Windshield Repair Forum

Sounds ike you are soliciting a bribe.
Let us know how it works out.

Insurance companies are not going to allow you that option. They will stop sending you customers if you are an affliate or doing work for them.

I think the man is suggesting this would be a cost above the normal insurance payment which is totally legit. Nothing the insurance can say about it. My disclaimer at the bottom of my invoice states that any costs above what insurance is willing to pay are the responsibility of the customer. Case in point, if the customer has 4 rock chips and the insurance covers a $60 flat fee. I would personally do it all for the $60 but frankly, I do this as a courtesy and would love to charge an additional $20. I think this is a great idea. More service, more convenience, more money. We each pay for convenience at any other type of business and this is what he is offering. Here in rural Montana, if I go on the Safelite website and book a windshield repair job, they state that it will cost in the neighborhood of $130 to send a mobile unit out. Go for it and don't bat an eye. We're in this to provide a quality service at a price that serves us AND the customer, but from the business sense, the price has to serve US first. If the customer is willing to pay it then it is worth it to them for reasons of convenience. The way I see it, those weekends and late nights are time away from my family and that is NOT free to anyone. Keep up the good work.

My initial reaction (besides the obvious concern about insurance tpa policies) isn't too good, but that doesn't mean anything. I could be wrong.

I think you are over-thinking this, and I think you are opening a can that will get messy. Maybe you can find a sales approach to present it favorably, but I think most customers would find it odd, if not insulting. As a customer I would immediately wonder why I would pay 20-30% more for the exact same service, simply because I could pick a time for you to come. Because the only way you could have a mobile service, is to make arrangements to meet or be somewhere at some point.

Most customers are at work all day and don't care exactly when you show up as long as you get it done before they leave. But, let's say I want to have you come in the morning, like between 8-noon. But I don't really care if what day? Are you REALLY going to put me off until next week because I don't want to tip you an extra $15? Because in the end, the service would be EXACTLY the same, only a few days later.

Another issue. So I agree to pay your $15 fee. I want you at my place at 7:00 sharp sunday morning and oh btw, I do live on the other side of town. With your sales pitch, are you going to weasel out of that? Just saying... as a busy repair guy, I don't want my schedule all jacked up for the day for the one crazy lady who will pay me $15

You would have to be very careful with every customer, to make sure they don't feel like you are putting them in a lower class if they opt out of the "premium" service. This is not the same type of business as a plumber, locksmith, etc who deal with "emergencies" and can justify charging more for after hours, etc. I just don't see the value in this for the customer. But who knows... if you have this really clear in your mind, and you can sell it the same to every customer every time without missing a beat, give it a shot. You should find out pretty quick if it's a bad idea or not.

I haven't called anyone names here. I simply posed a couple of concerns from both the customer and mobile repair tech. If that offends you, fine with me., because its an open forum so discussion is to be expected. That's what I think, based on what I got from your post.

I'm not saying it won't work, but I know the sales pitch will have to be handled carefully.or it will backfire.

I would consider $10 a much easier sale. But looking at it as the customer, I'm not buying in. Maybe I'm too cheap? Cynical? LOL

glassdoctor wrote:I haven't called anyone names here. I simply posed a couple of concerns from both the customer and mobile repair tech. If that offends you, fine with me., because its an open forum so discussion is to be expected. That's what I think, based on what I got from your post.

I'm not saying it won't work, but I know the sales pitch will have to be handled carefully.or it will backfire.

I would consider $10 a much easier sale. But looking at it as the customer, I'm not buying in. Maybe I'm too cheap? Cynical? LOL

I tend to agree. How do you set this up?
"Yes Mrs. Smith, if you want me to be at your house on Wednesday at 3:00 pm it will cost you an additional $15.00".

I am confused too as to how you sell this add on service.

When I do retail, which isn't often, I always tell my customer what time I will be at their home or office and I make sure I am there.

I haven't heard of anyone doing this before. Let us know how it works out for you...pros and cons. Good luck!

Curious about results. Alway looking for new ideas to improve operation & make more money. For me when a customer calls I ask if a certain time looking at my schedule will be convienent for them and if so get there on time. If they prefer another time we discuss it and get together at a mutuallly convient time. (KISS concept) My business is 95% mobile and only concern in setting appointments that are in the south eastern section of my service area and working in one at north western area. We just work together and everyone is happy. As I work out of the house, residential area I try to minimixe working in my driveway but give $15.00 off regular $65.00 which may have to increase to $75.00 due to car maintenance costs,

"Here in rural Montana, if I go on the Safelite website and book a windshield repair job, they state that it will cost in the neighborhood of $130 to send a mobile unit out." Are you calling as a potential customer or and affiliate?
Also here in Houston area it gets just plain hot and humid. I schedule jobs early, get through before noon unless vehicle can be in shade, inside garage or warehouse with at least fans and after 6:00 after it cools down.