First time on Forum

[sunshine wr]

If I held my breath waiting for the insurance companies to call my name would be on a tombstone.

[StarQuest]

Starstruck,

I'm waiting for Fender47 to respond, I don't think anybody is attacking him but from his post I believe he thinks getting into repair and making money is all about insurance referrals.....which it isn't! Hopefully he'll let us know if that's how he views it.

[Dave M]

Look, I've been in the auto glass business for 35 years with the last 14 years owning my own repair business. I researched all aspects of w/s repair (pre internet/forums) asked many questions regarding startup and have been very successful. This is my business and am proud of it! When I see what appears to be someone getting into this work unprepared, it makes my blood BOIL. With all the info available now, there is no reason why Fender47 should be asking that question. Info......meaning on the internet and on these forums. We've discussed the networks till blue in the face.

[screenman]

I was not attacking anyone personaly. More the general feeling that our business is for easy way to make a living for low or unskilled people, it is not. However with training, dedication and a lot of woork on the sales and marketing side we can succeed. How many times over there years I have heard the words, windshield repair that does not work its a waste of money. The reason I hear these things are because the customer I am talkng too has been serviced by a monkey in the past.

[starstruck]

Insurance referal work is good to me. More than half of my jobs are insurance referals. It is a very valuable source of business.

[Fender47]

Ok I get it! Experience is the best teacher. I have spent considerable time beating the bushes for business. I have been to auto dealerships, fleet companies ect....The fact is there is not anyone doing this in my area within 50 miles. I do live in a small county which may make the difference. All I wanted from you was a little advice on how to build the business. I don't expect to do this over night but I did not get much direction from the kit I ordered. I know relying on insurance is a slow process but tell me where you get the lion share of your business?

[johnnyone]

Fender
I would call lynx and ask them for some work.

[screenman]

I would keep a secret of where you live, most of the guys on here would love to be the only repairer around. Those dealers and fleet you called on call in and see them ten times at least before you give up, show them what quality work looks like. Stand naked on a street corner with a sign around your neck in fact do whatever is needed to bring in work. At least be proactive not inactive.

I apologise if my motivational skills do not come across the pond well.

Best of luck and keep in touch.

[Fender47]

As a first time forum member I found you really have to have thick skin. I will think twice about asking such questions in the future. Although screenman has been helpful. Thanks for the warm welcome.

[Dave M]

Fender47,

I see the answers you received as being honest and from experienced techs. I can't help you if you can't take some constructive criticism. My lions share of the business comes from rental agencies than dealerships. I see Avis/Budget, Hertz, and Alamo/National every Monday and Friday. If you have those in your area, stop on in!