Is 15 Yrs. old too young to do repairs?

[mepoozer]

Hello again all- my soon to be 15 year old son is looking for a job but it is hard at that age-very limited possibilities and I have told him I will train him for repairs but was wondering if the customer would give him credit for what he can do and have confidence in his repairs at that age. If he could only do one he could prove him self. I guess my main question is would a customer let a young adult work on their car? Has any one come across this before? any input for insurance? etc.? I am trying to get him started also. Thank you all for any advice you may have, Me

[gold star wsr]

Mepoozer, I think it depends on the individual. I know lots of 15-yr olds who are more mature and more reliable than a lot of so-called grown-ups.

If your son has good self-discipline and good people skills, and willingness to learn how to do it right, his age should be a non-issue.

If your city has a young entreprenaurs' organization, get him into it. They traditionally give a 'leg up' to youths who are eager to prove themselves. Usually they are mentored by older business people who have good contacts in the business world.

Personally, mepoozer, I admire you for not being afraid of the competition!

[DaveC]

Hi Mepoozer:)

Funny how a person that would walk into a fast food establishment and think nothing about having a 15 year old "kid" prepare a meal for them without knowing "lick one" about the hygiene habits and work ethics of this "kid," might balk at allowing and enterprising youth repair his windshield.

As I see it, the main obstacles to overcome would be that of legal liability. Since a 15 year old can not be party to a contract, appropriate measures would have to be considered to protect both his (or your business) as well as the customer's interests. Check your local child labor laws and be prepared to comply with them as to work hours, school attendance policies, permits, etc... If he can be lawfully employed by you, why not go for it!!!?

I'm sure that you'll give him all of the support that you can to assure his success, but some things may help overcome potential cusotmer resistance. A snappy uniform and ID Badge, a "respectable" title and you may even want to print up some certificates and awards on your company's letterhead to build confidence in him and prospective customers. Then, you become his supervisor/manager/the business proprietor. Should any prospect question his abilities, he can call you so that you may confirm/guarantee his performance.

Whether or not y'all work as a team (where your customers would probably view him more as your "helper") or you set him up at his own location, focus on the positive. While you may be able to "sell" 4 out of 10 potential repairs and he may only average selling 2 out of 10. He's not "half" as good as you are, he has, in fact, just added $100+ dollars to the bottom line;) Heck, 4 repairs a week, working 10 hours a week would gross about $200.00. He would have to work nearly 40 hours a week, flipping burgers, to come close to that figure;)

[paintlessplus]

Hello Me- I enjoy your posts- I also have a 15 year old son, but mine doesn't seem quite as interested as I feel he should be. In my case I think my son needs to learn the hard way and go out and work a few minimum wage jobs to realize the ways of the world. On the other hand, I have a 13 year old daughter that has been very instrumental in wanting to help launch my business. She has helped pick out my logo- aided in my vehicle layout and colors and was telling the whole 7th grade about "our plans" before I even bought my kit She also watched my delta sales tape twice- and when she saw the woman on the tape setting up for a repair said " Hey, I can do that" 8) 8) 8) We've done a few breaks together in the barn, and it looks like in the near future I will have a partner Now if she could only drive........ If after riding along with me this summer, and I find that shes still interested, I'll probably buy her -her own kit and take her up north to be certified with Delta kits. To answer your question, I think your business general liability policy that covers your company will follow him, I'd check with the agent and say that you're adding an employee. From experience.. I'd be careful in letting him move any customer cars. I agree with Dave C.- a uniform would give alot of credibility. As far as a 15 year old entering a contract with an insured over repairs- I believe that it would be more like "your company" entering into a contract, with a 15 year old providing the service. You ,or your company should be accountable for any legal liabilites. Good Luck. I think your son should excell, if the enthusiasum is there. Bob

[DaveC]

Uh Oh, I can see it now, the beginning of an evil plot (I just can't resist) ...

Jeff will probably begin a sales campaign targeting PTA's all over the country and offering them great deals on WSR equipment and supplies.

Then, Coitster sells his WSR Textbook to every school district as WSR101 becomes a mandatory subject.

Then, instead of us citizens being plagued by hoardes of schoolkids selling cookies, calendars, greeting cards and chocolate bars, we'll be barraged by these kids going door to door selling windshield repairs.

What will these WSR Suppliers/Evildoers think of next :-k

[gold star wsr]

Dave c, you're too funny But it beats shaving your head and selling flowers at airports (do they still do that?)

[Coitster]

We shall brainwash the youth of america and then the world. Didn't you know this is my plan to take over the world.
David
Coitster

[DaveC]

Even worse....

I bet they add some sort of grape or cherry scent to the resins so the kids start sniffing, get hooked and then have to buy the stuff in 50 gallon drums [-X

[glassdoctor]

Me,
A 15 yr old should not be working by himself, IMO. If he is going to ride shotgun and be your sidekick, that's different. But working on a car lot by himself or selling to retail customers I don't think is a good idea. A couple more years...

I had just turned 19 when I started my wsr biz on my own. I was mature and professional an all, and didn't seem to have a real problem being a young guy. But I am sure some dealers, etc didn't give me a chance because of my age. I have an 18 yr old working for me now, which is not a problem as long as he acts professional, because he's working my established accounts.

Is your son 6'4" and mature beyond his age? Maybe then he can bluff his age...

[DaveC]

Hey GD,

Maybe I'm a sucker when it comes to "kids" that are go-getters, since I was one of them (a long time ago)....

But, Imagine this scenario .....

"Johnny" (the alias for our 15 Y/O progidy) informs his teachers at school of his new avocation. Heck, he even does a "show and tell" where he demonstrates his repair talents on a demo windshield. The teachers, all probably living hand-to-mouth (since they are so poorly paid), decide to give Johnny a chance and take advantage of his "teachers" discount AND his "If I can't fix it, you don't pay for it, guarantee!" As well, these teachers all know that Johnny is a well motivated student and is quite the reliable kid.

Next thing ya know, he's repaired every teacher's vehicle for the entire school district, they are all calling their friends letting them know of the wonderous things that Johnny can do, AND, Mom & Dad now have to borrow money from Johnny when they want to go to the movies or get a milkshake!

It COULD happen;)