United we stand

[mafsu]

Texasjim,
I am confused.

Are you suggesting an association along the lines of the NWRA, NGA, or IGA?

Are you lobbying for franchisees?

[texas jim]

I do agree with john on this one. but look at it from both points of view.
MONEY,
OK to put a organization together we all know we need money, but first we need the members to organize/communicate at a local level. that does not cost money. just some one to act!! the other point of view is how much money have we lost to the company's that are organized? How many service calls went past us non organized service shops. My guess too many.

MEMBERSHIP? my vote is us, that is the windshield repair business, and only wsr. nothing else other wise it defeats the purpose. i have noticed the replacement company's and the big dogs as i call them are very well organized so by letting them into our proposed organization would benefit them but not all of us. alot more could be said here standards and such but later, first you need people. wsr only!!

TIME.

time would certainly be a big issue for most of us. however on a local level would not be a over bearing task to start with. how much time have i spent kicking doors in to get business only to have a potential customer look at me in some wonder. why? he has know ideal who i am. but if i was one of the organized big dogs. i would not get that response. so buy being organized i would spend less time trying to sale my services. and spend more time making profits. but i do understand that this organization would take time to get recognized. but better in a few years to have recognition and organization then to have none in the future.

So from my point of view money is the thing i don't make enough of because I'm unknown.

Membership well simple i have none. and know it couldn't hurt me at all to in a future to have membership and a strong set of standards for our business.

Time, that is what i spend every day looking for business that would find me if i was part of a recognized organization...

all points of view are important, all input from this thread is important. pro,s and con,s you know. but 14 years with Chrysler corporation has taught me one thing. plan for a future, are have none. i have a meeting today at lunch with two other local wsr people. and we are going to look into working together on advertising. for paying for one ad split in thirds just makes since in my area. it,s a start. jim

[mafsu]

sorry I meant john62 not texasjim

[John62]

Hi Mafsu,

I couldn't agree more with Texas Jim.

And indeed, I would vote for some sort of franchise.
Working together, by using the same modus operandi and a shared name and house style etc. is okay, but to a certain extend, not professional enough. In situations like this it must be ''in'' or ''out'', not halfway.
But let's first agree on meetings, just the way Texas Jim desribed earlier, that will make a good start and learn you SOME more -not all.
So find some guys who are next to you and find out how they feel.
Spread the word, that's all -but it is important.
We must start somewhere right?

Again, its not difficult and not expensive.
More info will follow.
Any comment? Please step forward.

[DaveC]

We must start somewhere right?

I believe that we have started by, at least, bringing up the topic/issue.

The big question is, where do we go from here?

Do we want to form a new WSR only org?

Do we want to band together, jump on the NWRA bandwagon and select/nominate more WSR only folks for Board positions at the NWRA to ensure that our interests are addressed/represented?

If we were to form a new organization, would it be more of a network type of org. or would we actually be creating a branded/franchise type of org?

At the very least, we need to determine who (or is it whom?) is interested in continuing the discussion and where/when we wish to discuss the issue?

[John62]

Dear DaveC

Yes, you're right. There has been a start by bringing up the topic.
But remember; this is not a new topic, is it?
It has been discussed and tried before.
Unfortunately, no disrespect to those who were involved, that attempt died.
Like many others. And yet, every now and than, it pops up again.

I agree that 'the talking' part may be important, but when it comes to a real start up ..... many are not willing -or able- to proceed.
Sometimes, I wonder why people keep on talking ......
By 'start' I mean a real start.
Not just here at the forum.

You're right to raise the question; where do we go from here?
I take; you are -at least- interested in a participation, forwarding thoughts.

Further to your contribution above, I would go for a rather formal -strict- operation. Not one where everything will be set in stone, but relevant components like
-quality of work;
-corporate identity;
-shared brand name;
-head office support (no over-staffed offices please);
-0800 number;
-web site;
-advertisements;
-adviced tarifs;
-where appropriate; central invoicing;
-etc.

And yes, I would indeed join the NWRA, they have done and still do a great job -in my opinion. They are to important, but the ws repair only section must have some more influence.

[repare-brise]

John 62

The points you highlighted are excellent, I would however modify/change a few things.

-Central invoicing is a time and money consumer
-Strong corperate identity is good, but for those of us with a already strong local name identification/recognition a new name is not a ggod thing, not to mention the costs involved in paperwork, signage ect. I would suggest more of a n affiliate program, where the 800# and web-site direct potential customers in the right direction.
- Must add competency testing and renewal

As for the franchise thing(and now I speek of experiance). Franchising has many advantages for a new business, but converting an existing company to a franchise is a tough sell, and a mountain of paperwork. For a franchise to function correctly everyone needs to do everything the same way, with the same equipment ect. I don't think the tech that's been using GW injectors for the last 5 years would want to reinvest in the franchises's chosen equipment.
Also franchising in the US is a logistical headache, best stick to a professional orginisation somewhat like the AMA(doctors association) ect.

Again just opinions, but I think a phone conferance somewhat like our favorite real-estate sales person conducted last spring would be a good starting point. This would be followed up with a "rep" scouting out potential interest with his/her local WSR profesionals. With a strong mandate and mission statement dirived from the phone conferance(or heck I think a conferance/tradeshow in December might be a good thing if done in a warm region of the country, I know I would be willing to invest a couple $100 to go somewhere warm for a weekend and discuss face to faces) "selling" the idea on a few rainy days following the conferance would not be a great effort to ask.

So when's do we meet?

Merci

[mafsu]

If you want a franchise there are several comapnies out there currently selling them. Novus and Superglass come to mind. Sounds like some of you are interested in someone saving or at least helping your business. I have worked hard to set up my business and am not interested in losing that independence.

[John62]

Hi Mafsu,
Thank you for pointing us out to all the current business opportunities, I don't think that we're aiming for that.
We will remain to be ''independents'' with a strong touch of a nationwide network, support when and where needed, more than just local advertisements, arrangements and a nationwide presence.

[mafsu]

Everything mentioned sounds like a franchise to me.