Lots of questions

[wicksta88]

Hello Everyone,

I think that I am interested in learning windshield replacement, and I need a lot of questions answered to decide if it is what I want to do.

I currently work in the oilfield and NW Oklahoma. I am currently on the road to becoming a firefighter and hopefully will be by March-April. I was brainstorming some ideas on trades that I could learn and set myself up with a small business that I could do on the side and be able to sort of set my own hours to a certain extent. So I guess that would be my first question: Is this a good trade for that?
Also, what is a ballpark figure on rates for windshield replacement? Where do you aquire the windshields from? Do you keep a certain amount of inventory or do you just order what you need? Is it better to do everything from a shop or mobile? Any info on licensing, certifications, and where to get training from would greatly be appreciated. I'm apologize for the ignorance in this field. I feel like the city I live in is pretty much untapped resource. There is a couple of shops but no mobile. Any info would be great.
Thank you.
MW

PS I have wife and two kids and lots of bills so there is no way I could attend a school for any considerable amount of time.

[bill4117]

well http://www.glass.org is a very good resource for answers. i will give you a piece of advice take it for what it's worth... ive been doing repair and replacement a little over 7 years, if you can get employment with a company who will teach you the trade it's the best way to go. think of it 40 hrs a week of PAID training. make sure it's a reputible shop who will teach you correct installation. Peoples lives are at stake with every replacement!!!!! working in the field will allow you to:

1. see if it's a trade you will enjoy working in.

2. not worry about high overhead as most company's will supply you with autoglass specific tools (not sockets, screwdrivers, pliers ect)

3. Paid Training.

4. Access to autoglass suppliers, insurance companies, and the like.

5. you'll get a better feel for the industry in your area, such as pricing, quality of installs, comeback rates and such.

I will tell you this. When i first started in this buisness i almost quit many times within the first year or so. Everyone was faster then me, had less work coming back due to warranty issues it just plain sucked. If you take the plunge remember get good at the job first speed will come naturally with time and repitition. Also there are in my oppinion 2 facets of every install (speed and quality) dont ever confuse the two. if you want to do a job fast learn the most efficient way to remove the windshield from the vehicle the quality comes in the install. replace that glass the closest to or better then factory that you can. if you find a balance of the 2 you'll do just fine..

just my 2 lincolns

[wicksta88]

Thank you very much for the information. I feel like what you say is true about needing to work for another company. I guess I just thought that it would be easy to learn somewhat on your own, and then get going on your own but the truth is that I have never really heard of a trade that you can do that with. There really is no way I can work for a company, I can't afford the pay cut. I do appreciate the advise however. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Any advise on trades that would be easy to learn and start a business with would be nice to know.
Thank you again.
MW

[bill4117]

no problem try glass repair there truly is minimal financial investment and it's easy to catch on to even on your own. i wish you the best in any endeavor, no matter what you choose remember your good name is on everything you do. if you put value on your name your customers will put value on your work.

[Kellertxgal]

(I have to vent first, then I'll get to the question) ...........I hate my current job:mad: I'm very much an outdoors girl. And at my current job I'm closed up in a warehouse from 7:00a.m to 3:30p.m. Monday thru Friday. I'm also a single mom, the sole bread winner of the family and the pay I recieve at my dreaded job is barely paying the bills. To tell you the truth we do without a lot of things that we need, due to the lack of funds. I want out of this job as soon as possible. But I'm kind of scared to jump into an unsure thing. I wonder if I can make a good living with windshield repair? I would love the freedom. And it sounds like a lot of people are making good money at it. But I'm concerned about too much competition in my area. I'm worried about spending the hundreds of dollars on a WSR kit. Mainly because I've seen quit a few people parked in strategic locations with signs sitting outside their vehicles advertising windshield repair. Do any of you have a problem with too much competition? Not enough work? Is there anyone out there that does WSR in any of my neighboring cities like Dallas/Fort Worth? If so...do you have enough work? I'd love some input on this, good or bad.
Thank you!
Sharon (kellertxgal)

[Windshield Guy]

Hi Keller

I am a lady in this business too (posting under my business partners sign on here) and will PM you in a day or so. I can really empathize with your situation and will help as much as I can. First off, I would suggest you read as MUCH as possible before -- from experience this is the best forum for information on WSR. Good luck!

Windshield Gal

[bill4117]

you can also try a class at the training institute. you can find info at http://www.glass.org on training. it isnt a long class either