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
The European Collision Market: Trends and Tribulations
While repairers in the mature economies of Western Europe struggle with static (or falling) repair rates, rising repair costs and insurer interference, collision repair in the less-developed economies of Eastern Europe is becoming a growth market – making it profitable to be a repairer … for now. The continent of Europe comprises nearly 40 separate
Examining the State of the Industry
What’s happening in your shop and your local market aren’t the only factors influencing your shop’s profitability. Pay attention to the world around you.
Examining Insurer-Owned Shops in the UK
Although the phenomenon of insurers owning repair shops is still in its infancy in the States, it’s well-established in the United Kingdom – giving you the rare opportunity to see what could be your future.
Selling Services
Some shops are making it standard practice to bill insurance companies in dollar amounts with no reference to the number of hours spent on a repair. As much as insurers fight this practice, the shops – which could include yours – are within their rights.
Out of Sight: Should You Release a Vehicle Before You’ve Been Paid in Full?
If you know your state law regarding mechanic’s liens, you can return a vehicle to its rightful owner and exercise your right to be paid for work performed.
Glass Work: Profitability
Because of the complications involved – hiring, organizing production, insurer involvement and discounts, etc. – most shops opt to outsource glass work. But is this willingness to give it away a detriment to profitability and to achieving a competitive edge?
Sign Here
Though many shops are hesitant to join direct-repair programs, most consumers like the convenience and don’t particularly care where their car gets repaired – as long as it gets done fast. Does this consumer apathy mean shop owners should focus less energy on consumers and worry more about positioning their businesses for the future?
Doing the Impossible: Scheduling Labor Effectively
I’ve been in the collision repair industry for 21 years, and one challenge that’s a constant is effectively scheduling production staff. Scheduling in this business is difficult because you have different repair jobs coming in every day and no two jobs are exactly the same – so you can’t follow a standard scheduling method that
34-Money Matters
Today, many investors and small-business owners find discount notes offered by U.S. government-sponsored agencies to be excellent cash management instruments to help meet capital preservation, cash flow and yield needs.