Headlight Restoration

[Coitster]

Hello everyone,
I wanted to put up a new post. I am thinking about adding headlight restoration to my business. Do any of you do headlight restoration and what system do you use??? Also how do you market it if you do.
David
Coitster

[mrchip]

hi coister... i just got serious involved with headlight restoration.. I took a combo pleasure and busines trip to fla this month and went to ips in stuart fla
dave gittens is head of company.. he is the innovator of it... works real good
they have a new topcoat that lasts a long time.. never thought i would get into it but in n.c. there is an awfull lot of bad headlights.. i charge $50.00 for ones that don't take up much time and $75.00 for the harder ones.. just going in my third week and have made all my money back and then somei

[Coitster]

How are you marketing this service to people. Are you doing wholesale or retail? Thanks
David
Coitster

[mrchip]

coitster... for right now i've just been to whulesalers and the used car lots..
however my truck will be letterred with headlight restoration in red letters.
and will look for retail also... also inspection garages..

[crkdupinga]

Hey David,

I have been using the IPS system for about 6 months and have had excellent results. I tried several other systems with varied levels of success. I had a fleet customer that I had to redo 7 trucks 3 times with other systems before I got them fixed with IPS. That one job nearly paid for my IPS kit and…cost me a lot of wasted time and money with the other systems. I did another set for this customer two weeks ago. Apparently they’re happy with the results.

Having realized the value of this service, I recently set my retail price at $95 a set and I do fleets and dealers for $70-$75. Since OE replacement lenses are usually in the $100-$350 range per side, plus installation, most people are pleased with the pricing. The dealers have room to mark it up and sell in the service aisle ($99 or so). I have several that will do that.

I work out of a Plymouth minivan, which has plastic lenses. I refinished one side and left the other alone. Most people aren’t even aware that headlight refinishing is possible, so whenever I talk to people I mention headlight refinishing. If they are willing, I walk them to the front of the van to see my “samples”. The response is usually one of amazement and interest. I’ve also seen an effective sample with a junkyard lens that is masked and half-refinished.

I’m going to have new signs made next week with larger lettering for the headlight refinishing service. I also have a half sheet flyer that talks about windshield repair on one side and Headlight Refinishing on the other, which I can leave with folks.

Just a thought…I use the term Refinishing rather than Restoration. Restoration could imply I’m going to return the light to new condition, which I’m not. I am going to clean, polish and re-coat the outside of the lens covers only. Like windshield repair, I set their expectations at 80% (or better) appearance recovery. It may save a complaint or misunderstanding down the road.

Dean

[Coitster]

I have another question. I have been looking at the IPS system you guys have been talking about. You say that you like it, I also have seen the GT PolyHog system. Are they the same thing??? On the IPS web site it looks like they do private labeling and stuff like that. So again are they the same system, they look identical.
David
Coitster

[crkdupinga]

IPS used to private label for GT, but not any more. The Poly Hog doesn't or at least didn't have a good coating to finish with. When I used the GT product you'd sprayed Plexis on at the end. It looked good at the time, but it wouldn't last too long. The new IPS final coat is superior to anything else I've tried for appearance, simplicity of use and longevity.

I'd suggest you give Dave Gittins @ IPS a call. He's a chemical engineer and invented the process that most are trying to copy. He also has plenty of field experience and is a good source for practical information on refinishing plastics and glass.

Dean

[Coitster]

How much does the IPS system cost? BTW Do I have to fly to Florida to do training???
David
Coitster

[mrchip]

coitster.. system is around $540.00 and you have to go to fla for
training.. won't sell it if you don't..small investment big return

[Bois]

Dave,
I attended the Mobile Expo (Orlando) in January primarily to gather info on Headlight Restoration and Scratch Removal systems. Of the systems (and literature) that I saw/collected, I decided on Dvelup's Headlight Restoration System. Cost was a concern and Dvelup's system ($349) included a buffer, which I could also use for scratch removal, and a 3" orbital corrosion stripper (sander) for tough jobs. Their system also comes with an assortment of chemicals and sanding supplies - turn-key system.

Dvelup does not provide formal training but they do include a training DVD, however I could not play it on my PC - or others. I followed their written instructions and sort of taught myself.

I first marketed this service to used car lots as an add-on to windshield repair. Within a month I paid for the initial investment. I received mixed reception from dealers. Some really like the service, others said they could buy replacements for slightly more than my fee ($40/set). $40 may seem low based on what other techs have mentioned but I think it's the market here.

I also placed counter brochures describing all my services in new dealer service areas and around town in auto mechanic shops. I have received a few referals from this type display.

I have a small sign at my tent location which gets me inquiries but most people think $50/set (retail) is too much. I try to look at the headlights when doing ws repairs. People aren't interested. I really need to do a more aggressive marketing campaign.

Dvelup: 863.965.0612: dvelup.com:

Dale...

PS. I went through the expense of buying materials for protecting the car and rarely use any of it. The chemicals won't harm the car finish. If I'm going to power sand I will tape that area around the light in case I bump the finish with the sander.