Abstract:
The purposes of this research were to study the Isuzu car owners behaviour and the marketing mix factors affecting the owners in choosing their service center for their cars, and to propose some suggestions for improvement. The sample of subjects consisted of 400 Isuzu car owners in Phuket. Questionaires were used to collect the data for this study. The data was then analyzed and the results shown as frequency, prcentage. And Chi-square.
It was found that most of the Isuzucar owners came to the car centers because they preferred the standards of services. They usually go to the centers from 8.00-12.00 a.m. on any convenient daay every 2-3 months. Most customers chose the car service center and brought their cars to the center by themselves. They normally have their cars checked at regular times, and they inform the mangers if there is any problem about the services.
Regarding the marketing mix factors affecting car owners in choosing their service center for their cars, it was found as follow: The product factor was found to be genuine spare parts, reliable service, and the checking services. The price factor was that the customers need to know the cost before making a decision, and they prefered to pay in cash. The distribution factor was the standard of services. Currently, the customers bring their cars to the centers, but they are very interested in the new Isuzu mobile service to come to their place. The promotion factor was found to be telephone calls from the center to infrom them about the special discount promotions. The personnel factor was found to be polite staff. Most customers preferred receptionists who attend to their needs and problems. They want skilled and experienced mechanics, and cashiers. The service process factor of a car service center was to guarantee its services, based on the standards of the Ministry of Industry, to follow-up the services, to fix the car problems effectively, and to give useful advice to the customers. Lastly, the physical factor was modern equipment and comfortable seats for the customers.
The researcher proposed the following suggestions to improve the Isuzu Car Care Services Center in Phuket: 1) Product factor: Car service centers should offer genuine car spare parts, reliable scheduled mileage check up services, and expand a section for general services; 2) Price factors: The car service centers should offer reasonable prices for their products and they should also provide more methods of payment; 3) Distribution factors : Car service centers should be located near residential areas; 4) Promotion factors: Car service centers should offer special prices for regular customers, and inform the customers by telephone when they have special promotion events; 5) Personnel factors: Personnel in the car centers should be trained to be more skillful, and be able to communicate with the customers more effectively. They should have good knowledge and experience about cars, and be able to give advice and answer questions; 6) Service process factors: The center should improve their services to the standards set by the Ministry of Industry. They should give prompt and reliable services; 7) Physical factor: Offices and workshops should be nicely decorated, with sufficient space, and equipped with the latest equipment.