April, 2001 Archives - Page 2 of 2 - BodyShop Business
The Magic Behind Making a Manager

“Working together is the most important thing we do. To accomplish this, you need good management. How can you find and groom a shop manager who’ll foster teamwork and create a productive environment?” – Brandon Mitchell, assistant shop manager, Elliott Chevrolet, Athens, Texas

Are Insurers Above the Law?

“Until insurance companies have to play by the same rules as all other industries, collision repairers and vehicle owners will continue to have conflict with them. How can insurers’ exemption from antitrust laws be changed or eliminated? – Mike Hogan, body shop manager, Tulley Buick, Nashua, N.H.

Hand it Over! Getting Insureds to Pay their Deductibles

What should I be doing to get insureds to pay their deductibles? Vehicle owners believe anything their carriers tell them, but I’m often treated with disdain – and sometimes abused – when asking for their contractual portion of repair money.” – Bill O’Keefe, president, Avenue Collision Specialists, Paramus, N.J.

Reader Responses

Increasing Cycle TimeDear BodyShop Business:I just finished reading your articles on reducing cycle time (Jan. 2001 Production Issue). This leaves me extremely frustrated. Our shop employs 25 talented people, we have the latest in technology and a well-laid-out shop floor plan. But all of this means nothing if you can’t get the parts. With articles

Last Page: Making Decisions

“It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires great strength to decide what to do.” – Elbert Hubbard

Decked Out in Decals: They Can Provide Added Income

I’m sure you’ve seen them: Decals of every size, shape and color stuck to vehicles you know didn’t roll off the showroom floor looking like that. Where’d they come from? From shops like yours that know the proper techniques for applying these sticky little restyle items.

Custom Cars at the Click of a Mouse

It’s easy to picture a rear spoiler on a Ferrari, but would that same accessory look right on a Ford Taurus? Without seeing for themselves, customers might be leery of handing over their cash – and their cars. How do you convince them which restyle accessories will turn their sedate sedan into a screaming machine?