Windshield Repair Forum

Looking good guys... Keep 'em coming!

I know more of you are running tents...

Good job Jason,
I'm looking for a location to place a tent. I need to get jobs outside of my present location on a rental lot. This client takes up alot of my time because I have to search the cars out that need repair then point them out to a manager for approvel then I do the work and have them come back to check the repair.(I'm only making $20 bucks a windshield and this price includes multiple repairs that have to pass several inspections or it gets scratched from my invoice.) It's a long process but for now it's giving me the practice and confidance to find my own customers. I just started my business in August. It's great to get ideas from everybody and go with whatever works best! Thanks for your help.

Hi Ralph- You sound like you have the determination to make a site work but maybe think about doing most repairs mobile. That's what I'm doing cause there is such strict zoning laws here for tents, temporary sites, etc. I was told "You can't run a business out of the back of a truck" even though I have a station wagon-LOL! I decided I would do mostly mobile and have had some success(I'm just starting out) with word of mouth and when I go somewhere commercial I have signs I put out by my car and it draws attention while I'm there... Just a thought cause I have been every route with the zoning and code people here. Take it for what it's worth and good luck to you!!!!! Karen
P.S. This way you are out from under the "inspectors" too!!!!

You go every where in your vehicle. So go to your local sign store and put those stickers all over your vehicle with your company name and phone number and Free Repairs. Cost me $50 for two sides to my tahoe. Just an idea!

TXFirefighter,

Magnetic signs are an excellent idea! I would say, with all the people i've talked to, magnetic signs on your vehicle (or any lettering for that matter), is the most cost effective advertising available. It's cheap, and it really gets people's attention. If you have a vehicle used strictly for windshield repair, you can get vinyl signs applied, but if it's a dual use vehicle, magnetic signs are cheap and easy to remove.

I started out with magnetic signs and for the money, they are a good deal. Had them for about 3 years. One on each door and the tailgate of my truck. One day I went to the city to shop and when I came out of the store, the signs were gone... all three of them. Prankster? Mean-spirited competitor? Who knows. So I went and got the truck lettered. Only slightly more than replacing the signs would have been, much more permanent. Jeff is correct, though. Whether you use magnetic signs or have your vehicle lettered... either way, you increase your exposure by becoming a rolling advertisment. My cell number is on the tailgate. I have had people call me while I am sitting at a traffic light!

Hello again and merry xmas and happy new year to all repair techs out there. A few words and pictures to show how my company does it in the UK. Firstly "image is everything". Look professional and customers will use you, look cheap, customers won't. Spend time and money on your set up. Good shelter. Preferably signwritten. The same goes for your vehicle, promote your service. Make people gawk and stare and say whats that!, and then read what your vehicle says. Believe me it works. Quality literature. Not cheap but it pays. Printed uniform with your company logos on. Create an image of a bigger company, look good, look right and lastly do good repairs. Be self critical, if it's not good enough then it's free. This is a terrific business, treat it as one and you will reap the benefits, treat it as a boot sale and you won't be here in six months time.

Optic-Kleer has been kind enough to forward me more photos of his setup, as well as his vehicles. I would suggest everyone take a look, as these are a perfect example of professional image and great design.

I have put thumbnails of the photos here:
html/optic-kleer.html

From there, you can click on each picture for a larger version.

Thanks again Optic-Kleer!

Eric, Very professional & well equipped tent location! Best vehicle graphics I've ever seen! Quick question: is the "OPTIC-KLEER" on your vehicles reflective? Jeff, Thanks for the link! Jim

Thanks for the numerous personal comments I have received regarding my companies vehicle graphics and mode of operation. I have forwarded some more to Jeff for inclusion in the gallery. Among those is a fabulous new bug which generated so much business, I must have been mad to sell it!. In answer to a few questions. Yes the Optic-Kleer name is in reflective as are the telephone numbers and information relating to "Free windscreen repair on the rear of all of our vehicles. The Pop up shelters cost me