Halfway Around the World in One Article
After BodyShop Business’ roving reporter Mike Lawrence returned from his two-day, 17-country whirlwind trip – in which he studied collision repair markets around the globe – he determined that while each country’s market is unique, it also sounds strangely familiar.
Consent Decree: Enforceable or Forgetable?
In 1963, 265 insurers signed a Consent Decree drafted by the U.S. Justice Department and Attorney General Robert Kennedy. By signing, they agreed to abide by the Decree’s terms: no more demanding discounts, setting hourly rates, boycotting repair shops and using specific appraisers. It’s still a binding agreement today … but will it ever be enforced?
The ABCs of DRPs
Deciding whether or not to join direct-repair programs can be a daunting task. How can you be sure the relationships will benefit your customers and be profitable to your business? By spelling out the pros and cons before you sign on the dotted line.
No Grease Monkeys Here: Our Industry’s Image
If you don’t think a lot of the problems we face in the collision repair industry are related to our negative image, think again. Between the public and the educators, our industry is often viewed as fit employment only for the mentally disabled and the drug and alcohol impaired. But it’s not their fault they think that way — it’s ours.
Behind the Paint: History!
Mistakes, World War II, foreign invasion and guinea pigs all played a part in the history of automotive paint. Who said history had to be boring?
Tell It Like It Is: OSHA’s Employee Right to Know Law
Developed in response to dangerous workplaces where employees were unknowingly working with potentially lethal chemicals, OSHA’s Employee Right to Know law is the most frequently violated regulation in body shops. Obviously, there are several things shop owners don’t know.
Proper Prep Work
It’s impossible to guarantee a flawless finish every time, but if your prep techs are good, they can guarantee you’ll be off to a good start.
The Science of Paint
Ever wonder about the people formulating today’s paint products — and if they have any clue how their creations affect refinishers? Wonder no more. Some of the industry’s leading paint chemists answer the questions on everyone’s minds.
When OSHA Comes A Knockin’
An OSHA inspection is something nightmares are made of. And for one New Jersey shop owner, the nightmare was reoccurring because OSHA kept coming back, and back, and back …
Before The Booth
Cut through the red tape prior to purchasing a spraybooth – and avoid complications later on.