Streamlining the Industry
Collision repair has been a fragmented and inefficient industry for years — but consolidators are hoping to change all that.
Consolidators Aren’t The Enemy
With consolidation comes change and a chance to learn new ways to improve your business — or sell your business, if that’s what you’re looking to do.
The Parts Debate
What will it take for insurers to part with aftermarket parts and for repairers to allow recycled parts to play a major role in their repairs?
Market Profile: The Collision Repair Market in 1997
A year filled with changes and challenges, some shop owners came out ahead while others dreamed of getting out
Operations Profile: Negotiation Strategies
With less jobs to choose from, some shop owners got pickier while others negotiated everything but their first born
Purchasing Profile
Some shop owners felt pressured by insurers to make purchases, while others felt competitive pressure to keep up.
No Bonding Allowed
It wasn’t long ago that the only choice a repair technician had to replace a quarter panel, roof or door skin was to cut it off and weld it back on.
The Necessary Equipment
If your shop were simply painting used cars,
you could do an adequate job with a bare minimum of equipment.
A paint gun, a random orbit sander and a masking machine would
get most of the work done. If you intend to do productive collision
repair, however, much more equipment is necessary.
The Two Faces of Japan
From ancient Shinto temples to modern-day skyscrapers, the Japanese relish technology, yet revere tradition. But with Japan’s collision repair industry changing with the times,
will the Japanese people also deviate from tradition to fight for their industry’s autonomy?
Among the Elite
Name: Elite Auto Painting and Body Repair Location: Modesto, Calif. Owner: Moises Martinez Established: 1994 Square Footage: 18,000 Number of Employees: 16 Repair Volume: 120 to 140 vehicles per month Average Repair Ticket: $2,100 Making good decisions has become a habit for Moises Martinez. Start with the 34-year-old’s decision to open his own shop after