While preparing for another “Ask The Expert” Q & A, I had one of my coaching/consulting clients call me to ask for the contact information for another one of my clients who is very familiar with the late-model Corvette they were working on.

Peer Interaction

I encourage repairers to interact and communicate with other repairers. This is important to not only gain collective information but open a dialogue with others in and outside of their market areas. This not only benefits the individual repairer but provides numerous benefits to the entire industry.

I provided him a way to get ahold of the person and then asked what specific information he was seeking. He said he wanted to discuss the various materials, fasteners, adhesives and methods of application involved in this particular repair.

I encouraged him to reach out to my friend and suggested he also seek the automaker’s information on the Internet (i.e. OEM portals) and via ALLDATA for the recommended processes and materials that the repair requires.

Jobber Resources

Finally, I suggested he not overlook an easily accessible, highly motivated and reliable resource to contact: his jobber/vendor’s sales representative. They would be more than happy to provide additional information on the recommended/ prescribed repair materials. He admitted he hadn’t thought of that and said he would.

When it comes to gathering the needed information for proper and thorough repairs, it’s important to know what resources are readily available to you and your staff to provide the best possible repair while avoiding unnecessary and avoidable liabilities.

A repairer’s jobbers/suppliers can be a wealth of available information that’s just a phone call away. In some instances, a jobber and/or manufacturer’s rep will gladly come to your location and give presentations and hands-on demonstrations on the correct products and applications to help you and your staff provide optimum repairs with long-lasting, positive results.

Your jobbers/suppliers are there to do more than just take orders. Use this valuable and ongoing resource to help you better serve your team members and customers.

Track the Time

Note: I encourage repairers to track the time it takes to research and acquire this information and consider assessing a reasonable fee for these important and necessary efforts. Properly explained, your customers will understand the need and importance and likely appreciate your concern for their personal safety and economic welfare.