sharp decline in business

[Rikker]

I was just wondering if anyone out there is experiencing a sharp decline in business? My business has dropped off suddenly and dramatically. Also, the two largest competitors in my area seem to have abandoned there tent locations! By the way i live in Baton Rouge, LA. and our population has increased by approx. 150,000 due to hurricane Katrina refugees. I don't know what is going on.

[GlassStarz]

When traumatic events happen in an area the everyday hustle of life increases with so much on your mind the last thing people think about is a chip in the windshield. Consider it seasonal and ride out the storm.

[scratchy]

Heck yes! Business has been off about 40% since the end of August. Thanks to the price of fuel everybody had to cut way back. Now that fuel is coming down things are picking up a bit but now is the beginning of the holiday season and it should be soft until January 3rd.

One glass guy here has gone out of business.

Things will pick up again. I am wary of fuel cost though because it cuts into peoples disposable income which hurts all retail business.

Navigating the highs and lows properly is tough.

[repare-brise]

Look on the bright side, with high fuel costs, repair is much more interesting compaired to replacement.

And Yes, calls are down, which gives more time for development of new clients, trying new marketing idea's, and taking some time off with the family. In order to have a silver lining, one must have a cloud.

Merci

[scratchy]

Repairs are down, replacements are worse. It was a replacement guy that folded up here. Makes me wonder if the people out smashing back glass on peoples cars are doing it for more than sport.

[kenb81]

Thats amazing ! My business dropped off to about the same time here in Canada.

["CHIPS"]

Hey Gang...
Things come to a screeching halt here in the great northwest due to
winter storms (snow...ice..freezing rain). In planning for the slow down,
a reserve amount of funds in, my case, two months worth, while waiting
out the weather can definitly lower the stress level. Also allows for time
to catch up on paper work and follow up on some of the "slow recievables".
Luckly we have a low overhead buisness. A Harley dealership in a town
with a five month winter.... now that will put a head of grey hair on you.
I remember, and I llove my windshield repair buisness! Keep it fun!!!
"CHIPS"