Truck Stop Setup Help !!!!!!

[gold star wsr]

CPR, When you set up at the truck stop, make sure you have some very visible signage. If you do, I dont think you will have to do a whole lot of selling, jst be ready to hustle. The others are right about the really big companies... they seldom opt for repair, they just replace. My husband drives for a big company, and they have a contract with Safelite to replace for some ridiculously low price. But even if they did repair, I woudnt go after them. It would be a full-time job all by itself, if they discontinued my service, I'd be out of work. I would rather have 10 smaller companies, than one big one. That way if I lose one account, I still have 9 others. The independent owner-operators are more likely to have repairs done, especially if there is a safety inspection station near-by that they have to go through. Keep us posted on how this turns out for you.

[gold star wsr]

Alan,

Is *KCBICI* your ham radio call letters?

[Chips_Away_Windshield_Repair]

DO YOU ASK FOR PERMISSION FROM MANAGEMENT TO SET UP SHOP IF SO, DO THEY SPECIFY A LOCATION
I HAVE A VERY PROFESSIONAL 4'X12' BANNER TO HANG ON THE SIDE OF THE MOTORHOME THAT IS REALLY A BILLBOARD WHEN PARKED.
ALSO DUPLICATING DELTA'S "FREE" BANNER ON VINYL COVER FOR BICYLCLE RACK ON FRONT OF COACH. JUST MIGHT WORK!

[CPR]

I have 3 x 2 foot magnetic signs on the sides of my van and a smaller one on the back door so I do attract alot of attention. The problem is these guys dont want to spend more than 20 $ for a repair, not much for a tough repair

I have seen alot of wheel polishing guys there and they charge 50-60 $ for 6 wheels and 2 gas tanks, thats alot of work for peanuts. The manager at the Pilot station said I could stay there all day long, no charge. I have not talked with anyone at the Flying J, just go there and park and have not been bothered yet

My biggest problem with these places is they are not real busy on weekends when I have time to be there. Sunday nights very busy, Monday busy all day, Tuesday the same, slows down until Friday.

[CPR]

Things are looking better, went to the Flying J today determined to make it work. Started thinking that this is a business and everyone here has helped me with their input and support. Made a goal of not leaving before I sold 4 jobs, not coming back empty.

Got there at noon and did a quick drive around the lot so the drivers could see my signs and know I was there. Half way around had my first repair, soon drew a small crowd, by 5:00 had 9 repairs in my pocket.

I kind of felt cheap doing repairs for 30 each but driving home with 270 greenbacks in my pocket for half a days work felt allmost illegal. The biggest problem was dodging the tobacco spit coming out of the drivers mouths. Thanks to all who participate in this forum, dont think I would have hung in this long without your help.


( Guess what I'm doing in the morning )

[Mark]

CPR

I think it is great you set your goal and exceded it. 9 repairs and $270.00 bucks in half a day keeps me motavated to move forward. What do your signs say, just free WS repair? and your number?

I get back home on the 7th and will get my first piece of practice glass to start on.

I have spent $1200.00 to get here to DE and it will take me about 3 days to get to zero then I get to make a profit, I am not complaining on the money I make, I just keep thinking if I can make $300 or so a day 5-6 days a week and stay home to boot well I am ahead of the game.

What a great forum.
Mark

[CPR]

Hey Mark, it can be done you just have to want the business. I have a 2003 Chevy van and have made magnetic signs for the sides and rear, 36 x 24 (sides ) (18 x 18 ) for the back door.Total cost was 95.00 and since they go on and off so easy it is well worth the money, vinyl lettering is good until you want to take it off.

My target customers are trucks and rv's so the signs are simple and easy to read, dark red letters white background, white van,

Windshield

Rock Chip Repair

Auto- Truck-RV

Mobile Service 772-485-5830 CH 19

I do get alot of calls when driving around, some just bs, but I get about 5 repairs a week part time.

[Mark]

CPR
thanks for the info. I am looking forward to getting started. I have a ranger PU and the lease is up in May so the mag. signs will be great. Had not thought about a CB radio though.

Mark

[CPR]

A cb is a must if you want to work with truckers, I got a decent handheld on ebay for 25 $. It is also good entertainment when you have some down time.

[dgarza]

hey cpr,
How did you make those mag signs? can you post a picture if possible? Aslo, how do you start talking to truckers with the cb? I live close to several truck stops and would like to try this approach.