Windshield repairs is fast becoming one of the popular ways to make a living because it is the most economical and environmentally-friendly process that benefits consumers immensely when done properly in a cost effective manner.
Windshield repair is noted to be a big business according to experts in the industry. You must be well familiar with the nature and types of car glasses to be a successful windshield repairer as you can also specialize in the repair of windshields and car number plate glasses.
- Can You Make Money Repairing Windshields?
- Is There a Demand For Windshield Repairer?
- Does DIY Windshield Repair Work?
- How Long Does it Take For Windshield Repair to Cure?
- What Can You Not do After Windshield Replacement?
- How to Become a Windshield Repair Technician
- How to Start a Windshield Repair Business
- Windshield Repair Business Plan
- Windshield Repair Training
- Windshield Repair Tools And Supplies
- Auto Glass Business Profit
- Windshield Repair Marketing
- Windshield Repair Business Profit
- Windshield Repair Certification
- Auto Glass Business Plan
- Delta Kits EZ-250S Windshield Repair System
- What is The Best Professional Windshield Repair Kit?
- How do I Market my Windshield Repair Business?
- Can a 12 Inch Crack in Windshield be Repaired?
Can You Make Money Repairing Windshields?
Globally, it has been observed that the costs of windshield and plate glass replacements keep rising as more companies and individuals now repair the windshields of their cars instead of replacing them. This is a good news to you as a windshield repairer.
There is a huge potential of earning a good income in the business as typical clients in the windshield repair business include: insurance companies, car lots, car rental firms and any industry owning automotive or plate glass. Your profit or income potential from these clients as loyal customers is assuredly mouth-watering.
Read Also: Make A Living Selling Vintage Online
On the average, you will be making $15 for a one-off repair of a windshield while the cost to you is relatively minimal. Research showed that auto glass repair has become a money spinner for professionals in the industry with thousands of repairs carried out each year using glass repair kits and equipment. The windshield repair business allows you to earn an outstanding income, which surpasses that of many similar businesses.
Is There a Demand For Windshield Repairer?
Findings revealed that over the next five to ten years, the auto glass repair industry is expected to grow by more than 300 per cent because more vehicles are expected to be on the road as most families have two to three vehicles, while many upcoming executives are adding to their fleet of cars on a regular basis. It is also observed that both large and small businesses are increasing their fleets in order to meet public demand for deliveries.
New and used car lots are equally opening everywhere as these translate to more vehicles on the road, more damaged windshields, increased demand for repairs and resultant money making opportunities.
You should bear in mind that many windshields crack or break for various reasons, for instance, a chip or gravel can hit the windshield while the car is in motion. Such accidents may cause the windshield to shatter. In some occasions, car windshields become the victims of vandalism or careless driving, though auto windshields are made of toughened glass, they are still susceptible to damage.
In view of these, windshield repair which most insurance firms accept in place of replacement, has come to stay. Repairing windshields make financial sense to insurance firms too, because the repairs save millions that would have been spent on replacements yeary. You should also note that by repairing instead of replacing an auto windshield, the original windshield retains the integrity of its factory seal.
Most windshield repair kits usually feature the resin compound that acts as filler, injectors that fill this resin into the crack, holding structures to stabilize the affected areas and curing lamps to speed up the setting process. There is future for windshield repairs as it has been ranked as one of the top businesses ideal for those who want to be self-employed and succeed in their businesses with very low start-up cost. Low material and start-up costs make windshield repair profitable.
Many vehicles older than seven years are in need of good headlights which is also a significant market you can explore. Windshield repairs and headlight restoration are highly profitable services with low up front and marginal costs.
To succeed in windshield repair business, you will need to educate your customers or consumers on what a good repair look like and what damage can be repaired or replaced as there are fair amount of poor repairs done by poorly-trained technicians from small and large companies.
You will however find windshield repair business profitable if you combine the right systems with professional training and acquisition of advanced windshield tools.
Does DIY Windshield Repair Work?
If the crack or chip is smaller than the size of a quarter, a windshield repair kit can do the job just fine. A good-quality DIY kit will prevent a rock chip or crack from expanding but will not remove the damage, and correcting a cracked window is not very costly. In fact, professionals use similar or identical techniques to repair small chips and cracks.
However, if the crack, bullseye, or star is directly in front of your line of sight, you may want to replace the windshield. Also, if your vehicle is old, the windshield may not hold up as well under stress and probably should be replaced.
