And while most programs have the
same basic elements, each has its own specifics that make it unique
– much like your shop has specifics that make it unique.
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To make your job easier, we’ve compiled a listing of the available
membership programs and their benefits. Match your needs with
a program, and you won’t have to wonder if your decision was a
wise one.
AVAILABLE THROUGH: Akzo Nobel
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- Marketing, sales, parts management, paint control, materials
control, human resources, financial control, strategic planning,
production management, health and safety, standardized procedures
and office-management tools are offered with written guidelines. - Consultant services: on-site visits, follow-up phone calls,
monthly key indicators and trend analysis. - Education curriculum: courses in financial management, market
planning, business planning, marketing media analysis, leadership,
organizational development, production management, office management
and sales management. - Frontline service training: a three- to four-hour seminar
that allows the entire company to work on customer service, communications
and quality control. - 20 Groups: meetings of 10-20 noncompetitive shops confidentially
disclosing financial and business ideas to enhance their shops. - Local repair networks with other Acoat selected shops.
- Study group/study missions: offers visits to other 20-Group
shops. - Graphical trend analysis.
- Blue Chip Interfirm Comparison: a quarterly newsletter and
report discussing trends among Blue Chip partner firms. - Periodic technical audits of your refinish repair processes.
- A touch-screen interactive kiosk: integrates narrated pictures
and video to teach your customers about your shop, claims-handling
process, repair process, CSI and Acoat certifications.
COST: $5,000 per year.
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
- Materials and Equipment: sole use of Akzo/Sikkens paint; a
pressurized spraybooth that’s commercially manufactured and meets - NFPA Bulletin 33 standards; equipment capable of making multiple
unibody and full-frame pulls; a four-point/symmetrical and asymmetrical
measuring system; an accurate source of vehicle dimensions; a
four-wheel alignment rack or quality sublet; a MIG welder (plastic
and aluminum if appropriate); a properly sized air dryer capable
of bringing air below the dew point; a compressor capable of maintaining
a minimum of 70 psi for HVLP within 20 feet of a spray gun; a
properly sized oil-separation unit located near the compressor;
a paint-mixing and -storage area that complies with OSHA and local
fire-code regulations and is properly vented; a well-lit, attractive
and clean workshop; a mechanism to lift vehicles; proof of hazardous-waste
removal and proper documentation; and A/C-refrigerant recycling
and charging systems that meet national guidelines or quality
sublet. - Office: a computerized management system providing automated
estimating, job costing, employee efficiencies and departmental
sales analysis; periodical submittal of income statements and
balance sheets; a fax machine; a P-Page logic estimating system
(ADP, CCC or Mitchell); and license and permit documentation as
required by the market.
100 percent participation in Akzo Product Assurance Plan; and
willing to have recent repair orders subject to a customer-service-index
(CSI) audit.
in place for attainment of I-CAR-Gold or like status.
quality and long-term growth and who will dedicate time and resources
to the Acoat selected program.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call (800) 5-ACOAT-5 to speak to a business-development manager,
or contact your local account representative.
AVAILABLE THROUGH: Sherwin-Williams
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- Business Management: a body shop analysis, which provides
a confidential survey to determine strengths and weaknesses in
critical areas; the collision-repair design service; the Advantage
Shop Management two-day training course; the Benchmark Customer
Service Index; and the Paint-Safe products program, which features
an OSHA-compliance kit and product discounts. The Benchmark Operational
Analysis Program, which provides a detailed analysis of your shop’s
financial performance compared to other shops of similar size
and dollar volume, can be purchased by members as a separate program.
includes workbooks and videos on market analysis and planning,
sales techniques, customer service and marketing communications,
and an optional one-day course; custom-printed brochures; shop
identification, which includes a membership plaque, a metal A-Plus
sign and other merchandising items; and the Sherwin-Williams ULTRA
Lifetime Guarantee.
monthly collision-repair industry newsletter; and connection to
Insight’s Independent Information System, I-NET, an electronic
bulletin board connecting body shops, PBE suppliers and insurance
companies.
COST: $495 one-time enrollment fee. Members may choose
to purchase added resources in the future.
