Q: What is Windshield Repair?
A: Have you ever suffered a rock impact on your windshield that leaves a small fracture? Most of those rock chips can be repaired without replacing the glass. We prepare and clean the glass and then remove all of the air that has flowed into the fracture. Then we inject a tough resin that bonds to the glass and we cure the resin so it becomes a permanent repair. The best analogy I can think of is a dentist repairing a cavity in a tooth. It's very similar to that process. New windshields are expensive, take time to install properly, and risk the possibility of air and water leaks if not installed by a properly trained technician. The best rule of thumb is, "Repair first, replace only if necessary".
Q: Is windshield repair difficult to learn?
A: No. Windshield repair is very easy to learn if you have any experience using simple hand tools. There are repair techs who started their businesses in Junior High School and High School. The business is well-suited to both women and men. This is not physically strenuous work. The heaviest thing you have to lift is your toolbox or a small ladder. If you repair large trucks or buses, you may have to climb up on them. Things that might prevent you from doing this work are poor eyesight, arthritic hands, or the ability to stand. Some techs have overcome disabilities to do windshield repairs.
Q: How do I get business?
A: Like any business, you must get in front of your prospects. That could be through advertising, word of mouth, or direct contact with them. Insurance companies support windshield repair and you can join networks that provide you with business. Some techs use websites to promote their businesses. Others join local service organizations like The Chamber of Commerce. Business cards set up on store counters have generated business for many techs. Our manual outlines many techniques for bringing in business.
Q: Where do I find business?
A: Have you seen any cars today? Wherever there are cars, that's where you will find repair business. How many used car lots are in your city? Are there large companies with lots of employees? Most of them drive cars. How many car wash locations can you spot? Grocery store parking lots? Truck stops? Bus companies? Taxi cabs? Local businesses? Rental cars? Government vehicles? Police cars? Motor homes? Well, you get the picture.
Q: How much does it cost to start a windshield repair business?
A: That depends on many things. You can reasonably start a business for around $300 and you can easily spend many thousands of dollars. Some people start out full blast, hiring lots of techs, outfitting them with tools and vehicles, and spending lots of money on advertising. We do not recommend this path for those who are starting their first business. It's best to tip-toe in and learn as you go. There's always plenty of opportunity in the future to expand your business. Patience is an important virtue in business and especially in windshield repair.
Q: How many windshield repair businesses are there in the USA? Is there too much competition?
A: There is competition in any business where there is money to be made. Remember, there are well over 200 million cars on the roads today and the number grows every year. It's unknown how many windshield repair businesses there are in the USA but a semi-educated guess would put the number somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000. Many of these are not viable businesses, doing only a very few repairs per year. It's reasonable to assume that there is at least one business in your city. Big cities host many businesses. Because you are in business, you must be competitive. Learning your trade is the best way to do that. Presenting yourself professionally is very important. Many of the current techs are sloppy, rude, ill-prepared, and poor. Many of the current techs are neat, clean, polite, well-prepared, and make a great living. Do you see a picture developing here?
Q: Will I be successful?
A: Success comes from executing a well-thought-out plan. Your plan must include market research, education, perseverance, patience, and a good attitude. You've heard all of that before but the most successful businesses, sports teams, politicians, families, and just about any kind of organization you can think of all flourished because of this principle. There is no such thing as partial success. Either you are, or you are not. A part-time business can be just as successful as a full-time business, if the operator executes his or her plan well. The only difference may be in the amount of revenue the business generates and the amount of time applied to it. Your success is not guaranteed by anyone but yourself. Enhance your success prospects by educating yourself.
Q: How much money will I make?
A: No one knows. You'll know how much money you can make after you've made some. If you quit, you will stop making money. If you build your business aggressively, you will keep making more money. It's a pretty simple formula. Know yourself and you will know where you are going.
If you decide to enter the windshield repair business with us, we will stand by you and guide you along your way. You don't have to go it alone.