Benefits of Windshield Repair Kits
- Be a responsible driver. Even small chips and cracks have the potential to compromise your windshield’s structural integrity, so you’ll want to have them repaired at the first opportunity. Damage to your car’s glass can also impede your line of sight, and might even cause you to fail your state’s safety inspection.
- Spend less. Fixing a damaged windshield is certainly more affordable than replacing it with a new one, even if you don’t shell out the big bucks for OEM glass. Many drivers find that their insurance doesn’t cover windshield replacement. If you have a high deductible, you may end up paying out of pocket anyway.
- Get results fast. Cracked windshields don’t repair themselves. We recommend treating your repair kit like your first aid kit or flat tire kit, and keeping it in your car so it’s ready when you need it.
- Prevent the problem from getting worse. Most chips and small cracks can be repaired easily, but every bump and temperature change they experience while you procrastinate can make them grow so large that your entire windshield needs to be replaced.
- You don’t have to be a pro to get professional results. The chemicals in most of these products do all the work, so all you have to do is follow simple instructions. Don’t let a cracked windshield intimidate you; there’s a good chance you can fix the problem right at home.
How Long Does it Take For Windshield Repair to Cure?
Here’s what you should know:
• Windshield repair doesn’t have to take forever; in fact, many windshield and auto glass repair companies can repair a crack in your windshield in under an hour. Some companies even boast that they can complete it in just 15 to 30 minutes.
How’s this possible, you might ask? Simple: high-quality urethane is used to fill in the crack or chip. The urethane takes a few minutes to cure and dry, which completely fills in the crack or chip. Once it has dried, it will seamlessly blend in with the rest of your windshield, so it’s like the crack or chip never happened in the first place.
• Of course, some cracks or chips might be too large for windshield repairs. If you have a crack or chip in your windshield that’s larger than a quarter or spans across your windshield, you’ll need more than repairs – you’ll need a full-blown windshield replacement. You may even want to opt for this choice if you have multiple cracks or chips in your windshield.
An entire windshield replacement will take longer than windshield repairs, but it’s still a relatively quick process, especially if you have an auto glass repair professional come to your home or office. During this process, the windshield will be installed within an hour; however, the windshield itself will take about three hours to cure and dry before you can drive your car.
Remember to choose a windshield repair and replacement company that can ensure your car’s windshield meets minimum federal and state safety requirements.
No matter which option you choose, windshield repair and replacement doesn’t take long at all. If you need your windshield replaced, it will take about four hours before you can drive your car again. If you’re repairing your windshield, it will be restored back to normal in as little as fifteen to thirty minutes.
What Can You Not do After Windshield Replacement?
When you first get in your car, be careful to look for shards of glass that may be left over from the old windshield. Technicians try to ensure that all of the glass pieces have been cleaned up before returning the vehicle to its owner. But you can never be too careful.
An hour after the windshield replacement, you need to:
1. Wait before driving the car.
A new windshield is held in place by an adhesive, creating a strong and waterproof seal around it. The seal requires enough time to set and dry. If you want to see the best results, it is recommended that you wait at least an hour after installation before driving the car again. Technicians will remind you of this right after the windshield replacement work.
One to two days after the window replacement process has been done, you need to:
2. Clear out the inside and outside areas of your vehicle.
The seal is still drying at this point, though it’s dry enough for you to be driving your car. The last thing you want is to have anything sticking to the seal or pushing up against the glass. The first day after the installation, make sure not to put any kind of cover on the vehicle exterior. Also, make sure to free the dashboard of clutter, and avoid using a sunshade.
3. Crack a window open.
Air pressure can put an extra amount of stress around your windshield as it dries. Keep it from leading to leaks by rolling down one window at least one inch. Do this the first day after the windshield installation.
4. Do not get rid of the retention tape.
Don’t remove the retention tape that holds the windshield moldings in place. It is used to protect the seal from the elements while it’s still drying. While it may seem like an eyesore, it’s best to leave this tape on for the first one to two days after the windshield has been installed.
5. Avoid power washers or car washes in the meantime.
New moldings should be protected from shift or damage as they set and dry completely. This means you should avoid automatic car washes, high-pressure car washes, and the use of power washers.
If there’s really a need to wash your car in the first two days after a windshield replacement, a regular hand wash is your best bet. It may be a slower and more difficult process but it will make sure that your new glass remains protected.
