[Zeke]

Fred. I'd spend 300-400 for a wireless headset. You don't have to use it all day, but it might help during periods you know will be slower than others for call volume.

Also, have you taken stock in what your conversations are like? I mean are you a friendly talky kind of guy like me? I tend to prolong calls beyond pure business. You can pare down the talk time and still be friendly. One more thing, if someone reaches you while you're using that headset and you don't want to take the time to write down all the info, ask them to call back and tell them you won't pick up so they can leave their data on your recorder. Use your fax when you can for parts orders and completion notification. Also added work authorizations. Get a fax number from each customer if you can. Make up some preprinted form for any and all transactions, even for the lunch counter you may go to for take out!

And, you could get a school kid (think college here too) to come in after school to write down messages, prepare invoices or whatever you can delegate. That's the key here, you have to delegate something. Some students will jump at the chance to sweep floors and dust cars just to be around them and make minimum wage. Just don't let them get in your hair and don't carry on conversations with them. They need the work ethic anyway

Lastly, I don't know who does your light bookwork, but I'd farm it out. You'll get better reports on your business anyway and your taxes will be virtually done at tax time.