Free Windshield Repair,

I have a friend that has a FS wash and he has a glass co. that offers free chip repair. He's converting to an exterior wash with express detailing. I told him that the glass men would just get in the way of a customer trying to get in and out. What do you guys think?

How's he doing with the chip repair?

He does around 5 to 10 a day. He makes $5 per repair while the glass co. makes $40 to $60. The service advisor greets the cust. and does his sales pitch and then the glass guy comes in to offer a repair. I just think its too much for the cust at a exterior wash.

Thanks...I'm supposed to get alittle more $.
We'll see how it works on an express format.

Jimmy when are you starting your windshield repair??

Donno, meeting with reps this weds...

I have windshield guys at two of my locations. I charge them a monthly fee that I'm happy with and I'd done. It's worked out great over the past couple of years. I have a contract with them that is very much in my favor that addresses everything from conduct, ethics, appearance, etc. They have to be nearly invisible to my employees and not restrict flow. Like I said. It's working for us at a couple full serves that doa decent amount of cars.

I will absolutely work on putting them in our new expresses. It'll be a work in progress as to how to manage it.

Have you guys thought about performing the repairs yourself? It is a simple procedure, takes about half an hour to do it right, and material cost is very low, less than $5. Jimmy, theoretically two repairs a day and it could pay for a second employee on duty at your wash

The big thing in Florida is that repairs and replacements are part of our insurance without a deductable. Unless you are in the insurance network, it doesn't make sense to the consumer. They can go to someone their insurance recommends for free. You can't just sign up to be part of the network.

There are now a couple of third party companies that will process your windshield claims into the network for you for a comission. You can also join the network yourself, it is not that expensive. I think our charges were about $500 for the software annually.

BTW, State Farm has quit paying for windshield repair. They are a major player in our market. I think others companies are watching them.

I want to know, does it work at a exterior wash? Where are the repairs done? Where does the repair guy offer the service? And is it pesting the customers?

The word I've gotton from the company I'm dealing with is that this system works better at express's than fs. More vehicles and less distractions. We are going to start up in Aug.

Now I've got word that unattended expresses are not good sites for windshield repair. Go figure..