Cash Chips

[enkogneto]

Hello again everybody! Thanks to all of you that answered me in my last post. Every bit of information I can get is a major help. I was wanting to know what everybody thought a good price range was for cash chips. Since I'm just starting on my own I've been doing them for $10. a pop. I think I'm cutting my own throat with this price, but maybe not. The place I used to work for did insurance exclusively, so I'm not sure what to charge. Thanks again!

enkogneto

[Delta Kits]

Welcome to the forum enkogneto!

I think it's safe to assume that virtually everyone here will think you're cutting throats at that price. Some would say not just your own.

The price varies depending on location, fleet/dealer/retail, and many other factors. I would say the average price retail (nationwide) is $50, fleet $40, dealer $30-$35.

That's in no way scientific, and still very much subject to location.

[chips1144]

You are cutting your own throat and others too...
Im sure you got into this Biz to make money Right???
Id bet if you were to sit down and really add up true costs of doing business you would find out you are working for less than minimum wage... youd be better off with a regular job...

You can earn $10 an hour or $50 an hour the choice is yours, if you work is good you should ask the right price...

[mafsu]

Cutting your own throat and killing me, even a mediocre repair should get a minimum of twice that from a dealer or fleet, and 4 times that for retail. Of course as Jeff said it is dependant on location. My ex business partner opened his own repair business in Ft. Lauderdale and none of the rental car fleets there would pay over $10. He subsequently has gone out of business, but only because he wasn't able to market himself to a different customer base.

[enkogneto]

Thanks to all of you. I was pretty positive that was a horrible price for quality repairs, but I thought it would be a good idea to check with the masters first. I'll be sure to charge more in the future. The only reason I was even pricing that low in the first place was to get some quick $$$ to buy a better. The kit I have now is a piece of crap. I want a Delta kit, but that's alot of $$$ when you're facing so many business expenses at once. I'm thinking of getting a loan, or another credit card or something, so I can get the proper equipment. Any suggestions?

[scratchy]

As a rule of thumb you should go by a $100 per hour labor rate (or more) depending on location. FYI Paintless dent is $200 per hour from what I have seen.

[a1repair]

enkogneto

Be careful! $10.00/repair? @ those prices you'll probably be out of business soon.

[paintlessplus]

I would guess that the number one reason for underpricing has to do with just the type of person you are.
When it comes to giving out a cash price to a customer you probably think that you should give him a break since your a nice guy....and it doesn't cost you much for materials..... and its easy work anyway... and it is cash...and......Whoa !!!! STOP!!!!!

You need to remind yourself what the customer is actually paying for !!!!
He is paying for your experience, your knowledge, training, your use of the best possible equipment and materials, and most importantly your time, including mobile service travel time. What he is receiving with your services is something that is of real tangible value.You're not just putting a little resin in a hole to make a chip look better.... You are saving this guys windshield or his deductible if he is insured. See the value ????

So....What do you charge for a cash job? I think that is up to each individual WSR businessperson. If the customer has a late model car ( less than 5 years old) chances are they have comprehensive glass coverage, as most lenders require it. If you say "well ,we can turn it into your insurance for free, or I'll just do it for $20. cash," most people will go the cash route. You just lost an additional $30.00 or more by pricing it that way. Set your cash price to these customers at or near the insurance price. Also it is better to give out what you may think is a high price and come down if needed than to quote someone a price and have them say" Is that all you charge ??? Wow thats cheap! " Finally, never hesitate when giving out a price -and don't offer cheaper prices to some than others with the exception of volume discounts or senior discounts. If for some reason you feel uncomfortable with verbal pricing, put your pricing on a piece of literature something like (most chips repaired for $49.95) For some reason if the customer can see your prices in print they tend to think that it is more credible and written in stone so to speak. Good luck- pricing is a very big part in whether one will succeed in this business. Bob

[CPR]

Keep in mind if you get to be known as the cheapest guy in town, you will have a hard time raising your rates and you will be looked at as a " hack " no matter how good you are.

[drbonz55]

In my area ofthe nature coast of Florida there are mostly retired folks . I charge 45 retail and 35 to the car dealers. I have had no problem or complatints to date.

I am interested in charging for motor home WSR

how do the rest of you charge for motorhomes??