FREE WINDSHIELD REPAIR *ask or details

[splitpit]

Oh, and proview, I didn't trash talk anyone. I voiced my opinion of the FREE gimmick, IN GENERAL.

I truly believe that within 5 years insurance companies will no longer provide this service. Windshields are getting cheaper all the time and more and more people are carrying high deductibles. The writing is on the wall. The average insured won't be filing a claim for replacement anyway, since they can pay for it themselves and save money. So at some point insurance companies are going to realize that paying for windshield repair is no longer a worthwile program.

[GlassStarz]

Once again you have started a thread for the sole purpose of negative BS for someone who has been warned and actually kicked off here recently I would think you would try to stay on track with the stated purpose of this board To promote the WR field and help others succeed by sharing info and techniques your comments do neither As far as the Free Windshield Repair sales pitch goes it can be found on almost every major WR suppliers site it is an accepted and proven method you once again have voiced your dislike for the fact that someone else has dared to work in your area and rather that being positive and seeing competition as good you go negative and run the other guy down I for one am tired of your BS and have to wonder whether your bragged success is real. Someone making a good living isnt negative rather would be prone to embrassing new people in his area makes one wonder How bout you try to stay on track or just stay silent?

[Brent Deines]

This subject has been covered in other threads and plenty of opinions have been voiced on both sides of the topic. I don't think splitpit is being negative here, just very passionate about his stance on advertising "free windshield repair".

It is a hook, or gimmick, and it has been used very successfully. I don't think there is really any question about that. As far as I know it is also legal, so the only question is whether it is ethical and/or is it good for the advertising.

My kid's orthodontist advertises that kids can get a "free" bicycle if he does their braces. It isn't really free, but he is very good at what he does, so we use his service and yes we did end up with a bike. I have no problem with that, and don't see it as false advertising in any way, but others might. He has a very good reputation so in my opinion his advertising has not hurt his business or the industry in any way, but again, that is just my opinion based on my experience.

I do agree with splitpit that we should not put all our eggs in one basket, and we should have a marketing plan that goes a bit deeper, but I think everyone is well aware of that, and if/when the insurance companies quit waiving the deductibles for windshield repair (State Farm already has) the "free windshield repair" method of advertising will simply be modified or eliminated. It may be a temporary setback for some, but I don't think anyone will suffer a lot for it.

In any case, all of this has been said over and over again in other threads. Is there anything new here, or are we just trying to convince others that our point of view has to be the only point of view?

[splitpit]

I'm not here to impress you GlassStarz. I've seen your opinions and views posted on here as well and they weren't always the same as everyone elses. Everyone does not always agree with you either buddy. I may view what you have to say as "BS" as well but by calling it that you have taken an attack approach that I hope results in a warning from Brent.

As for sharing helpful advice on this subject, I have done that by encouraging others to develop a marketing plan that will take you beyond the demise of FREEBIE advertising. Many techs. seem to hang their hats on that hook and rely on it to lure their customers in.

In the nearly 13 years that I have been in business, I have not had to rely on a gimmick to get jobs. I have built a solid customer base by doing good repairs, giving prompt friendly service and a professional image. My advertising and marketing has never included the word free and never will.
That gimmick is not necessary to be successful in this industry.
I see it as a crutch that others like to lean on or a security blanket but you better be prepared to throw it out and get on with business without it.

For you new guys who think it is a necessary way of doing business, it's not.

[splitpit]

I'm not here to impress you GlassStarz. I've seen your opinions and views posted on here as well and they weren't always the same as everyone elses. Everyone does not always agree with you either buddy. I may view what you have to say as "BS" as well but by calling it that you have taken an attack approach that I hope results in a warning from Brent.

As for sharing helpful advice on this subject, I have done that by encouraging others to develop a marketing plan that will take you beyond the demise of FREEBIE advertising. Many techs. seem to hang their hats on that hook and rely on it to lure their customers in.

In the nearly 13 years that I have been in business, I have not had to rely on a gimmick to get jobs. I have built a solid customer base by doing good repairs, giving prompt friendly service and a professional image. My advertising and marketing has never included the word free and never will.
That gimmick is not necessary to be successful in this industry.
I see it as a crutch that others like to lean on or a security blanket but you better be prepared to throw it out and get on with business without it.

For you new guys who think it is a necessary way of doing business, it's not.

[Brent Deines]

I'm not here to impress you GlassStarz. I've seen your opinions and views posted on here as well and they weren't always the same as everyone elses. Everyone does not always agree with you either buddy. I may view what you have to say as "BS" as well but by calling it that you have taken an attack approach that I hope results in a warning from Brent.

As for sharing helpful advice on this subject, I have done that by encouraging others to develop a marketing plan that will take you beyond the demise of FREEBIE advertising. Many techs. seem to hang their hats on that hook and rely on it to lure their customers in.

In the nearly 13 years that I have been in business, I have not had to rely on a gimmick to get jobs. I have built a solid customer base by doing good repairs, giving prompt friendly service and a professional image. My advertising and marketing has never included the word free and never will.
That gimmick is not necessary to be successful in this industry.
I see it as a crutch that others like to lean on or a security blanket but you better be prepared to throw it out and get on with business without it.

For you new guys who think it is a necessary way of doing business, it's not.

Okay, everyone has had a chance to make their point, and it is very clear where you stand. Rather than continue the argument of who is right and who is wrong, how about sharing the plan that has made you so successful. Maybe with that kind of input we can turn this tread into something valuable and end the quibbling before it gets out of hand.

