Labor Guides Aren’t Your Boss!
Who performs, oversees and approves the labor time standards? Why are they done on clean, undamaged? Who replaces clean and undamaged? When will labor time standards reflect life and not a sterile lab?” – Tom Ferguson, body shop manager, Thoroughbred Ford, Kansas City, Mo.
Purchasing Profile
That was then … The wood vs. steel battle continues. In June 1926, the National Lumber Manufacturers Association charged steel makers with "disseminating propaganda against the use of wooden automobile bodies." "It’s an insidious attack on lumber," they declared. The reason for the association’s angst? An ad, which stated: Automobile Industry Heeds Trend of Progress.
Oops … I Did It Again: Color Matching
Are you a repeat offender when it comes to color matching mistakes? Color matching doesn’t have to be difficult – or costly – if you follow this simple advice.
Stop! In the Name of Estoppel
Ever been told by an adjuster after you’ve agreed on a price for a job and begun repairs that, “We made a mistake, and this isn’t covered – so we’re stopping payment on your check”? Did you respond back that the insurance company is estopped from doing that? If not, you should probably read this article.
Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? Choosing a New Paint Brand?
It takes more than a coin flip to decide whether to choose a new paint brand or stick with the one you have. Sure, a new paint product with all sorts of new bells and whistles may entice you to jump ship from your current brand, but make sure you do your homework before taking that leap.
Beat the Clock: The Need for the Repair Industry to Improve Cycle Time.
Today’s consolidators are pushing the cycle time envelope. One even reports a 40 percent decrease in the time it takes its shops to return a car to the customer compared to the industry average. How can you compete? These affordable equipment options can help streamline your repair process and reduce turnaround time.
Do Your Job and Get Paid for It: Estimating
Too many shops aren’t getting compensated for the repair procedures they perform because they fail to itemize them on their estimates. How can you be sure you get paid for all the work you do? Become familiar with your estimating system P-pages.
Is Your Shop the Only One
Ever been told your shop is the only one charging for that? Well … you’re not alone.
The Fraud Triangle
Anticipating possibly getting something for nothing – and convincing themselves they’re entitled to it – repairers, insurers and consumers commit fraud on a daily basis, assuming that if they don’t get caught, no one gets hurt. But nothing comes without a cost.
Reaching New Heights: Separating Types of Painters
What separates the average painter from an extraordinary one? The “best of the best” pay meticulous attention to their technique, gun maintenance, gun selection – and everything else involved with painting a vehicle. In fact, the best paint techs are scientists, students, sleuths, housekeepers and dancers all rolled into one.