Fleets

[cleanerimage]

How many do trucking companys? I have found most around here do their own replacements and they tell me they get shields for $70-$80. they want to have me do repairs but it almost seems to me they would be better off to just replace the window unless I was doing repairs for like $15 a chip. what is everyones opionon on this ??

[speedyprowsr]

You said the magic words, "They want to have me do repairs". Even if they can replace the windshield for $70.00, they would be better off and money ahead to repair. I don't know what you normally charge, but if they have a high enough volume of repair work available, I would discount my service a reasonable amount whereas they see a savings and you make a profit. Remember, you have to sell the advantages of repair versus replacement.

1. Windshield repair does not break the original factory seal of the windshield.

2. Windshield repair is environmentally green. Windshields cannot easily be recycled and will be dumped in landfills where they will not deteriorate for thousands of years

3. Windshield repair saves time. A repair takes approximately 30-45 minutes compared to a two hour time frame for replacement. Most replacements require the vehicle be allowed to remain stationary for a certain period of time. Windshield repair does not.

4. Windshield repair saves money. The price to repair a windshield is a fraction of the cost of replacement.

5. Windshield repair is convenient. Once the repair is done, there are no further precautions or steps to take.

6. Windshield decals do not need replacement after your windshield has been repaired.


For trucking companies, downtime is lost money. We know repairing is their best option.

Now the only question is do you believe it is the best option?

[Brent Deines]

Speedy took the words right out of my mouth. I repaired windshields for a lot of truck fleets even though replacement glass has always been cheap for them. In the old days most trucks used gasket set windshields and when the shop did their own they almost always leaked, so I often picked up the replacement work as well. If $70 includes labor it might be a tough sale, but if labor and urethane is extra, which I it probably is, they may be paying another $70 by the time the glass is installed. Depending on how many miles the truck travels in a week and the route it runs, some trucks will pick up new rock chips every week or two, so even a little savings can add up after awhile. You won't get them all, but if you point out all the benefits of windshield repair with confidence I think you will pick up a fair share of fleet accounts.

Also, if they install their own glass you may be able to set up an account with a glass distributor and supply the glass in addition to doing the repairs. If they are only paying $70 per shield you may not make a fortune on the glass, but a little is better than nothing. Some of my trucking fleets bought windshield by the case from me.

[cleanerimage]

thanks for the replys, I agree and know I can sell the fleets I have been talking with. It almost seemed too easy and wondered why I hadnt gone out and done it before. Most of the fleets have have been talking with carry aggregate so they are always getting chips. Just this week I picked up two accounts each company running 300+ trucks. In fact, every fleet I approached said they had never even been offered the service before and were very interested. I may also look into the glass distributer, that would be an easy way to earn an extra few bucks, anything counts in todays economy.