Archive of: Ask Ray
| Title | Issue | |
|---|---|---|
Collision Repair CompetitionCollision repair competition is fierce, and increasingly so these past couple years. The battle for business rages, and repair quality suffers. Is it because insurers want us to work for cheap? |
September 2010 | |
Insurance Company MarketingI saw a commercial where one insurance carrier knocked another for its new practice of allowing consumers to “name their premium.” I can’t help but wonder when that complaining insurer will understand our frustration with their similar treatment of collision repair customers? |
August 2010 | |
Is the Chevrolet Volt different from a hybrid vehicle?Chevrolet is scheduled to introduce the electric Volt later this year. It’s been difficult to find information about it. Is it basically a hybrid vehicle? What should repairers know about the Volt as we start fixing them? |
July 2010 | |
Preventing Identity TheftA recent customer worried as I photographed his VIN and license plate. They weren’t related to the loss, but were required by the DRP. He was paranoid about whether that data was secure. It got me thinking: Is it? |
June 2010 | |
Capturing "Not Included" Items In EstimatesAt NACE 2009, an estimating class showed me the value of capturing “not included” items. I refined my shop’s checklist with good financial results, but a couple procedures still escape measure. What can be done? |
May 2010 | |
Paint Material CapsI once saw a chart showing which states have paint materials caps legislation. I was surprised some states didn’t have any. Don’t the states know how much money they’re losing in sales tax revenue? |
April 2010 | |
Repairers Pushing Back Over Aftermarket PartsFinally, repairers are pushing back over some of these aftermarket parts. Now if we could just increase labor revenues, we might see sustainable profits, don’t you think? |
March 2010 | |
Aftermarket parts frustrationsAftermarket parts frustrations abound in the industry. We recently had to go through the NESHAP deadlines, so I get it. Does anyone in Washington care how this affects us? |
February 2010 | |
Alternative EnergyAs we move toward alternative energy and stricter air quality requirements, what challenges do you see the collision industry facing while trying to remain profitable? |
January 2010 | |
Lawsuits and InsuranceIn the last year or so, I have heard of more lawsuits against insurers than I can ever remember. Do you think we will see more in the future? |
December 2009 |
