an interior designer or fancy photographer.
Brooke leaned in closer. “Maybe my sister, Abby, would do it for free in exchange for an oil change. She’s a photographer who works with Happily Ever Afters—an event planning company—but she does freelance, too.”
“Weddings and garages are very different things,” I said but wondered if the girls were on to something.
“I’m sure she can handle both. I’ll ask her.” Brooke got out her phone and typed out a message.
I appreciated that the group was so willing to brainstorm and put me in touch with people who could help.
“I think you need a receptionist, someone to make a person on the phone feel welcome. Sending them to voicemail doesn’t make for a great customer experience,” Hailey said.
I nodded. “That was Jake’s idea. A way to save money until we have more clients.”
“Sometimes you have to spend money to make money,” Easton said.
“I think you need someone on the phone, answering questions, and putting them at ease. Otherwise, yours is the same as every other garage. A woman might not leave a message if she doesn’t get in touch with a live person,” Hailey continued.
I shifted slightly so that I faced Hailey. “I hadn’t thought about it like that. Will you help me talk to Jake about it?”
A smile curved over her lips. “He’ll be a little tougher to convince.”
“Oh, and flowers in the waiting room would be a nice touch,” Brooke chimed in.
I was starting to think the ideas were going a little too far. We were a garage after all. No one expected flowers or framed pictures.
Sophie shifted in her chair. “I can drop some pastries by each morning for the customers who’ll need to wait. I’m sure you’re already serving coffee?”
I cringed. “It’s not the best.”
Hailey touched my arm. “I’ll help you find a good coffeemaker.”
Sophie smiled wide. “I’ll drop by with pastries, a small box to get you started.”
“How much do you need for that?” I asked her, my brain filtering through all the possibilities that had just been thrown out. They were good suggestions. I just wasn’t sure Jake would be on board.
Sophie waved me off. “No charge. It will be advertisement for my bakery.”
“Can I leave some of my juices in your fridge?” Remi asked.
The group was energized now, ideas spilling out with ease.
“Sure. I don’t see why not.” If they were going to offer free products as an advertisement for their businesses, I couldn’t see why Jake would object. We weren’t in direct competition with them.
“I’ll ask Lily at Petals if she’d be willing to donate a weekly arrangement for your receptionist’s desk if you display her card,” Remi said.
Brooke set her phone on the table. “Abby said she’d be happy to take pictures for you. I’ll send you her number.”
“When it’s done, you should have a grand opening party. You never had one,” Hailey said.
I looked around at everyone. “That’s not a bad idea. I really appreciate your help. All of you.”
Sophie beamed. “That’s what we do. I hope you’ll come to a Shops on Main meeting.”
“Sure.” After today, I owed them a lot. Jake avoided most social gatherings, so I could attend on behalf of the garage.
The group returned to eating now that they’d supplied me with enough ideas to keep me busy for weeks.