6. Don’t put unnecessary stress on the new glass.
Be careful of your doors right after a windshield replacement. Instead of slamming them, close the car doors gently. You should also avoid driving on roads with a lot of bumps and potholes.
How to Become a Windshield Repair Technician
If you’re interested in becoming a windshield repair technician, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We’ve determined that 9.3% of windshield repair technicians have a bachelor’s degree.
In terms of higher education levels, we found that 0.0% of windshield repair technicians have master’s degrees. Even though some windshield repair technicians have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a windshield repair technician. When we researched the most common majors for a windshield repair technician, we found that they most commonly earn high school diploma degrees or associate degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on windshield repair technician resumes include bachelor’s degree degrees or diploma degrees.
You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become a windshield repair technician. In fact, many windshield repair technician jobs require experience in a role such as cashier. Meanwhile, many windshield repair technicians also have previous career experience in roles such as customer service representative or sales associate.
How to Start a Windshield Repair Business
The initial investment for a windshield repair business is relatively low. Plan to spend about $20,000 initially to get a business up and running. The higher end of the startup costs would include a van and inventory if you also plan to offer windshield replacement.
Common startup costs include:
- Van and renovation
- Repair supplies
- Inventory, including replacement windshields
- Branding materials, including a logo, uniforms, and van signage
Step 1: Write your Business Plan
After coming up with the idea, the next step in starting your business should be to write a business plan. Not only will a bank require you to have a business plan, but multiple studies have shown that a business plan helps increase the odds of starting a successful business.
Step 2: Form a Business Entity
A business entity refers to how a business is legally organized to operate. There are four primary business entities to choose from, which include the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Each type of entity has its own pros and cons, such as liability exposure, costs, and administrative requirements.
Step 3: Name the Business
Finding the perfect business name can be challenging. Not only does the name have to resonate with your customers, but it also has to be available to use.
Step 4: Select your Location
Most windshield repair businesses are mobile, operating out a van, but if a business expands to the point of hiring multiple technicians and running multiple vans, it may be necessary to rent a garage or warehouse space. Rent costs will vary depending on the location and the amount of space needed.
Step 5: Apply for Business Licenses and Permits
There are no licenses required specifically for windshield repair businesses; however, there are general local, state, and federal registrations, such as a sales tax permit and Employer Identification Number.
Step 6: Find Financing
Coming up with a good business idea and having the skills to run it are one thing, but getting the funding to start a windshield repair business is another. Funding to start a windshield repair business can be difficult. In order to get a loan, the borrower(s) will need to have good credit and be able to personally invest 15-25% towards the total start-up costs.
Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account
Keeping your business and personal finances in separate business bank and credit card accounts makes it easier to track the business’s income and expenses.
Step 8: Get your Marketing Plan in Place
Ongoing marketing will help a business expand its customer base, especially since customers in this industry tend to be only occasional returning customers. Used car dealerships, body shops, and auto insurance companies are great to market to as well.
Marketing techniques may include social media marketing, print advertising, radio advertising, and online advertising. Marketing costs will depend on the type of activity being performed and the volume of marketing.
Step 9: Get Business Insurance
A windshield repair business will need to be covered by several types of insurance:
- General liability insurance protects the business if a customer is ever injured by the business’ work.
- Commercial property insurance protects the business against the financial loss it would face if its equipment and inventory were destroyed in an event like a fire.
- Workman’s comp insurance helps to cover expenses like medical bills or lost wages that can occur if an employee is ever injured while on the job.
- Commercial auto insurance protects the business from financial loss if a business vehicle is ever involved in an accident.
Many factors affect the costs of these insurance policies, including where the business is located and the value of its vehicle and equipment. To get the best idea of what to budget for insurance costs, request quotes from multiple providers. Then, compare those quotes, paying attention to variables like coverage limits and exclusions, premiums, and deductibles.
Step 10: Hire Employees
While a business owner may staff their business themselves during its startup years, if that business grows, it may be necessary to hire additional technicians to help keep up with the demand. According to PayScale, auto glass technicians earn an average salary of $49,132 per year. Salaries range from $28,000 for entry-level technicians all the way up to $68,000 for late-career technicians with extensive experience.
In addition to budgeting for salary expenses, the payroll budget also needs to include workers comp insurance, paid time off, and health insurance contributions for employees.
Step 11: Set up an Accounting System
Setting up an accounting system is critical to the long-term success of your business.
