Seeing Is Believing
Understanding solvency, blending and spray gun adjustments were all possible by listening or reading, but none were nearly as clear as seeing them demonstrated.
Kickstart the Process with an Accurate Estimate
An accurate prediction of the parts required and the flat-rate labor times allowed plus the not-included and judgment-time damage are key to a smooth repair for everyone.
May I Help You?
It may seem like everyone through your door just wants an estimate, all day long. In fact, every person has a unique expectation.
Get Help!
Join your trade association. Be an active participant. Your business will be better because of it. I know from personal experience.
Basic Maintenance
Sadly, for many shops, the maintenance schedule for their shop equipment looks like this: when it breaks, we’ll fix it. Maybe.
Paint Shop Math
Owners and managers at every level in every business need to track and chart some numbers. Which numbers would work for charting paint and material (P&M) costs?
Tips for Selling Your Auto Body Shop
Will an MSO just show up at your door someday soon with a hefty check and a hearty handshake and want to buy your life’s work for big bucks? For most single-location, independent body shops, that’s an unlikely scenario.
Body Shops and Aluminum, How Did We Get Here?
The significant increase in aluminum-bodied vehicles these days is driven in part by the same gasoline mileage issue we faced in 1973. The federal government has decreed that by the year 2025, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) is to be 54.5 miles per gallon for all car manufacturers.
Protect Yourself Properly
If your lungs take in enough solvent-laden air along with your oxygen, they’ll pass the solvent into your blood stream. As the blood reaches your brain and your brain doesn’t find enough oxygen because the solvent is in there, you’ll become dizzy or lightheaded.
The Latest New Thing
No doubt you’re sure that young folks don’t know nuthin’ about collision repair. Just remember that the latest new thing they’re showing you might save you time, be healthier and offer a better, faster repair.
Another One Leaves the Ride
Each year, it gets more difficult to find folks who can play the “I was there when…” game with me. There is one less now as my friend and 38-year veteran of the collision industry is retiring. Here is his perspective on our business between 1977 and 2015.
Interacting With Customers
A in-depth look at interacting with customers and insuring you have a customer-friendly business.
