Gimme, Gimme, Gimme: Better, Cheaper & Faster
Years ago, the belief in business was that you could provide a product better, cheaper or faster — pick two. But to achieve success today, you must offer all three. Customers expect more, for less money and want it yesterday.
Life in the Fast Lane
The latest industry buzzwords — speed lanes, cycle times, process efficiency — all focus on repairing cars faster. Fast is hot; slow is not. As we ring in the new millennium, we may also be ringing in the era of rapid repairs.
Guilty! State Farm to Pay $1.19 Billion
When the jury for the aftermarket parts trial against State Farm awarded the plaintiffs $456 million and the judge ruled the insurance giant committed fraud and awarded the plaintiffs an additional $730 million, some people cheered, some people jeered and others shed tears. But how will all this ultimately affect consumers — and repairers?
Keeping the Wolves at Bay: When it’s Hard to Pay the Bills
When you can’t pay those who you owe and you’re out of your wits, there are a number of ways to prevent them from huffing, puffing and blowing your credit and finances to bits.
What’s the Deal with Dealer Body Shops
Most dealership owners consider their businesses sales organizations and service a necessary evil. Though this attitude is the greatest saving factor for independents, it’s slowly changing to a cradle-to-grave strategy — pitting independents against a competitor like none before Have you been paying attention to how many dealerships have elected to close their collision repair
Addressing Antitrust
When it comes to violating antitrust laws, insurance companies aren’t always the villains. Learn when it’s OK to speak out and join forces with industry members — and when it’s better to just zip your lips.
Are You Guilty Of Fraud?
Before shop owners condemn the practices of insurers, they need to take a long, hard look at themselves. Committing fraud is dishonest, immoral and illegal – yet many continue to do it.
I Want My Money! Establishing Invoicing Systems to Get You Paid
Tired of getting paid late or not at all? By establishing systems for managing your accounts receivable, you’ll increase profitability, decrease stress and improve customer — and insurer — relations.
Is Your Shop Lost? Estimators and Knowledge Go Together
A solid estimate is the road map to quality repairs and higher profits. But if your estimator isn’t knowledgeable enough, he could steer your shop in the wrong direction.
Sizing Up Your Support Staff
Do you know every task your business must perform and how long it takes to perform each one? You need to, if you want to create an ideal staff to support the production of labor and profits.