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
- Use Sherwin-Williams Premium Undercoat System and ULTRA System
basecoat/clearcoats as your main refinishing system. - Comply with all federal, state and local regulations pertaining
to collision-repair facilities. - Employ qualified technicians who are I-CAR or ASE certified
in refinish and body-repair - responsibilities.
- Provide an ongoing employee training program using resources
provided by I-CAR, ASE or Sherwin-Williams. - Maintain a refinishing area that complies with safety, environmental
and legal regulations. - Utilize a four-point clamping system to secure vehicles while
making structural repairs; electrical and hydraulic pulling equipment
appropriate to the service; equipment capable of making 3-D measurements;
current dimensional guides appropriate to the vehicle being repaired;
a computerized estimating system; and appropriate welding equipment
that meets vehicle-manufacturer requirements.
to their preaccident
repairs.
customers.
Repair Specialists.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact your nearest Sherwin-Williams automotive branch, jobber
or sales representative, or call (800) SW-ULTRA.
AVAILABLE THROUGH: DuPont
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- Management Solutions: the AutocheX financial-analysis and
business-planning tool; technical training; shop layout and design;
the SMART-1 management seminar; customer profiles; car-owner identification
service; the Accounting Game, which explains how to understand
the numbers; toll-free support; a starter-kit video; a video training
series, which focuses on telephone skills and office management;
the "Insight" newsletter, with information on industry
trends and facts; the AOQ Insider, with information on program
news and features; a shop-operation manual; AOQ identification;
the AutocheX newsletter, with CSI information and industry news;
the AutocheX employee survey, a training and management tool;
Partners for Profit comprehensive management training; and the
Enlightened Leadership seminar.
and promotion kit; inclusion in the AutocheX directory; counter-top
displays; customer brochures; customer repair certificates; customer
finish-care guides and hang tags; wall posters; a customer video;
KWIK color tabs; shop- evaluation cards; thank-you and referral
cards; TYVEK car covers; NASCAR association; a portable display
unit; an on-hold message service;
referral program; "On Roads" magazine; DuPont publications;
the Guerrilla Marketing seminar; and the Street Fighting Sales
& Marketing seminar.
evaluation cards, the technician hang-tag checklist and the AutocheX
third-party CSI service; a customer-satisfaction guide; a national
warranty; and shop qualification.
COST: $1,995 for a two-year contract for a single shop,
$1,795 for the second shop and $1,595 for the third shop. A two-year
renewal option is $1,000.
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
- Have an established business location in compliance with local
zoning laws and local retail - standards.
- Have all applicable local, state and federal licenses and
permits, and operate in accordance with applicable regulations. - Have proof of garage liability insurance and garage-keeper’s
legal liability insurance or - equivalent.
- Use only DuPont refinish paint systems and provide DuPont
paint-system warranties. - Provide a written warranty on all other vehicle repairs.
- Maintain a set of current collision-estimating guides for
the vehicles being repaired or the ability to produce computerized,
P-Page logic estimates.
by ongoing attendance of at least one course per year.
meet all federal, state and local safety requirements and that
will produce OEM-type color and finish.
device capable of determining frame/unibody dimensions.
alignment, including four-wheel alignment, and to verify the condition
and the results by printout.
suspension, engine and drive-train components.
to evacuate or recharge A/C systems.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call (800) 533-1313.
AVAILABLE THROUGH: NAPA/Martin-Senour
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- NAPA AutoCare "Peace of Mind" Warranty: guarantees
repairs for six months or 6,000 miles (participation by subscription). - Local Use Marketing Fund: covers 50 percent of all qualifying
expenses related to advertising, training, signage, computer estimating
packages and other expenses within an amount equal to 2 percent
of qualifying NAPA purchases.
for consumers.
and insurance carriers locate the AutoCare Center nearest them.
on network television and in major consumer publications, including
"People" magazine and "USA Today" and in major
trade publications.
rates.
with success stories, management tips and other information.
techniques and other technical tips.
guidelines and materials.
coverage, group medical insurance and group term-life insurance
(not available in all states).
certification or recertification testing fees.
