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Post your windshield repair tips, questions, advice! Note there is a sub-forum specifically for business development questions.
Spencer

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Post by Spencer »

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Delta Kits
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Re: I

Post by Delta Kits »

Welcome to the forum Spencer! And that post wasn't too long! :)

I think you'll find that $20 is definitely on the cheap side, and people will probably come along telling you the same thing. Nationwide, you're looking at about $50, but it certainly can vary depending on location.
Delta Kits, Inc.
CPR

Re: I

Post by CPR »

Dont just make up a price for your services, being that low just hurts the rest of us in this business. Call all of your competetors and find out what they charge first, then decide if you want to be the same, a bit lower or a bit higher. Do your market reasearch and do it well, it will payoff in the long run.
Spencer

Re: I

Post by Spencer »

I've looked into pricing already. Most shops that replace wind shields charge between $20-$40 for a repair. There is a large shopping mall near my house and in the summer someone sets up a tent - at the tent they charge $20.

I think $20 is fair plus I will drive to them.

I'm in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Pop. around a million people so there must be lots of work

I'm not looking to get rich just to help pay for my schooling (almost done year 3 with 5 more to go)
StarQuest

Re: I

Post by StarQuest »

Spencer,

I'm sorry to be so blunt but your business plan leads me to believe your headed towards complete failure in WSR. Number one problem is your down selling repair by offering the lowest price in your market area to obtain profits! It won't work!!! Many before you have used these techniques, tried them and failed. I'd say your in that 98 percent area for failure.

You stated you've read this forum well but apparently must have missed something along the way. I've never in my life, even when I ran a full glass replacement shop offered repairs at $20.

God Bless you if you can pull this one off and become successful but I truly doubt it!

Just my honest opinion:)
GlassStarz
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Location: Southern California

Re: I

Post by GlassStarz »

The biggest problem is if you are going after car lots it will take awhile to get into them and when you do they want consistant coverage not just in the summer your 4 month plan might work if you do retail cold call stuff alot of guys work seasoaly in one area IE summer in texas winter in Nh but commercial customers wont buy into your plan
glass tek

Re: I

Post by glass tek »

First and foremost, get some training. Videos are ok but hands on is priceless! Next, do the math. If you only work weekends and a couple of hours in the afternoon and only charge $20, you gonna burn out quick. BTW, why limit yourself to just the 4 month break?
chips1144
Member
Posts: 253
Joined: May 23rd, 2004, 8:30 am

Re: I

Post by chips1144 »

Im sorry to be a downer too, If you are only going to be in business for four months of the year you wont make enough money to pay back the cost of your kit especially if you charge $20...
People put lots of hard work into making this business, No business is an overnight success, even with the very best equipment...
By the way it costs money to pitch a tent at the local mall, and thats one reason you need to charge more...
Chances are the car dealers already have someone that fixes their glass...
Many techs charge $50 because that is what the retail service is really worth... Everyone has overheads...
I can tell you that many guys try to undercut the regular guys in order to make a few bucks, usually they fail, Ive seen it many times, they loose interest when they figure out they are too cheap and are going broke...

If you wanna get serious do it full time and charge the proper price... you can cover your costs and make good money while going thru college...
Glass Medic

Re: I

Post by Glass Medic »

I too have to agree with everyone else. You get what you pay for. If you try to be cheap, that's what you're customers will get. And if they're not satisfied and you are a fly-by-night tech, it will sour them on WSR later. Bad news spreads fast, and you'll quickly lose your customer base. This profession is an art form and you need good training and experience to perfect your technique. Also, you'll need to spend time promoting your service. You can't expect to set-up somewhere and people will be lined up for you. If you just need extra money for the summer, try a part time job where you get tips. I've delivered pizzas before and made about $10/hour in tips plus $5/hour wage. You could also try setting up bubble gum machines in stores. You can get them on Ebay, and collect about $30-$50/month. Set up a few of them, and you only have to come by once a month to refill the machine and collect the money. The most time consuming aspect is getting the location.
In all, I think it would be a diservice to your fellow WSR techs and your customers if you just jump into this with the idea of making a quick buck.
Doug
CPR

Re: I

Post by CPR »

I think you may be best off starting out slow and do it year round. If you are a good WSR tech people will be calling all the time, your business will suffer if they cant be serviced. Hey if your biz goes well you may save a bunch on college, a good wsr tech can make alot more than a " job " will pay.
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