Any Advice?

[Sikandar]

Hi everyone,

First of all what a great forum!!!

I'm thinking of starting up in windscreen (windshield) repair. I initially thought there was not such a big market for it. Obviously I was wrong!!!

I'm based in the UK. What I wanted to know is how many repairs do you guys average a day or a week.

I'm going to be spending around £2.000 for equipment and extensive training from a Pro!

What I don't want to do is go and invest a whole load of money (as I have done in the past) and end up with a few jobs a week.

How do guys advertise, and where does the bulk of the work come from?

Any advice or info would be appreciated and thanks in advance!!!

Regards

Sikandar

[toab]

This ones for screenman as he is from your side of the pond.LoL

[screenman]

Can someone else come in on this one as I am a bit biased as its me he wants to buy from.
The cost is not just for the tools and training there are other things we are offering.

[Sikandar]

[glassfixerCO]

If the situation over there is anything like here than one bit of advice would be to not waste your time on an expensive phone book ad. If tent-style locations are allowed over there then try making a deal with a store in a high-traffic area to set up a canopy with banners advertising "FREE WINDSCREEN CHIP/CRACK REPAIR" (assuming the insurance co.s over there waive deductibles too). Also try marketing (in person) to fleets.

[High Altitude]

I am just getting into windshield repair myself but I don't see this type of business being much different from any other type of business. Of course potential market and cost of startup varies but bottom line is that you have to be able to market and sell your service to the people that need it.

Personally, I think the potential market is large (lots of autos out there), cost of startup is very small compared to other type of businesses and you are selling a high profit margin service that is priced on the low end that provides many benefits to the customer. Sounds good to me.

The only part of windshield repair, IMHO, that is more difficult then some other businesses is that it is not easy to leverage your time and use other peoples labor, to increase your profits.

[dingmedic]

I disagree with not advertising in the phonebook. I get atleast 15 calls a week alone from the yellow pages, we are also members of our local chamber of commerce which is a great networking tool. When we first started out we hit all the local mechanics, carwashes, bodyshops, and dealers talked up our business, and handed out not only business cards but also rack cards with holders to be put in the different shops waiting rooms. Good luck.. Dawn

[Sikandar]

Thanks to everyone for the info!

That's really encouraged me in going ahead with this!

I'm quite optimistic about it with summer fast approaching here I want to make the most of it.

I've actually got about 6 windscreens booked in before I even have the training, so I suppose and hope it can only get better.

The hardest thing now is borrowing the cash off my old man

I've been trying to ask him for the past week now, but I think I'm too afraid he might say NO!

Well wish me luck!