Don’t Be a Jackass
Writer John Shortell’s opinion on the industry’s left-wing, defeatist attitude and the insurance industry
Your (sic) An Idiot
Below is an e-mail received by Charlie Barone, one of BSB’s contributing editors: Charlie Barone: Your an idiot. I will not waste anymore time explaining why. Sincerly, Emil Belich Concours Auto Works West Allis, Wis. A few things about this e-mail: Charlie Barone is not an idiot. He’s been in this industry for decades and
The Fox and The Hens
Systems that have checks and balances.
What Happened to Freedom of Choice?
Customers are being bullied and manipulated into taking their vehicles to insurers’ preferred shops. I know this because my customers are telling me.
Creating Your (Business) Plan of Attack
Whether you’re starting a new shop or you’re a veteran shop owner, writing and maintaining a solid business plan helps to ensure the continued success and growth of your organization.
Blindsided: Blind Claim Audits
Blind dates are a whole lot more fun – at least you get to meet the other party,” says a California shop owner about blind claims audits. Not familiar with the term “blind claim audit”? How about “desk review”? A thorn by any other name still hurts just as badly – and, in this case,
Letters
Addressing Anti-trust Georgina: Nice article on Anti-trust [Editor’s Notes, May, pg. 6]. Just read it while I ate my lunch. If my so-called competitors wouldn’t be so afraid of their own shadow (Puxatawney Phil would be ashamed!), maybe the industry could move forward. Charge what you need to charge; the rest will figure itself out.
Respect: The Customer’s Auto When in Your Possession
Do not smoke or eat in (or on) a customer’s car. Do not steal the Viagra. And never use the test drive to take a carload of techs to a local lunch spot (or to solicit a prostitute). When a customer drops off his vehicle at your shop for repairs, it’s common knowledge that he
Ignorance Is Expensive
Both the autobody and insurance industries are throwing away money by relying on the estimating software companies to manage data.
Get Buff
When, why and how to color sand and buff.
