Inherent DV: One Man’s Disbelief
I truly don’t believe that a properly repaired auto is worth less by virtue of the fact that it’s been repaired. It’s not that black and white. How many times have you repaired a vehicle back to pre-accident condition – and then some – and said to yourself, “That wreck was the best thing that ever happened to that car”?
Better Safe Than Liable: Check the Safety Features
Hurried techs sometimes forget to – or just simply don’t – check the safety features on a collision-damaged vehicle. But being rushed is no excuse.
If Customers Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy
While progressive collision repairers are relying more and more on computerized equipment, paperless processing and electronic transactions, old fashioned customer care – friendly, timely, convenient and cost-effective service – is still the key to repeat and referral business.
Which Is Better: Flat-Rate or Salary
David Rowe, Shop Manager Johnson Ford, Inc. Kingston, N.Y. We chose the flat-rate pay system because it has a built-in incentive program for technicians. It seems to work the best. We’ve tried a “team pay” plan. The idea was to get the cars in and out more quickly. We’d put three or four technicians on
Saving Made Simple
Not only are “Simple” IRA contributions tax deductible for employers, but they’re excluded from an employee’s income for federal income tax purposes in the year contributed.
Cheap But Good: Advertising Ideas
Advertising doesn’t have to be expensive. The money you pour into costly print or broadcast ads can be better spent on other (read: cheaper) advertising endeavors.
Steering Customers to the Truth
Collision repair and auto glass specialists continue to suffer discrimination at the hands of insurance companies as well as government agencies.
DRPs: Probing the Legalities
There’s a definite conflict of interest when the payer (insurer) controls the quality of repair work. In fact, without the independence of the professional repairer, some say there’s no difference between the DRP shop and the insurer – just a different organization with the same interest, adverse to the property owner. But that doesn’t make DRPs illegal – or does it?
32 Steps to Painless, Profitable Plastic Repair
Many repairers pass on plastic repair and instead, opt to replace, sending an easily repairable part to the landfill. Why?
Are You Paying Uncle Sam Too Much
Because running a shop involves a lot of capital investments – spraybooths, frame machines, etc. – choosing the right depreciation method will minimize what you pay in taxes and maximize your chances of getting a loan when you need one.
No Fear: Developing New Business by Asking
Learn the right way to ask for business, and you’ll not only lessen your chances of being shot down, but you’ll increase shop profits, too.
PDR: The Urban Legend of Body Repair Revealed
Back in ’80s, strange tales circulated about paintless dent repair techs’ “magically” disappearing dents. As the rumors grew, I convinced myself that these guys were dabbling in the black arts. (If not, then why all the secrecy, huh?) But when I got tired of losing work to them, I decided to take my chances and learn the skill myself.
