Newbie Questions?

[ncglastech]

Hello everyone, and thanks for any advice/tips. This is a great site and very informative. I viewed the archive, but I have some self specific questions I would like to ask you guys. For starters I live in Easten NC. I am starting a windshield repair business, and I have purchased the newest GlasWeld System. What is the pro/cons to this system and is there a better system out there with no bias opinions. There is a few repair techs in my area but really only one in my core area. I had him do a repair for me before I thought about WR, and it turned out ok. He charges 35 for dealers and if it has 2 breaks in the same windshield he will charge them 50. On the retail side he charged me 65 and I heard that in the right situtation he would increase his price if the customer seemed to have money. Should I charge the dealers 35, and 55-60 retail for repairs so I don't price myself out of business. At the same time not cutting the price into a price war. To be totally honest this is not my primary job, however my approach is quality first. I hope me being a parttimer doesn't sway your responses because like most businesses people don't like parttimers I really only want to repair 10-15 windshields a week. However if the business grew than I would surely accomidate the situation. Any help would be great. Also the long crack repair, I am debating on a 6 inch max, do you think that is to short? The other tech does up to 24inch with a 1 year warranty, and 5 years on standard cracks. I want to warranty for life/or as long as you own the auto. I have some connections with dealers and insurance company's so getting my foot in the door will not be hard, but I want to be competitive while keeping the business profitable. I know this is alot but any help would be great.
Thanks

[rescue]

Hi NCGlasTech -

I'm also just getting started with a mobile repair business. Why start with a lower price? I'm starting out at $65 for first chip or crack (up to 6"). $10 per additional 6 inches. No limit on crack length - but it can't touch the edge of the windshield more than once. I plan on raising my price to $75 after a few months. You get what you pay for - and I'll be selling quality and convenience - not price.

Good luck to you.

[ncglastech]

I don't want to price cut, and do dealers really care about different levels of quality? I know retail side they do, but for dealers I think it is more about money and getting it done. What system are you using?
Thanks for the reply

[rescue]

I went with Glass Technology.

I don't plan on doing volume work. Strictly consumer. No insurance work at this point either.

[StarQuest]

Experience, quality and service dictates price in the repair market. If you don't have all 3 of these under your belt, you'll never get what your asking for!

[SGT 2]

Hi All,
I'm new to the forum and was just out to the delta school in August and now plan to help my son in his glass repair business Safeglasstechnologies.

Joe

[GlasWeldTech]

ncglastech and sgt 2
Welcome to our fabulous UNBIASED forum where we all always agree on everything!!!!!!!! JUST KIDDING...That is why we have Chevy's and GMC's and Hummer's. Did I leave any out?

SGT 2,
I know with speaking (actually typing with Brian) that he is excited about having his Dad on board with him. I told him several things I did with my dealers when he first started with his and we have hit it off ever since. (I GUESS).

NCGLASTECH,
I think you have the BEST tools out there BAR NONE!!!! I am BIASED? NOPE-No more than the die hard DELTA fans or GT fans or LR fans. Have I ever tried any other brand? NOPE- I have never had a need to. Mine does everything that I need them to do and do it well. Am I open to trying new tools? Sure- If I can get them right and they do as well as what I now have. You asked a loaded question on a competitors forum. I know most here use Delta and for that I do not hold it against any of them. Most GOOD techs can do great repairs with several different brands of tools.

We have a great time here, help out when we can and invite your feedback. We hardly ever AGREE on the BEST TOOLS though.

[SGT]

GlassWeldTech,

We did hit it off but that is as far as it can go. I am married)) Thanks again for the tips they have helped a bunch. Especially the paint pen. Let me know if you need something besides free airline tickets)) Good luck with your archery season bud.