[StarQuest]

Blind Squirrel,

I'm currently living in the situation that your now becoming concerned about (losing your largest account). I recently lost my largest fleet account with 14 locations last September due to upper management. The fact that I had loyally serviced these accounts weekly for over 6 years and was highly respected for the quality of work provided by both local and regional managers, it didn't help change the final corporate decision outcome.

Bel-Safe (who already had the replacement contract with them) offered them $29.95/$10/$10 on repairs and got the work. My fees were $35 flat with fee weekly maintenance and no additional charges. Bel-Safe doesn't provide a weekly maintenance, it's all by call and you can be assured they always have a windshield ready to pop in if they can sell it over a repair! So...go figure?

From keeping in touch with some local managers I already know since they booted me that overall glass expenses has went up 25-40 percent. I have a good feeling that I'll get this account back in the future but for now it's a little disappointing for me. It was one of my daily base accounts which provided a steady daily income.

If I had been offered a chance to competitively bid for this account, that would be acceptable but that's not what happened. As a independent, I wasn't offered any fair opportunity to compete!

Some more information as to why I'm considering a tent or stationary setup.

In 2006, I averaged 5-6 insurance referrals daily through Harmon, Lynx and SGC. In 2007 it dropped to 1-2 daily and so far in 2008 it's at 1-4 per week. Something is going on here. Either my market has became so saturated with new repair techs that rotations are getting spread so very thin or the glass owned networks are starting to take control of everything! With Lynx it could be their custom offer with repairs for Metlife, StateFarm and Allstate and others. In service shops might be offering much lower rates than I could provide for a mobile.

I like many others am not very fond of sitting around waiting for work but I do believe a nice stationary setup will at least provide one thing. That's advertising and a consumer choice! Not sure if it's going to work out for me but I'm ready to give it a try! Can't be much worse than waiting for a referral call or spending gas money driving around all day getting little in return.

My ideal site is one that would have access to a wireless feed to my laptop. Might also consider setting up a Wii system to get some exercise while sitting around. I plan on having a free demo set up, free mobile signage and "No cost or low cost windshield repair banner" available.

We'll see how it goes this spring!