Windshield Repairs Future

[Anonymous]

I would like to know your opinions on the growth rate of the Windshield Repair Industry up here in the Northwest and where you think it is going, and also how you think the "open" market looks for new comers to be able to get on board and make a good living. I am already in the biz, I was just curious how you fellow repairmen/women felt? Your responses are highly valued and appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I can't speak for the rest of the fifty states, but I see a slight change in the direction mobile windshield repair is going. Here in the Northwest I see the competition a little on the rise. Mostly due to the recent trend of tented awnings setting up around the busy intersections and mall parking lots. Many of the larger independant windshield installers are hiring unskilled people and giving them a little rock chip repair training and paying them an hourly wage to sit at these awnings and wait for the client to stop in for a repair. Their banners usually say, "five minute FREE Rock Chip Repair".

I have had several repair clients that I have done repairs for complain about the poor quality repair that they got a one of these Free Rock Chip Repair locations. I believe that if an independant mobile windshield repair person had the patience to sit and wait under their awning at a busy location, they would do quite well. There is a windshield repair employee at the Sea-Tac Mall that told me he does about an average of fifteen repairs a day. True or not, that's not bad at all. Even if he was doing eight to ten repairs a day, that would be worth it. Of course that depends on what the lease is for that spot.

Keep it simple,

Rock Chip Rich

[Anonymous]

I dont know about other areas, but in my general location, there is still room for healthy growth. Compared to other professions, there are very few windshield repair people. For instance, dentistry commands nearly 25 yellow pages, whereas there is not one full page dedicated to windshield repair. I use dentists as an example because most people have teeth, and most of those same adults also have windshields.

I dont see legitimate competition as a problem. There are more than enough windshields to go around. What I see as a constant struggle for us is maintaining a good image in the public eye. Anyone who wants to do windshield repair is free to set their own standard for what passes as 'good'. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what a good repair is, or how to achieve it. Others know but dont seem to care .... "cant see it from my house" is the motto of many. And the companies that use windshield repair as an 'add-on'... many of them also are not approaching it with integrity, but only view it as a means to more $$$. And this is what is going to continue to cause problems for the real technicians, who do care.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you on the issue of maintaining credibility with the public. There is another side of the public that I do see though...I have noticed that the general public, in large, is uneducated about windshield repair and it's legitimacy as a service based business, just like dentistry or transmission shops or anything else that fits into the "Services" catagory. "FREE" is a word that people are skeptical of in these days due to the glut of illegitimate "scumbags" misrepresenting the integrity of the word. This is where, somehow, the ability to educate people as to what we offer needs to be communicated and marketed in a way that we become more recognized and more respected as professionals in our field. I agree with Rich, that there seems to be an increase of interest in the field for new starters, however, I believe being the number one state in the Union in unemployment plays a big part and that people are becoming more innovative in creating employment for themselves. Face it, there are no jobs available that can support you unless you specialize in something and windshield repair is just the thing. Like you said, there are plenty of windshields for everybody...For now! Apprecaite the input...let's continue to brainstorm this and maybe share some ideas. I know let's all merge. LOL

[Anonymous]

Lab... what part of Oregon are you serving? Thanks...

[Anonymous]

Actually I'm in the Pierce County area of Washington state. The home of the infamous "5 minute rock chip repair" tents. I wonder if anybodies ever timed 'em. That doesn't include the 10 min phone call to the insurance company I'm sure. Hmm I wonder if that includes drying out a repair area, cooling off a windshield, or warming up the work surface or polishing the pit area after words or even waiting for the cure to pull the curing tab off the windshield and scrape off the excess resin. Hmmm I wonder if that actually includes doing a legitimate repair at all. Well what can you expect from an $8 an hour employee. Hey I'll give ya a hint: If you drive up real slow and quite you may be able to pull the chair out from under the guy, or gal, while they're sleeping...

[Anonymous]

hi Lab,

I live here in Tacoma. I have talked to several of these rock chip repair tent people (hourly employees). All but one admitted that they haven't ever done a five minute repair. One them was real disturbed that I would even stop and ask questions about what they do and how they can do a rock chip repair so fast. Except for the fact that he was sitting down reading a book with his feet up, he wasn't doing anything.

I have to admit, one of them that I talked to actually knew what he was talking about and loved what he was doing. He had no desire to go into business for himself. He didn't want the head ache of running a business.

Keep it simple,

[Anonymous]

Thanks Lab.... I can tell these tents guys are getting under your skin, Cant say I blame you.... When I bought my Glass weld system 6 yrs ago they suggested I try that too...