Staying on top of taxes not only keeps the business out of trouble with the government, but the numbers can be used to track and monitor trends and cash flow in the business and maximize profits.
Windshield Repair Business Plan
For any business to succeed, you need a good business plan. You can’t just wing it. You need to know how you’re going to make money, where to focus your efforts, and have an idea of what your big expenditures are going to be. It can be a tough thing to craft. You don’t always know what to expect so, sure, you can draft a business plan, but what will that mean for you in practice?
Franchise Business Plans
That’s one of the great things about franchising. When you buy your franchise you get a business plan with it. And if you buy from a successful franchisor with decades of experience, you get a time-tested and proven business plan.
You have to know how to execute it properly and you have to work hard to do it, but you don’t have to invent it. Of course, every different type of business will have significantly different business plans from one another. So what about the auto glass business? What does an auto glass repair business plan look like?
Auto Glass Repair Business Plans
On the surface, auto glass repair businesses should have simple business plans. Many people own cars. The majority of those cars will experience chipped, cracked, or totally shattered glass at some point.
Drivers do not typically have extra panes of glass lying around nor do they have the skills to install them nor the tools to replace broken glass, so drivers must hire somebody to repair their auto glass. Hence the need for auto glass repair businesses.
Keys To Successful Auto Glass Repair Business Plans
But that’s just the bare bones of an auto glass repair business plan. Saying you just repair auto glass is like a world famous restaurant saying they just serve food. How you repair auto glass, including where and when, are key to forming a successful auto glass repair business plan.
The first key we’ve already mentioned: franchising. The business plan for an auto glass repair franchise location is much easier to execute and likelier to succeed. Going it alone means you have no brand of which to be a part and no lessons to learn from those experienced in the auto glass repair business.
Secondly there is the glass itself. The repair glass should be your biggest recurring expenditure. But you can’t cheap out on it lest you give your customers a subpar product. But there’s good news here. The glass itself will cost you a lot because you buy so much of it, but it’s not particularly expensive. Furthermore, the glass is easy to access. Auto repair glass can be stored cheaply in warehouses all over the country that are easy to get to.
Lastly, there’s customer service. All auto glass repair business plans rely heavily on recurring business and word-of-mouth. The auto repair glass business is, in its essence, a service business. Yes, the quality of your product (the glass) is important, but so is the service you provide.
You must be punctual, understanding, friendly, and professional. By impressing your customers you make it likelier that they’ll call you again when they need auto glass repaired or refer to you a friend.
Windshield Repair Training
A chipped windshield is something you see everyday. With personalized training and a quality repair system, you can learn to take advantage of an already existing market. The Ding King Windshield Repair Systems Training is very easy to learn and is a perfect addition to Paintless Dent Repair, Odor Removal and Headlight Restoration.
Their Windshield Repair Systems Training is designed to achieve fast, effective repairs on all types of damage: bull’s eyes, stone chips, star breaks, and small cracks. Step-by-step, their instructors will take you through the windshield repair process, from centering and mounting the bridge to vacuuming and injecting the resin.
You’ll learn all the tricks and shortcuts from a company that not only sells the systems, but performs the service. For fast, efficient repairs which are insurance approved, add-on Windshield Repair from The Ding King.
WINDSHIELD REPAIR TRAINING INCLUDES:
When a road pebble or rock collides with a windshield, it chips the outer layer of glass, creating a chip or small crack. The chipped glass particles become surrounded by tiny air pockets, causing visual distortion. These stone chips and small cracks happen all the time.
- Cooling the Repair
- Flexing the Break
- Proper use of Cure Lamps
- Polishing a Repair
- Tapping a Bulls Eye
- Cleaning the Break
Windshield Repair Tools And Supplies
Your clients expect you to provide a high-quality, efficient windshield repair service, and the right tools can make all the difference and positively impact your profit margin and labor costs.
We’ve outlined some of the most important items you should have in your toolkit, from carbide burs to cleaning equipment. Don’t start a job without these vital tools of the trade.
1. Rounded end carbide tools
It’s important to have a tool that won’t awkwardly travel across the glass, skip, and make your repairs more complicated. Therefore, we suggest carbide tools with a rounded end. Their retention grooves enable you to create an original depth mark, and they’re able to smoothly move across the glass.
2. Pear end carbide tools
Pear end carbide tools are perfect for shaping, contouring and preparing the glass. At Diatech, part of our proprietary technology is that we create all of our burs from single pieces of carbide instead of fusing together multiple materials. This precision concentricity provides less chatter and the tool is less likely to rust.
