I have been doing chip repair for about 2 years now with my own business. it is just me. no employees. i have a couple good fleet accounts that i would like to offer windshield replacement as well to. i used to work for a glass company and i have 5 years experience. NGA ceritified, and sika certified. So i know how to do all the work i just need to get the proper tools.
I have been reading other posts and they say that it is not a good time to try and start w/s replacement with insurance companies. But i think this extra service would add alot to my glass business so wouldn't have to keep sending people to another shop where i collect referrals. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I didn't answer because I did not understand what kind of advice you were looking for, and still don't. Is there something particular that you are not sure about or were you just hesitating because of what others in the industry say?
It's true that profits are not what they once were in the windshield replacement industry, but if you have the skills and the customers I don't see why you would not want to add windshield replacement to your existing windshield repair business. I added auto glass replacement (not just windshields) to my glass repair business and they complimented each other as well as one could hope for. I got started in this business in 1987 and every year I hear that it is not a good time to start a business. I hear this both about windshield repair and windshield replacement, but I've never listened to the naysayers. In my opinion it is always a good time to start a business if you have done your homework, which it sounds like you have. In this economy it is hard to find anyone with a positive attitude, but Delta Kits is having a record year, and it is not primarily because of new customers; existing customers are buying more than ever. I have a very positive attitude even in this economy. For those who can see through the fog there are always opportunities.
Your investment in tools for glass replacement is a bit higher than for glass repair if you purchase all of the latest equipment, but it's still a minimal investment all things considered. Be sure to let us know how it works out for you. I wish you the best of luck.
