Belle Tire Getting Into Autoglass?

[StarQuest]

This thread probably applies to Michigan's market more than others but when a big tire chain decides to get into autoglass (both repair and replacement) and is also offering mobile service it should catch you attention. If they're successful in this area it could possibly migrate to others. I personally don't think it will work out for them in the long term but it will definately have some effect to independants with cash and insurance work presently provided.

Currently, they are running daily advertisement on both radio and TV.

To counter this, I'm thinking of buying a nice trailer and offering mobile tire and rim replacement....not really! But I'm sure somebody else considered it.

[tooldini]

I had heard the same thing starquest I am hoping that their advertising will just help spread the word. So many people still don't know that you can repair shields and just because they heard about it from Belle tire does'nt mean they will go there for the repair. I try to look at it positive like that LOL

Jeff

[screenman]

We found when Belron got into repair the customer awareness level went up, we did not notice a drop off in work level in fact the opposite.

[Glasseye]

Windscreen replacement/repair and tyre replacement/repair are two entirely different beasts. Whilst it would seem plausible to offer the services together, the logistics of running such a service do not bear this out. I think the probable outcome of this type of operation would either be one of the services not functioning at 100% or, in the worst scenario, the entire business fails.

[StarQuest]

Belron is also here Screeman, they just recently took over Safelite who presently is the largest repair and replacement provider in the U.S. followed by Harmon and Diamond auto glass(previously known as D/T).

I'm really not overly concered with this as long as they don't start dropping pricing!

They advertise pretty heavy in my area and the last thing I want to see is some $19.95 repair special being offered on TV (which could take place one of these days) They sale and make their money off tires, custom wheels, front end alignments and mechanical repairs. OK, now there offering glass repair and replacement? Personally, I believe they're making the wrong move going into autoglass. Why? Simply because they won't be able to secure the quality techs needed to back up their quality advertised services. These techs are currently working for the other big companies and getting paid fairly well. To me it's another bate and switch. Get as many people in the door as you can through windshield repair and replacement services, then upsell to tires, shocks, struts, battery ect...

As far as public awareness to repair? I don't need a Belle Tire type business to provide that....every insurance company TPA that I know has already been pushing this on insureds daily for some some tome now. I really don't see this company helping me out much, unless they want to hire me into management training for 60-80 K per year, with health insurance and 401 K included.

[tooldini]

I wouldn't worry about it starquest,, I am thinking of it differently. I personally get at least 5 customers a week telling me they didn't know you could repair chips untill they seen a sign or banner some were and it wasn't my sign or banner

Jeff

[StarQuest]

Well not to say I already told you so....but here's what I found out doing some Belle Tire research today.

Talked to 5 service managers(out of the 20 in my area) inquiring about cash only prices for in shop windshield repair. Managers were all very nice and professional. They stated that cash repair would cost $39.99 if you brought it in but then said if you go online to couponsavings.com you can get it for $19.99???

Isn't that what I previously stated would happen in a earlier post and it only took less then two weeks of them offering glass services to accomplish this.

I have to agree with you Jeff, that public awareness is good for the repair industry but is them promoting $19.99 good for me or my business? I think not! In your area it may not be a big deal cause you don't have 20 plus Belles but for me it is.

I also inquired about employee certifications. They stated all techs have went through extensive training. I asked how extensive? He said around 3-4 weeks!

Enough said! Can't wait till they offer Nitronizing repairs just like they promote it for tires!!!

[GlassStarz]

Useing an add on service like WR and replacement to bring customers in the door makes sense. I know a couple years back the local jiffy lubes and yipe stripes added both didnt affect me at all did raise public awareness which is a good thing.

[StarQuest]

GlassStarz,

We have the Jiffy lubes around here all offering repairs that are contracted through Safelite and it's never really presented a problem to my services. However, they don't advertise repairs for $19.99. I personally understand we work and live in a free business market where any company is entitled to compete. Competition is good as long as everybody plays by the same rules. The number one rule I live by.... is don't lowball everybody else to acquire market share because when you do, you'll have to shave somewhere to make it profitable. Normally, that would mean lower quality or standards. What happens when people experience low quality in repair? They stop believing in it! So much for the positive awareness in repair.

Lets be honest here everybody, are you going to put the same love into a $19.99 repair as you would for a $50 one?

JMHO

[tooldini]

I agree with you starquest that it could put a bad taste in customers mouths if they get a crappy repair which they probably will get. Luckily right now I am 90%+ insurance referral and free always beats $19.99 .I have been getting several customers a week from my website and hopefully they won't know of or remember belle tire. The closest one to me is toledo ohio.

Jeff