new to the Business

[PDQ Auto Glass]

I'm in the process of purchasing a kit to do windshield repair. Looking at the RAS sytem through GM, but noticed the resin capsules seem a little pricey. Looks like a simple system, but I feel that crack repair and scratch removal are needed to be a more complete outfit.

Other companies that I've considered are Delta, US Winshield, LR, and GW. How important is training and support to my ultimate success?

[Brent Deines]

Welcome to the windshield repair forum PDQ.

If you can make it to a trade show where you can see windshield repair demonstrations from all the companies you mentioned, that will be very helpful. I can't speak for other companies, but Delta Kits will even allow you to do a repair using our equipment at a trade show. There is nothing quite like a hands on experience to put all the phony claims to rest. There is a show coming up at the end of April in Vegas where you could see most of the systems you mentioned in action.

Which ever system you choose, make sure you get a money back guarantee, and if possible, get trained on the equipment you plan to purchase prior to making a commitment. Again, I can't speak for the other companies, but Delta Kits offers a free training and certification course. We provide all the equipment and supplies and there is no pressure to purchase anything.

If you narrow it down to two systems and they both offer a money back guarantee, buy them both and keep the one that performs the best.

I am obviously biased, so I will leave it to others to respond further.

[screenman]

Will buying a Snap-on spanner make you a good technician NO. Buying a kit without training is exactly the same. Go to Delta buy a quality kit with good backup and get thier training. This is the best way forward for your future success. Start off right and you may get it right, we have many poorly skilled people scratching a living in this trade, but the well trained ones earn the tops. Just my humble opinion.

[PDQ Auto Glass]

Do Delta, US Windshield, GlasWeld, LR, Glass mechanix and others have similar kits and consumables to be properly trained? What makes Delta the best in your opinion?

What tools do I need? Crack repair kits? Scratch removal? VIN etching? I want to start out slow and ease into the business until I feel proficient? What services should I include at first?

[Bois]

Windshield repair is the most profitable considering time and effort. Scratch removal is very time consuming but a good money maker if you have high end vehicles (customers willing to pay the price). VIN etching is questionable. Do some searching on etching on this forum.

[screenman]

If you want to start slow just buy a repair kit and training and you will find that is all you need. Vin is old hat over here and has very little market value.
The scratch removal market is not for cars the money here is in buildings etc.
Do not spend to much time thinking about it just get up and go, phone Delta today book the training and get your business going. I would have thought most of the succesful guys on this forum spent about 10 minutes making their mind up where to buy tools from and just got on with it.

Best of luck in whatever your choice, but for the sake of all of us do the job properly please.

[starstruck]

Don't rush into it. Take your time in selecting your equipment and services. Be certain that you have made the right choice. No sense in buying something and then having to upgrade too soon or buying something you may rarely use. Try things hands on if possible and research the marketability of services in your area. Get properly trained and do then also practice sufficiently before going out into the field. Once you're up and running, be patient and take pride in your work.

[SGT]

Do not rush into starting your own business. Be diligent in your research both in tooling and your market to the best of your ability. I think what Screenman was saying is do not spin your wheels forever. Make an educated choice, get training and get going. IMHO, if Delta Kits does not make your top tooling choices for consideration you may be overlooking something.

[starstruck]

The last sentence in my previous post is the most important, regardless of the brand of equipment you use.

Be patient - don't rush through your work. Relax and take the time to do a good job. Being PDQ isn't always best!

Take pride in your work - whether it is as a newbie or an experienced tech, as long as you take pride in what you do, you will provide your customers with quality work.

[starstruck]

Always keep in mind one thing that is crucial to your long term success. This business relies heavily on repeat customers and referals from your customers such as their friends, relatives, co-workers, etc. For every job you do, there is strong potential for a referal from that customer. By doing quality work and offering exceptional service you have locked in that customer for the future and he will tell others. If you do poor quality work or offer poor service, you will lose that customer for good and give that customer a bad opinion of windshield repair in general.