Here's my real question, folks...

[tonk]

I'm on here because I grew up a in blue-collar city in Western New York. My father and uncles worked their butts off in "steel mills". I grew up in that mentality of work hard, and you'll be fine.

Well, living in L.A., it's not quite the same mentality. I love working outdoors, or at least keep "moving". I hate the office confinement. This is a great opportunity that I know I can thrive in because of my sales and marketing background, and my prior experience with my own carpet cleaning business.

I severely injured my leg and had to get out of the carpet cleaning business. My leg is fine now, but I don't want to do the carpet cleaning thing anymore.

I just don't want any b.s. as far as "windshield repair" goes. I know I can make it work. I just don't want to get involved with the wrong company with the wrong training or products.

I know this might be a "double" post, but I'm very serious about this, and I just want straight answers about training and products.

Here's the deal:

I'm in West Los Angeles. I have sales and marketing skills. I used to have my own business. I can make this work as long as I know the product and equipment works.

Thanks,
Tom

[screenman]

Now I might be a little biased because I use Delta products, I must add that over the years I have used and experimented with lots of other companies equipment and much prefer Delta, it does what it says on the tin.

Now another way to look at it is how come this is by far and away the biggest forum for WSR in the world, the answer I feel is down to Delta and the effort they have put into our trade.

Just go Delta and get out there and start earning, if you do not like the kit or training they will give you your money back, how good is that.

Best of luck whichever way you go.

[tonk]

Screenman,

You are adding to my thoughts about Delta. So far... they outweigh the others.

I thank you for the response.

Sincerely,
Tom

[Frank EU]

This indeed is kinda double, but you added some more information and that helps, thank you.
You just have to do your research, visit the websites, but seek no contact with the suppliers/manufacturers. There is one website out there where a log-in, to view their products/on line store, is required, that is just stupid, are we talking NASA or NATO secret stuff here or is it just about simple things like glass repair? I would avoid any website where they require your private details, before you are 'allowed' to view their stuff. (why would they hunt you for your details? once they have your details, they may be contacting you all the time) You are the customer, you will be deciding >not them. I believe that any internet online shop should be open to the public, without any limits. I would visit all the websites that can be viewed without a ''pass word'' first.

While you are going through the websites, you just write down all the questions you've got and than post them here on the board. Once you have your answers, if any, you may want to contact the manufacturers/suppliers, that way you have narrowed down your selection. The answers you are going to get will of course be very much in favour of the system the poster is using, but at least they will give you a fair view, use your brain and see through some advices. If needed, ask additional questions.
Remember; the manufacturers/suppliers may have a lot of experience, but the real every day experience is here amongst the board members.

Just two last hints; a bigger or more expensive injector is not always a better product and you simply should forget about the independent test result crap.

[adam@gtglass]

Frank and I disagree about the validity of independent tests. I would not completely disregard any independent test, but rather, be watchful for what the results are actually saying. And ask questions! don't be afraid to grill the person making the claim. If they back peddle or balk at your questions, I would question the validity of it as well, but if it's sound reasoning, don't disregard it simply because one person tells you to...

[Nomad]

There are people that have more than one company's injector. I am one. I find that there are advantages for one piece of equipment in certain situations. That same injector may cause problems in another situation. If you stay in the business you will probably experiment with different pieces of equipment, injectors, drills, resins etc over a period of time. Just because you decide to buy one brand at first, don't think that you are somehow locked into that decision for life.

Saying that, I have my favorite equipment that I use all the time. I am familiar with it and know its capabilities and drawbacks. Every time something is designed there will be compromises made so that it will be able to do more things instead of just one. And every injector will do some things, at least one thing maybe, better than another. I agree that buying something expensive doesn't always guarantee satisfaction.

If you could go to an expo or something where different equipment is demonstrated it would be helpful. Maybe contact some wsr techs not too far away and see if you can watch them use their equipment?? Tons of info on this site, search and read a lot, but don't put off for months doing something for fear of making an error. You will make back the cost of most any system very shortly once you start the business. Don't fall into what is called the previous investment trap, you can always change to another system if you see something better in the future. In fact, you will have a complete system so all that would be needed is another injector and bridge so you aren't going to be out a lot if you want to change or add a different injector to your tool box.

I hope this makes sense.

[mrchips]

Great question.....and some good answers. I remember buying my first equipment and being so frustrated at the lack of support and couldn't make it work right and all that......I obviously figured it out.

But if I had to do it over again, I would do two things.

One I would look into this forum deeper and listen to the opinions of what other techs are using and make a list (spreadsheet of the top 5 systems) and

Two I would talk to the sales reps and ask them to provide 2 or 3 referral of their satisfied customers (real techs who are using the stuff everyday) and find out what they like, dislike etc.

There are some great systems out there as far as equipment is concerned, don't forget to ask about the resins too. They are not all created equal (so add that to your spreadsheet). Important to get non yellowing, fast cure time, and reasonably priced resin.

Then after you have all this info, you will be able to make a more informed decision.

PS. One last tip, make sure the company you go with provides support for AFTER the sale. Like telephone access to someone who knows the equipment, someone you can call during your day if you need to...........so important.

Have fun and make a lot of money!

Good Luck and Happy Chippin!

[GLASSTIME]

GO DELTA!

When window shopping for kits here's what we found! That Made Delta the right choice,

1. Website is simple, easy to navigate around,
2. Quick response team
3. Answered all my questions
4. Still to today, if I call I get to talk instantly; (Thank You Korey!)
5. Easy pay no loops or hoops to go through
6.I sent a email to Korey on a Sunday night figured "Hey, he will get it first thing Monday morning when he comes in" No he answered shortly after sending
7. System is very, very easy to use, no excessive hoses, or bulky machines to tote around and no crazy not needed pumps
8. I've only been doing it "Repairs" for about 2 months Love It!


Any questions need more info PM me for my contact number, ill be glad to spill!

Chad

[tonk]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. You've been very helpful. I'll be around here doing a lot of reading so if I have questions I'll ask!!!

Thanks again!
Tom

[Chips be-gone]

I would like to add, like MRCHIP said, Call the manufactors, ask for them to provide 2 or 3 referral of their satisfied customers (real techs who are using the stuff everyday) and find out what they like, dislike etc.

I do wood working and welding in my spare time and have bought lots of different pieces of Equipment and tools ( Table saws, Drill presses, Band saws, Grinders and welders). I have found things that I did not like and or did like about all of them. I jumped on the forums and asked others (like you are doing now) what they liked about a certion tool or Equipment and weighted the options on all. I have upgraded most all of you tools and wish I would have done it sooner. It makes my job faster to make without any headaches fighting with a table saw and welder that is not up to the job...

Asking what someone what they like or dislike about a system is worth the time invested.
You are on a Delta site and will get a lot of Delta input (but not all). This will be your lively hood, so like most all of us are saying, Call the manufacturers and get lots of Referrals from others that have already bought.