How many of you offer Windshield Replacement in your windshield repair company????

[JT2]

Just curious as to how many members here offer Windshield Replacement in their Repair only business??

For those of you who are doing strictly repairing only do you find that alot of customers ask if you can replace windshields??

Is it too competitive in your area to offer windshield replacement along with the repairing??

Please do offer any info if you can, thanks to all whom reply to this.

[GlassStarz]

there is a old saying jack of all trades master of none. I sell repair as a way to avoid replacement and specialize in repair only
I see doing both as a little like carrying a pistol in you pocket and a big anti NRA sticker on your car or maybe the rabbi having a cross around his neck?
There is so much money to be made in repair why get into the overhead and insurance bugs needed for replacement.

[JT2]

Yes GlassStarz you do have a point indeed! Reason im asking is because alot of customers always ask if you do replacement and when you say no they ask well who does?? What is your usual response to that? I'm sure you hear that all the time.

It just looks bad referring them to another company who offers repair and replacement. Another example would if you had an account with a company who had some fleet vehicles, lets say couple of them need new windshields. It does look horrible on my part to say sorry I can't replace them you will have to go to Speedy Glass to get that done. I know if I were that company I'll say 'well ill just get all my repairs and replacement done at Speedy then'!!

Thanks for your input:)

[GlassStarz]

I have a local guy who I refer them to I get a $50 bone he sometimes refers people to me if he is busy people understand that you do only repair like they understand why you podiatrist doesnt do vasectomies its a different buisness

[repare-brise]

JT2

Repair only is the way to go. Find a local replacement shop to affiliate yourself with. Make sure they consistantly do good work(replacements), and that your customers will be well treated. Once this is accomplished negotiate a referal fee for yourself(It's not going to infront of the Gomery commision so have no fear, Sorry to the americans on the forum, a Canadian inside joke that's too long to explain), I typically get $25 per referal. Don't think of this as loosing a customer, provided you give a good referal, the customer will come back to you when they will be in need of a repair.

'Merci

[cure4glass]

I refer replacement customers to a guy in town that is a replacement / repair tech. He generally does'nt do many repairs and sends me some pretty regular.He also compensates me for the referrals I send him. The best way I've found to handle this, although I can't do it this way all the time,is to set up a three way call with the glass company and the customer,and let them set up the appt. if the customer decides to go with him.This helps to keep it on the up & up. I then follow up with the customer to see if he / she was satisfied with the work, just as if it were my customer. I add their name & address to my database and keep my name in front of them with an ocassional card or call.This helps to insure that I get the repair before it turns into a replacement the next time.

[JT2]

Ahhh i see.... So when you work something out with another glass company do most of them also offer repair too?? I understand that if you do excellent work and offer great customer service your customer will most likely come back to you even though he could just get everything (repair, replace) at the other shop.

As for the referral that you techs get from other replacement shops do you have to sign some contract stating how much he pays you each time or is it just a cash thing??

I'm just wondering if there is a good profit margin with replacements. It seems to be if a shop can own nice panel vans and hire 2 guys to replace winshields across the city everyday.

Thanks

[StarQuest]

JT2,

I provide both services but keep company's separate. One for repair and the other for replacement only. If your looking to get in replacement as a add on I'd personally say it's not a great idea unless you've had years of previous experience in this area and have a very low price glass supplier connection.

I can honestly say I'd rather repair 10 shields a day over replacing 4 to make the same money. Main reason being is those 10 repairs will only cost me $10 or less in resins where 4 shields with urethane kits and trim may add up to $300-$400. If you want to get into replacement....just remember it will take some extra money to get started.

[DragonFly]

I'm also one of the few here that does both windshield replacements and repairs. I also agree with Starquest that i'd would rather do 10 repairs then do some of these replacements.
If you haven't done replacements before, or you have but never out on your own this is not the best time to try it.
I do all my replacements in shop, and almost all my repairs are in shop or walk ins. Now that the weather is picking up i expect we'll be doing few more mobiles. This way i know how things are getting done.
Doing replacements right now is very competitive! Every Joe nick and harry and there mom is out doing replacements.
I would also hate to have to tell someone to use someone other then me if i couldn't help them. cause you never know if they will come back. I agree that you need to find someone you like and who will do good work with out trying to be cheap on things. A contract with someone would be nice but i don't know how many shops would go that far.