Auto Collision and Bodyshop Business News
Prevailing Rates And My Survey Says

Like the prevailing winds blowing over one of our local dairy farms, the term conjures up images of decomposing and festering crap.

When Every Day is Deja Vu

This Month’s Ailing Shop …

Pancake Wars

ding that the only batter he’ll use is from an inn in Washington. “I’ve been there myself, and I love their pancakes. “So for me, the Thoroughbred [tie-in] is we’re satisfying a pretty fussy palate here, and we’re serving to those that really, really understand and enjoy something that’s finer than average.” Lassak starts his

Lobbying for Your Livelihood

In one of his fables, Aesop tells the story of a farmer who was able to unite his quarrelsome family despite their individual differences. After trying in vain to reconcile his family by talking to them, he thought an example might work. So he called his sons together and asked them to gather a stack

Smart Start: Strategies for Opening a Shop

Once upon a time in the body shop industry, all you needed to start a shop was a garage, a couple pieces of used equipment and a good work ethic. These days, however, that formula no longer adds up to success. The advent of direct-repair programs (DRPs), the increased influence of insurance companies in determining

A Streetrod Named Desire

Hot rods earned their infamous reputation thanks to youngsters (or hellraisers, as respectable, law-abiding folk used to call them) who thought any place was a good place to race. But the love of street rodding goes deeper than fast cars, grudge races and pink slips. It’s more about preserving the past and never forgetting where we came from.

Steered Clear

Steering comes in many forms – some illegal and some legal.

You Could Put An Eye Out with That

I’m going to tell you about things that could hinder your business.

Less Pay for More Work

I’ve always felt that a top collision technician has more knowledge and responsibility than any mechanic, so why do insurance companies pay dealer mechanic shops $75 and up per hour? What’s a collision technician? He’s a painter, a sculptor (body work), a welder (three different types: arc, MIG, gas), a fabricator, an upholster, an electrician,

Making Things Happen on the Hill

While his breakfast may be unconventional, Bob Redding’s typical day usually follows a standard pattern – and it’s a busy one. When Congress is in session, you’ll likely find Redding – the Automotive Service Assocation’s Washington, D.C. representative for the past 10 years – at a hearing on the latest industry issue, catching up on

How Does Your State Rate?

Ever wondered if the drivers in your state wreck more often than drivers in other states? Curious how many repair dollars are spent each year in your state or what your shop’s annual gross profit potential is? Look no furtherTurns out Arizona isn’t just the place to be if you’re an allergy sufferer or a

Globe Trotting: Collision Repair in 16 Countries

Despite the miles – and oceans – separating them, collision repair markets around the world aren’t as unique as you might think. In fact, a developing market will likely experience the same growing pains and challenges as did its more developed counterparts on the other side of the world. Collision repair shop owners experience similar