Crackouts & Replacement

[SGT]

Figured I would start a new thread for this topic...


My views,


RETAIL:

Hmmm! I can not get on board with offering a FREE windshield replacement for something that is already broke and would require replacement to begin with. We do have a waiver that retail customers sign after we advise them of there current situation, what a windshield repair is, what to expect from WSR and the potential for crack out, although very slim, is there.

I look at windshield repair as a repair process not a manufacturing process and go to great lengths to ensure the customer understands this. I am very confident in my skills, always strive for perfection and certainly do not hide behind our waiver but also understand and am realistic about the cosmetic limitations in current WSR technology which apply to us all now matter how proficient we are.


WHOLESALE:

I still feel the same here, but since crack outs are extremely rare, if you’re getting that much work from an account, to me it just makes good business sense to show a sign of good faith. If you think small you’re looking at your out of pocket for the 1 time replacement. If you think big, you’re looking at the future monetary potential the account will provide which will far outweigh the replacement. To me it is a no brainer.


NETWORK REFERRALS:

Question for anyone that may feel obligated to replace a windshield when it cracks out…What do you do when you have say, an All State Insured with a 0 deductible that would be entitle to a replacement with no out of pocket expense? Do you still offer to pay? If not why? Technically it is still a crack out. Just curious on what criteria you use.

[J.T.Window]

Not saying this is what anyone else should do, but this is what I do.
After sizing up the break, the customer and the windshield (replacement cost), I warn about 10% of my prospective customers that I have to put some pressure on the break in order to fix it and glass having a mind of its own, the break might spread. What helps here is to tell them that whatever a new windshield costs for their RV or Land Rover, the one they have now with the chip in it is worth about $10. If the customer agrees right away, I start the job. If he balks or pretends he doesn't understand, I might have him sign my invoice which is written as a disclaimer/waiver.
I've been doing windshield repair for 18 years and I've had a few crack-outs. I've never bought a windshield.
Once I put my suction cup sunshade right on top of a chip hidden in the shade bar along the top of the windshield, it cracked out too big to fix and I split the guy's $100 deductible with him - only fair - (now I look.)

[layddually]

there are some tent guys here that repair cracks up to half the windshield. i have never done crack repair or seen it done. if its possible to fix a crack why would you replace?

[J.T.Window]

Customer choice.

[Chips-B-Gone]

Originally Posted by layddually

there are some tent guys here that repair cracks up to half the windshield. i have never done crack repair or seen it done. if its possible to fix a crack why would you replace?

In some states such as WV and VA cracks over 6" will not pass state inspections even if they are repaired (depending on who does the inspection).

[scratchy]

I have paid for 2 windshields in 4 years. The last one was on a hot day in May and just after putting the tool on, it jumped to 3 feet right through the middle of the chip. I told the customer to please go get a new WS at the shop I designated and I would be by and pick up the tab. The WS shop owner knows me and cut me a break on the price as I send a bunch of work his way. Everybody stays happy! "It happens"

[tooldini]

I would offer back the cost of the repair, even on an insurance referral just to be a nice guy. I have only had a couple crack out beyond repair and they never thought I should pay. I know one had 0 deductable so it was no out of pocket for him. The other just realized that it was already broke so in his mind he needed a new one anyway if it couldn't be repaired. So I guess I got lucky. I usually warn customers on really bad damage that there is a small chance and then they tell me wether they want me to continue or not.

Jeff

[screenman]

Funny how its not always the really bad damage that does a runner, it is more often the little bat wings or something like that lulls you into a sence of false security. Then it goes bang, not a problem if only a few inches, but right across the shield is another matter. Mind you a crack out has always been down to the customer for not doing something right, it is never my fault.