Promoting or marketing service to dealers

[dentmagic]

Need some ideas for marketing windshield repair to dealers. I had a dealer today pass up a repair. What are you guys doing to help sell this service to dealerships. I know this is a dumb question, but Why should the dealer have the windshields repaired. Sounds crazy and elementary but I would like some advice from vets of this biz

[mafsu]

First reason a dealer should have a windshield repaired is to increase the resale value. A well-repaired windshield will more than likely not be noticed by a potential buyer.

A second reason is extreme heat or cold can crack the windshield while it is sitting on the lot. I do work for a few dealers who will panic and call me out if the notice a star on a windshield, because they are tired of replacing them on the lot. Not a bad problem to have.

[tooldini]

I know of at least 2 people recently that purchased cars with chips in the shield. They talked the salesmen down due to that. At the time they didn't know I did repairs so the influence was that they just didn't like the looks of the chip. Shortly after they purchased they found out I repaired so I fixed it up for them for a small discount so it would be wise for dealers to repair then they could make a few extra bucks.

Jeff

[rockaway]

when you go to a lot walk the lot find 2 or 3 dont wast time and walk the
whole lot at first . it just mite be a wast of time. So then tell the maneger that you will give hem a free demo and hell pick the one he wants. and if he like it tell hem you can be price competive with what he pays now.But the key is freeee demo lots of people need to see what it looks after.

[screenman]

I agree partly with what the last guy says, but I would never and have never given away a free screen repair. You cannot get a free Mcdonalds to see if you like the taste.
Practise and improve your sales skills these are what will make you a success
in this business.

[dragwurm]

When The Cornal For Kfc Started To Sell His Chicken He Gaved It Away Free, At First Cuz He Knew Once The People Tasted It They Would Buy It, So I Dont Mind Doing The First One Free, Cuz I Know That My Qulity And Friendlyness Will Bring Them Back To Buy. So For Those Of You Not Willing To Lose 50 Cents And Thats About How Much 1 Repair Cost In Supplys, To Show How Good You Are, Well Its Probly Cuz Your Not As Good As You Think, And You Know That The Repair You Do, They Wouldnt Pay For Anyways.

[screenman]

Thats a bit harsh. The colonel did not give it away over here so maybe that is the difference. Personaly however I do not give repairs away free and that is the question I answered.

I have more than enough work to keep me happy and I have never not got an account because I did not do a freebie. In fact I think I get more respect from my customers for not doing so.

If it works for you that is great, that is what makes sales so exciting there is a million ways to end up with the same product, a closure.

[mrchip]

sorry guys but i agree with screenman..first of all you are not going to impress anybody with your work..they have seen wr guys come and go by the dozens and everybody is the best..of course they will let you do a free repair..its free!!!! save some money..and of course they will tell you you did a great job!!..why not??..of course they will tell you to stop back..theryre just being nice..you only have the lot if you go back and actually get work.not some song and dance ..like its sold..were cutting back..its not ours..were wholesaling it ..going to the shop etc.. did you ever think that the guy who has the lot might be better than you??..just because you see a car that has a lousy repair doesnt mean the regular guy did it..persistance and a good attitude with a smile on your face will do more than a free repair

[SGT]

Just wanted to provide another perspective on this. I feel it is situational based.

If you are providing a free repair becuase you could not sell your service otherwise and need this to get your foot in the door then I think in most cases you are only hurting yourself. Car salesman are shrewd and in most cases only care about the bottom line. In this case are just looking for a freebie. What does this say? To me it says they are probably cheap and will always expect more for less and do the same for the next guy that strolls though what you thought was your account. What does it say about you to them?

If you are providing a free repair to an existing client, one that takes care of you, then I look at this as good ole client relations. It is well worth it to offer it occasionally to accounts that provide a steady source of work not becuase they ask for it but becuase you want to. Throw'em a bone!

There are other scenario's that might warrant a free repair as well but, I guess we each have to decide what is right for us when confronted with it.

[rockaway]

if you buy some thing you allways whant to see it first right.same thing with this. ther are a lot a different kinds of repair kits some are better some suck
same with techs. its all ways go to tell the person in charge that if there willing to use you if they like it most people what bother with even geting a freebe for not even being serious.