Equipment For Just Starting

[Glass Medic]

I want to get into this business in the Norfolk, Va area, but don't know exactly where to start. I got a lot of good info from these posts, but where is a good place to get quality equipment from. I've seen many companies selling these, but there quite pricey. Plus I don't know which brand is better than others. Any suggestions and experiences will greatly help.
Doug

[DaveC]

Glass Medic,

Personally, I use Delta's equipment and have yet to encounter a repair situation in which I have needed anything else.

However, as you may have ascertained, whilst perusing this forum. The equipment is actually less of a concern as compared to experience.

If you are serious, contact the respective WSR equipment manufacturers and base your final decision on your perception of the level of support/commitment that you will receive from the manufacturer that you will eventually choose.

Nutshell, you can purchase a $10.00 kit or you can purchase a billion dollar kit, but neither will make you any more (or less) successfull than the effort that you are willing to put forth into your future endeavors.

[CPR]

I got my first kit on Ebay for around 300.00, practiced until things looked good, then went and made some money. I got to test the waters without spending a big chunk of cash.

This let me figure out what my market was here and if I could sell the service. Once comfortable whith the way things were going I traded up my injector for a Delta and one from another company. Basically I am financing my business with other peoples money, and have not had to quit the day job yet.

[Glass Medic]

I'm happily surprised to see rapid replies on my request. I was looking at a kit on Ebay for 50.00. I figured this might be a good place to start and maybe practice on some junkyard windshields or friends before subjecting myself to actual customers. I was concerned though about the possibility of cracking someone's windshield and having to pay to replace it. Does anyone have this happen occasionally? Do you have the customer sign a disclaimer first? How much start-up cost would be reasonable to expect in this business? I realize you are providing help to possible future competition, but I think the business is still big enough for more of us!

[Julie]

For years I never used a disclaimer. Then my hubby worked for a glass shop that did use one. So now I'm trying to get a copy of it so we can use it for ourselves. I should have it in a day or two. PM me if you would like a copy.

[CPR]

Hey Glass Medic, dont buy one of those 50.00 kits, the one you are looking for will cost you around 300.00. I have too much respect for Delta to post it here so give me a pm or a call and I will help you out.

Just remember that I do recomend upgrading your injector to a Delta when you are ready to go out and do repairs for real money. I started out on a shoestring budget and it does take alot longer to get up and running that way. But if you have the time and are not in a rush it,s a good way to start.

[maxryde]

Hey Glass Medic, welcome to the forum and GL on your adventure in WSR!! What ever your choice is remember you only get one chance to make a good first impression and results speak for themself. Good equment is worth the $ you spend so don't come in spending money on gear you won't continue to use. A good basic kit can be had for a reasonable price then add to that if you need to go slowly. I have lost income as a result of not being ready to handle customers quickly enough!! It is a rare occurence but in one years time I could pay for a couple of kits with the lost income so, quality first then quantity second is the rule for me. I can safely recomend Delta's injector and resins a few repairs will pay the bill and you can start making money in a short time after recieving a kit. If you can hitch a ride with someone in your area it will be a real booster for the ins and outs of every day business. There is no better way to learn than to practice especally with a seasoned tech to help out in the field. Oh and practice practice practice!!!! I too use a disclaimer an I have cracked out two Ws's I offered to replace the first one and the lady refused. She has since been a thorn in my side. The vehicle is valued at mabey 1000 bucks and the job was a freebie(agreement I made with her employer who lets me set up my tent there) I'll be 100 years old when she lets go of her resentment, the other was also an employee there she was great! I no longer do this!!!! Scott