2002 Editions Archives - Page 6 of 13 - BodyShop Business
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.

You’re Worth It

“There are complete men and incomplete men. If you would be a complete man, put all of your soul’s strength into all of your life’s actions.” – Eugenio Maria de Hostos

Give Yourself a Raise: Working Together

Insurers know a local shop environment is very competitive, and they use this to pit local shop against local shop. But what if repairers refused to play this game and started working together instead of against one another?

Fiasco-Free Quarter-Panel Replacement

I was 17 and knew all there was to know … at least that’s what I thought until my first quarter-panel replacement. I learned from that disaster, and you can, too – by following these 19 steps.

Inside Your Body Shop Spraybooth

Stumped by what’s going on inside your spraybooth? Can’t figure out why your paint work isn’t premo? You’re not alone. Check out this reader Q&A, and you just might find the answers you need.

Propaganda Watch

Pop quiz! Which of the following statements is true: A) If a tree falls in the woods and no one’s there to hear it hit the ground, then it didn’t make a sound. B) If your spouse has put on a few pounds but you don’t have the heart to say anything, then your spouse

Man’s New Best Friend

The “Pod,” co-developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and Sony Corp., just might give Fido a run for his money.

Shedding Profits

Fatten up gross sales by $20,000 a year and add mass to your techs’ paychecks too – all by focusing on and charging for what you do best: collision repair

You’re In Better Hands Without Allstate

Our 18-year relationship with Allstate as a PRO shop ended after their demands became unrealistic. Could we survive, considering Allstate was 30 percent of our business?

Associations Can’t Do It Alone

With more than 2,500 shops in Illinois, only 50 shops attended the most recent AASPI State Convention. How can we expect our industry associations to influence politicians, effect laws and make changes when we don’t even bother to show up?

What “Time” Is It

“It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised and the mosquito swatted.” – Marie O’Connor