The Tech, the Manager and the Entrepreneur
When Michael E. Gerber first introduced the world to the e-myth principles in his seminars, consulting services and books, it may have seemed odd to relate such ideas to the collision repair industry. But if you’ve had the opportunity to read — or listen to the audio version of — his updated, "The E-Myth Revisited:
Industrializing Your Shop
My article in the November 1999 issue of BodyShop Business discussed the factors involved in the industrialization of our industry. It focused primarily on the evolution of the repair process, the human factors and the breakdown of repair tasks. Going a step further, this article focuses on the "plant" or shop requirements. Keep in mind that plant requirements include products and equipment, since they go hand-in-hand with maximum efficiency.
Industrialization of the Industry
You don’t have to manufacture automobiles, guns or hamburgers to take advantage of the industrialized process. Such assembly-line concepts can be applied to vehicle repairs, too. Some shops have gone so far as to specialize in departments — paint, metal, mechanical — but they could go even further.
Acquiring an Estimating System
Whether you’re going to purchase the preferred system of an insurer or the system you prefer, your new estimating system won’t do you a darn bit of good unless you know what you’re getting — and how to use it.
What’s the Deal with Dealer Body Shops
Most dealership owners consider their businesses sales organizations and service a necessary evil. Though this attitude is the greatest saving factor for independents, it’s slowly changing to a cradle-to-grave strategy — pitting independents against a competitor like none before Have you been paying attention to how many dealerships have elected to close their collision repair
Ending The Blending Debate
The issue isn’t about whether or not you should blend — make it a standard operating policy and just do it! The issue is about blending correctly, meeting vehicle owners expectations and getting paid by insurers.
Boosting Booth Production
Don’t let poor production processes suck your bottom line dry. Proper spraybooth placement, setup and maintenance could mean another $500,000 in sales per year.
Perplexed by Profits
Today’s collision repair business is more complex than ever, yet most shop owners still don’t understand an elementary principle of business: profit. If you really want to make money, quit acting like you’re running a non-profit organization.
I Want My Money! Establishing Invoicing Systems to Get You Paid
Tired of getting paid late or not at all? By establishing systems for managing your accounts receivable, you’ll increase profitability, decrease stress and improve customer — and insurer — relations.
Measuring For Dollars: Tips & Procedures
By following a few simple measuring tips and procedures, you can reduce re-dos, improve productivity and increase your bottom line.
Finesse, Not Force: Repairing Unibody Vehicles
When it comes to today’s unibody vehicles, it takes more mental energy and less brute force to get things straight.
Use It – Or Lose It: New Technology
If you’re not fully utilizing today’s technology — if your shop’s full of “toys” that no one uses — then you’re not fully utilizing your shop’s potential for profits.