Idea Safelite Post (Independent Network)

[Onsite]

If there was a network for Independent Windshield Repair technicians that was setup to refer work to each other would you use it?

For example if had someone call me or I knew someone that needed a repair done in Detroit Michigan and it was outside of my area that I covered.I would look at this referal network sheet or website and refer them to a company was in the network.

Would this make sense?

Give me your thoughts.

[Onsite]

Actually now that I see your website address. I see you do alot of advertising for Michigan Windshield Repair.

My thought was creating a network for Independent shops to help each other out.

[Robin Hood]

I see, kind of like a Windshield Repair Business Network Group. Interesting because I have been looking at local Business Network Groups as well.

Here is a few of the problems I see:

I personally don't like to put my reputation on the line referring someone that I don't personnally know does good work. (My issue maybe not others)

It cost money (small amount) to run a website and administer so you would need to charge a small fee to belong to this. The is already a windshield Repair referral site that charges and they don't seem to be that successfull.

Basically this site is an online Repair networking group for ideas on how to run a w/r business and technical support through networking.

Here is where Delta Kits could provide a referral (Find a Tech) solution. When
you do any web search for windshield repair Delta always comes to the top of the search engines. (Great Job Delta!)

If Delta would add a list to their website where people looking for someone in their area at either a state or city level that would be the idea situation.

In a since, this is a business network and when a Technician signs up to be a member of this site, delta could ask if you would like to have your company listed in their W/R business directory and maybe charge a small fee to link to your web site.

This way a directory exists of all our businesses countrywide. We can refer people outside our area to go to this directory without providing a personal recommendation. Or print out the directory and give a recommendation if you choose.

This would give us the maximum exposure by partnering with Delta. We get more repairs and Delta sells more supplies.

Now if we could only get Delta to get Lynks to nego. higher repair prices! hehe

[cazador]

To start a referral site is great, still doesn't make the fist I talked about in another thread.
Become a member of an union by w/s techs only, team up together , than we can negotiate with the networks en mass and they will dance to our tune.
Now we are dancing to their music, I prefer to turn the dice over !!

[Onsite]

I like your idea Robin Hood.

I was just brain strorming ideas that all independent shops could work together to create more business.

I see your concern about refering work to someone when you do not know if they are doing quality repairs.

Maybe in order to join the network they would have had to have some type of certified training or so many years of experience.

[Robin Hood]

Great idea Onsite don't get me wrong, but the more restrictions you place on becomeing a member, the more administration required to run such a program. Someone will have administer the site, take application, screen applicants, respond to applicants.

I believe (My opinion) it would be eisier to do a business directory where individuals can "Find a Shop" in their area from members of this network.

If Delta was ever to agree to such an idea, a small fee to add a link to you web site and free to just add name and number could pay for the administration costs. This way the only requirement is to be a member of this network or forum. It would be a business directory instead of referral network which would serve the same purpose just not make some uncomfortable.

[chips1144]

If Delta was to charge a fee wouldnt the big guys have just as much right to pay their money and join, I say word of mouth works best, of course you need to know the guy you reccomend does good work.

[Robin Hood]

Chips that is true it would give the big guys the opportunity to sign up but if you limit it to one listing per member it wouldn't benefit them any more than the rest of us.

The big guys already have the ability to sign up here and would have the ability to sign up on a referal network as well. I'm not into paying money for anything but I am realistic enough to know there is an added expence involved regaurdless of which route you take.

Your right word of mouth works best if you are well known and you know other techs well enough. It was suggested to create a Nationwide referral bank for independant technicians and it would be impossible to know more than a handfull that you or I am willing to refer. Which in turn makes it difficult for the referral system to work.

This forum has a large collection of tech from around the world. Some show where they are from and some don't. If every tech that is a member of the forum was given an opportunity to list one business listing in a business directory from Delta's site, I think it would work well.

Example:

I received a phone call from a police officer the other day to do a repair. I showed up and laid out my hood protector on his vehicle and the first think he said was "Hey, you use Delts Kits! I seen their website the other day when I was looking for someone to repair my windshield."

Delta Kits, Inc. has worked hard to get their website listed in the top of search engines. If you search windshield repair you will most likely find them one or two but almost always on the top ten. Many of the Tech that are members of this forum use delta products as well. I think that it would be nice if Delta expanded it's B2B relationship with the members of this forum by adding a business directory.

[cazador]

In order to show my customers I work with the best products in this world , DeltaKit , I have requested some decals to paste on my business vehicle.
Sofar none has been sent to me yet, because there aren't any decals anymore. Matt drives around with a DeltaKit decal on his truck, why not have them reprinted and send them to the techs that ask for one or two . I use DeltaKit's tools and products and feel I work with a superior product.
Isn't there a saying : If you got it flaunt it ? ( might mean something else, but still.......!).

[Glassdoc]

There is a website that already exists to find a Windshield Repair Tech in your local area.. It is called:
http://www.wefixwindshields.com