Where to start?

[Dr.Chipster]

Hey all, Just wanted to ask a question on where a good starting point is? I currently work a full time job where we are getting ready to start working 4 10 hr. days which will leave me 3 days a week to jump start my business. I have been workng w.s repair on mostly family and friends. I feel I am ready for some real work. Would it be best to get fleet accounts, dealerships(I have a few contacts here) or pursue retail business. I kind of like the idea of making a deal at a local carwash here, but I don't like the fact that I can't devote at least 5 days a week. Any input would be greatly received. Thanks, Dave

[ProView WR]

Dave,

Find your niche client. Some here prefer fleets, some dealerships, some retail, some mix it all together to get a broad client base. Find what works for you. I'd contact each different group to start and see where it takes you. You can't change the fact that you can't work 5 days a week yet so focus on the 3 days a week that you CAN work on your business. Make sure you leave time for yourself and family so not to wear you out. Better to work 1 day at w/r if you are happy and enthusiastic and motivated then to wear yourself down working 7 days/week and not being on top of your game when you make those first initial contacts at each of the clients. Its great to be able to build a base of all types of clients, in case market conditions shift during the year and one of those groups give you less work, you still have other contact groups to get you through the thin days. A balance of clients will also keep your wheels turning for ideas on marketing. You will be able to learn how to approach each different client if you continue working with different groups. When the time comes that you can devote all 5 days per week you will have a great understanding of the different client groups and really be ready to hit it hard to build your base.

[Dr.Chipster]

Thanks, My family time is important and I will most likely use half day scenarios on my off time from work. I am just trying to figure out where that time is best spent. I will probably start with the contacts I have on the car lots. I was a vendor, worked for a vehicle locating co., and I have several contacts I can make. I'm just not to jazzed on having to wait to get paid. Oh well, got to start somewhere.

[harrellbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Dr.Chipster

Thanks, My family time is important and I will most likely use half day scenarios on my off time from work. I am just trying to figure out where that time is best spent. I will probably start with the contacts I have on the car lots. I was a vendor, worked for a vehicle locating co., and I have several contacts I can make. I'm just not to jazzed on having to wait to get paid. Oh well, got to start somewhere.

Try out the lots.Every one I have cuts me a check on the spot.But this might just be A"Southern Thing" lol

[Chips-B-Gone]

Originally Posted by Dr.Chipster

Thanks, My family time is important and I will most likely use half day scenarios on my off time from work. I am just trying to figure out where that time is best spent. I will probably start with the contacts I have on the car lots. I was a vendor, worked for a vehicle locating co., and I have several contacts I can make. I'm just not to jazzed on having to wait to get paid. Oh well, got to start somewhere.

I am basically doing the same thing. I have Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays off of my normal job so on Wednesday and Saturday I try to schedule appointments. An occational Sunday I may work for certain customers (ie: Fleet dump trucks that are only shut down on Sunday.)

Right now I service 3 small used car lots and one dump truck fleet and misc retail work.

One of my dealers I was actually trying to get into for headlight restoration but the owner went with windshield repair because his regular guy kept putting him off. Persistance pays off.. Along with QUALITY work... for instance, I spent 3 hrs on a very stubborn star break one night. The owners sister was amazed and impressed I didn't give up on it.

I did another one on an Escort. The following day the owner returned from a trip and his sister showed him both vehicles. He told me that they were the best repairs he had seen in a very long time. I pretty much have that account exclusively. I beat out a major franchise, G******n, on both price and Quality of repair.

The best part I GET PAID when I am finished. The larger lots may make you wait but if you go with a few smaller ones in the mix you will have some cash flow while you are waiting for large lots to pay.

Just my 2 cents and a little rambling...

[Dr.Chipster]

I know a couple of independent dealers in my area I can ask for business and I am sure they will be willing to pay for services when rendered. Unfortunatley
most of my contacts are with franchise dealers who usually pay once a month. Anyway, once the checks start rolling in I am sure I will be fine. I am just so frustrated with punching a clock and letting my employer dictate what he thinks I am worth that I want to be fulltime w.s. repair man pretty darn quick. I know I have to have patience and my hard work will pay off in the long run. As far as getting fleet accounts where is a good place on this forum to get good advice on landing an account. Like, How did you get the dump truck account? I live near a public school bus depot that would be a sweet account. How should I approach them? Besides saving them money on replacement cost, what are some selling points I should use? Selling is not my strong suit but if I prepare properly I am not afraid to approach someone.

[Blind Squirrel]

Here is an edited version of a post I made a few day ago to someone in Johnson County Kansas.

It's been said many times here for someone new to take time and read the posts that already exist.

After a Google search on "Rio Rancho", and clicking on Wikipedia, I find that it has a population of just over 100K, is the fastest growing in the state, and has the state's highest median income. It is also a suburb of the greater Albuquerque area, which expands your marketing area considerably.

This is great, because my first concern before telling you to jump in with all 4 feet was that marketing strategy for windshield repair has many variables.

This means you can build a strong base of commercial accounts which you service on a periodic basis. It also means you have access to retail business.
The marketing perspectives for commercial vs retail are different and should be planned efficiently.

You certainly shoulf know the value of a business plan. Of equal importance is the experience to know the value of seeking advice and mentoring.

Many of us repair only home based operators are loners by nature.

I failed twice in this business when trying to go full time and had to do it in my spare time as I gradually built up fleet accounts. I sought out and carefully evaluated every possible resource to help me learn what it took to make it to this point where I support my family well and have developed many valuable business relationships and great friends.

I occasionally remind myself that I have a job that I can't be fired or layed off from and can give myself a raise anytime I want.

On that note, I should mention that working this business as a "Mom-and-Pop" does have limitations. There is a finite level of productivity if you stay small. It is however an above average income. If you expand, again this depends on your management skills, goals, and tolerance for certain aspects.

[Dr.Chipster]

Hey Blind, Thanks for the input. I have been reading post on this forum for about a year now trying to get as much knowledge under my belt as possible.
Believe me I know my chance for success is great just because all the growth my area is seeing right now. We have some of the best weather for outdoor work in the country here. Not much rain or snow. I just want to take the right steps to insure my success. That is why I try to get on this forum and spend at least an hour readind and soaking up knowledge. I appreciate all of you who are willing to share your trade secrets and knowledge with us green peas. This community seems tight knit. My wife and I can't wait to meet some of in person at trade shows in the future. Meanwhile thank you for the replys and advice. Dave

[Bois]

Dr. Chipster,
Besides the cost savings of repair over replacement, sell the idea that the vehicle is not out of service for 4+ hrs (as necessary for replacement) and that you come to them - they don't have to take the vehicle to a shop or wait for the replacement guy to order the windshield.

[Dr.Chipster]

Good idea!! We have a number of replacement companys here but you still have to schedule a repair and wait for them to clear their schedule to service your vehicle.