Seeking advice, opinions, suggestions

[Eco Steam]

Okay, heres the deal. I have been doing repairs now for a few years and I established all of my accounts with Lynx, SGC, Harmon, Data Tranz, etc. under my current business name, which is a Detailing Company name, well the issue I'm having, and have been having for a little over a year now is that maybe 5 to 10 times a week, I will get a fax directly sent over from lynx (internet fax), but I won't actually get a call from them. So, I will call the Customer ASAP, and attempt to schedule an appointment with them, and 99.99% of the time, they either just had it fixed or are getting it fixed as I'm talking to them.

So, heres whats going, there are multiple companys in the data base with the same abbreviation/name as mine or very similar names.

I'm contemplating on getting another DBA for the WSR/HR side of the business, and creating a new name.

What I need input on:

Do you think that this is the right move?

What would you do in a situation like this?

Anyone else have issues like this in the past or currently having them?

Anyone out there that has been doing WSR for a LONG TIME and had to do this?

Thanks y'all and hope to see some feedback!

[Frank EU]

I would never use any area-bound business name.
It narrows your future options, and even in the mind of customers etc it is probably going to cost you money (they may ''think'' that your services are limited to that specific area). I know, I know, you can add information in any add, such as ''we service (zip codes)'', but you better do it right from the start.

Also, you have experienced the importance of having a good (unique) business name (easy recognition, no more ''mistakes'').
I would strongly advice to not (never) use any abreviations, it looks silly (and people can make up new funny names).

If you do not plan on going statewide, or even bigger, and stay in Austin (which is just fine), than why not ''JustJay'' as a name?
It is unique, it tells that it is (most likely) a small local business with (hopefully) friendly services and good honest workmanship.

Good luck.

[DryStar]

ATX,

Are you receiving these faxes after business working hours or randomly throughout the day. The only time I receive faxes without any phone communication with "TPA" is when the customer specifically asks for my shop or it's after hours.

In my area it's very uncommon to receive a fax dispatch without prior phone communication with "TPA". If you don't answer the phone and it goes to voice mail, they will simply call next on rotation.

Frank may be right. Someone else is getting the first call that is similar sounding to your company and CSR's are sending you the fax.

If this is happening often, I too would change DBA business name.

[candyman]

ATX is also a well known Tax program company. I used my first and middle name initials because most people know me in my area. Now Iam afraid to change it, becaused Iam listed in so many places, such as Yellow Pages, Web sites, Advertizements etc... I''ve expanded into other areas and a solid name may have been a wiser choice. Time will reveal all. I have local's tell me they heard my ad or saw my flyer when I meet them on the street , or at church. I may be ok with it. I did the same with my candy store, modular escort service, lawn care service etc... during the past 20 years. My wife was smart enough not to use it for her Tax & Bookkeeping Service, which has done very well the past 19 years. Word of mouth built that business and I plan on doing the same with this one. You listed a few companies that I have not heard of. I may need to do some research.

[Eco Steam]

Thanks y'all, I really appreciate the feedback. It's helping me decide what to do next.

Whats happening, is that the main 2 places causing the issues are Gas Station/Car Wash setups, and both of these company's names start with ATX!

So, when they call in a job, they just tell them their biz name, not the phone #, I'm assuming, so the Lynx rep is forwarding the info over to my shop instead of the other company.

I'm actually going to get another DBA this week and change everything around, it sucks, but I think I can make it a somewhat smooth transition.

Here are some ideas ideas I came up with and they're available, let me know what y'all think:

jjWindshieldRepairdotcom
JustinWindshieldRepairdotcom
JustinsWindshieldRepairdotcom
JustinCaseWindshieldRepairdotcom - not very original, but I thought it was kinda funny - probably not what I'm trying to achieve though!
HolcombWindshieldRepairdotcom
JustJayWindshieldRepairdotcom


Theres a bunch out there, depending on how creative I get with it.

THanks Guys!

[candyman]

Are the ones you listed suppose to be websites? I was told to keep the website brief and make it as easy as possible for the potential client to remember. Jwindshield.com or Justwindshields.com JJ'swindshield.com : Those were examples for a web site.
My problem is that I also do headlamps. If you do that as well, your name could be
JJ's Windshield & Headlight: Combining the 2 makes it easy for the customer when they read it off your vehicle.
JJ's Windshield & headlight
www. jjswindshield.com

ATX Windshield Repair
www. ATXWINDSHIELD.com