Repairs that Pay
Most collision repair professionals – the frame guy and the painter all the way through to the manager and the owner – take pride in repairing automobiles correctly for their customers. Not many people in any business are so cold and callused that they can sell a product or service they believe is
Better Safe Than Liable: Check the Safety Features
Hurried techs sometimes forget to – or just simply don’t – check the safety features on a collision-damaged vehicle. But being rushed is no excuse.
A 6-Step Method for Mastering Structural Repair
Too often, techs skip one or more of the crucial steps needed to repair a vehicle frame. But shortcutting costs you additional time and money later on … when something goes wrong.
Better Pay for Better Work
While many shop owners say it’s not good business to pay more money to a less productive tech, I say stop thinking of it as paying more for less — and start thinking of it as paying more for better.
Fixing Plastics is Possible – and Profitable
It was 1968 and this shop was successfully repairing plastics. So why is it that shops today aren’t?
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.
What to Do With Sagging Sales
In May, we examined how insufficient volume can put you in the red. But volume is only half the problem. Insufficient production also poses a serious threat to your shop’s sales. Luckily, it’s all fixable.
Wheels in Motion: Wheel Set Back
Wheel set back is an indicator of larger problems that are often overlooked when measuring. But because most techs think of set back as an alignment measurement, they don’t bother checking for it – and don’t deliver a complete, timely or profitable repair.
4 Structural Repair Laws to Live By
Many of us still rely on the might of the hammer and the sweat of the brow to return a twisted pile of sheet metal back to a safe and serviceable vehicle. But you can reduce that sweat by using a little common sense and applying a few laws of physics.
Dealing With Mr. “I-Can’t-Pay-My-Deductible”
It may be tempting to do your customers a favor when they threaten to take their business elsewhere. But when you see how this adversely affects the industry and your own shop, you’ll realize that you’re a moron if you allow some whiner with a eductible problem to peer pressure you.