barrett smith Archives - Page 7 of 9 - BodyShop Business
Post-Collision Repair Inspections – Something to Fear?

We’re in the process of repairing a late-model SUV with a substantial amount of damage to both its front and rear areas. Our customer has informed us that they’re having a post-repair inspection performed on their vehicle once the repairs are completed. This concerns us as we’ve seen and read where some shops are slammed

Dealing with Unreasonable Customers Part II

When you’re fed up with a customer, how exactly do you simply tell them to go away?

How to Get Insurers to Pay for Necessary Procedures and Parts

When the insurer refuses to provide for necessary procedures and parts, how can we get them to pay?

How to Deal with Unreasonable Customers

How do you politely tell the customer to take a hike? Is it even possible to do so?

Administration Fees and Storage

The subject of administrative fees continually comes up in our office as a fee that’s disputed by some insurance companies. How can we get them to pay?

Who Pays for Parts That Don’t Fit?

Is there a form we can create that will make the insurance company pay for both parts if the aftermarket will not fit correctly and we have to buy OEM?

What Should I Charge for Feather, Prime and Block?

We’ve begun charging for feather, prime and block, but we’re not sure what the labor times should be per area or the material rate. Is there a place I can find rates in my area or do you know what the average would be?

Replace or Not Replace?

When a question to repair or replace arises, especially one where distinct liability concerns exist, I firmly believe that if one is to err, they should err on the side of caution.

Is It Illegal to Deviate from an Insurer’s Estimate?

If an insurer pays a customer to do certain repairs and the customer doesn’t want certain things done, is it illegal for the collision repairer to not repair or replace something the insurer has paid for?

Who Polices Auto Insurer Call Centers?

I’ve lost many potential repairs due to State Farm’s strong-arm tactics steering customers to their choice of repair centers instead of the customer’s. So my question is, ‘Who, if anyone, polices these call centers?’

Auto Damage Experts’ Barrett Smith to Coach and Consult Three-C Body Shops

Three-C owner Bob Juniper says he has generated and continues to generate tens of thousands of dollars in profits by employing suggestions shared through Barrett’s email distribution lists.

Insurance Refusal to Pay Storage Fees

We paid the towing fees to bring a customer’s classic vehicle to our facility for restoration. The customer declined to go ahead with the job. The vehicle has been in our possession since Dec. 8, 2014, and the customer has failed to pick up the vehicle. What can we do?