3. Golden Sharpie carbides
In addition to our traditional carbides, we also offer Golden Sharpie carbides that can be another powerful tool in your kit. Not only do these allow you to cut more freely and aggressively, but they also:
- Will not stall or clog when cutting metal
- Handle better because we create the carbide from a single piece
- Save time due to less vibration and chatter
- Offer the highest concentric precision
- Have the longest cutting life
- Will not rust between shank and bur head
4. O-Ring removers
These help you easily remove and install O-rings. Our model is made of hardened and tapered chrome with both a small angle hook and a full hook for hard-to-reach rings. Sharp, long-lasting hardened tips ensure durable use. A knurled handle provides a sure grip.
5. Tool cleaning equipment
While it may not be classified as a tool, cleaning equipment is important to ensure everything continues to operate at maximum efficiency. Our kits feature new, stiffer bristle brushes that are more efficient for cleaning all types of windshield repair equipment.
In addition to our 13-piece cleaning kit, we also offer a 20-piece kit with a case.
The 20-piece kit includes:
- 1-Piece brush each in stainless steel, brass, and nylon in the following sizes:
- 1/4 inch
- 3/8 inch
- 1/2 inch
- 5/8 inch
- 3/4 inch
- 1 inch
All brushes have a 1/4 in. hex-shaped, quickly disconnect shank. No tools are needed to switch the brushes. A choice of stainless steel, brass and nylon brushes makes this kit ideal for cleaning your windshield repair equipment.
Auto Glass Business Profit
Auto Glass Replacement businesses are a highly profitable opportunity with low initial and recurring costs for materials. This leaves you ample room to account for other business expenses such as labor, insurance, and overhead while still making a good living.
We’ve taken the time to break down typical up-front costs, estimated cost per replacement, as well as the profit potential in our infographic below. With minimal startup costs, you can easily begin your journey towards financial independence today.
Windshield Repair Marketing
Here are some tips to help jump start your sales:
1. Get your business signed up with the insurance billing networks. These are a handful of companies that act as the middlemen for the insurance companies and process all of their auto glass claims. Examples are the SGC Network (sgcnetwork.com), Lynx Services (lynxservices.com), Harmon Solutions Group (harmonsolutionsgroup.com) and Gerber National Glass Services (gerberngs.com).
Once you are signed up with these companies you will be ready to do insurance work. Most of the insurance companies waive the insured’s deductible for a windshield repair. In such cases, you can offer your customer a free windshield repair and bill their insurance company. Windshield repair claims, under normal circumstances, do not affect insurance rates for your customers.
2. Visit used car dealerships in your area. Many used cars come onto the lots with stars or cracks in them. Most dealers want these repaired to make sales easier. Dealers regularly hire windshield-repair providers to help get pre-owned cars ready for sale. Talk to the dealers in your market and find out what it would take to earn their business.
Offer to do a repair for free so they can see a sample of your work. Dealers tend to be margin-conscious, so expect a lower rate than you would get for a retail job. On the positive side, dealers can provide a steady stream of business.
While you’re at it, also visit other fleet companies in your area such as bus companies, taxi cab companies, businesses with trucks and rental car companies. Most of these companies view windshield repair as valuable preventative maintenance that saves them hundreds of dollars every year by not having to replace expensive windshields.
3. Seek referrals from other car-care businesses. Talk with operators of car washes, oil-change facilities and detailing businesses in your market. Most automotive businesses do not have the equipment or expertise on site to repair windshields, but they all deal with customers who need the service.
Ask these businesses to refer customers to you, and, in exchange, discount your services for these customers. This will provide you with extra work and will help other local automotive businesses build good will with their customers.
4. Consider your advertising strategies. A company website, yellow page ads and social media marketing such as Facebook are great ways to get your message out to potential customers. Magnetic signs for your vehicle make you a traveling billboard. Make up flyers to put just on cars with windshield damage.
5. Be professional. As with any business, presentation and perception is everything. Dress neatly and have good looking business cards made up. Being professional inspires confidence in your customer that you will do a good job for them.
These tips will help you get started with your windshield repair marketing campaign.
Windshield Repair Business Profit
Opening a windshield crack repair service can be a very profitable endeavor — that is, if you conduct business properly and prioritize customer satisfaction. But with 253 million cars on the road, the windshield repair industry is certainly a growing market.
