I have done it

[pitt]

I have started my own replacment and repair business. It was hard taking that big jump into the unknown. Business is looking good. I just want to thank everybody on this forum for all the good information.
Thanks
David

[cazador]

Windshield repair and/or replacement isn't an unknown business , we all can read the numbers going by the statisctics and see that it can be pretty profitable , only thing is what you put in , you will get out !!
I wish you a profitable future anyway !

[grouselab]

where did you get the training for replacement? I can replace a windshield very simple, but I would never do it on the customer's cars without being certified..I'm just not going to take that risk.. What the name of the training school? I would travel anywhere in the USA to get certified..
Have you learn your training from auto glass shop as a appentice before you started on your own? that would be a different story..
Thanks
Darren

[AGSS]

Good Luck Pitt!

since 1995, I had a chain of full service glass shops, now, repair only! no more replacements!

[grouselab]

Hey AGSS, you said you don't do replacement anymore.. Can you explain to us why? I understand the risk about replacement.. is there any other why?
Thanks
Darren

[pitt]

[quote="
Have you learn your training from auto glass shop as a appentice before you started on your own? that would be a different story.[/quote"]
Yes, I learned from a glass shop and just about all I do is motor homes and semi trucks

[AGSS]

Hey AGSS, you said you don't do replacement anymore.. Can you explain to us why? I understand the risk about replacement.. is there any other why?
Thanks
Darren

Basically, dealing with the insurance companies have become such a pain over the years that it is not really worth my time. Most parts are now what they call 'Net Priced' meaning they are not priced by the list price, here is an example.

Part list 185.90
NET PRICE COST 175.00

Lynx will pay for this job as follows

18% off nags list
20 Kit
100 flat labor

looks like this:

185.90 - 18% = 152.44 + 20 + 100 = 272.43 - a whopping $97.43 is what you will be paid for this job!

After Gas, insurance, man power, how much have you made?

Cash paying customers want the lowest price they can find and what they end up with is the 'cheapest' job they could get. I will not do a 'cheap' job, I would rather do it Free!

Inventory control, Sales and use, leaks, cut dashes, shorted out electrical systems, primers not holding to the glass, Glass distortions, molding problems, Primer drips on the dash, I have been through it all with several technicians. I would only reccomend that you do the jobs yourself or keep a close eye on the job.

[grouselab]

Thanks AGSS for explaining this.. I been thinking about replacement many times.. But, now I realized that it not worth it.. Thanks again AGSS

Darren

[cazador]

AGSS, I plan to buy a 1985 Pontiac Fiero GT on which the windshield has to be replaced. My Fiero SE has a sunband in the upper part of the windshield and like to have one installed like it on the GT. How much money do I have to pay ? Can you quote me a proximate price , no insurance coverage , straight deal !

[AGSS]

Cazador,

The part number for the 'shaded windshied' you have requested is a

DW989GBN (Shaded band windshield)
or a
DW989GTN (non shaded band windshield)

list price for this windshield is 185.75. Around here you could get this job done for around $200

- Chris