Mobile Technician Business Guide

Transcription

1 Mobile Technician Business Guide u Windshield Repair u Headlight Restoration u Glass Scratch Removal u Water spot & Stain Removal

2 Why start a glass repair mobile technician business? Are you looking for a new, independent career opportunity? The Mobile Technician business is fairly easy to start and can be very profitable. BE YOUR OWN BOSS Can you imagine your income, the amount you work and the time of day that you work being solely your choice? Having your own business gives you an incredible amount of freedom. If you want to go to your child s school performance in the middle of the day you can. If you want to take a 3-week vacation you can. Or, if you want to work a lot of hours and save up a lot of money you can. The choice is yours. AFFORDABLE INVESTMENT If you were to buy a franchise you would spend a minimum of $10,000. Other start-up businesses take research, time and money to start. As a GlasWeld Mobile Technician, you could spend as little as $595 for an entry level windshield repair kit, spend a few weeks training at your own pace and then be in business! START EASY TO START GlasWeld s training will help you every step of the way to becoming a great technician. We can also provide business cards, marketing materials and certification. We ve taken all the guesswork out of starting your own business. Just follow the clear steps in our Business in a Box checklist on page 7 and you will be up and running in no time. 2

3 Why GlasWeld? GlasWeld has been a leading supplier of mobile technician equipment and supplies, supported by industry leading training and customer support for over 30 years. We understand the business and provide the tools to assist our customers in achieving their objectives. The success of your business is totally dependent on the satisfaction of your customers. That satisfaction is based upon the quality of your repair, the perceived value to the customer, the convenience of working with you and your personal interaction with the client. P R O D U C T S GlasWeld provides top quality, patented tools and equipment for Windshield Repair, Headlight Restoration, Scratch Removal and various cleaners and coatings to make your job easier. All of GlasWeld s systems are designed with a technician in mind, and geared for all budgets. The Essentials Series of products offer everything you need to get started at an economical price point. The Standard and Professional systems contain additional tools and supplies for the more experienced technician. All GlasWeld s tools and supplies are also offered individually so a technician can populate his or her toolbox at their own pace as budgets permit. GlasWeld products are designed to meet or exceed all industry standards and provide long lasting, quality repairs. T R A I N I N G & S U P P O R T Even more importantly, GlasWeld supports all sales with printed technical manuals, DVD training disks, Online access to training modules and a Certified Technician Program that far surpasses those programs offered by other industry sources. We not only provide the best tools and supplies available but we also do everything in our power to assure you are trained to use them properly. GlasWeld Certified Technicians also enjoy preferential pricing and marketing support at 3

4 Braulio López from Spain wins gold at the Windshield Repair Olympics using GlasWeld equipment. To further support our commitment to industry leading quality, we annually sponsor the International Windshield Repair Olympics conducted at Auto Glass Week. Top-notch, professional repair technicians from around the world choose to compete in this event, not just for the first prize but also for the experience of learning new techniques from fellow competitors. We are very proud that in three of the last four competitions GlasWeld Certified Technicians have won 1st Prize. They have also made valuable new friendships with fellow techs. M A R K E T I N G A S S I S TA N C E To assist in your sales and marketing efforts, GlasWeld s marketing department has developed a complete line of support materials. Everything from business cards to invoices, from product brochures & fliers to banners and advertising slicks are available from our team. Need something custom? Just give us a call. Who are my potential customers? Auto dealers (new and used) have an ongoing need for reconditioning their used car inventory and providing repairs to their service drive clientele. Some of the most successful mobile techs we know have developed weekly routes in which they service their dealership network. Auto auctions are in the business of bringing sellers and buyers together and properly reconditioned vehicles are in higher demand and bring better prices. Yet, most auctions do not want to invest in restoration equipment and the manpower to operate those tools. This is another great business opportunity. Body shops (both local and national chains), Quick Lubes, and Detail shops will often hire technicians. 4 Car washes are a growing opportunity as well, since they often want to add additional services for their existing customer base.

