Windshield Repair Forum

Hi there all.
As this is my first post i will introduce myself. My name is Sean im a 1st year BBA (Bachelor of Business Admin) student. I live in Calgary Alberta. What first attracted me to windshield repair was a company offering summer jobs to students at my school. They are saying that the pay is 8.80/hr + 18% of sales (rock chip=$25) or a straight 35%. I was talking to a local contractor who runs his own Glass Business (residential) he has the equipment to do windshield repair. and said that he can offer me a better offer then them. he just got a business license and is just starting it our here.

To give you all an idea of the competition there are 2 "tent" setup companies. one of which was looking @ hiring me- they plan on doubling in size over the next few years. the other one has steadily been shrinking.

Now this is where im stuck- who do i go with? the company thats established, the guy willing to pay more, OR- Do i buy the equipment (quick loan's) and get out there my self. Im very self motivated and currently do a "hire a student with a truck" business but its my parents truck and they need to use it in the summer (building a house). So having the encouragement to go to work is not a problem for me at all and frankly i like being my own boss.

Is there anyone on here a student as well?.
here are some stats for you guys to (cuz we all love stats)
city population-1million
company #1 mobile stations - 26
company #2- 13


Thanks

Normally I would not jump in on this one because there are many variables that may determine which is the best path for you. However in this instance I am pretty sure I know who one of the companies is, and their success has been pretty remarkable. Because of the owner is a very good businessman he has been able to secure very good locations, and therefore his technicians make very good money. Although seasonal, many of his technicians come back year after year which is unheard of in this industry. Normally if you cannot keep a technician busy all year long you will never see them again.

If you want to run your own business and see what you can do then by all means go solo, but if money is the primary motivation you may want to consider taking the first option while you learn from someone who has managed to increase market share year after year in a very competitive market.

As far as the other offer goes, that could be good as well, but you need to remember that it is the number of repairs you will do in a day that will determine your wage. Your hourly base rate is only important if you are in a terrible location, and your commission rate is only important if you are in a great location and have a good teacher. A good location and a good mentor will provide the best net income.

I can't say which option is best for you, but if you weigh your options carefully you will figure it out.

Brent Deines wrote:Normally I would not jump in on this one because there are many variables that may determine which is the best path for you. However in this instance I am pretty sure I know who one of the companies is, and their success has been pretty remarkable. Because of the owner is a very good businessman he has been able to secure very good locations, and therefore his technicians make very good money. Although seasonal, many of his technicians come back year after year which is unheard of in this industry. Normally if you cannot keep a technician busy all year long you will never see them again.

If you want to run your own business and see what you can do then by all means go solo, but if money is the primary motivation you may want to consider taking the first option while you learn from someone who has managed to increase market share year after year in a very competitive market.

As far as the other offer goes, that could be good as well, but you need to remember that it is the number of repairs you will do in a day that will determine your wage. Your hourly base rate is only important if you are in a terrible location, and your commission rate is only important if you are in a great location and have a good teacher. A good location and a good mentor will provide the best net income.

I can't say which option is best for you, but if you weigh your options carefully you will figure it out.

i wont say the name of the company but there name begins with :"D". they have a 70% retention of techs