Glass Work: Profitability
Because of the complications involved – hiring, organizing production, insurer involvement and discounts, etc. – most shops opt to outsource glass work. But is this willingness to give it away a detriment to profitability and to achieving a competitive edge?
Damaged Goods
Fact: Consumers won’t pay as much for a vehicle that’s been wrecked and repaired as they will for a vehicle that’s never been in an accident. This market condition – or stigma as some like to call it – diminishes the vehicle in value, regardless of how expertly repaired it may have been.
The Incredible Shrinking Industry
After a buying spree in the late ’90s and a struggle to integrate acquired shops into a “corporate” culture, consolidators are getting back on track and preparing to grow again. But this isn’t a death sentence for all independents.
There’s a Right Way … and There’s a Wrong Way
Paint-shop best practices.
Every Claim Is Not the Same
Insurance companies have led most consumers and shop owners to believe there’s no difference between first- and third-party claims – even though entirely different sets of laws and rules apply. And these differences can affect every aspect of your shop, from job scheduling to parts selection to liability to profitability.
Not All Wheel Alignments Are Created Equal
The process of aligning a collision-damaged vehicle is much more involved thanperforming a maintenance alignment. If thecustomer hasn’t hit anything, the technician can make many assumptions.But making assumptions about a collision-related four-wheel alignment will put your shop on a crash course. Ever since rear adjustable suspensions became commonplace in our industry, the argument has raged
Clean Up your Act
That tiny spec of dirt in your paint job costs you a lot more time and money to remove than it would have to prevent it. In The Big Book of Painting, page 2,344, paragraph 6, the author explains “The Rule of Dirt”: “All dirt comes to you. But from where? you sayeth. I sayeth,
Spraybooth TLC: Keeping it Well Maintained
You spend lots of money on a modern spraybooth, that’s for sure. So why not spend a little time maintaining it so you get the most for your money?
Air Care: Air Compressors
Your air compressor is the heart of your shop’s production, so it pays to give this often-neglected unit more than a passing glance.
Boosting Booth Production
Don’t let poor production processes hurt shop profits. Proper spraybooth placement, setup and maintenance could mean another $500,000 in sales per year. Interested?