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 DOHC
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.