($24.95 value) and one free self-study course ($89.50 value).
updates ($22 value).
a free comprehensive guide containing detailed instructions on
Martin-Senour refinishing systems.
tapes from Martin-Senour and 3M.
regulations regarding safety, health and the environment.
review and written report of the collision center, including a
plan to achieve and maintain compliance.
terms on NAPA TRACS systems, NAPA tools and equipment, and vehicles.
refinish guarantee to extend to customers.
listings and display ads.
identity program.
collision center to the national NAPA AutoCare identity.
paint composition, application, color matching and more.
and reduced usage fee.
on improving productivity and profitability.
and financial performance.
and educate the professional refinisher.
COST: Annual membership is $495.00.
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
- Make NAPA your primary supplier and first call for refinish
products and replacement mechanical parts and supplies. - Use the Martin-Senour Tec/SYSTEM as your main refinishing
system, and use these and related products according to Martin-Senour
guidelines. - Comply with federal, state and local
- regulations.
- Provide workers-compensation and garage-keeper’s liability
insurance. - Employ qualified technicians who are ASE-certified in refinishing
and body-repair categories. - Maintain a refinishing area that complies with safety, environmental
and legal regulations. - Utilize: a four-point clamping system to secure vehicles while
making structural repairs; equipment capable of making 3-D measurements
on symmetrical and asymmetrical vehicles; electrical and hydraulic
pulling equipment appropriate to the service offered; and current
dimensional guides appropriate to the vehicle being repaired.
requirements.
In addition, all refinish technicians must participate in at least
one approved Martin-Senour technical-training update class every
24 months.
drive train and suspension to its preaccident condition with regard
to location, integrity, durability and safety.
repairs.
Parts store.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact your NAPA Auto Parts store or Martin-Senour representative,
or call (800) LET-NAPA for the location of your nearest NAPA Auto
Parts store.
AVAILABLE THROUGH: Spies Hecker
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- Special travel benefits: incorporate automotive events in
the United States and abroad. - Consulting services: shop layout and design; consultations
on shop redesign, extensions and construction; business profitability;
OSHA and EPA consulting. - Third-party CSI tracking: a customized survey tailored to
track various levels of customer satisfaction and information.
Personalized telephone surveys are conducted by an independent
market-research company at preferred pricing for Color Club members.
Includes periodic summary reports, "Red Flag" reports
of crucial customer responses, professional-image consultations,
and optional comparisons and trend-analysis reports.
that outlines Color Club activities; Fast Fax, up-to-the-minute
information via fax on industry events and current trends.
to use new products.
health, workers-compensation, general and garage liability coverage.
Payroll and risk-management services are also available.
profitability, marketing and industry changes. Financial Consulting,
Safety/Environmental Compliance and Business Strategies are among
the seminars planned.
COST: $99 per year, with some benefits having an additional
cost.
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
- Use Spies Hecker paint.
- Have the high-quality equipment to operate an efficient body
shop. - Meet the technical training standards required.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call Spies Hecker at (516) 777-7100.
AVAILABLE THROUGH: PPG Automotive Refinish
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- Refinish technology; color-matching tools and service; and
support in shop management and business development, computer
systems, marketing, environmental compliance, waste management
and safety.
of collision-repair operations, including analysis of metal shop,
paint department, body-repair and paint equipment and personnel,
plus a sales and profit evaluation, a safety check-up and a critique
of the shop’s overall marketing image.
marketing support, a technician hotline and other benefits.
layout service, a collision-shop operations manual, assessment
of production equipment and a custom tailored MVP Speed System
that will be highly productive in that specific environment.
COST: Phase I – no cost
Phase II – $340
Phase III – no cost
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
- Enrollment in the PPG Certification program, which enables
shops to offer a Lifetime Guarantee (valid to original purchaser
only) on any paint work done according to certification standards.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact your local PPG territory manager, or write to: MVP Program,
c/o PPG Automotive Refinish, 19699 Progress Drive, Strongsville,
Ohio 44136.