I think everyone on this forum would be interested in hearing about your successful marketing techniques.

[screenman]

One of the priciples I know about marketing is do something. Many people in all walks of business life complain of slow times but do not actively do anything about it. As for free windscreen repair it works fantasically for many people. Personaly I get bored waiting for the work to come I would rather go out and find it.

[gt_repair]

When I got into this business going on 17 yrs ago, I was one of 3 in town and we all knew each other and refered to each other when someone was in a rush. Right now 2 of use are still here.. Now we have 8 locals and 3 or 4 from out of town (75 miles away) coming in. That piece of pie has gotten smaller every year and harder to make any money. The only thing that keeps me going is the loyal accounts and retail customers that TRUST me and my work...

They say compation is good. I say, yes to that. Just not to the low balling to get the job. I hold my price and if they say the other guy is cheeper, I will tell them to go there then. If you want better work and more years doing this than here is my price. I will also tell them I am not 5 min. repair shop and you will get your moneys worth.. I will get about 50% of them to use me then.

I tryed the "FREE TO YOU" banners years ago. I did not do much. It is the person and the work you do that keeps you in busness.

I have seen a lot come, and a lot of them go.

On that peice of pie, "I would like to have seconds please"


Don D.

[splitpit]

My marketing plan is actually very simple.

Work breeds work. In other words, get out there and do something! Spend your time that is not occupied with repair jobs selling new potential customers. Don't sit at home or under a tent waiting for work to come to you! Make a list of every potential customer in your market area and start cold calling them. Fleets, dealers, school districts, city vehicles, State Dept. of Transporatation, Bus Lines, Utility Companies and other service companies with mutliple vehicles, etc. Introduce yourself to all of your area insurance agents (in person) and get to know them over time.

I do mobile service in spite of high fuel prices because like I said, work breeds work. When on site, expecially at someones place of business, be visible. Check other vehicles in the lots and let your customer know that others have damage too. On a regular basis I get new jobs while on site doing jobs. You should be looking for that at every stop you make. You can double each days income just by looking for new opportunities at every stop.

Each and every day you can find a new customer. All you have to do is make the effort!

And once they are your customer, keep them your customer by doing high quality work, giving them excellent service, presenting yourself in a professional manner and befriending them. They WILL give you future business as well as sending relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers to you. They will become LOYAL repeat customers.

Join the insurance networks, SGC, Lynx. Harmon, etc. It is worth being a member shop. Insurance referals account for a large portion of my business as well.

The old saying beat the bushes holds true, especially in the beginning. YOU are your best advertising! The more you are out there working, the more business will come your way. If you are sitting under a tent twiddling your thumbs waiting for someone to come along, you are wasting valuable time that you could be using to locate customers!

Building a successful business will not happen by waiting for customers. You have to always be thinking about opportunities to present yourself and your business to others.

Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Attend their socials and meet the other area business owners. Give them a hand shake and a card and explain what you do. They are all potential customers. Their employees are all potential customers. Their relatives are all potential customers. Their neighbors are all potential customers. Each new job you do has the potential of bringing you more business. Don't burn your bridges. Treat everyone you deal with, with respect.

Is it hard work? Sure it is. Is it harder than sitting under a tent with a FREE WINDSHIELD REPAIR sign? Of course it is. But in my opinion, it's the best way to build a successful business. And when the bottom drops out of insurance paid repair bucket, you'll be a step ahead of the FREEBIE guys.

[splitpit]

My marketing plan is actually very simple.

Work breeds work. In other words, get out there and do something! Spend your time that is not occupied with repair jobs selling new potential customers. Don't sit at home or under a tent waiting for work to come to you! Make a list of every potential customer in your market area and start cold calling them. Fleets, dealers, school districts, city vehicles, State Dept. of Transporatation, Bus Lines, Utility Companies and other service companies with mutliple vehicles, etc. Introduce yourself to all of your area insurance agents (in person) and get to know them over time.

I do mobile service in spite of high fuel prices because like I said, work breeds work. When on site, expecially at someones place of business, be visible. Check other vehicles in the lots and let your customer know that others have damage too. On a regular basis I get new jobs while on site doing jobs. You should be looking for that at every stop you make. You can double each days income just by looking for new opportunities at every stop.

Each and every day you can find a new customer. All you have to do is make the effort!

And once they are your customer, keep them your customer by doing high quality work, giving them excellent service, presenting yourself in a professional manner and befriending them. They WILL give you future business as well as sending relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers to you. They will become LOYAL repeat customers.

Join the insurance networks, SGC, Lynx. Harmon, etc. It is worth being a member shop. Insurance referals account for a large portion of my business as well.

The old saying beat the bushes holds true, especially in the beginning. YOU are your best advertising! The more you are out there working, the more business will come your way. If you are sitting under a tent twiddling your thumbs waiting for someone to come along, you are wasting valuable time that you could be using to locate customers!

Building a successful business will not happen by waiting for customers. You have to always be thinking about opportunities to present yourself and your business to others.

Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Attend their socials and meet the other area business owners. Give them a hand shake and a card and explain what you do. They are all potential customers. Their employees are all potential customers. Their relatives are all potential customers. Their neighbors are all potential customers. Each new job you do has the potential of bringing you more business. Don't burn your bridges. Treat everyone you deal with, with respect.

Is it hard work? Sure it is. Is it harder than sitting under a tent with a FREE WINDSHIELD REPAIR sign? Of course it is. But in my opinion, it's the best way to build a successful business. And when the bottom drops out of insurance paid repair bucket, you'll be a step ahead of the FREEBIE guys.