How to Drop 13 DRPs — and Live to Tell About It
It didn’t take long to learn that more volume doesn’t always equal more money.
Debunking the Myth of ‘Pre-Accident Condition’
You may have the best collision repair facility this side of the Mississippi, but you still shouldn’t use the term ‘pre-accident condition’ to describe your repairs. It just isn’t accurate.
Even ‘Know It Alls’ Need Training
Take it from a reformed Mr. Know-It-All: You don’t know what you don’t know — so training is vital to staying ahead in an ever-changing industry.
Inflated Egos: ‘Head’ for the Hills!
Shops with prima-donna techs suffer from reduced morale, teamwork and, ultimately, production. If you’re ignoring these big-headed bullies and hoping they’ll go away or, worse yet, catering to them, you are your shop’s own worst enemy.
Eyes Wide Open: Two Techs Make the Transition from Shop Employee to Shop Owner!
With 60 years of industry experience between them, these two techs decided it was time to make the transition from shop employee to shop owner.
Play It Safe: “Culture of Safety”
Establish a “culture of safety” in your shop and insist your techs wear
(and properly use) safety equipment. Their families will thank you.
The Bottom Line: Many in This Industry Clearly Are Struggling to Run a Profitable Business
Before billing in dollars, I performed excellent work but was only paid for 60 to 70 percent of it,” says an Illinois shop owner. “The customers and insurance companies were happy, but I was poor.”
Does Association Membership Benefit a Collision Repair Shop?
Richard Lata, owner Martinsville Collision Martinsville, Va. Opinion: No We’re on DRPs with 12 different insurance companies, and we’re not even a big shop – I’m only 6,500 square feet. I’m an independent, and I’ve only been in business five years. In that five years time, I’ve learned how to go out and get work
Chasing the Dream: Transition from Technician to Shop Owner
Making a successful transition from technician to shop owner is possible – provided you realize that you’ll need a completely new set of skills to manage a shop.
Mentoring Works
This real-life success story shows how mentoring can help to bring talented youngsters into your shop — and into
an industry in need of recruits.
Car Quarter Panel Installation
There are instances when using a used quarter makes sense – but only when we’re getting paid for all the necessary prep time involved.
Out to Bid: Why to Shop Around for Shop Insurance
I saved $40,000 in annual premiums – yes, $40,000! – by going with a different insurer for my shop’s insurance. Not to mention the thousands more I saved in my personal lines.