May, 2004 Archives - BodyShop Business
Addressing Anti-Trust

Bringing up anti-trust to collision repairers is like bringing up Thanksgiving to a turkey. It ruffles their feathers. For the most part, however, this fear of anti-trust is the result of ignorance. “The Sherman Act prevents us from discussing compensation,” says one repairer. “It’s construed as price fixing. But insurers can discuss amongst themselves how

Going Head 2 Head

Use “Key Performance Indicators” to compare your shop against others – and to identify and eliminate any
weaknesses.

Anti-Trust Q&A with Attorney

James A. Castleman responds.

Letters

Dear Georgina: I enjoyed reading your article on paint judgment times [Editor’s Notes, March, pg. 6]. I see more and more insurance adjusters’ estimates calling for blend within the panels on repaired panels. Allstate and Farmers have been the worst for taking advantage of this. Once Allstate wanted to repair a quarter panel for 12

The Courage We Need

“Give us the fortitude to endure the things which cannot be changed, and the courage to change the things which should be changed and the wisdom to know one from
another.” – Oliver J. Hart.

What a Tech Wants: Dealership Over an Independent

There are reasons techs choose a dealership over an independent or vice versa. More importantly, there are things you can do to convince them to choose your shop.

ABSolute Basics

Anything that can be exposed to impact may be in need of repairs after a wreck – including the antilock brake system. Error!

Dodge Neon SRT-4 Kicks: GAS!

  Hi: When it debuted in 1994, the “cute and fast” Neon extended a friendly “Hi” to generation Xers with its 132-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It’s a Gas Gas Gas: The SRT-4 is an all grown up Neon that incorporates Street Racing & Technology (SRT). The SRT-4 shouts “WHASSUP!” with a powerful turbocharged, intercooled 2.4-liter

The Rental Car Roller Coaster

I’ve been renting cars for 23 years. If you’re also thinking of getting into the rental car business, I’ve got two words of advice: Hang on!

Send Me Your Best Student – Partnering with Vo-Tech Schools

Looking to take the local vo-tech school’s best and brightest? Fat chance – unless you’ve been partnering with that vo-tech school all along. If you’re all take and no give, don’t expect instructors to do you any favors when you suddenly need to hire.

Blending Paint Right the First Time

Because nearly every repair ends up needing blended, you need to get it right the first time or you can kiss your profits goodbye.