Windshield Repair Forum

Hi folks,

Ive been visiting this forum off and on for the past few months, with plans of starting my own WSR business in northern new england. The info found here is bar-none.

My question to the seasoned veterans is this: do you think WSR is going to fall by the wayside if the economy gets any worse (or has it already?), or do you think people will want to spend the money to keep their vehicles in shape?

With unemployment rates nearing 10% and the state gov. continuing to fix the issues here, is this the worst time to start something new?

thanks in advance!

The entrepreneurial spirit is at its best when times are at their worst. I say this is the best time to start because you will force yourself to do more with less. This is a part time venture for me and it has been going really well but I HAVE to solicit the work. People want their windshields fixed... oftentimes they just don't know it until they meet you. The only way to make it successful is to get out there and hit the pavement to make it happen. I've had to overcome a great deal of shyness in selling etc and I still have "those days." Just like anything else though, if you're hungry enough you'll make it work

Good luck!!!

Another thing to consider is that in the current economy, people find value in having things "fixed" rather than replaced. This is a great selling point. I never fail to mention that I saved the customer money versus replacement. Just like at the grocery store where you have a "club card." The cashier usually not only tells you how much you saved by being a club member, they generally point to the total as they are handing you the receipt. They're trained this way because these retailers know that customers feel like they are getting a great value (because they probably are) and you know as well as the next guy that every nickel in your pocket counts.

WSR saves people money, when there is a downturn this is even more important. Get in on the fun, like others say it is a sales game but not a hard one.

thanks for the info! i was thinking the same thing, but wanted to hear from you guys too.

I agree with the others. People that normally have to pay for replacements will look for an inexpensive alternative, such as repair. A vast majority of people are not aware that a ws can be repaired. I found that I had to educate my market when I first started out. I did flyers (waste of time), radio and face-to-face area canvass. I put flyers only on vehicles that needed my service. I got better results with the face-to-face method. I went to car dealers, detail shops, any place that had a business vehicle, regardless if they had one vehicle or twenty. Due to time constraints, I dont do enough of that these days. I will get back to it soon. I sell all the time when I see a vehicle that needs WSR or HLR. A vast majority of my current business is from repeat customers and referrals from those customers. I do get calls as a result of the logo on my vehicle. I have had people call my cell number, and state that they are behind me, and would like for me to pull over so they can show me their problem. If you are motivated and can talk to people you will be ok. I learn all the time and each repair is a different challenge. Its scary to see your first break out or see a crack start to run when you've done evrything you thought was correct. Practice, Practice, Practice. That will never change in this business. I see growth for the future if the insurcnce companies push for repair first. Certain companies seem to have a lot of the market tied up, but there is plenty of work if you are willing to look.

I started my buisness in Burlington Vermont there is plenty of work in the North East but the market is different there and you need to lean how to work in the cold. feel free to msg me for info

Where are you in SoCal GlassStars?
Jere

thanks for the responses guys.

glassstarz, i will definitely be sending you some PM's as soon as i am able!

Jayfromupnorth,
Where are you located. I'm in southern Maine.