Need Marketing Help

[Glassguy]

This is my first time to post on this forum. I need brief and specific help concerning what you would do first to begin getting customers as I begin my repair business. Thanks.

[inneedofhelp]

I am interested in finding research statistics on:

a. Windshield repair or replacement statistics by US State - specifically, if possible, damage due to natural, every day occurrences: rocks, etc.

b. Related to this - any place I can research information based on Automobile, natural damage statistics in Arizona.

I am trying to show how the environment of Arizona - promotes auto damage moreso than other US States.

Since moving to PHX, I have encountered more Auto Windshield repair stores than I ever would have imagined for 1 city.

Thanks to all for your help...

[repare-brise]

If you have a high speed internet connection, I would suggest searching this site. Archived here is a wealth of information, also there are a few marketing guides that are available that are quite good.

Merci

[Glassguy]

Thanks Merci. But I don't have high speed access where I live. It makes it tough to get around.

[Delta Kits]

Glassguy,

If you want to take a look at the forum without images, buttons, etc. (which will make it load much faster), have a look at the archive version:

archive/index.php/f-7.html

Hope that helps!

[maxryde]

There are many ways to get work glassguy, I like to go to public places and find nicer vehicles that need repair and then track down the owner and just ask them. You may get a few no's but if you narrow the field by only asking folks who have expensive or just well kept vehicles it helps. I usually start off with "Nice car, Oh and you have a chip too" (pointing at it) "that is what I do, help folks like you who have nice rig's keep them nice, I can stop the damage from spreading and improve the appearance for you if you like? Some folks have me fix their shield and I just bill their insurance and they pay nothing, if you like I can do that for you too?" Just make yourself available and suggest they utilize your service. You will invariobly get some no's but don't let that bother you and don't appear to be needy as that will kill a deal pronto just be friendly and nice to all. You never know who your next customer will be. I know this is just a twist on the cold call or "Coitster" method, if you do a search using either term you'll find many more suggestions on sales. Sure miss the Coit's regular input around here!! Good luck, Scott

[Lee]

Years ago when I started out in the w/s repair biz I met a couple of good old boys that taught me the importance of proper marketing. They had a old chevy van with a hole in the floor that they could drop gravel out of. They would drive around a town and cause extreme w/s damage and then set up in a vacant lot and rake in the $'s. Also they gave out BB guns and slingshots at Christmas. The opportunities are limitless. Glassguy pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

[mafsu]

Get some business cards printed up. They don't need to be fancy. You can print them off your computer, however it's more professional and less costly once you figure the cost of ink to get them done at a printers. Call around and get pricing, you'll probably be amazed at the different prices you will get.

After you get your cards. Go to every dealer lot you can find (used car dealers are usually easier to get into when starting out). Visit every company you can find that has a fleet of vehicles (rental companies, DOT, large construction companies, power company, phone company, beer distributors, etc.). This can be frustrating, don't get discouraged.

For immediate cash flow, I would go after these fleet type accounts in the morning. Then go after the insurance or cash business as others have suggested in the afternoon. Just a sales tip, Monday morning is usually not a good time to solicit fleet business.

[cure4glass]

I've been in the wsr biz since 1991 and I've tried a lot of things.At the stage you're in now I would use Business cards, a magnetic sign and maybe an ad in your local shopper if you have one available.I put cards everywhere I go, whether it be a parking lot, drive -thru window(You'd be surprised at the results I get from drive thru customers),hang them on bulletin boards, etc. It is very important to network and let people know what you do and give them some cards.Always have cards with you, and always have your kit with you.Keep a database on your customers so that you can keep your name in front of them.I'm still doing repairs for customers that I first met years ago largely due to the fact that I stay in touch with them with postcards. Ask for referrals.Always find out where the customer found out about you and keep track of it so you'll know what is working and what is not.Don't jump into every advertising opportunity that comes along because there'll be plenty of solicitation for your advertising dollars.Again, at this point I would usenetworking, word of mouth, business cards, a magnetic sign(s)and a cheap ad in the local shopper that does'nt lock you into a contract.This keeps you in control of your money until you can see whether this business is going to be profitable for you.Good luck.Now go sell yourself!!

[Glassguy]

I appreciate all the good response to my marketing question. You guys are great to take time to help me in this way. I've got enough info to begin. Thanks to each of you!