Professional Training in the UK

[leogra]

Hi All,

I am interested in adding windscreen repair to my valeting business in the near future and after reading this forum I think I need professional training, as at the moment not all the repairs I have done on my practice screens are invisible. I have been using the Glass Technology Maxim but getting differing results.

Does anyone know of any places in the UK that could provide quality training as most I

[Mr Bill]

Repairing the breaks will not make them invisible.
Less visible: yes
Invisible: no
It depends on how severe the damage was and how old it was before you started.
Repair will, however prevent the damage from spidering out and ruining the whole windshield.

[leogra]

Mr Bill thanks for your reply

The problem with adding conditions to repairs like how old it is, how bad it is is that once the customer has left your work is then open to criticism from every repair person who thinks they could have done it better. At the moment in the UK one of the largest windscreen companies is running TV and radio adverts that imply that a repair will be almost invisible.

I have not had any training only followed the instructions that came with my kit, but after reading on this forum that repairs should be no more visible than a dried raindrop I realised that the repairs I had carried out on my practice screens were not always that good.

It would be helpful here in the UK if there were a standard qualification so you could at least be assured you have done the best possible repair. It is very easy to tell someone that you could have done a better job after the job has been done and this then leads to confusion for the customer.

Thanks

[Brent Deines]

False advertising has always been a problem in this industry, but it can work in your favor. Anyone who is told the break will completely disappear will be disappointed and will not likely use that service again. Be honest, or even under sell the end results that can be expected and you will always have happy customers.

The dried raindrop is also not accurate, at least not on all repairs. Mr. Bill is right, it depends on the size, age, and severity of the damage.

Training is somewhat system specific, but Graham Watson (Screenman on the windshield repair forum) has used different types of equipment over the years, and I believe he is also familiar with the equipment that all the big companies in the UK currently use, so I would recommend getting some training from him, or at least speaking with him, if at all possible.

Graham can help you set realistic expectations, and if you have him train you I am sure you will be doing much better repairs than the competition in no time at all. You will also understand what I mean about deceptive advertising, and Graham will help you figure out how you overcome it.

I have sent a number of windshield repair technicians to Graham in the past, and so far have heard nothing but great things about his training. He will probably chime in on this thread soon, but I would be happy to send you his contact information if you are interested.

[leogra]

Hi Brent

Thanks for your reply. I would be grateful if you could pass on Screenmans contact information so I can contact him.

Thanks

[Brent Deines]

I sent it to you via Private Message this afternoon.

[screenman]

Trust me too have a few days off when someone needs me, Leogra I have sent you an email and look forward to chatting with you.