AVAILABLE THROUGH: American Standox
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- Membership package: a PIE three-ring binder with marketing,
management and training modules; samples of all the literature
available to the PIE body shop, such as customer appointment cards,
lifetime warranty folders, etc.; $100 credit for CSI (program
of your choice); outdoor illuminated sign (or $300 Bowtie Buck
credit); one-year free subscription to "Insight" magazine;
$259 CCC fee waived for the first year; promotional-item catalog;
Frequent Buyer membership card; Partnership in Excellence lapel
pin; $50 Bowtie Buck kick-off credit; and Membership Award in
recognition of your Partnership in Excellence.
and printing services, discounted promotional product services,
marketing advisory services, sample materials kit, camera-ready
ad slicks and marketing reference-materials module.
training courses, management advisory services and management
reference- materials module.
and product training courses, training advisory services and training
reference- materials module.
credited into a Bowtie Buck account for reinvestment into the
business.
Research & Development.
items, activation of PIE status and immediate activation of Frequent
Buyer Accounts.
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
- Materials and Equipment: exclusive use of Standox products,
Standox mixing machine, downdraft or well-maintained premanufactured
booth, frame straightening and measuring equipment, compressor
with dryer and filtration system, capability to provide (in house
or sublet) four-wheel alignments, air-conditioning service, collision
mechanical service, towing, glass repair/replacement, electronic
repairs, theft-related repairs and unibody/frame repair, rental
cars available, and professional customer reception area and clean
customer restrooms.
number, valid EPA number, all applicable licenses/permits, workers-compensation
insurance carrier and expiration date.
training for management and technicians.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Amy Dolliver (program manager) at (313) 454-4556, ext.
3106 or Norma Boal (PIE business advisor), ext. 3117.
AVAILABLE THROUGH: ICI Autocolor
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- The Partnership Plus introduction kit: includes the Program
Manual and other materials explaining the program. - The Development Plan for mapping a year’s worth of training
and business plans. - A profit-potential analysis showing your current profitability
vs. other shops. - The program newsletter.
- A membership plaque.
- Reduced pricing on Integrated Shop Management courses and
program materials. - Business services.
- In-shop consulting.
- Toll-free support.
COST: None.
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
- Review a basic checklist with a program representative that
addresses shop cleanliness, equipment, safety and health, and
training.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call (800) 227-7516, ext. PLUS (7587).
AVAILABLE THROUGH: BASF Corporation, Refinish Division
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
- On-site shop consulting: focus on everything from customer-reception
design to detailed Productivity Process Mapping of all shop operations. - Consultation services: two-day FirstStep to 10-day Layout
& Process Management, which identify and build on shop strengths
and pinpoint areas of opportunity for improvement; and short-
and long-term business plans. - The BASF VisionPLUS Service Products Group: includes 12 Advanced
Regional Training Centers. On-site painter training also is offered
to interested users of Glasurit and R-M Brand Refinishing Systems. - BASF Educational Service Programs: a four-part "Professional
Business Management Seminar Series." Topics such as Management
by Objectives, Paint & Material Profitability, P&L Formatting
and Shop Financial Analysis are offered. - The "Business Development Group" program:
- advanced shop profiling, "Success-Trac" business
planner and extensive "Tele-Coaching." One-day workshops
and the three-day Beyond 2000 Body Shop Retreats facilitated by
Body Shop Video are now sponsored exclusively by BASF Corporation. - The BASF North American Warranty Programs: external and internal
signage, dynamic point-of-purchase sales aids and CSI tracking.
Members of the Glasurit and R-M North American Warranty Program
are eligible to attend an advanced sales-and-marketing-skills
seminar to maximize these valuable tools.
COST: Varies depending on which services shops utilize.
(Ranges from $150 for each seminar to $7,500 for some consultation
services.)
QUALIFYING CRITERIA:
Also varies according to which services are chosen.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact your local BASF representative or write to: BASF Corporation,
Automotive Refinish, 26701 Telegraph Road, Southfield, Mich. 48034
to the attention of Service Products Group.
Note: Meant as a general guide to available
paint-manufacturer partnership programs, the information provided
in this article was correct at the printing of the December 1996
issue. However, the qualifying criteria mentioned may change or
involve more detailed requirements than those listed. To obtain
more information regarding individual program requirements and
benefits, contact a program representative at the phone number
given.
