October 1, 2008
By:
Al Thomas
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It has been said that in painting, there are so many variables painters can't control, they must pay strict attention to those they can. The paint mixing room is one of these controllable areas. Painters spend so much time mixing formulas, cleaning equipment, recycling solvent and working in their normal routine that things they know should be checked or maintained are sometimes pushed aside to "get the job finished." Too often, the paintwork suffers as a result. Some of the more difficult-to-correct costly mistakes, such as a corrupt bank, happen when even slight errors are made, and the consequences may not be apparent until long after.
October 1, 2008
By:
Joan Engebretson
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We've all heard that the optimist sees the donut and the pessimist sees the hole. But perhaps the one with the clearest vision is the pragmatist, the one who sees the donut and the hole.
October 1, 2008
By:
Kevin Mehok
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The interesting thing about setup on a dedicated bench is the fact that doing so also is considered to be part of measuring the vehicle. You may be able to charge for this time (it's something to think about).
September 1, 2008
By:
Stephanie Skernivitz
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Eric Dawson, 36, owner of I-CAR Gold Status AA Collision Repair in Omaha, Neb., has barely had time to pack up the party trimmings from the open house of his newest baby, a second shop – Shadow Lake Collision Center, five miles from AA Collision Repair in Papillion, Neb. The grand opening in May 2008 drew more than 300 people, including the city's mayor, fire and rescue, and state troopers. The opening also allured potential customers.
September 1, 2008
By:
James E. Guyette
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Of all the buzzwords that get passed along in the collision repair industry, lean production just might be the most popular. Little wonder. This innovative system has some shops raving as they point to hundreds of thousands of additional dollars generated each month. Other shops aren't sold on the notion. Still others say they have "gone lean" with no increase in revenue. Critics say those shops haven't fully adopted true lean methods. Let's take a look at lean along with some other steps shops can take to cut the fat out of their operations.
September 1, 2008
By:
Joan Engebretson
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More and more auto dealers are making the determination that they don't want to be in the collision repair business, instead forming relationships with one or more body shops they can trust to do that work for them on a referral basis. That trend too can benefit those dealers that do opt to operate their own body shops, as those shops may be well positioned to handle collision work for other dealers as well.
September 1, 2008
By:
James E. Guyette
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When you start talking about shop designs, the question comes up, "Must form follow function?" Of course it must. The point of your business is to fix vehicles. That doesn't necessarily restrict you from turning to a host of possible homes for your business or a fresh look that can help drive in customers.
September 1, 2008
By:
Al Thomas
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Though for many of us "there has never been a tool we didn't like," choosing the best spray gun may be a difficult decision. Spray guns are a large investment for painters. Spray gun manufacturers have competed for the painter's business since the guns were invented, which was a bit before the start of the 20th century — though exactly when, and by whom, depends on which story you believe.
September 1, 2008
By:
Al Thomas
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Planning — though critical in all businesses — will truly make or break a collision repair shop. Along with all the necessary planning and schedule coordination inherent in each job, the way that an autobody business repairs a vehicle and targets its clients must also be planned. When building a better bay for your shop, many factors also should be taken into consideration.
