April, 2005 Archives - BodyShop Business
Smart Politics: Money = Attention From Politicians

“Anybody can say, ‘I’d like this law to be changed or that law to be changed,’ ” says a Virginia shop owner. “But I don’t see any politicians knocking on my door. … They do it with big insurance companies, but not me.” Well, for lack of a better word: Duh! Of course politicians aren’t

Besting the Real Competition: Set Your Company’s Standard of Excellence

"The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself." – Anna James Enthusiasm is wonderful. Having confidence in yourself is a necessity. Believing in your company is a basic requirement of success. No team ever won a championship with a negative attitude. However, believing in yourself and your company doesn’t mean you must

Is It Ok to Cost Shift to Help out the Adjuster and Get You Paid?

I find the practice of cost shifting morally repugnant. Why is it morally wrong and illegal (fraud) if I as a repairer charge a customer differently than the actual repair performed, but when an adjustor "bends" his company’s rules (even if it’s for our "benefit") that it’s somehow OK? I don’t understand the double-standard. The

Inside an Old-Timer’s Toolbox

In the early days when a bodyman faced a repair problem, he couldn’t just buy what he needed. He had to conceive a tool that would repair the problem- and then forge it himself.

Inverter MIG Welders:Turn Your World Upside Down

On a mission to learn how to better repair lightweight panels, I began investigating inverter welders. And was pleasantly surprised.

Gearheads vs. Poindexters: The Best Way to Answer This Question Is to Be Blunt: We’re An Industry of Ignorant Bodymen.

Now I know that sounds insulting and rude, but read on and see if you don’t agree with me.

Disposable Cars?

More repair-friendly vehicles don’t appear to be in our future, equating to fewer vehicles being repairable and those that aren’t totaled costing more to repair.

Insurers Don’t Control Pricing

“That’s almost like asking, “How much does a Chevrolet Tahoe cost?”