2000 Editions Archives - Page 9 of 12 - BodyShop Business
A License To Repair

"Why isn’t it mandatory for all collision techs to be licensed?" — Don Marshall, manager, Fresno Chrysler/Plymouth, Fresno, Calif. The collision repair industry is the ultimate example of irony and paradox. In most (if not all) states, the damage appraiser needs a license to prove he’s capable of determining the cost and procedure of repairing

Busting at the Seams

Growth isn’t as important as retaining quality and, most importantly, profitability.

Why Use Used Parts?

"Why isn’t there a higher mark-up or other incentive for shops to use salvage parts?" — P. Michael Riffert, pres., Engle’s Frame & Body Service, Ephrata, Pa. Any of us are in the collision repair industry because we love it. And when you like your occupation, 99 times out of 100 you’ll produce a better

Price Fixing or Price Negotiating

“Why do insurance companies control a shop’s labor rates? Isn’t this price fixing?” –– Ron Humphress, former parts manager, Good News Auto Body Shop, Salisbury, Md. Black Law Dictionary, 7th Edition, defines price fixing as an “artificial setting or maintenance of prices at a certain level contrary to the workings of the free market.” Price

10 Tips for Eliminating Repair-Related DV

Figuring dimished value.

Build Relationships to Build Your Business

What are shops now doing to bring in customers?

Should You Get Into Bedliners?

Sure, starting a spray-on bedliner business sounds like guaranteed money in your hands, but if you aren’t informed on the technical aspects, then you may soon find yourself empty-handed instead.

On Your Mark … Get Set … Go!: Benchmarking

Are your employees living up to their potential? Is your shop? One way to be sure is to use benchmarks. Benchmarking allows you to compare your business’ performance to other businesses so you can discover where opportunity exists.

Hey, Big Spender: Insurance Company CEO Salaries

Before you start believing that billion-dollar judgments against State Farm and other insurance companies will bleed them dry (fat chance) and necessitate premium hikes, check out the exorbitant CEO salaries these companies pay. With paychecks and stock options like these, insurers obviously have a money tree planted somewhere.

Start with a Good Foundation

The vehicle may “look” pretty good, but that’s no excuse to move forward without measuring — hoping for the best. Before repair work begins, you need to ensure a true foundation with respect to datum, length and sway.

Precision Work” “Pull & Square Body”

How many of you use the term “pull and square body”? How many of you know exactly what it means? To an adjuster, it’s a non-specific repair term that often leads to a reduction in time and pay. But being more descriptive about frame damage and pulling procedures on your estimates can change that

Before You Hand Over the Cash

When you’re looking to purchase new measuring or straightening equipment, price shouldn’t be the only consideration. To be sure you end up with the right system, analyze your current and future business needs before you make a deal.