New Guy Q\'s

[JJ54]

I am sure everybody out ther is sick of answering newbie Q's but I gotta couple and if you have time,I would love your opinion. I just got my kit and have started practicing on old and friends windshields,Not ready to hit the road just yet. I have enrolled in the next training class in Eugene (Aug).

1. I have not come up with a name yet and therefore have not filed for my buissness license. How long does it take to get all the paperwork (insurance billing ) done and ready to bill?

2. What do I do about invoices? Do I need to design something or can I buy premade? What about a logo? Biz Cards? I just don't know where to start on this one.

3. Does anybody else ruin their pants on tire dressing?

4. Any problem leaving the eyedropper in the resin bottles all the time? (during storage)

5. Where the hell do I find denatured alchohol?

6. Last one for tonite...What does everybody use for towels? Disposable or terry cloth?

Thanks in advance!! JJ

[Robin Hood]

JJ

A1. I don't remember how long but I believe you have to be in business or at least doing repairs for 1 year. I would recommend signing up with ACT for a while. They will sign you up with lynx and Saflite. You can edi for $3 on one plan. (If their rates haven't risen)

A2. If you have Microsoft word you can design your own. If you send me your email address in a PM I would be happy to send you a copy of mine that you can use to design yours. I have always printed out and used carbon paper for my invoices. Works well and never had a complaint. Their are many comanies out their that will design you a logo for cheap. You might start with a company that does business cards and vehicle signs and get a better deal up front.

A3. Never

A4. Yes, the resin will ruin the rubber on the eye dropper. Remove it after each use and clean out the dropper to prevent contamination.

A5. Lowes or Home Depot

A6. I use paper towels. You can throw then away after each use. Resin has a strong smell and it will stink up your vehicle. If your using it for UV shield I would suggest investing $70 in the bubble. It has brought people from across the street and parking lots to ask what I was doing which in turn has generated a few jobs.

Good luck!

[Bois]

1. I don't know what business license requirements you have or the type of business you're opting for but I registered my business name with county as DBA. Took 15 minutes & $9.00. If you're going for corp., LLP, etc. it will take a lot longer. If I recall, it took about 2 weeks to get set up with LYNX, State Farm, Allstate & ACT. Most of the time was mailing agreements, insurance forms, etc.

2. I designed my own invoice form for insurance claims (Microsoft Word). It's 5.5" X 7" and includes spaces for all the information needed by insurance companies (i.e. VIN Nbr; insurance company & policy nbr.; year/make of vehicle; policy holder's information; type & location of repair; price per repair (1st, 2nd, etc.); claim/reference/dispatch nbr; date of loss & date of repair, etc. Of course your company name, address, phone & FAX. AND, an invoice nbr. I had a local printer make them up for me - 2 carbonless form. I designed my own business cards as well using Print Artist software. I print my own on Avery business card stock. No logo. Crisp & clean.

4. I don't use the eye droppers. When you take Delta's training class, they will give you MagnaBond resin in little red syringes. I saved the empty ones (and dug some out of the baskets) - boy I'm cheap - and I ocassionally buy some. Anyway, I use & resue the syringes because they're small enough to put the resin right into the injector seal. One little red syringe will last a month if I keep it clean.

5. Any hardware/paint store.

6. I use Viva paper towels because they're lint free and inexpensive ($0.98 roll). I also use small blue microfiber towels for UV protection.