Don't give away free repairs to Car Dealers

[GlassStarz]

I think what he may be talking about is the standard objection you get at places not being serviced. They have been told by the replacement guy that if you work with them they will do repairs free as an incentive to getting the replacement work. Simply ask when was the last time he actually did one and mention how many chips you saw on the lot. and gently explain how if they did repairs they wouldnt need so many replacements and maybe thats why the replacement guy isnt actualy repairing many it takes money out of his pocket. Kind of a no brainer if you ask me

[rockaway]

when you go to mc donalds you know what your getting 2nd rate burgers
when some says they repair windshield the maneger at a dealership knows
there is lots of repair guys that are better then other it is a must to show
what you can do. its not unperfessional its good buisness.you are tak ing the time to do a demo they will really like that trust me.

[Bois]

When I started my WS repair business 22 months ago I contacted many of the new/used dealers in the county. I quickly learned that there was a young lady doing most of the dealer repairs. She was the wife of a sales manager at a large, established dealer. Because of the "good old boy" network, I did not offer free repairs to get my foot in the door. I knew it wouldn't work. So, I concentrated on building my retail business.

One year later I learned that the repair lady was moving, and that she was training a friend to take over her accounts. I gave the newbie a month on her own and then mailed the new/used sales managers an invitation to take my services for a test drive - free repair. I followed up within 2 weeks with a personal business call. My sales pitch was that I had been in business for a year serving local retail customers and that I wanting to expand to add dealer accounts. I now service half the new car dealers in a 2 county area. Oh, only 2 dealers took advantage of my free repair offer. And, the newbie gives me referrals for long cracks.

Dale...

[mafsu]

Some of you are missing the point. The point is you only get 1 chance to make a first impression.

[boyd]

Masfu, I agree with you. I've read your posts for over a year and you seem to be one of the most level headed people in the forum. Like I said in a previous forum "different things work for different people" and I sincerely mean that. I don't mean to "knock" others but ... to some people this repair business is being treated like a multi-level marketing business. I mean come on, we have people going door to door. How unprofessional is that (to me). I don't want anyone coming to my door or calling my home trying to sell me something. Yes, people may buy door to door. I'm not one of those people.
I don't do free repairs and here's why. Not all repairs come out looking great. I know many people claim theirs do. But I've done this business for 12 years and know better. I don't want to be judged on one repair. I want to be judged on 5. Because 4 of 5 will look good. I don't like the one chance thing. I don't know why I'm "chiming" in on this I stopped doing car lots 4 years ago. I admire all the people who want to succeed bad enough to do almost anything. But again ... for me I don't feel comfortable doing freebies or going door to door. And we wonder why indurance companies are eliminating the "waive the deductable" policy. It's because it's being abused by a few.
Thanks
BOYD

[rockaway]

thank you bruno that some it all up . its not beging its showing what your selling .

[rockaway]

I agree with bruno.you have to show what your selling.most dealers all ready
have some one so buy telling them what you do and all of that they will say i have some one. buy giving them a free demo it gives you a shot at a new account buy show what your selling.and it gives you more time to talk buisness.

[screenman]

Look at this from another scenario. The last time anyone checked the other guys work he had just finished the perfect star or bullseye. They then give you a nasty old combination to do. They compare his job with yours and you are up the river. They assume that all damages will come out the same.

[rockaway]

bruno is right you have to show what your selling

[mafsu]

You don't have to give away repairs. Any dealer worth doing business for will pay you for your work. The only dealer that will give you work because you do a free demo is the same one who will give you work because your price is the cheapest. If you have to give away repairs or charge less than anyone else to get business, I suggest you take a step back and look at A) your repairs B) the service you are providing C) Your sales technique.

You have the ability to provide a customer with 3 things
1)The best repair
2)The best price
3)The best service

PICK TWO