Certifications for better Insurance referals

[candyman]

This is for Brent & SGT: I rec another update yesterday from SGC. I have all these fax updates on prices yet I have almost zero referals from them. One company in this city seems to get all the work. They install and since I've started advertizing repairs, they are now doing that also. My question is this. Since they dont take Delta or NWRA certification & training, should I also take the National Glass certification? I didnt sign on for the automatic job dispatch from the networks either. Due to my work schedule I cant always be at a certain place at a certain time that they select. That may be two of the main reasons I dont get referals from them. If I took the other certification, that may open a few more jobs for me.
Does any of you other repair only techs have the same problem? The few jobs that I did get , I had no problem filling the invoice or collecting my fee. The customers gave them a good evaluation on my services, quick response and repair. I rec a letter from their insurance companies stating I was in good standing with them and would be extended through 2011. I envy those that get referals on a daily or weekly basis. Any suggestions?

[GLASSTIME]

Does any of you other repair only techs have the same problem? The few jobs that I did get , I had no problem filling the invoice or collecting my fee. The customers gave them a good evaluation on my services, quick response and repair. I rec a letter from their insurance companies stating I was in good standing with them and would be extended through 2011. I envy those that get referals on a daily or weekly basis. Any suggestions?

Candyman, I will only reply to this portion of the post as for the start of your post is directed to others pacifically.

Honeslty, I HAVE NEVER RECIEVED A REFERRAL, NOR A PRICE UPDATE! fROM ANY OF THE NETWORKS

The only thing I have ever recieved from anyone in regards to insurance companies and or the networks is when I first signed up with HSG, two days later they called to give me a Door Window job. So at that time , I laughed, told the rep I don't do that as my company only does repair! He updated the files and thus since then I haven't recieved anything.

I am curious are you with a third party admin allowing them to submit your EDI'?
If not I was going to say this may be a reason I don't receive these so called contacts from the industry!

Not sure what to say other than that's my experiance thus far.... Will it change? I don't know the answer to that!

[Clarity Glass]

Candyman, SGC has sent me 3 referrals in 5 years...all out in the boonies where replacement companies don't want to service. I do get 5-6 referrals a month from HSG..not much but it's something. All I have is my Delta certification. Certifications are not going to help you with SGC.

[Brent Deines]

We don't get many referrals from SGC either and several of us are NGA certified. Like Clarity, we get most of our referrals from HSG but we really don't count on referrals from anyone.

[GLASSTIME]

I think the big picture here we should all be aware of is no, Certifications may not matter to the networks , however when signing up on the Networks I do know there are places on the applications that ask to list any and all certifications you may have. I feel in the very near future not Networks but insurance companies globally will require all Repair & Replacement Shops to be up to date on Certifications before they will authorize a claim for you.

I mostly along with SGT (Brian) use my Certifications and patches as a Image Advantage. The customer or potential consumer may have recently seen or was counseled by a competitor of mine and he may not of mentioned he had certifications or she may not have seen them first hand. I feel by my patches being visible and in sirect view throughout the process gains me and my company more creditability!

I feel that it should be a "DESIRE" and every WSR Technician should want to be Certified regardless of your experiance. It shows you have a higher commitment to your industry and you have went through the process (Taken the Time) to be Certified!

It's the "SMALLEST" things that matter most!



JMHO!

[candyman]

I hope everyone had a safe Thanksgiving. My son arrived back to the states last Thursday. My wife and I saw him only for 4 hours while he was enroute back to his home base in San Diego. My wife had enough time to get her hug and count all his toes and fingers and ensure he was fine at the air base in Norfolk Va.
I file my own claims and its failrly straight forward. I use a form Korey sent me last year to fax to SGC or Lynx. I dont have any information on the other network that you mentioned. I also feel that by wearing my certification patches I present a professional appearance, and a sense of validation for my trade to my customers.