8 minute repair from Safelite

[lakosbo]

I am new to windshield repair. Working at an auto dealership I see several different repair guys and try to pick their brains. A Safelite tech told me they give them 8 minutes per windshield. He averages 20 windshields per day and tries to do 25. Anyone out there doing those kind of numbers?

By the way, his repairs are ok. If safelite has their own w/r techs, why would I need to get on their network? Where would my business fit in?Also, who provides their equipment and supplies?

[StarQuest]

lakosbo,

I've ran into safelite repair techs before. The ones in my area mainly handle insurance work though. Helps when they own the network, answer the phone and steer all the customers to themselves. 8 minutes per shield? Sure! That is if the shield only has one hit and not 2 or 3. 20-25 sheilds per day? I seriously doubt it. The guys I know that handle airport accounts will do that volume and higher only because all their work is located in one location. If this guy is doing insurance work, travel time alone will eat up over over 10 hours for 20 stops, which doesn't even include the extra time involved to greet the insured, get keys, cool shield or dry out repair, write invoice and get signature.

Think this guy is either blowing smoke or inhaling it between accounts

[lakosbo]

That is a lot of windshields. Whats the benefit of having other non-Safelite employees on a network when you have your own technicians? What are the benefits of using the Safelite network?

[Mikedoby]

I guess I am doing something drastically wrong It will take me the majority of the 8 minutes to get everything set up, inspect and clean the damage area:!: I would love to know how he is doing it. Don't guess he's using his resin for nasal spray do you

[mafsu]

8 minutes? Have you seen the guy's repairs. I'd be curious as to the quality of an 8 minute repair.

The advantage of having other repair companies on your network is that you are then are able to sign contracts with insurance companies allowing you to directly handle all their glass claims using their name and posing as their employees. Therefore being able to apply undue influence on the unsuspecting customers of said insurance companies as to which windshield repair shops they use.

The benefits of being on a network are that when your customer calls in you are an approved vendor of that network. You will occasionally receive work from the networks.

[Dave M]

I was repairing a combination break for a shuttle driver at a local rental agency when I see a little red Repair Medic truck (aka Safelite) stop at a vehicle about 50 feet away from me.
I thought this was going to be the perfect time to meet him and talk business. I was in the middle of my repair and did not want to leave it to go talk shop! I watched him as much as possible and before I knew it, he was gone. Did not even see him use a UV shield, he wasn't there long enough! 7 minutes and BAM he was gone. He did put a hood cover and a tool box on the hood and was standing on a small step stool. That's all I was able to see.
When I was finished my repair, about 10-15 minutes later, I loooked at the w/s he repaired and could not find any evidence of a repair. This guy was GOOD! The receipt was under the wiper. An insurance job for $59.95.

[lakosbo]

Dave M, I am glad you backed me up on what I see. Same description of how this guy works... red truck, hood cover, step stool...POOF!!! he's gone.No UV light either.
Where does their equip and supplied come from?

[screenman]

There is no magic in this trade we can all do 5 minute repairs, how do you know he did not just fill a pit. Do not get stressed by the opposition just do your own thing, remember this business is based more on your ability to sell than repair. Why worry about someone who works for only a percentage and gives the rest to someone in the office. Get out and get busy.

[Dave M]

I can't remember ever doing a 5 minute repair! Selling yourself and/or your business is a very huge factor for acquiring new customers or accounts. However, the established account or customer that you are doing the second or third repair because he or she thought you were the best....you've already sold yourself and now you're back because you do quality work and you're trusted.

[Coitster]

Personaly I think I beat this subject into the ground like a dead horse but I don't think its possible to do a quality repair in under 15 minutes myself. I know some of you may disagree with me on this but I usualy spend about 20 to 25 minutes on my repairs and they look great. I have seen thousands of repairs out there and I hate to day this but at least 95% of them are horrible, and that may actualy be a low figure. Don't worry about how fast others are spending on their repairs. Worry about your own ones.

Anyone who has rode around with me before and testify that I actualy make a big deal about this with my customers and I sell them on the fact that I am not going to take 5 minutes to do the repair and it will take me at least 20 minutes to do the job. My customers are extreamly happy with the work I do and eventualy call me back for more business or to reffer someone to me.

STOP and take your time, do a quality job not a quick fix that is going to look horrible and give all the rest of us techs trying to do great work out there a really bad name. When you do a crapy repair you are ruining the business and industry for the rest of use. Unfortunatly because windshield repair is relitivly easy to learn we have a bunch of hacks in the business doing garbage work that don't care about anything but getting the money and running. They have a totaly gypsey mentality.
David
Coitster

P.S. I am off my pedistal now.