5 Fleets Trucks, buses, government vehicles, school districts all could benefit from the cost savings of repairing glass rather than replacing. Pop-up Tents. Innovative techs have setup pop-up tents in high traffic areas such as parking lots. They have negotiated a small rental fee with the parking lot owner and used the location to perform repairs and market their business to busy commuters. They have supported those efforts with business cards and fliers placed under the windshield wipers of vehicles with glass damage or faded headlights. Local insurance agents are also a source of potential customers. Most agencies and insurance companies would much rather see a repair than an expensive windshield replacement. Develop those relationships and your business will grow. Insurance payment processing companies and Third Party Administrators that provide processing services for insurance companies and their clients are another source of business. Registering with these organizations means that they will send business your way. Here are some of the largest: Online Customers The GlasWeld Find-a-Tech locator on our website will provide a direct link to your business to customers searching for a repair tech in their area. (Find a Tech is only available to those technicians that have been certified by GlasWeld.) Watch the blog on our website to find additional sales and marketing ideas updated frequently. GlasWeld s online Find-A-Tech page. Methods to market your business It s easier than ever to get the word out about your new business. From free online social media sites to paid advertising, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas: u Social Media u Websites u Online Advertising u Print Ads u Flyers u Radio/TV u Event Sponsorship u Referral Programs 5

6 How to differentiate yourself in the market from your competitors Many techs don t know how to differentiate themselves from their competitors who charge a cheap cost for repairs or who do poor quality repairs. Knowing how to effectively communicate your strengths, your customer will be able to recognize the value your service brings to them. Here are a few tips to help beat the competition: u Purchase quality equipment that will provide long-lasting repair results. u Get fully trained and/or certified and practice until you are fully confident in your ability. u Portray a professional image. Neatly dressed, clean vehicle and equipment, logo, business cards are essential components in making a good first impression to your customers. u Provide quality repairs. Take the time to do it right without taking any shortcuts that sacrifice quality. u Go the extra mile why not clean all the car windows while you re at it? u Provide exceptional customer service. Being reliable and responsible will gain and retain customers. u Develop rapport and add your own personal touch. u Stay current. Invest in continued education and stay up on the latest trends in the field. u Guarantee your work. Business in a Box 6 Wondering what steps are necessary to start your own Mobile Technician business? Take a look at the Business in a Box checklist on page 7. All of the steps listed on this document may not apply to every technician or every state, but if you examine each and every step you should be in great shape. Again, if you have any questions, the GlasWeld customer service team is just a phone call away.

7 Business in a Box Glass Repair Mobile Technician Business Startup Checklist BRANDING q Business name q Logo LEGAL REQUIREMENTS q Federal Tax ID Number q Business Name Registration (DBA) q Licenses and Permits (as required by local and state laws) q Sales Tax Registration (as required by state law) q General Liability and Property Insurance BUSINESS AMENITIES q Telephone and Voice Mail q Business website and q Computer with customer tracking and billing software q Credit card processing service q Business bank account TRAINING q Take full advantage of GlasWeld training q Get Certified q Industry Certification (NWRA) REFERRAL NETWORKS q Insurance billing or cash only? q Safelite Network q Lynx Network ADVERTISING q Business cards q Repeat exposure q Social media q Use free publicity/press releases q Newspaper ads w/effective message q Direct Mail/coupons q Yellow Pages/online Google places listing q Sponsor local events q Ask for Referrals PROSPECTING q Identify potential customers q Plan your presentation q Sell the benefits q Keep good records q Follow-up APPEARANCE q Create an image of professionalism q Wear a uniform or business identification q Have a clearly visible vehicle signage q Keep tools and equipment clean and orderly 7

8 Build your mobile tech business with GlasWeld professional repair kits for every budget. Windshield Repair Headlight Restoration Glass Scratch Removal Highest quality equipment and repairs available. OEM quality headlights in three easy steps: clear, coat, cure. The most widely used system in the world. Get started today!