Who is your biggest customer?

[Glass_Like_New]

I'm thinking about getting into this field. Where is most of the business? Is it the retail customers who call you? Is it the rental car fleets you service? Used car dealers?

I'm trying to learn as much as possible about what I'm getting into. I would really appreciate comments from members who have walked the walk.

[screenman]

Truck and coach companies, I am sure though other area's will differ. I have no desire nor time to service the retail customer, unless they come to me, which many do.

[clearquest]

Nearly 100% of my work is for ordinary retail customers. Of my total, nearly 70% use insurance coverage. I have weeded out cute rate fleet and dealer work over the years.

[Glass_Like_New]

Thanks Screenman and Clearquest.

@Screenman - Do you do most of your work on fleets over the weekend?

@Clearquest - Is there enough retail work to solely base the business on it?

[screenman]

I used to do weekends, I seldom do now though. I do not do fleet or trade cheap, average tools in hand works out at about $150 per hour.

I also feel that the insurance market is not here to stay, were are losing it by the week over here.

[Glass_Like_New]

Where is the insurance market going instead? To big companies?

[screenman]

Yes, also some insurers are starting to introduce large excess payments. I have not bothered billing an insurer for 7 years.

[Glass_Like_New]

Not trying to be argumentative. But would you say that all things considered, there's still place for new technicians to start WSR business? With all the big players in the market.

I'm just trying to get a feel for the market before I jump in.

[clearquest]

I average 6 regular retail customers a day. 3 or 4 typically use their insurance coverage.

[screenman]

There is always a market for a hard working guy in this business, as it is one with so many avenues to go down. I would say the people who do the best are those that can move quickly and efficiently and change to suit every type of customer.