Windshield Repair Forum

there is so much going on here...let me get this straight, if i'm in business less than one year or a newbie, I have to and should sign up with A.C.T?

due to the fact that the insurance companies don't want to do business with companies less than 1 year old..... and I should be focusing on doing quality repairs.

:eusa_wall

Maxryde, my only additional expenses are paying $12.95 for efax,3.5 cents/min. to fax to Glasscomp and $2.25 per Lynx invoice processed through GlassComp. Safelite doesn't charge for EDI processing. My increased profits are more dramatic than most because I used to be compensated by the amount of windshields($28/shield) I repaired not the chips. Now, with the average invoice being $50+, I've increased my profits by 44%. Now, someone using ACT who processes for example 50 invoices/month (25 Lynx & 25 SGC) will pay at minimum $397.50 or maximum $647.50 versus $56.25 for those who do their own billing. Multiply the difference between ACT and billing yourself the figures come to a savings of $4095 and $7095/year. Fifty invoices a month is an example. Each tech will have to crunch the numbers as they pertain to their business, but for me I will take the extra 15-30mins. per day.
Most of my invoices are paid in 15-30 days, but a few will take longer. Rarely do I get on the phone to find out why payment is taking so long.
Transition for me was a little bumpy because I changed my business name and needed to get new magnetics and I overlooked a couple questions on both networks. So I waited for 3-4 weeks for approval only to be denied due to technicalities. Had new paperwork sent, filled it out properly and amazingly enough got approved. Had my first referral from Lynx before I even received paper copy of approval. How the transition from ACT will be I can't answer but maybe someone else has had the experience.

GFD, of course a newbie can do quality repairs AND do their own billing. For some it's overwhelming and others it's no big deal. But, quality repairs are most important because your work can reflect positively or negatively on the industry.

Dave mentions not needing liability ins when having act , question. 1. if you use act you dont need liability? 2. when working fleet do you need liability? ( dealers,rental comp,general fleet work) 3. overall is it just good business to pay and have your 500.000 in insurance? thanks' Jim

Jim,
I'm not sure if you are referring to me, but I never said you should not have liability insurance if you go with ACT. I would carry the same amount of Commercial Liability and Garage Keepers that I have now (if I was using ACT)
I believe it to be a wise business choice to have at least Com. Liability Ins. and if you move customers vehicles you should consider Garage Keepers Ins.

[quote="Delta Kits;14943"]Dave,

You mean other than having to wait one year, and other than not worrying about the paperwork, and other than having someone else collect for you, and other than not *needing* liability insurance, and other than not worrying about steering as much?

Well Dave, I guess there aren't very many good reasons, other than the reasons.quote]

Do I understand correctly, 1) If I sgn up for ACT I do NOT need Commercial Liability Ins.? 2) Guaranteed to sign up with networks with less than 1 year for New businesses?

I feel I need to make this clear...My user name is and always has been Dave M. I never said that quote, must have been the other Dave!

Why would you want to use any of these services? It takes about 10 minutes to qualify a customer with a insurance claim. THat makes you paying them that much for a few minutes work. Now take a hundred repairs times $12.95 = $12,950.00
Dang, look what can you buy for that?
Do it yourself. It pays better.

Might want to brush up on the math skills sparky 100x12.95 is $1,295.00 anyone that thinks spending as little as that to eliminate the frustration of office work and bill follow up from 100 sales is a little slow if you ask me my time is worth way more than that.

My thoughts as well. Less time on paperwork more time on work!

The only downfall I see is you would not receive any referrals from the networks on the ACT full plan.