Windshield Repair Forum

Since the purpose of this forum is to share experiences, I thought I'd post this for those interested in setting up a tent location at a gas station. Also, maybe some of you could shoot back some kind advice to help me out.

I recently got persmission to set up a tent at a large, nationally known car/truck service center. The District Manager said that there is an average 1,600 vehicles serviced daily; and I believe him since trucks are pulling in and out constantly. There are 8 gasoline pumps, a fast food franchise and a store that sells everything. There are separate entrances for cars and trucks. My tent is located at one of 2 car entrances. Sound like a great location? Well, maybe not.

Brian Jeremiah, in his marketing presentation, has some good techniques for gas station selling. They may work in Oregon where there is no self service gas stations. You have a captive customer while the station attendant pumps the gas - slowly. In Texas, however (and many other states), we have self service stations. What I've learned in just 2 days at my location is that customers pull in, swipe their debt/credit cards, stick the gas nozzle in the tank and run into the store or restaurant. 5-10 minutes later they emerge, replace the gas hose, wash their windshield and drive off. My point is that the customer is not available to make the sales pitch - unless I stand around waiting for the customer who is now in a hurry to leave. Did I forget to mention that the service center is located along the interstate?

The center manager prefers that I not hang around the pumps all the time. My tent is about 80 feet from the pumps. So, I usually wait until there's 3-4 new cars and then do a walk around looking for chips and hoping to catch the customers.

Being along the interstate, I hear excusses like "I'm in a hurry to get home. I've been driving for hours." Or, "I've got the whole family and we're in a hurry to get to ..." Or, "I'll wait until I get home to take care of it [the chip]."

As you can tell by my comments, I'm a little frustrated at having what should be a good location. I wasn't planning on soliciting truckers, but I will do a repair if asked.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dale...

Call me on my cell phone we can talk about this. I also do tent/gas station sites in Washington where there is no self serve and it has been very successful for me as well. 503-750-4567

there are some different techniques to use that we went over in the seminar so I will refresh a few of those ideas. You are also welcome to attend the conference call that has been talked about in the other post, as a refresher

I am new at this so please take what I say as just my personal opinion and not experience.

First off I can see where it would be hard to make a sale at self service stations. Most in my area (Maryland) are like pit road. It is every man for themself and stay out of everyones way.

Secondly, iterstate traffic doesn't seem a good idea to me because with people traveling from all parts of the country. I don't think if I was on vacation I would be confortable getting any work done to my vehicle knowing that if something happened I would not be able to re-coup my investment. Also people are skeptical when they are away from home. We hear horror stories all the time. Unless it was a much needed repair to get me to and from my location, I would wait until I was in the comfort of my home town.

What might work better in this type of environment talking to the owner about allowing you to maybe clean the windshields of the cars with the vehicle owners permission of course. That would allow you to inspect the windshields without making people nervous that your walking around looking at their car or in their window. Once you find damage approach the owner and let them know that you noticed a chip in their windshield while you hand them your card. Let them know that you could either repair it know or they can contact you at their conveince.

Just a idea!

Bois, it sounds as though you are just starting in your location, give it time and if possable get a friend or customer to meet you there to do a repair. Sometimes you just need to get the first vehicle in to break the ice so to speak. Another thing is persistance/presence, over time people will come in the just need to have time to make the choice to do it. I've had customers come in saying that the have "seen me there for months and just kept meaning to stop in but....." 2 days is not a good example of what will happen there give it time!! Do some freebee repairs for the folks who let you have the space. (especially the ones who drive nice vehicles) Nothing lice a nice ride under your canopy to say you can be trusted!!
On the other hand if the taffic flow is to fast or for what ever reason, access or the like, you may find that the location is an issue.
What are you doing while your waiting for business? I've observed folks at pop-ups that had the look on their face like if they didn't get a repair soon the world would explode!! Definately the kiss of death IMO. Do your self a favor and make busy while your waiting and stay positive. Clean your rig or polish the tires look like you can make their rig better!! People will come the question is will you be ready for the questions they will bring? Do your homework while you wait or better yet get a practice glass and do a running demo for those that pass by and stir some interest that way. Just give it time to work. They will come! Good luck, Scott :~)