If You Do It, Charge For It, Part II
Unless you’re running a non-profit organization, you need to write complete estimates and charge for all materials used. You say it’s not worth the time or hassle for the pittance you’ll gain? Then how about making out that check for 40 grand to me?
Jumping on the E-Commerce Bandwagon
Though the dotcoms have had a rough few years, doing business over the Internet isn’t a bust. Quite the contrary. Though it’s wise to look before you leap, repairers who take advantage early will claim a huge share of the market and reduce their costs. Repairers who refuse to get on and stand in the way of progress may simply get run over.<
Getting Savvy With E-Commerce
E-commerce. A lot of people talk about it, but what does it mean to your business?
If You Build It: New Century Collision Center, Winchester, Va.
Name: New Century Collision Center Location: Winchester, Va. President: Bud Harlow Established: 2001 Shop Size: 32,000 square feet Number of Employees: 13 Average Repair Ticket: $1,457 In the collision repair industry since 1955, Bud Harlow has learned every aspect of the trade – from working as a line tech and a shop manager to being
Forget the Decoder Ring: CIECA’s EMS System
Because information providers are no longer considering encryption or licensing agreements to limit access of estimate data as it travels along the Internet from shop to insurer, the goal of CIECA’s EMS standard can finally be achieved: No more re-keying data. No matter what provider you use, the EMS system can format the estimate so when it gets to the insurer, it looks just how they wanted it.
The Magic Behind Making a Manager
“Working together is the most important thing we do. To accomplish this, you need good management. How can you find and groom a shop manager who’ll foster teamwork and create a productive environment?” – Brandon Mitchell, assistant shop manager, Elliott Chevrolet, Athens, Texas
We Asked You to Tell Us What Articles You’d Most Like to See in BSB… And Tell Us You Did!
Pat yourself on the back! If you can’t reach, find someone attractive and ask that person to pat you on the back. Warning: If you’re married, you might want to make sure that person is your spouse. (If your spouse isn’t attractive, that’s your own fault.)
Labor Guides Aren’t Your Boss!
Who performs, oversees and approves the labor time standards? Why are they done on clean, undamaged? Who replaces clean and undamaged? When will labor time standards reflect life and not a sterile lab?” – Tom Ferguson, body shop manager, Thoroughbred Ford, Kansas City, Mo.
From Tow Truck Drives to Computer Drives
He says he saw a UFO, he wears flip-flops and he used to drive a tow truck, but what does shop network-owner Erick Bickett have to say about computers, consolidation and Christmas?
Do Your Job and Get Paid for It: Estimating
Too many shops aren’t getting compensated for the repair procedures they perform because they fail to itemize them on their estimates. How can you be sure you get paid for all the work you do? Become familiar with your estimating system P-pages.
