Those Are the Brakes: In House or Out of House?
Since no two brakes jobs are the same, some shops choose to send brake repairs out of house to avoid an extra possible headache. Others choose to tackle the repairs themselves. What’s right for you depends on how much control you want to have over what often becomes a complicated repair.
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.
Cool Route for Creating Profits: A/C Repairs
Repairing air conditioning systems as a profit center can be quite rewarding — provided you’re quite knowledgeable when it comes to systems, environmental concerns and government regulations. Otherwise, you may be cooling your heels in an empty shop.
Got the Paint Problem Blues?
Little paint problems can cost big bucks. But instead of spending a lot of green to make sure the reds, blues, metallics and pearls come out right, listen to the advice of experts who’ve experienced — and solved — these small, but expensive, problems.
Powertrain Considerations
It’s easy to spot a dented fender, a cracked headlight or a crumpled rear decklid. But since there’s more to a collision-damaged vehicle than meets the eye, powertrain damage should be a top consideration –– if you want to ensure your customers’ vehicles get thoroughly repaired
Masking at High Speeds
When it comes to masking, plenty of products are available to get the job done economically. But because labor time is the most expensive component, the trick is to find a combination of products that effectively protect the car while allowing you to cover and uncover the vehicle in the least amount of time.
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?
The Court of Diminished Value
As consumers across the country file diminished value (DV) claims against insurers and hire lawyers to file DV class-action suits, repairers need to learn what the law says about DV — and if and when the scales of justice will be tipped against them.
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.
Weighing the Options: Repair or Replace?
To repair or replace shouldn’t be decided by tossing a coin or by an insurance company. If you’re unsure what to do, your best bet for success is to talk with techs who’ve been there, done that.
