Auto Repair at Autobahn Speeds
Germans are known for their engineering prowess, which is reflected in the vehicles they produce — Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen — and the speed limits they post. And though Germans’ love for their automobiles has lessened and insurers love of meddling has grown, collision repairers are still finding business profitable.
Paint Department Smarts: The Right Tools and Knowledge
It’s not easy for painters to get the training they need. But that doesn’t mean you should settle for “average” techs. Nurture the Einstein in them by equipping them with the right tools and enlightening them with knowledge.
Welding Equipment TLC: Make it Last Longer
If you expect your vehicle to last longer and run better, everyone knows preventative maintenance is a must. The same goes for your welding equipment. To get the most mileage and performance from your investment, you’ve got to show you care.
Industrialization of the Industry
You don’t have to manufacture automobiles, guns or hamburgers to take advantage of the industrialized process. Such assembly-line concepts can be applied to vehicle repairs, too. Some shops have gone so far as to specialize in departments — paint, metal, mechanical — but they could go even further.
Ending The Blending Debate
The issue isn’t about whether or not you should blend — make it a standard operating policy and just do it! The issue is about blending correctly, meeting vehicle owners expectations and getting paid by insurers.
The Business of Bedliners
Many shop owners have increased profits by offering sprayed-on bedliners. And because bedliners aren’t collision repair related, this profit center is “insurer free”.
Measuring For Dollars: Tips & Procedures
By following a few simple measuring tips and procedures, you can reduce re-dos, improve productivity and increase your bottom line.
Small, But Formidable: The Smaller Bodyshops
Growing your business doesn’t necessarily mean “growing” your business. Consider Dave Stephenson, who’s built a solid reputation and six-week backlog out of his one-man shop in a small Iowa town.
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.
Breaking the Bottleneck
The collision industry has gone through a gamut of changes in
the last 20 years – most of them due to the constantly changing
automobile industry and the technology required to repair those
vehicles to preaccident condition. Others have been due to EPA
guidelines and the concern for the environment. Along with these
changes, new equipment, materials and procedures have been introduced.
