Reader’s Choice: Why Doesn’t Our Industry Itemize Paint and Materials Just Like Parts?
Why doesn’t our industry itemize paint and materials just like parts? Is it only because it has always been based on paint hours? Or is it because insurers won’t change?
Clark’s Corner: Wise Advice from (Really) Old Collision Industry Veterans
In a series of conversations with some old friends and customers, we generated a non-inclusive list of ways to save labor time, get organized and produce better work faster.
Do the Facility Math
Comparing your shop to industry benchmarks is a great way to identify areas to fix or improve.
Keep Those Customers Coming Back!
I recently shepherded two far-flung friends through having their vehicles repaired after non-injury collisions, and I’m sad to report that their experiences will not lead them to recommend their body shops to others.
What I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self
Body shop owners and managers who are now older and wiser reflect on what they’ve learned about the collision repair industry.
PBE and Body Shops – A Partnership
This year, plan to get some advice from your paint, body and equipment (PBE) vendors to help ensure you return your customers’ damaged vehicles to pre-accident condition.
Comparing the Collision Industry of the Past to Today
I hunted down a bunch of old friends and customers who were still repairing or repainting collision damage every day to get their take on what industry changes have been good and which things were better back in the day. Here’s what they had to say.
Color Trends with the Pros
When the next Acura NSX ($200K) or the next 3T5 Lexus/Toyota or KAB Nissan/Infiniti colors show up at your door, don’t despair. First, catch it on the damage appraisal, and second, get advice from your paint jobber.
Wishful Thinking
One sure way to improve both morale and work flow is to talk about what you need to improve your operations. Start a similar conversation in your shop at the next coffee break. You might be surprised what you can learn.
Paint Without Fumes or Overspray
Teaching people how to paint or measuring coating application success using real paint and real parts is messy and expensive. Wouldn’t it be cool to “paint” without these problems?
Small Business Commitment
I had driven by this one body shop many times. They had sparkling glass on their front doors and a nice customer waiting area. Then I saw the one sign that’s a universal indicator of a truly great body shop: I-CAR Gold Class.
Communication is Critical
Communication in the workplace is a key differentiator of successful businesses. The employees can’t help if they don’t know what’s supposed to happen.
