When the Government Comes Knocking: Changing Regulations & Inspections
You wouldn’t intentionally put your workers or the community that supports your business in danger. But keeping up with changing regulations issued by government agencies isn’t easy — some requirements seem overwhelming while others are just plain nitpicky. Regardless, you should always be prepared for an inspection.
Painting Your Way to More Profits
If you’ve never truly evaluated your paint department, you may be surprised by what you find — excessive paint and material waste, poorly utilized space or even material theft. To determine whether you’re getting the most out of your paint shop, use these three key performance indicators.
The Total Story
Why are some cars repaired when they should be totaled, and others totaled when they should be repaired? Because, too often, poorly trained people are estimating damages. If it’s a total, then total it. If it’s a borderline case, communicate with your customer and your tech. But keep in mind that customer safety is your No. 1 priority.
Repeat Yourself: Produce the Same Operation Repeatedly and Consistently
“Standardization” isn’t about cloning shops. It’s about having the ability to produce the same operation repeatedly and consistently so it can be audited. Why go to the trouble? Implementation of such standards will improve profitability and quality, reduce cycle time and chaos that keeps you busy putting out fires – but hinders you from getting anything done.
Las Vegas or Bust: NACE 2001
NACE 2001 hits the jackpot with a solid line-up of seminars, a new action demonstration arena and entertainment by comedian Jay Leno.
You Can Make Vehicles Right Again
I read the very interesting and informative articles in BodyShop Business each month and have often had thoughts of writing to you concerning them but didn’t. But I can no longer refrain from commenting on information about whether a vehicle can be repaired to pre-accident condition. I think of the old adage I’ve often heard, "Every man is the best judge of the value of his own merchandise." If [a shop owner] says he can’t restore a vehicle to pre-accident condition, I’d be inclined to take his word for it. He’s in the best position to know, but it doesn’t follow that the rest of the shops need to accept his evaluation for their own work.
Never Lose Sight of the Goal
Giving away business? In today’s competitive and consolidating marketplace, how could such a thing happen?
Pick Me! Pick Me!
If you want to close the sale, you need more than a well-written estimate and a “Give us a call if you decide to schedule it.” You need to develop a system tailored to customer needs and train your estimators and front desk personnel to sell.
Hardware and Hard Hits: The Body Shop at Sears Roebuck and Co.
Shop Name: The Body Shop at Sears Location: Hicksville, Long Island President: Bill Rich Established: February 1995 Square Footage: 10,000 square feet Number of Employees: 15 Average Repair Volume: 80 cars per month Average Repair Ticket: $4,000 When you think of Sears, what comes to mind? Seeing the innocent child-like glow on your dad’s face
If You Do It, Charge For It
It’s like the old saying, “Why buy the cow if the milk is free?” Insurers aren’t going to offer to pay for materials and procedures if you don’t charge for them. That would be crazy. It’s even crazier if you aren’t charging them.