Keep the Cash Flowing
Profitability and cash flow aren’t the same thing: You may have a backlog of profitable jobs scheduled, but no money to pay the bills. How do you overcome this? Learn to manage three things: owner’s extras, accounts receivable and accounts payable.
Cash Flow Sheet
Using a cash flow sheet like this will help you identify your accounts receivable, realistic collection dates/amounts, accounts payable and payment options/dates broken down in weeks to see what your cash needs will be during the next month.
Why Must We Fight for Every Dollar: Paying the Prevailing Labor Rate
It’s happened again! Some insurance companies still think they don’t need collision repair shops to fix vehicles. After years of progress toward common ground, Allstate Insurance has taken a reverse tactic: not paying the prevailing labor rate as they see fit. Sounds like selective p-page operations, doesn’t it?
What to Do With Sagging Sales
In May, we examined how insufficient volume can put you in the red. But volume is only half the problem. Insufficient production also poses a serious threat to your shop’s sales. Luckily, it’s all fixable.
Wheels in Motion: Wheel Set Back
Wheel set back is an indicator of larger problems that are often overlooked when measuring. But because most techs think of set back as an alignment measurement, they don’t bother checking for it – and don’t deliver a complete, timely or profitable repair.
Seoul Survivor: Auto Body Repair Division of the World Skills Competition
Vo-Tech student Lee Geiger of Wisconsin will represent the United States in the auto body repair division of the World Skills competition this fall in South Korea. Here’s how this small-town student braved turbulent weather and showed he had the right stuff to take on the world.
If the Suit Doesn’t Fit: Lawsuit Against the Five Investigated Paint Companies
Shop owner Kevin Caldwell tells us why he dropped out of the lawsuit against the five investigated paint companies.
Controlling Weather Conditions in Your Paint Shop
Blue skies are ahead when you learn you can’t control Mother Nature – but you can control how her moods affect your shop.
Let’s Solve the A/M Parts Issue and Move On
I recently received my copy of the May 2001 BSB and read your editorial regarding aftermarket parts [“One Billion Reasons to Be Honest,” Editor’s Notes, pg. 4] First, I want to commend your stance on the issue – namely, that consumers first be informed as to the pros and cons of aftermarket parts usage and,
Getting Their Hands Dirty
Getting Their Hands Dirty, Charlie Barone, BodyShop Business, July 2001
4 Structural Repair Laws to Live By
Many of us still rely on the might of the hammer and the sweat of the brow to return a twisted pile of sheet metal back to a safe and serviceable vehicle. But you can reduce that sweat by using a little common sense and applying a few laws of physics.
Behind the Blend
It takes more than technical know-how to create an invisible blend. Communication between customers, technicians and other shop staff is also an important ingredient. Mix them all together, and you’ve got the makings of a flawless repair.