$20 Minimum Wage?

January 9, 2025

$20 Minimum Wage?

As you know by now, the minimum wage in the state increased again on January 1st (to $15.49 for most businesses), and will almost certainly increase again next year, as our state’s law requires adjustments be made based on changes in the consumer price index. Despite these automatic increases that account for inflation, advocates are calling for an even higher mandate, to at least $20 an hour, with at least one saying it should be closer to $30 an hour. A year ago, Governor Murphy publicly volunteered that he would like to see the wage increased again, to as high as $20 an hour. 

If you’re wondering how they picked $20, and not $19.40 or $21.10, they did it the same way they picked $15–it’s a nice round number. There’s no credible economic analysis backing it up, just a feeling that it’s easier to sell a round number. They are pushing this due to the overall inflation we’ve experienced over the last several years, apparently not appreciating that the increase in wages fuels increases in prices. For example, the average gross margin on regular gasoline sold in NJ was only about 17¢ a gallon back in 2010, in 2023 it was 39¢ a gallon. That’s not due entirely to the minimum wage doubling over that timeframe, but it is a major factor. And that’s just one product, with labor as generally the largest operating cost for many businesses, mandates increasing that cost have to get passed on to the consumer. 

New Jersey saw one of the biggest swings in the country in the presidential election, moving 10% to the right from 2020 for the worst Democratic performance in 30 years, owing mostly to the incredible cost of living in the state. While Governor Murphy is in his final year in office and doesn’t need to face the voters again, all 80 members of the General Assembly are on the ballot, and control of the Governor’s Office is seen as a complete tossup, with 10 candidates currently running (2 of whom, Democrats Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, have expressed support for another increase). 

A further increase in the wage mandate may not be as popular as some think, however. In November, California voters actually defeated a referendum to increase the wage to $18 an hour, despite voting Democratic for President by a 20% margin. Washington state has the highest statewide minimum, at $16.66, with California and New York City at $16.50 and Connecticut at $16.35. Pennsylvania’s is just $7.25.

We and all other business groups will be on the lookout to guard against yet another increase in mandated costs. 

Tips on Building a Successful Website

Our allies in the national Service Station Dealers of America (SSDA) recently published this article from NetDriven, which you may find useful, especially those with an auto repair shop:

Building your own website has become increasingly simple and inexpensive in recent years. Though easy and accessible, DIY websites do not guarantee a website that works well or leaves a lasting impression for your business and your audience. 

Your website is a reflection of you and your business, so you’re obviously going to want to build a strong, professional, and positive presence to attract customers. Taking the risk of building a website on your own is taking the risk of losing potential leads and damaging your business’s reputation – we never get a second chance to make a first impression! 

When you invest in a professional web design team, such as our team here at Net Driven, you’re not only investing in the visual appearance and accessibility of your website, you also invest in expert advice, techniques, and best practices to create the best possible user experience.

Spending less money and trying to do it on your own may seem like the easy way out, but let’s dive into why it’s important to give your business the professional auto service website design it deserves.

COMMON MISTAKES MADE BY INEXPERIENCED DESIGNERS
Poor Structure & Navigation
A website should be attractive, accessible, and easy to navigate; all in all, user-friendliness is
vital. A site’s content should be understandable and full of useful information without being cluttered.

In today’s day and age, people like quick and simple. If they can’t find what they need without gaining a headache, they’re going to leave your site and find a frustration-free one instead. At Net Driven, we know how to organize automotive websites in a way that makes sense for both the business owner and their potential customers.

Lack of SEO
If no one can find your website, what’s the point in making the effort of creating one? Many rookie designers forget the importance of SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. As a certified Google Partner, our team highly knowledgeable of automotive SEO and works hard to make sure your site gets found.

Missing CTA
Your website is one of the most powerful marketing tools for your business. Not only does your website have the power to bring in new customers, it also helps current customers remain loyal if they find what they’re looking for with minimal frustrations. One of the main components of a great website is a clear CTA, or call-to-action. A CTA is what converts website visitors into customers by driving them to purchase your good or service. If your website is missing a clear
CTA, you’ll lose sales and customers. At Net Driven, our team ensures that every website offers conversion-focused responsive web design.

Using Free or Low-Cost Templates 
Rookie designers are likely to use a free or lowcost template for their website. While this may seem like an easy solution, it will make your website look generic and unconnected to your brand. Your business is unique, your website should be, too. Our designers take the time to ensure each one of our automotive websites are exclusive to the client and capture the individuality of their business. As with any service or good, you get what you pay for.

Your money buys value, which in turn, will actually build your business’s bank account in the
long run. Your company’s website is no exception. If you want to leave a lasting, positive impression of your brand, leave website design to the professionals.

If you’re interested in being connected with these folks for your website, please reach out to us here via Nick@njgca.org or 732-256-9646.

Rack Averages

News Worth Knowing:

Member Benefit Partner (MBP) Spotlight: Able-Tech 

ABLE-TECH has been involved in the gasoline, auto repair, and c-store industries for over 30 years, providing the following products and services: MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE & COMPUTERS Able-Tech provides onsite installation, training, and data conversion services for a variety of software programs. Whether you have a repair shop, c-store, or gas-only facility, our industry-specific approach assures you of getting the most from computer-based management. Our systems are scalable to fit the needs from single-site dealers to jobber-wholesalers. We offer QuickBooks customization and training. Repair shops can learn to use Quickbooks as a stand-alone workorder solution or interfaced with existing repair shop programs. Able-tech is an authorized reseller of Hewlett Packard business-class computers and associated hardware. BUSINESS CONSULTING Sharing extensive industry experience, we help owners with bookkeeping, business management, profit analysis, inventory shrink review, theft evaluation and prevention, and buy/sell advice. VIDEO SYSTEMS Our solutions encompass traditional or hi-resolution systems, interfacing with POS and ATM transactions, plus sound recording. We also service or upgrade existing systems.

Contact: Dan Goff, Owner 

Phone: 800-231-9969 

abletech@verizon.net

Available Real Estate

Cape Harbor Shell

**Price Reduction**

795 Route 109, Unit B, Lower Township, NJ, 08204

Contact: Jerry 609-425-8837 capeharborshell@comcast.net 

Station for Sale

Thriving High Profit Gas/Service Station close to Major Highway in Prime Location. 

This Exclusive Gas Station is the Sole Provider in the entire town, achieving a remarkable fuel profit of up to and sometimes over 1$ a gallon. Consistently selling 45,000 gallons monthly. Most fuel customers come from Highway so fuel prices do not have to be competitive. 

Also included with the Property is a Reputable High End Auto Repair Facility. Repair shop has all required Specialty and Diagnostic Tools for servicing mostly High End Vehicles. Advertising is no longer used do to an enormous Demand and large Customer Base. Repair Business has has potential for increased profitability and expansion, the business is open to experienced buyers for a possible partnership or profit sharing arrangement. Location is 1 out of 100. Fuel sales make 20-40K a month and repairs can do the same with the right operator. 

This one of a kind opportunity can include seller financing for those with High-Level Automotive or Gas Station Experience.

Contact Greg
908-291-7845

Our Road Warrior newsletter is brought to you by the following Member Benefit Partners: