What’s the Deal with Dealer Body Shops
Most dealership owners consider their businesses sales organizations and service a necessary evil. Though this attitude is the greatest saving factor for independents, it’s slowly changing to a cradle-to-grave strategy — pitting independents against a competitor like none before Have you been paying attention to how many dealerships have elected to close their collision repair
The Incredibly Shrinking Industry
Until three years ago, the prospect of some Wall Street investor teaming up with a body shop owner was incomprehensible. Today, it’s reality. Welcome to the brave, new — consolidating — world of collision repair.
Bought Out
“If I knew then what I know now …”. Only after promising them anonymity would several former shop owners speak openly about why they sold to consolidators, where it’s gotten them and if they regret it.
A State of Unions Address
While many shop owners say a unionized workforce would spell disaster for their businesses, many techs say industry labor rates are making a disaster of their paychecks. Is a drastic change needed – and will that change come in the form of unions?
Addressing Antitrust
When it comes to violating antitrust laws, insurance companies aren’t always the villains. Learn when it’s OK to speak out and join forces with industry members — and when it’s better to just zip your lips.
Shop Owner Profile
You can’t go one month without hearing or reading about a consolidator buying an independent collision repair shop. In the past few months alone, ABRA Auto Body & Glass acquired East Marietta Paint & Body in Marietta, Ga., formerly owned by Donnie and Ruth Reeves; Sterling Collision Centers acquired JSI Collision Centers, with four locations
Finding Your Niche
What’s had the living daylights kicked out of it and smells like a herd of horses? It could be your next job. Repairing horse trailers, offering rental cars or spraying on bed liners are just some insurer-free services that can boost your bottom line.
Expert Advice: Growing or Selling Your Business
Whether you want to grow your business or sell your business, it’s wise to follow in the footsteps of shop owners who’ve gone where you’d like to go.
The Road Ahead
It doesn’t take a fortune teller to predict the future — the challenges awaiting shop owners aren’t a mystery. The mystery is whether or not shop owners will prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.
The Spanish Experience: Spain’s Collision Repairers
Like bulls in a bullfight, Spanish collision repairers struggle to stay alive. But, as their country and their country’s way of doing business changes, they’ll need to assume the role of matador if they wish to take charge and survive.