Has this forum maxed out?

[splitpit]

With no new innovations or real technological advances in the windshield repair industry, when will this forum reach it's peak? Most topics are covered, recovered, and then covered again. Newbies find answers. The experienced give answers. The process is beneficial but the topics are old news for the most part. Do you think there are any substantial changes or advances in the process of windshield repair waiting in the wings, that will blow the doors off the industry as we know it today?

[screenman]

I think the answer is no.

[Blind Squirrel]

I've felt all along that as long as windshields break and my health holds up that I will have all the work I can handle.

You asked if anything might come along that will "blow the doors off" the windshield repair business. I assume you mean in a good way? I can't envision anything that will "add to" it but I do know of 2 things that will adversely effect this business.

The first is already on the horizon and that is the "nanotechnology" windshield coating products that serve as a "hydrophobic treatment", like Rain-X. It also has a dramatic effect on reducing windshield fractures. Some say that rock chips are reduced 70-80%.

Whatever the truth is, once somebody begins to market these products, it will begin to reduce the demand for repair. Some companies already are offering this coating service and I expect it to grow exponentially over the next few years.

The other factor is further away because it's not presently in the interest of the glass manufacturing business to "allow" the marketing of polycarbonate "unbreakable" windshields. But rest assured, the technology and capability exist to produce windshields that simply don't break.

You know "they" could make tires that wouldn't wear out and a fuel system for your car that can get 100 MPG, but it's just not in the best interest of the tire and oil industry.

At the age of 59, I'm assured that windshield repair will be around for a while yet. However, I've begun planning my exit strategy into a new business where I can apply the same principles that I built this one with.

Not that I'm worried about any of this because God will provide a way to take care of my family. The same way I came into windshield repair.

[ProView WR]

Self healing windshields will bring the end of the industry.

No I have to agree with Blind Squirrel about the things on the horizon. I can't really think of any revolution that would happen WITHIN the repair industry, but definately changes will come sooner or later on the OUTSIDE of the industry that will bring changes within. Who knows what they will be.

[windshield]

well for my personal point of view i see some future for the windshield repair industry.I think the nanotechnology not only can affect the windshield repair business,i believe other specialty areas around the world such as medicine will be prepared for this kind of revolution,much more dramatic than the industrial revolution.I think ours services are a specialty.Ok some companies will introduce some kinds of nanotechnology chemicals but there is no way for damages that require drilling and tap a bulls eye,flexing a star leg with some experience or perform a long crack repair.As all of us know a long crack need a bulls eye where the crack is tight to flow over there a small viscosity resin. I was think about nanotechnology when i first see the "nano resin topic" over this forum.Right now when i go to the stores i beging to see "nano products" with miraculous remedies.For the posible fabrication of crack proof windshields i dont think so.It also attempt to the glass replacement industry,the mouldings,tools traders,glue products like sika etc...The best interest for the large industries ,specially the chinese,japan etc... is sell you again and over and over again.I supouse if you like a car with a crack proof windshield you will need to spend good money $$$. I really worried if someone invents a device that is capable to disapear the damages and began to distribute the equipment to the big chains stores and if i want one of this equipment the prohibited cost and the factor that this companies began to charge a little for the fix with a very strong advertising will make me another type of repair tech.Thanks for the attention.Good Luck!

[SGT]

For the forum being maxed out. I would say NO as well. If someone is receptive to new views/ideas from new or old members on old topics, then individual and forum growth is possible.

As for anything on the windshield repair technology horizon, well I persoanlly do not think that there will be any signifigant changing in the current repair process,specifically setup and resin delievery. That said, tooling may evolve but the process will remain the same.

I think there is a larger margin for improvment on the resin side. Perhaps a resin that would alter the physical proerties of glass to provide blemish free repairs.

Minor or major advancement require research which requires money which is driven by necessity. So I think minor changes will be driven by direct competition from one manufacturer to another and major changes will come from direct threats to the current windshield repair industries technology.

[Blind Squirrel]

To keep with the original theme of this thread, what advice would you give to anyone who approached you and asked you about getting into this business? Especially if that person might become a competitor?

I don't want this to seem like a trick question, which it could be, because the answers will vary greatly based on if you are in a large metropolitan area as opposed to a sparsely populated one.

It's only natural not to want to nurture your own competition. Living in Denver, with a population of over 2 million, I've never worried about competition because there is just too much work out there. I only care about the other guy being conscientious enough to care about the quality of their work and how they represent the industry. Nevermind that I have been the recipient recently of some good fortune relative to the others guys crappy work! More on that in another thread.

I will gladly help mentor anyone on the technical side of windshield repair, but I am a good deal more discretionary when it comes to marketing techniques. The reason for this is hard to explain. I think it is because I had to struggle in figuring out what works and what doesn't. Kind of like paying your dues. And, I've come to feel that a thing has no real value unless you pay a price for it. I've said this before, you can tell someone all they need to know to succeed but until they have actually gotten out on the street, and broken a sweat, and suffered rejection and pain, well, that's when I think the message hits it's mark.

For that matter, for anyone who has the patience and fortitude and, most importantly, the passion and desire, the threads on this forum have almost everything you need to know. At least to help someone determine if this is the right business for them.

[splitpit]

The forum will always have topics as long as it has members. But it will primariliy be absorbed in rehashing old topics with new twists.

I'm sure the new topics in the future will be in regard to how to overcome the changes that have affected the industry in a negative way, as others have mentioned in this thread.

New products to make windshields damage resistant.

The possibility of polycarbonate windshields.

Insurance cos. no longer waiving the deductible.

Cheaper replacements.

Etc.

I don't see any major advancements. I don't even see much advancement in resin quality or appearance. I think it's about as good as it's ever going to get.

The gravy train is going to pull into the station and park at some point and it may have a hard time pulling back out again.

[Layne]

I am of the opinion that one of the new repair methods just may be the use of laser technology to weld the cracks and dings that occur in the windshield. Don't rule it out.

[splitpit]

I don't see laser use as a feasible option. For one, I don't think you could do it and if you could it wouldn't be cost effective.