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Bodyshop - February 2006

Features

Cross-Canada report: A year of defining relationships
There is a feeling of accomplishment and optimism in the industry as 2006 begins. Several progressive agreements were signed with provincial insurers in 2005, while bodyshops in private insurance provinces began to see more insurance work rolling through the shop. In some regions, door rate increases from insurance partners have pulled repairers out of survival mode and given them breathing room to plan for the future.

With a little help from my friends
Employee and customer loyalty have helped a family-owned New Brunswick body shop weather a series of dramatic setbacks

Clean up your estimate
You may find some hidden profits. They go by many names, but all estimate "scrubbers" have a similar function: squeeze every last drop of profitability out of each estimate.

Honesty is the best policy
Ryding Auto Body has built a loyal following by being courteous and fair.

Tackling the root of the problem
Most youth in this country look down on skilled trades. Only one-third of 13- to 17-year-olds would consider a career in skilled trades. Recruitment problems won't end until perceptions change.

CCIF: Theory becomes reality
More than 300 people attended CCIF's January meeting, with a strong showing from collision repairers. Participants learned that a national database for the industry is taking shape, and that insurance claims are rising once again.

Busted!
Audacious insurance crimes make industry's Top Ten list

Spot welding hits its stride
Inverter technology is making spot welding feasible for all shops; OEM repair guidelines are making it necessary

Spring cleaning checklist
A professional service call includes a visual inspection and an analysis of electrical load, gas pressures and air flow to identify any problems.

Departments

In My Estimation

News Briefs

Fix & Finish