Windshield Repair Forum

Nice informative post promoting NWRA membership. Could you please explain why only 14 of your 200 plus franchises currently support them? (Pulled these stats from NWRA membership website). If you cant convince your own franchises to join them, how could you ever convince the rest of us to?

Your message is clear as to what is needed to promote this association but not sure it will ever take place. Memberships have dropped over the last three years because of lack of any influence in this industry. Receiving a email letter every 3 months on what is taking place doesn't work for me, since I can obtain that info daily. Don't mean to come across harsh. JMHO.

Ive been in business for 15 years. I worked with the insurance industry as a network provider (SGC, Lynx, Harmon, etc.) for as long as I can remember. 2009, 2010 and so far in 2011, I've seen the largest growth spurt in insurance referal work ever.
The insurance industry has been good to me. Sure I miss a few due to steeering but it's no big deal. I'm still glad that I operate as a network shop. In spite of the slow economy my business continues to acheive record sales. Why would I want to give that up?

Drystar, Believe me, I have issues with the NWRA too. The association is far from perfect and far from what I would like to see as well. My view is that we need a trade association for a number of reasons. This is the one we have. It seems to make sense to me to try and improve and build upon what we have rather than just turn away from all association efforts. There are some really good people, doing some really good work for the association and the members. ROLAGS is the best current example. Also, I didn't think you were harsh, no problem.

I wouldn't try to convince you to join, just like I don't try to convince our Franchisees either. But, I don't think the NWRA and the members that are aboard trying to help keep the industry for repairers should be trashed or dissed for their efforts.

Qlearquest, if this is your best year, congratulations and I wouldn't change a thing either if I were you. Unfortunately, most of the country, especially in urban areas, doesn't get the network response that you are getting.

A strong NWRA would help keep the regulatory agencies from setting laws that limit the scope of our work or introduce apprentice programs that stifle repair growth. That's a good enough reason for a trade association if you have seen some of the past efforts in states like Connecticut.

In the end, a strong association will be made up of members that believe in the cause (whatever it is at that time) and are willing to have an open mind, participate in discussion and help make change. Nobody can be convinced to do that unless they have the fire and believe that they can make change. I wouldn't try, just would like to point out the positives and the potential.

It's a great business and I want to make sure it has plenty of room to grow freely without replacement company influence. - Best regards - David Casey

Appreciate the response and explanation with your franchises NWRA participation.

My personal gripe isn't against the NWRA only, it extends to IGA & NGA also, which I've also held past memberships with.
I know they spent time together formulating the "ROLAGS" standards, which has served many as to what area was repairable and what was not. If it wasn't for them we would have suffered greatly as to the repaired area. I applaud them for that.

What I find lacking today is the ability to fight or address issues concerning our largest competitor who is looking to control this entire industry. I'm not sure even with the three associations working together we could launch a counter attack in advertising but anything would be better than nothing. If the NWRA, IGA or NGA asked me for a $200-$300 contribution to do this I would be willing. I'm sorry but all the news letters sent won't fix anything. Why? Because no insurance consumer will ever see them. We need to send some type of message on what is taking place to the insured even if it's limited.

clearquest wrote:The cost of replacement is already pretty much on the insured and with network referals giving me nearly 60% of my total repairs I'm certainly not in favor of the insurance industry dropping repairs.

Hi, new guy here just geting set up. Is there a certain way to go about getting more referrals like you do?

I've been reading this forum as a guest for a while. I see most complain that they get very few referrals from the Networks, but a minority get good business from them.

wsrman wrote:

clearquest wrote:The cost of replacement is already pretty much on the insured and with network referals giving me nearly 60% of my total repairs I'm certainly not in favor of the insurance industry dropping repairs.

Hi, new guy here just geting set up. Is there a certain way to go about getting more referrals like you do?

I've been reading this forum as a guest for a while. I see most complain that they get very few referrals from the Networks, but a minority get good business from them.

I think a lot of it depends on the saturation of W/S repair companies in your area.