I need some info on windshield replacement

[GPrepairs]

I have recently begun a repair business dealing only with cracks and chips but I have been getting a good number of people asking about replacement.
More or less what does it take to get started replacing i.e tools needed and where to get them, training info, how to price it etc.

Any input on this matter would be appreciated.

[Brent Deines]

I recommend finding a local glass supplier first. Depending on your area you may have several to choose from, and there is nothing wrong with using more than one. Obviously you want to get a good price on the glass, but finding out who will make the most deliveries in one day is also important, as is how much glass the location stocks locally.

Most auto glass distributors also sell tools these days, and if you find a sales rep that knows what he or she is doing they should be able to recommend the tools you will need to get started. There are also several companies that sell replacement kits that contain most of the tools you will need to get started, and you can build from there.

A good auto glass distributor should also be able to recommend a software package based on your business model.

The National Glass Association, and Independent Glass Association are pretty good resources for replacement information, and offer some training materials that are helpful. They should also be able to give you a list of glass repair and replacement software providers.

I hate to recommend them because they sell what I believe to be inferior windshield repair systems, but Equalizer Tools has one of the best selections of replacement tools you will find anywhere. Aegis, another competitor of ours also sells some good tools, as does CR Lawrence. You can Google these names to find their websites.

Many auto glass suppliers also sell windshield repair products, so if you want to give me a call I can let you know which glass suppliers in your area sell Delta Kits products.

Hope this helps.

[Glasseye]

Modern cars rely on correctly fitted windshields/rear screens as part of the overall structural strength of the car as well as ensuring the airbag safety system functions correctly. It is essential you are fully converscent with the windshield bonding systems that are currently used and apply them to the letter. I don't know what systems are used in your area but check with supplier of the urethane they may provide training/instruction. In the UK some suppliers will not supply to you unless you can prove you have been trained.

[I102bs]

Hi, Years ago I installed windshields in my own start up part time business. in 1980 I bought domestic glass at 70% off NAGS list and bought Foreign windshields at 65% off of NAGS list. Most Glass shops in my area charged 50% off of Nags for either installed plus labor and other materials. I mistakenly tried to be the cheap guy and I went nowhere because few people cared about price as they had insurance. The people with no insurance mostly had little money and I was competing against the junkyards. I don't know what current percentages are but I suspect that the insurers have squeezed it down further as windshields are selling in my area for about what they were 25 years ago. If I was you I would go slow on expanding into installation and concentrate on the chip repair, It is faster easier and does not require 2 people to set the windshield. You also have much less liability. Good Luck!

[Brent Deines]

Amen. I did alright in the auto glass replacement business, but never regretted leaving it behind and concentrating solely on windshield repair. Better margins, less liability, and fewer employees to deal with.

I would try to cut a deal with a local replacement shop where you give them referrals and they give you referrals. If you gave them a 10% referral fee it would cost you around $4-$8 for every job they sent your way, and for every job you sent their way you would collect $20-$80. There are a million ways to work referrals, but I think it makes sense to stick with percentages to keep things in perspective, and referral trades will help you grow your repair business as you profit from replacements that you have no time or money invested in.