Windshield Bullies

[screenman]

The write up seem totally confused between repair and replacement when I read it.

[DryStar]

The write up seem totally confused between repair and replacement when I read it.

Screenman,

Not sure how insurance works on your side of the pond but in the U.S. we have states with a "ZERO" deductible policy in effect for both windshield repair and replacement. I think this article was targeted towards those states where some business activity's take advantage of that to obtain the highest profit.(pushing customer into a replacement over a repair)

To be fair to all, I will say not all car wash WSR operators are dishonest but in my area I've found over 70% that were. How do I know this to be fact? Simple...I just applied for tech positions at the largest ones and first hand witnessed how they operate.
Pay started at $17 for every successful insurance claim and no base pay for wiping down cars daily. What does that tell you?

[SGT]

Hey Screenman,

I agree it did bounce back and fourth as if they themselves (the writers) were using repair and replacement in the same light. Unfortanately the general public for the most part thinks repair and replacement are one in the same. So I thought to myself ...If I were not in this industry and saw that article as a potential customer, what would stick with me? Well I would more than likely would not utilze the services of a repair or replacement company marketing in the methods they decribed. It probably would prompt me to find a local physical shop or go through insurance to get verified shop. I also come from a part of the country where people are just skeptical when you say hello.

Not sure if it can be stopped as there will be new dirt bags to replace the ones that get shutdown. There is nothing to stop it to this point and anyone who has a set of tools can call themselves a technician. Just a shame this stuff goes on.

[puka pau]

Screenman;

I got the same impression. The only direct reference to repair that I noticed was the statement about having "windshield chips plugged". That's one more unfortunate observation on the state of the profession. After over two decades in this business I still today have people ask me if repair "really works". However, the 'comments' were the best part of the article. The one I liked the best was from the guy in Prague who commented on "America, land of the cliche" (ROFLMAO). You'd think that after almost twenty years the NWRA would have made more of an attempt to educate the public on the efficacy of repair vs replacement. Yo! NWRA! Anybody home?

Cheers;

Puka Pau

[GLASSTIME]

How weird?????

This is the exact same post I posted and someone made a big deal out of it so moderators deleted it???/

Good Read though!

[Brent Deines]

Chad,

ChampionCHIPwsr also posted it on October 29th. viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5643&p=42799#p42799

My understanding was that you asked for your post to be deleted. As much as I hate seeing these things in connection with our industry, I think we all need to see them and understand the damage being done to our industry.

Sorry if we misunderstood your request to delete the post.

[candyman]

I've seen the same article prior to this. I dont do door-to-door and I dont advertise "Free Windshield repair" either. Citizens in my community are skeptic and dislike people knocking on the door. Many will not roll the glass down at a service station or public area, fearing crime or a handout request. I do post flyers on vehicles in parking lots and I recruit oil change stations and detailing shops to refer people to me for a finders fee of $5. Word of mouth and repeat customers are my best sources of income. When people trust you they come back. I show people what I can do, then I advise them if they are not satisfied they owe me nothing. That works for me in the mid-atlantic state of NC. I try to educate the public with my flyers, and radio ads. Many never knew a break in a windshield could be repaired or a Headlighht restored. Iam making money by being honest, no pressure, and no gimmics. 19 months and counting. Iam growing my business one satisfied customer at a time.

DeltaKits Trained & Certified
N.W.R.A. Certified and Member

[Dr.Chipster]

I've seen the same article prior to this. I dont do door-to-door and I dont advertise "Free Windshield repair" either. Citizens in my community are skeptic and dislike people knocking on the door. Many will not roll the glass down at a service station or public area, fearing crime or a handout request. I do post flyers on vehicles in parking lots and I recruit oil change stations and detailing shops to refer people to me for a finders fee of $5. Word of mouth and repeat customers are my best sources of income. When people trust you they come back. I show people what I can do, then I advise them if they are not satisfied they owe me nothing. That works for me in the mid-atlantic state of NC. I try to educate the public with my flyers, and radio ads. Many never knew a break in a windshield could be repaired or a Headlighht restored. Iam making money by being honest, no pressure, and no gimmics. 19 months and counting. Iam growing my business one satisfied customer at a time.

DeltaKits Trained & Certified
N.W.R.A. Certified and Member

Candyman as far as recruiting oil change stations how is that working out? Do you work out a deal with the mgt. or employees? Do they give leads or schedule a customer for you? I am personally willing to try any lot low cost way to promote my business and am always looking for fresh ideas. I will go door to door, business to business, post flyers, car lots, hand out flyers, networking lunches, just about anything to talk to people to promote windshield repair and my business. I have learned that folks have a short memory so you have to market yourself everyday. My brother who has a window washing service just gave me a great tip that I will hold on to until I try it myself. I will share at a later date what it is. How are your radio ads working out for you? I know every market is different but is it cost effective for you?

Thanks

Dr. Chipster

[candyman]

Chipster! I pay $5 for each referal that purchase my services to the Station owner. They have a small half page flyer and my business cards. If a person needs to contact me then for a repair, they call me and I come to the station or talk to the customer myself. I get a few repairs each week WSR/HLR. My plan is to have enough of these to keep me busy each week. Some customers take the sheet and I never hear from them. They only give the flyers to the people that need a repair or restoration. Other stations put them in each vehicle that they do. I have a code for each station or business. Some places I pay the employees. Iam always teaking this to fine tune the process between the employee-customer and me. Have a good day. Candyman.

[candyman]

Chipster! The other question you had about the radio. I dont have my sheet in front of me at the moment. For the past year the radio ads have produced about 3% of my business. I hear people tell me they have heard my ad, yet few have called. My referals and repeat business are both above 25%, followed by face -to-face. If Iam at a restaurant, mall, or almost anywhere and I see that a potential customer needs a HLR or WSR I talk to them or I may leave a business card on the windshield, with a price for the service. I was sitting at the teller drive-thru window at my bank on Friday an I noticed the person behind me needed my services. I got out of my vehicle and talked to the lady and gave her my card. She called me an hour later to schedule the repair. She actually thanked me for taking the time to talk to her. She didnt have the money for the replacement, but she did for the repair. I have a rubber neck according to my wife. I am always looking at vehicles no matter where I go. No one can sell your product better than YOU. Iam a people person anyway. I engage brief conversations no matter where Iam at or who the person is. Iam just as comfortable talking to big brass, as Iam with the everyday joe on the street. Know your product and know your limits. Dont promise something you cant deliever. I see long crackst that I turn down because I dont feel comfortable to attempt the repair. If I tried it and failed the customer may tell others how bad it went and I would loose more than gain with the job. I hope I answered all your questions. I am still learning all the time and developing my skills. Have a nice day.