Getting Started

[GlasWeldTech]

Here are some pointers that worked and didn't work for me when we started up and are only mentioned to try and help the newcomers.

ACT is fine to get started with and the more repairs you will start doing you will want to find another method to keep more of your money in your pocket. We had MAINSTREET and it is kind of pricey at $300.00 for the software and $100.00 yearly maintenance fees. Now we use GlassComp.

My yellow page ad costs us $295.00 a month (Dollar Bill size ad)and it helps get you out in the public eye. I no longer have the ad now but did when getting started. Good work and word of mouth is the best. We took out ads in the newspaper car care ads which came out once a month and best we could trace it netted one repair.

Dress and be professional. I point out any scratches or dents in a nice way if they are located where I need to be working around. Always keep your service vehicle clean looking. I get many comments on how well we keep out own vehicle looking.

We did the EZ Up tent thing with free cokes while the repair was being made and many people didn't have the required insurance, but we set up in a bad part of town I think.

Fleet work is our bread and butter. We will give away 2 repairs to show what we can do and DO NOT ever lower our price to what they are currently paying. I have had dealers tell me someone comes by and fixes all the breaks on one windshield for only $10.00 per vehicle. I tell them there is no way I can do that and to look at my repairs and the other repairs. I will come back weekly and briefly speak with that dealer again and let him know that his $10.00 man hasn't been by lately and bid him farewell and a good day. After 2 or 3 weeks I am doing his lot at my price. Dealers basically could care less what a repair looks like good or bad as long as they assume the break has been fixed. I try and quickly educate them to what is good and bad and what we can do for him. I also tell him this is all we do and we will be there weekly for him. I have had dealers tell me they can get windshields installed for $50 or $60 and I immediately tell him if he could that I would like him to get me 3 for my truck. So far I haven't bought any.If you get his account to have to be there weekly or whatever terms he says or he will lose loyalty with you also. On our better ones we bring them donuts sometimes.

The fleet (car lots) you can look at their lot and tell alot about their business. Are they all TAX cars? They will try and beat you down and I avoid them. Are they a New car dealer also? I love these lots. Most will pay via NET 30 and you have to be able to stand this money wise. They like us, like to hold onto their money as long as possible.

Retail? It is hit or miss here and you would be surprised at how many people do not know about the deductables being waived.

Equipment? There is a lot of good equipment and some bad. What works for me may not be your forte. And vise versa.I do not believe there is a BEST. Be the best you can be and practice and get the training that is out there. It will be money well spent and you will get it back shortly. DO NOT short change this field. Keep it clean and in good shape.

Resins? Lots of good resins also. Lots of snake oil. Again stay with a major manufacturer. Keep a good supply to where you will not run out before the reorder is in.

Hope this helps someone just starting out no matter what brand you chose to buy.

[Delta Kits]

Excellent post GlasWeldTech, thanks!