How to Take Expert Photos of Collision Damage
Think snapping pics of dents is just point-and-shoot? Think again. A good grasp of the camera’s features, plus an understanding of framing and lighting, is essential to documenting collision damage properly.
Diary of a Bad Collision Repair Part II
It’s been almost one year since I exposed some butcher jobs in the North Carolina collision market, and guess what? They’re still happening.
The Sad Truth About Collision Repair Labor Rates
Collision labor rates are pathetically low because of a variety of factors, including repairers themselves. But there are possible solutions that, if implemented, could result in more equitable compensation.
Capturing the Job by Closing the Sale
Reader’s Choice question: “With the current economy, how would you address the importance of capturing the job during the repair estimate? With volume down and shop efficiency increasing, what are the main issues we need to focus on to increase sales?” – Mark Levell, marketing director, Precision Collision Auto Body, Seattle, Wash.
Getting Paid for Paint and Materials
Reader’s Choice question: “Why is paint and materials tied to paint labor rate? It should be invoiced and marked up accordingly. How do we change this? We went from a 35 percent profit on paint and materials to 2 percent in the last two years.” – Jim Patrick, collision repair manager, Langs Chevrolet, Beavercreek, Ohio
Writing More Accurate Estimates
In my experience, the No. 1 reason for a vehicle not being delivered on time is usually something related to parts. I’m going to share some helpful websites that you might consider using to write a more accurate estimate.
How Cloud Computing Affects Collision Repair
As the use of cloud computing has increased, so too have repairers’ concerns over how their data is being used. So how is it being used? And are repairers’ privacy concerns justified? We try to separate fact from fiction and see if the positives outweigh the negatives.
Negotiations: Educate, NOT Alienate
Quite often, estimators ask me how they should approach insurers to get paid for what they do. I’ve found that by asking these estimators the following four questions, we end up having a much more productive dialogue toward finding a positive path to proper reimbursement: 1. Is it required to put the vehicle back to
Estimating Essentials: Weld Burn Damage
As I travel the country conducting seminars and working with shops, I find it disheartening that many are unaware of the items that require refinishing due to weld burn damage. Weld burn damage is a commonly overlooked item by even the most experienced damage analysis experts. Most estimators in the industry today have never repaired
Back to Basics: Damage Analysis
Supplements are a waste of time. We need to learn how to write a complete repair blueprint to reduce supplements and cycle time.
Get to Know the DEG
he Database En-hancement Gateway. It sounds a little like a term you might hear in a Star Trek episode, doesn’t it? (Cue Star Trek theme song): "All crew members brace yourselves, we’re putting the ship into warp drive to reach the Database Enhancement Gateway!" But it has nothing to do with space or science fiction
Back to Basics: Selling
In a collision repair center, the most important activity is selling.
