Business Proposal

[montana]

This is for Dave C. Or anyone else that can HELP!
My town has a new Lowes opening up on January 4th. I spoke to the guy they say is in charge of all. His title is (installed sales mgr.) I asked if I could have a couple parking stalls to set up for the grand opening. I was to quick to say that I would pay him (them) a percent of my sales. BIG MISTAKE.
I should of left it open for him to say. But I told him I would give him a bus. proposal, ASAP. So when I got home I looked for for an example on publisher.
But there isn't any that pertain to glass repair. Does anyone have one they could post or e-mail? Just for an idea.

p.s. I forgot to say that he thought it was a good idea.
thank you steve

chipfix@hotmail.com
chipfix@walla.com

[DaveC]

Hmm...

All of the proposals that I might have on my 'puter have to deal with webhosting and programming.

As a suggestion, however, you may want to run this idea up the old Lowes' flag pole.....

Assume your average repair will gross $50.00(?).

Why not offer to buy a stack of (say) $5.00 Lowes Gift Cards (or 10% of your sale;) and then give each of your repair customers a card?

Then a simple "teaser" letter (like)....
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Dear Mr. Peebles,

In reference to our conversation the other day regarding the possibility of utilizing a few of your Sore's parking spaces and offering my Windshield Repair Services to your Store's visitors and customers, I propose the following:

That, so long as has permission to utilize a designated amount of spaces/area of your parking lot for the purposes of offering Windshield Repair Services, will purchase and provide each repair customer with a $5.00 Lowe's Gift Card.

Additionally, as a further courtesy/expression of appreciation for said permission, would offer our Windshield Repair Services, at our substantially discounted "fleet rate", to any of your employees, associates and fleet vehicles.

I realize that you are very busy preparing for your Grand Opening, so I will briefly contact you in a few days to see if this is agreeable or if you have any questions or alternative suggestions.

Regards,
Mr. ChipFix

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If you wanted, you could explain how beneficial the Gift Card idea is to his store, in that it would immediately generate sales, yadayada. But, he should be able to figure that out on his own;)

Then, when you give him his follow up call, if he agrees or has an alternative suggestion that you could live with, just ask if a "handshake" is OK or if he needs a more formal, written agreement.

BTW - Notice how I worded the letter so that you could have the ability to setup in his lot "so long as you have permission", and not for just the Grand Opening? And, a sneaky little pitch for a possible fleet account and some extra repair work from his employees?

[montana]

Thanks DaveC.
That gift card idea sounds great. They get customers and I get off cheap.
Its alot better than pay rent or percent of sales. If you don't mind, I'll use your example almost word for word. Thanks again and have a great Christmas.
Steve S. dba Montana ChipFix.

[DaveC]

Go for it and good luck!

[ctannehill]

Let me start by saying that this is one really great forum.
I have just recently broke out on my own and am currently
tackling the task of joining the insurance networks. I plan on
doing the billing myself.
I am normally not one to post in forums I usually just get the
information I am looking for and move on.
DaveC's response to Montana's request pretty much moved me
enough to do a full fledge post.
I must say that I am confused on how to fell on DaveC's post.
On one hand I think it is wonderful for a business man to offer trade
secrets and pretty much extend such valuable piece of information
that could potentially be a wonderful account for Montana.
I commend you for this.
On the other hand, why would you do it? Why would anyone on this forum
offer such trade secrets without hesitation?
I have been reading the different posts and I have come to the opinion that
in this forum members are creating jobs for anyone off the street, which in my view is fueling a pretty rapid growth of competition.
I started in this industry with a friend. He owns his own WSR company and put me to work in a car wash selling to customers before their car wash. My job was to wait for the car wash salesman to finish his pitch, selling wax coats, detailing, etc.. I was to then jump in and sell the windshield repair to a customer that was pretty much tired of being pitched.
Anyway, my "friend" did not even offer the advise I have obtained from this site. Because, I assume, of the potential competition threat that I could impose.
Please don't get me wrong, I think it is great that people are willing to divulge such a wealth of knowledge to their fellow man, and I for one would not be here if I didn't need the knowledge myself. I am glad this forum exists.
Take care

[mafsu]

Here's my take on it. There are some really inferior windshield repair techs out there, and some(a lot) of windshield replacement companies out there. Their poor repairs reflect on the industry I am in and make it harder for me to sell my services. I would say about 50 percent of the individuals I have done work for and 10-20% of the fleet and dealer accoutns I have done work for were extremely skeptical(to say the least) that a windshield could be repaired. If you talk about repairs looking good the numbers go even higher. Anyone whom I am able to help do better repairs makes my life easier, and I welcome the competition.

[DaveC]

IMO, Mafsu's take is right on!

I look at it this way....

With all of the steering, bait & switch and "get rich quick" hacks out there, the best way to overcome any resistance to WSR is to educate the public and provide quality/professional repairs and service.

Once a WSR customer experiences a "quality" repair job, they will be "sold" on WSR for life and will more than likely recommend WSR to their friends/acquantainces. As well, given the transient/mobile nature of our society, chances are that (say) a customer of yours, that has had a positive wsr experience, may someday re-locate to my area and become a customer of mine;)

[gold star wsr]

Forums like this serve a number of purposes:

1. Help to raise public awareness to the benefits of windshield repair.

2. Offer encouragement to those new to the business or interested in starting

3. Provide answers to technical questions

4. Inform one another of changes or concerns within the industry

5. A form of fellowship with others of similar interest

Probably these boards are viewed by far more wsr techs than those who post on them, possibly even by our nearest competition too. I can only speak for myself on this one, but I am not concerned that the competition might learn my 'trade secrets' ... the fact is, I dont know anything that they shouldnt already also know as far as doing quality repairs is concerned.