Windshield Repair Forum

Hi.

I am relatively new to this industry, but have now finally obtained all my equipment, marketing suppies, website, etc. to get rolling. Just wondering if some of you veteran techs work solely from referrals from insurance companies and fleet service contracts? Is it really worth my time to try to find a place to park and setup a tent and post a big sign on the side of the road somewhere? I know there is a lot of frustration associated with this. I would really perfer to just service fleet acounts and referrals from insurance companies, is it possible to make a decent living doing it this way? Thanks.

Believe me, I know what it's like to just be getting started.

Here's my plan.

I've talked with another member of this forum who's relatively close to me geographically and he says that most of his business at his tent set-up came in the afternoon. So I'm going to spend my mornings going after fleet accounts, etc., and afternoons at a tent set-up.

The tent set-up might bring you in some cash while you're developing some accounts. (That's what I'm hoping for) I know some members here have made good money at a road-side location.

Don't rely on insurance referrals cause you will be sorry like I am LOL last year this time I was getting 15-20 a week and the last 4 weeks I am lucky to get 4 a week. Everyone and their brother is doing it and giving customized offers on pricing that normal people can't match. Get yourself a nice location and sit there and make some money. Gas is 4.00 here in michigan so sitting still sounds good to me.

Tents are a good way to get business. But I have found that going to small office complexes is the best way to get business. Many people don't have the time or don't think about getting there chips fixed therefore going to them is the way I've seen more productive.

Thanks for the input. Just one question though. Why is a tent really needed in the first place? I mean, most of us I assume do not setup tents that are 20'x20' for a vehicle to actually drive under. Secondly, if it is raining does this not effect the results of an effective repair due to the moisture, and finally, if a repair only takes on average 15-25 minutes does a customer really care to sit under a tent during this time. I can understand though, if it is summer with hot temperatures. I think it is mostly about marketing and creating an illusion of a shop that really does not exist and drawing customers in. Perhaps I am being foolish in my evaluation of this, but would love to hear other opinions on this----thanks!

A parking lot is full of vehicles so the tent is one way for you to stand out and get attention amidst the crowd. When people see tents they think...food?....something for sale?.....a quick mobile service?.....they know that a tent is basically temp. store front like you said. Plus the shade is nice and you never know when a light rain shower will happen. A 10x10 tent with straight legs will let you pull the front end of the car and windshield under it which is all your going for anyways right? A few less UV rays to deal with also.

Also a tent is a place to hang banners and signs. I mostly use bungees to fasten them on. Just watch the wind as banners make a good sail and will bend and twist your tent into a pretzel. If you can leave it overnight take everything off, including the top, so as to prevent this from happening in the middle of the night.

Here in Michigan I only see big 10x10 banners no tents. this could be a permit issue if you actually get a permit which I think many don't actually do. Windshield doc is correct also about the office complex I have heard many talk to doing that I just can't build up the nuts to do it LOL.

for those that hate to put out big tent looks like this would do.
sportmasters.com

I'm a tent guy... with permits. I have a 10x15 tent that allows the customer to feel a little better about pulling in underneath. I don