If you can\'t \"beat \'em\" . . .

[DaveC]

Please take this with a grain of salt

Given the recent posts regarding such things as using appropriate verbage (rebates), network steering, bait & switch, will insurance rates (or discounts) actually be affected by a repair claim, etc. . .

I've decided that the insurance companies, networks and bait & switch shops have to be either right, or doing something right, 'cause they are the ones making all of the money.

Ergo, heretofore and evermore, my sales pitch/strategy has changed.

I will never, ever, ever again, offer a free repair (you know, an insurance job).

Here are some phrases I'll use in certain situations to really close the deal:

The standard approach . . .

"Sure Mr. Smith, I can directly bill your insurance company for 60 bucks for your repair and come out ahead, but wouldn't you rather give me 50 bucks right now and avoid the possibility of your insurance premium going up by 200 or more dollars? Not only am I saving your windshield, but I'm saving you another 150 bucks on top of that!!!!"

As for the old network steering and the network/claim folks' standard response that my WSR business is not on their "Approved" list . . .

"Mr. Smith, you do realize that 'Approved' WSR/Glass companies have a signed contract with your insurance company? What do you think would happen to your insurance rates if XYZ company reported, to your insurance company, the actual mileage on your vehicle as opposed to the 'guestimate' you provided them with when they wrote your policy? You're right, your rates could increase by several hundred dollars!!!

As my WSR company is not contracted with any insurance company, I work for you!!!! Just hand over the 50 bucks and I'll not only do a wonderful job repairing your windshield, but I'll keep your little secret safe;)"

The bait & switch response. . .

"Mr. Smith, I can see that GlassPharmacist WSR/Replacement Company quoted you $150.00 to give you a brand new windshield. But, if you look at this here NAGS pricelist, you can certainly see that the recommended 'safe/quality' windshield for your vehicle actually costs nearly three times as much. My only guess, Mr. Smith, is that GlassPharmacist is trying to sell you one of them cheap Yugoslavian windshield so they can make a few extra bucks, and we all know how long the Yugo lasted!!!

Just hand over 50 bucks and I'll provide you with a safe, quality repair!!!!"

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Gosh, with the above approach, I bet y'all that I'll be appearing in TV commericaals with "Grandmaw" in the very near future;)

[glassdoctor]

That's pretty funny man... let us know how that works out. (:

[desertstars]

Dave.

Your first question whether insurance companies raise rates because of repairs is a good one.

Some say they don't; but do.

Some say they don't know.

There seems to be a trend in that direction, though.

Consequently, we presently find it impossible to tell a customer the truth.

[DaveC]

My "tongue-in-cheek" post was alluding to the vagaries.

Ergo, I suggested (in jest), that we jump on the bandwagon and make things up as we go!!!! Naturally, we want to make these thing up to suit our own purposes.

Jeff's Lynx post certainly helps to clarify issues. However, if you called Lynx today, do you think that all of the staff that handles the phones would actually know this information as represented by the Lynx Official that Jeff spoke with?

Personally, my primary goal in any of my business ventures is to earn a profit. Joining a professional organization has never been my style. But, a membership in the local Chamber of Commerce, and regulalry "schmoozing" with the other Chamber members at breakfasts and after hours get-togethers, has always provided me with a very good ROI.

While I can't, by myself, change the opinion of the masses regarding any issue, I can at least promote myself and my ventures to those that would patronize me.

The bottom line, is the bottom line!