Advice from UK Windscreen Repairs

[ChrisUK]

Hi,

My first post so I'd like to start by saying hi!

Ive been considering a career change for quite a while researching everything from Smart Repair to Skip Hire and recently came across the idea of getting into windscreen repair / replacement.

Now I have no prior experience in this field therefore only know what I have read in this and other similar forums.

I understand the importance of getting some good training, purchasing the right equipment and spending time practicing my technique. However I dont have a good understanding of the UK windscreen market and wondered if I could pick your brains to gain some clarity?

I am trying to work out how much work is out there for a self employed glass repair only tech? Around me (NW of England) there are around 12-15 different companies offering both replacements and repairs. These are a mixture of large nationally recognised companies and local independents.

Now my main concern is competeing with the Replacement & Repair Guys. If I cannot do the replacements my customers will occassionally have to call someone who can, thus risking losing my future repair work with them to my competitor.

Also have any of you ever lost customers to smart repairers who also offer glass repair service. How do you compete with companies offering customers numerous different services each time they call?b

Any advice would be appreciated.

This is a great forum so keep up the good work!

Cheers

Chris

[screenman]

Chris,
First welcome to the forum. Windscreen repair and replacement do not sit well together and very few repalcement companies do screen repair well.

A replacement will earn the company

[wilz]

Chrisuk
Screenman is the answer to your prayers. He has been around and provides alot of advice for many of us wsr tech out here. He is your best bet.

[Glasseye]

Welcome aboard Chrisuk, don't think you will have too much of a problem finding customers. Most of the large autoglazing companies focus on Joe Public with fully comp insurance, tying their service into the insurance market where they have partnerships with most of the main players Norwich Union, Direct Line etc., but there is still plenty to go at in the way of the third party insured, Main dealers, used car dealers, Logistics, etc., just make sure you have the 3 G's before you start
Good equipment
Good training
Good skill level

[Sikandar]

Hi Chris and welcome to the fourm.

If you're going into windscreen REPAIR then Screenman would be your best option, don't get caught up in the hype of the franchises or even a cheap kit from ebay.

Rest assured it will be money well spent!

Regards

Sikandar

[ChrisUK]

Cheers for the advice everyone.

Sikander, don't worry mate I would never consider doing anything by halves, so theres no way I would think about wasting my money on a franchise.

Screenman, I spoke to you about a week ago re your training (after seeing your posts on a UK forum). I am still in the process of working out my plan of attack and researching the market so as and when I have any further questions I will be in contact with you.

One question. Roughly how many screens are damaged / chipped each year in the UK? I have been scouring car parks over the last few weeks and have still niot seen any screens which where in need of repair?

Thanks again


Chris

[screenman]

33,000,000 vehicles in the UK the thought is about one in six recieve repairable damage each year.

A lot of people say they cannot find damage in car parks, you have to look slightly harder. Be careful though you will end up looking like a car thief.

See if you can get into some lorry yards a lot of these have screen that cost in excess of

[ChrisUK]

Thanks Screenman,

If or when I have any further questions or decide to move with this I will be in contact.

Regards

Chris

[Sikandar]

Talking about looking like a theif, I looked like a complete prick the other day.

I've got a habit of looking at car windscreens when I'm walking down the street, but this time there was a lass sitting inside which I did'nt realise and I saw her staring at me as if I was some dude trying to hitch her up. :eusa_ange