“What Am I to Do?”
It’s a familiar plea to me now. Whether it comes by fax, e-mail, telephone or the good ol’ United States Postal Service, the message is basically the same: “I’m a small, independent shop and I’m at my wit’s end. There are two or three shops in my area that get all the work, and I can’t get on a direct-repair program to save my life. What am I supposed to do?”
Power Steering
Insurers steering vehicles to their preferred shops has gotten out of control. But there are some action steps shops can take to counter its effect.
Troubled Times
Insurer profits are at record highs, and body shop profits are at record lows. Steering is rampant and labor rates are being suppressed. And repairers are supposed to get along with insurers?
The Unofficial Collision Repair Dictionary: Part II
Class is back in session, students, as we take another look at terms used every day at our shops to figure out their true meanings.
Supplier Web Directory
The BodyShop Business Quick Reference Guide is a “Yellow Pages” for companies with a Web presence that offer products and services specifically designed for the collision repair industry. The directory is broken into two parts: 1. Products by Category 2. Alphabetical Company Listing Click HERE to download the PDF. Alphabetical Company Listing: 1-800EveryRim: www.1-800everyrim.com
Service Repair Information: An Important Tool
Accessing manufacturers’ proper repair procedures during the preproduction phase or when creating a repair plan is crucial to being efficient and profitable.
One Voice – Body Shops’ Business Climate
Body shop profits are being squeezed like never before, but not all repairers agree on the proper fix. One thing most repairers do agree on, however, is that more of them will have to do a better job of working together in order to effect change.
Proper Plastic Repair Procedures
Given the shrinking pool of repairs, it’s probably a wise strategy to look for opportunities everywhere you can. Plastic repair is one of them.
The Green Team: Eco-Friendly Ways
These body shop owners are hoping their eco-friendly ways and streamlined operations will boost their bottom line.
Developing Tomorrow’s Staff
Putting training in body shops’ hands with an in-house training program may be the best way to develop a workforce for the future.