Windshield Repair Forum

Well,I will attest to the fact that if they really want "you" to do the repair, they will wait.. At least they do for me.. Think about it.. Garages are booked up to 3 weeks in advance, body shops some times have months of wait time, detail shops usually have a week wait, stereo shops (here, if they are good) have a 3-4 week wait.. HVAC guys, usually a week. plumbers a week, general contractors- 2 weeks+, paving companies, a month+ etc. etc.. My customers or future customers call me for a reason, my reviews from other customers, garages, dealerships, are not negative.. And, if they really truly want me, they will wait for me.. Am I sounding like a big headed fool? For the past 4 years, I've been closed for carshows, vacations, fishing trips etc.. Totaling more than 9 weeks per year, and yeah maybe if i was here I could have made more money.. but, the figures that I see, from the work I do.. Doesn't make me not want to take the time off, cause I know what i average any given week, and my figures are'nt off enough to know I took off.

Well I consider wsr a time critical issue. My customers are left with the understanding that they needed to get damages repaired quickly before they have a chance to crack. It's really not something they should put off too long or the result won't be a positive one. So I'll stick to taking short stints off and taking care of my customers.

Very Nice Tacoma Glassdoc, a perfect rig, it shows you are a car guy.

I see both sides of the time off arguement, Heck life is too short to worry, you just have to do what works and feels right for you.

It's not an argument by any means. If a person is able to take a lot of time off from this occupation and be comfortable with the impact it has on business, that is great. I'm all for that. By choice, I limit my amount of vacation time.

The last time I really took real time off was when my dad died in 06. I took a week off, and before that one was when my dad and I went to a family reunion out of state 10 years ago. I lost a account even though I told them and every one else I would be gone for a week. Know loss to me..... I geuss that is why I do not take much time off....

I will have a slow week and get everything done by Thurs. and just take Fri. off, that will at least give me a 3 day'r. Good enough for me.

Don D.

splitpit

To tell you the truth, I really did not see the advertizment on the truck to speak of, I saw the truck.

Glassdoc was saying look at my truck, not saying here is my advertizement call me for work.....

Brent said he is letting up as long as WE ALL DO NOT abuse it.

I did see a post in the past showing off our trucks also, so that would be the same.

Plus, the fact is, you will not be calling glassdoc to come fix your W/S....

Unless he is better than you at repairing it..... OH, that one had to hurt.... Sorry Splitpit for that one. My fingers just kept typing.

What hurt? Hmmm, I didn't feel a thing. Better than me at repairing? There is no such thing! lol

I'm just gonna remain neutral and say "Look at my truck".. But, Splitpit if you do need any assistance from me, don't be afraid to ask..

And truthfully, if you lose an account, after you told them you would not be there.. Guess what, you would ave lost them anyways.. There is no loyalty at that account.. Ask yourself this.. When was the last time the manager, used car manager told you they would not be there for a week? Exactly, common courtesy could have saved you a couple bucks wasted on gasoline not to mention your time.. Its too much like punching a clock for me.. If they dictate when I can take off, then they should be paying me for that vacation they authorized..

I've never lost an account....period....so I'm not sure what you are talking about. My accounts are very loyal to me.

I've also not criticized you for taking all the time off you want. What works for you works for you. Doesn't really matter to me. That's your business and if it works for you, more power to ya!

I take as much time off as I am comfortable with. Not nearly as much as you do, but then again, I'm taking all I need.

I put a strong emphasis on customer service. That's been one of my keys to success.

Was'nt stepping on your toes.. Yes, it works for me.. Why? Well, I'm 47 years old, have been all over the US, worked in many different fields from suits and ties to greasy coveralls to oil soaked clothing from a well head spouting oil.. Spent my time in the military where orders were always given, time off was requested and turned down more than approved. Did alarm installs, managed a small oil company in NY, served as a locksmith, detailer, used car manager, and probably more that slips my mind.. All of those jobs/positions had the same thing RULES.. One of which was, 5-6 days a week,8-10 hours a day, 2 weeks off a year but not during any Holiday, ad if you need to go to the bathroom, ask first.. So.. this gig isn't that bad.. Sure, when I first started I worked weekends too. I ran everytime the phone rang, even if I was there yesterday. I would attempt to repair things that had no business being repaired, (ie: 6 ft long crack) and I have succeeded. Customer service, I give it.. As long as it does not interfere with my family or my life.. Lifes too short. If i ended up in the hospital for a week or a month, how many of these "loyal" accounts do you think would stop by to visit, or send a get well soon card.. Hell, they don't allow their very own employees to take off to go to a co-workers funeral.. But, then again.. I'm not an employee, I am an independent sub-contractor, I am the boss. So if I lose an account because I took off, oh well.. See, I was looking for accounts when I landed them, but I am not under contract with them.. 15 years ago, after the first year.. I was seeing 116 dealerships a week, and was run ragged. Now, I service 107, but only see maybe 84 every week.. And, i do not panic, run, or kissbutt.. But, if I get there today I get there.. If not theres always tomorrow. Or next week.. A stone shot is not the end of the world.