Should windshield repair be regulated?

[SGT]

Should windshield repair be regulated, why or why not?

[Glassdoc]

Regulated, no.. That would mean someone decides what we are allowed to charge and we are stuck. Without any concern as to our cost in gasoline, vehicle maintenence, insurance, equiptment, etc..

Now, do I think we as professionals should be certified? Yes, or at least bonded like locksmiths are. I feel if it was a National requirement, then our services would be worth more as "certified/bonded" professionals. Much like a "certified GM Tech or Honda Specialist" vs Joe Smucatelli from down on the corner.. It would weed out the gypsy's, the corner catchers, the lowballers etc. And the insurance industry would prefer to use us vs them. As would most of the public once informed.. I have no problems with a rule or requirement that would determine the true professionals from the "here for the quick buck" guys..

I think your terminology "regulation" puts a bad taste in most peoples mouth.. It could entail possible restrictions on what we can repair even though we know we can do it. I hate being told by someone, "it can't be fixed" when I have not had a chance to see it yet..

[S&W Glass Repair]

I agree. I have done fleets for so long and not much by way of the general public I pretty much have cared less about these types of topics but now I'm trying to go to the next level and that requires a plan. That plan includes being certified, becoming a member of the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce in my local township and other things to bring my business to the next level. The feedback from other experienced business people is great to feed off of, for me anyway. My Dunn & Bradstreet profile is almost completed as well.
Cheers,
Scott

[Lee]

What is Dunn and Bradstreet going to do for you? Think about this. The Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau are about getting your money. None of these Charlatans will put one dime in your pocket. Do a good job treat people fair and they will flock to you.

[SGT]

Originally Posted by Glassdoc

Regulated, no.. That would mean someone decides what we are allowed to charge and we are stuck. Without any concern as to our cost in gasoline, vehicle maintenence, insurance, equiptment, etc..

Now, do I think we as professionals should be certified? Yes, or at least bonded like locksmiths are. I feel if it was a National requirement, then our services would be worth more as "certified/bonded" professionals. Much like a "certified GM Tech or Honda Specialist" vs Joe Smucatelli from down on the corner.. It would weed out the gypsy's, the corner catchers, the lowballers etc. And the insurance industry would prefer to use us vs them. As would most of the public once informed.. I have no problems with a rule or requirement that would determine the true professionals from the "here for the quick buck" guys..

I think your terminology "regulation" puts a bad taste in most peoples mouth.. It could entail possible restrictions on what we can repair even though we know we can do it. I hate being told by someone, "it can't be fixed" when I have not had a chance to see it yet..

GlassDoc,

I should have been more clear on "Regulation" as it could be implemented to varying degrees. Your thoughts are my thoughts as well on this.

[S&W Glass Repair]

Do to my assets (IE: home, cars, boat) I want to protect myself so I'm incorporated as an LLC. I have already built business credit and D&B is an established source for credit by companies. I just purchased a new computer, actually it's a lease from Dell, it's in the business name, not personal. I'm sure you can understand protecting your personal assets. I'm also interested in expanding my business to other areas. With the large fleet accounts I have, many of these companies have locations in other states so I'm thinking of farming out the business to other techs that I hire and train under the S&W umbrella. It's an idea that I've put time into, developed a business plan and am thinking about. What's the difference between a business owner who builds himself a nice business that basically becomes just a job vs. the guy who builds say 4 places and cashes out down the road for big bucks? The entrepreneurial learning curve, period. Some people may only want to build a small business and be happy with that, for me the next level involves expansion, building, cashing out. Along this journey that's called life I have made it a point to change my arrogant ways, open my mind and realize that I can always learn. I was young making 6 figures between two businesses and when I lost one I had burnt allot of bridges along the way and paid a dear price for small minded thinking. I have worked hard to change the face that I was before and it has paid off in spades with booming business, great clientèle and tons of people who are now business friends instead of just customers. It works for me, my business and bank account are proof of that, but it hasn't been an easy climb, it took allot of intestinal fortitude and still requires hard work; but hard work in the glass business isn't really hard work. When I was turning wrenches, that was hard work not glass repair. As far as the organizations I'm in agreement with you to a certain extent, what will they really do for me? probably not a whole lot but it's all part of the image and image is everything, period. At least that's what's worked for me. If I drive up to a lot in a beat up '74 Pinto what does that say about my business? Maybe nothing but maybe something, first impressions are just that. That's why I spent big money for very nice business cards and really nice paper for my letter heads, it's my only chance for those who don't know me personally and haven't done work for to get an image of myself and my business.

[splitpit]

With all that read.......wheww......I'm trying to piece together what your answer to the original question is?

[screenman]

We have the British Standards over here but very few people take any notice of it. You would lose customer share if you did I would imagine.

[a1repair]

Re: Should windshield repair be regulated?

Regulated no, windshield repair techs certified yes. There are many who claim to know how to do windshield repair, yet in observation of their work, it's painfully obvious then don't have a clue what they are doing. Many of the Big Boy glass shops up here, "offering" windshield repair should be ashamed of themselves. It's obvious they have no clue, nor do they care about what they are doing. (Is it five o'clock yet) Certification of some sort would help to change that.

[splitpit]

It's just a matter of time before this industry faces regulation. I think it will be a good thing. The good shops will rise to the top and the bad ones will fall by the wayside. I think it will weed out some of the undesireables and in my opinion that's a good thing.