cazador;24264 wrote:I've got an acquaintance that installs new windshields where I refer them to. And he refers them to me , when a car owner needs a chip, bullseye or up to 6 inches crack repaired , he is not set up to do these. We sending each other business this way and we, sspecially me , stay out of problems.
I agree with a lot of others and I personally won't repair anything over 10cm
(4"). The cost after this point is not much cheaper than a new windscreen and the whole idea of repairs is a cheaper alternative than purchasing new. Over this length I will get a quote from hubby who specializes in replacement and more often than not the customer will prefer the new windscreen - so we don't lose customers. If you can find a replacement service who is willing to co-operate with you in regards to referrals everybody is happy and you will have less headaches and warranties. Here in OZ 95% of businesses offer both repairs and replacement so in order to survive you must do both to maintain customers expectations.
EVO,
I'm pleased to read you're conducting your business the same way I prefer to do : stay away from cracks over 6 inches /15 centimeters in this case.
Isn't the saying : You can't service them all , because we have so many chip repairs already ?
Evo;24290 wrote:I agree with a lot of others and I personally won't repair anything over 10cm
(4"). The cost after this point is not much cheaper than a new windscreen and the whole idea of repairs is a cheaper alternative than purchasing new. Over this length I will get a quote from hubby who specializes in replacement and more often than not the customer will prefer the new windscreen - so we don't lose customers. If you can find a replacement service who is willing to co-operate with you in regards to referrals everybody is happy and you will have less headaches and warranties. Here in OZ 95% of businesses offer both repairs and replacement so in order to survive you must do both to maintain customers expectations.
Repair is a cheaper alternative? is that your selling point?
How about save your factory seal, The dangers of an improperly installed windshield and so on..
As a matter of fact I look at it as a better alteranative to replacement!
This is why i have come to specialize in L/C repairs. For those of you who don't know, I owned a few glass replacement shops, Over the years i have seen very, very bad installations. With the NEW technology that is comming integrated into windshields, I see repair as a must!
However that being said, I am glad to see that not many people do long cracks here.
If you don't know how to do long cracks, do not attempt it. We have done thousands of long cracks, with a max of around 16 inches. With proper technique and resin the failure rate is very low. That being said, there are certain vehicles that do NOT tolerate a long crack repair do to one very important element, flexing and separation of the glass over time. Go find a long crack that is several years old. It will have a huge gap on the edge where the two edges have been pulling apart slowly but surely. This is why the crack keeps running and will pop through stops and look like it has never been filled in. You need to know which vehicle models do not tolerate long crack repairs and which ones do.
Vehicles that should not be attempted with long crack repair: Late model Maximas, Altimas, Titans, Armadas, Tahoes, Yukons, Impalas, Malibus.
Well for me, crack repairs excites me more than chip repairs does. Always looking at more ways to improve my technique. And yes there are times when custys give you that pleading look, you can't just let them down. My two cents worth.
Crack or chip repair.
Me being new in this business , I really get snowed under by all the different companies I have to deal with , after invoicing an insured client .
Names like eDirectGlass,Glaxis,ACT,Lynx,Safelight,SGR and RLI are flying by and to me all they want is a piece of the pie.
What's the best way to handle a customer that wants his repair being paid by his insurance company , so I will see the invoice amount in my bank account.
Any advice that makes this a simple procedure is welcome.
Thanks.
Inform the client or potential client that they must pay you up front and then they may submit the bill to the insurance company for a refund.
This way they still get the FREE repair with qualifiying insurance coverage, and you get paid up front! The easiest way to do this is to accepts credit cards. Almost everyone has a debit card on them at all times.
I know some may not agree, they may say you will loose business and so on.. Medical professionals have been doing it this way for years! most will only bill their prefered insurance company. The rest you must get reimbursment from yourself.
And yes I promote FREE repairs as well, But, just like what I said above. You pay me, you get your money back, I dont wait thirty or more days for payments.
I had to start doing it this way because most insurance companies will not pay you for a long crack repair. However they are more likely to reimburse their client back for a long crack repair paid out of pocket. As a matter of fact, I always call, write or email my customers thirty days later to find out if they were reimbursed (this goes a long way with 'trust selling' by the way) I have never had one tell me they couldnt get their money back from the insurance company, oh the ins. co may cry and moan about paying it but they will if they want to keep their customers!
Follow AGSS his way of doing insurance repairs , I will and tell the client to submit your ,,paid in full,, signed invoice to his insurance company.
This way NO hastle and you receive your money up front !
Dave M;24299 wrote:Why do you think most insurance companies will not pay for long crack repair?
I have not found many that will. The biggest insurer in this area is State Farm.
State Farm will not pay for long cracks, allstate is another. Unless, of course you want to charge $50 for a long crack! :eusa_snoo