Before your business even opens its doors, it’s important to have at least a tentative workload schedule, i.e., determining how many repairs your business can handle in one day. This metric is ultimately what determines your profit margins.
For example, a windshield repair business that repairs chips and performs between four and six repairs per day has a potential annual income of 45,000, adding long crack repair increases that potential to $72,000, but on the higher end, businesses that can handle 10-15 chip repairs daily have the potential to bring in as much as $110,000 yearly.
Adding long crack repair increases that potential to $182,000 because long crack repair increase the average job amount by about 40-50% along with the demand for your business.
Windshield Repair Certification
Professional certification, while not mandatory, can assure customers and employers that a technician has knowledge of the latest industry standards and practices. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers industry-standard certification for these workers in more than 40 different topics, including collision repair/refinishing and automotive consulting.
Becoming ASE certified in one of these areas requires two years of pertinent work experience (one year of experience can be substituted with two years of formal training) as well as passage of an exam.
ASE-certified technicians must maintain their credentials by passing a re-certification test every five years. Certification is also available through other organizations, like the Auto Glass Safety Council.
Auto Glass Business Plan
Once you understand the market, the first step in making your auto glass shop successful is writing a business plan. Statistically you’re 2.5-times more likely to actually start your business after you write a business plan.
A well thought out, one-page business plan helps you organize all of the ideas and mitigate any potential pitfalls. It can also help you to secure funding.
Here are the key points your business plan for your auto glass shop should cover:
- A mission statement describing the main focus of your auto glass shop
- Information including your registered name, address of any physical locations, and names of key people involved in the business
- An objective statement that explains your goals and vision for your auto glass shop
- A business strategy that goes into detail of how you plan to achieve your goals
- Your business and management structure that outlines key employees, managers, and other owners of the business, including their percentage ownership and their involvement in the company
- A plan of how you will package your auto glass repair services and how you will set pricing
- An outline of the potential customers you will target, their pain points, and how your business can help solve them
- A definition of your unique value and what differentiates you from your competitors
- A marketing and sales plan, including messaging on why your services are worth buying and what channels will you use to promote your business
- A financial plan, including your revenue goals, start-up investment, and growth opportunities
Delta Kits EZ-250S Windshield Repair System
The EZ-250S Mobile system is a part of the Delta Kits Premium Series and is equipped with the popular B250 Bridge and stainless steel screw type injector, the Ignite UV lamp, and enough resin and supplies to complete 100 repairs. The EZ-250S delivers professional level performance at an entry level price.
The Windshield Repair Kit EZ-250S Mobile System includes:
- 10205 B250 Bridge Assembly with Screw Type Injector
- 12210 Injector End Seals (Two Packages of 5)
- 14001 Mini Rotary Tool for Windshield Repair – Drill
- 15250 Elite LED Ultraviolet Curing Lamp, 12V-240V
- 22005 Slide Hammer
- 35000 Custom Foam Fitted Tool Box
- 30081 Premium Bond 20 Resin with Glass Dropper (Two 15 ml Plastic Bottles)
- 30260 Premium Bond 3000 Pit Resin (One 7ml Plastic Bottle)
- 30400 Premium Pit Polish (One 7 ml Plastic Bottle)
- 22265 Acrylic Inspection Mirror
- 22250 Thick Lay Flat Curing Tape (One 100 ft roll)
- 22255 Lay Flat Curing Tabs (One Pkg of 100)
- 22200 Nylon Stick
- 22420 Industrial Strength Razor Blades (One Package of 100)
- 22470 Steel Wool for Removing Hydrophobic Coatings
- 22435 Cleaning Jar 6oz
- 26030 Round .039 Carbide Bur (One Pkg of 5)
- 26020 Tapered .047 Carbide Bur (One Pkg of 5)
- 22130 Centering Tool
- 22450 Chip Brush
- Digital Training Packet
What is The Best Professional Windshield Repair Kit?
We’ve separated the best windshield repair kits by the inexpensive kits for DIY repair and the more costly professional kits for commercial shops and mobile windshield repair businesses.
1. Delta Kits EZ-250S Windshield Repair System
Containing everything you need for a high-quality repair, the Delta Kits EZ-250S is perhaps the best professional windshield repair kit for the money. It includes a stainless steel screw-type injector, rechargeable UV lamp, and enough resin for approximately 100 repairs. Also included are:
- acrylic inspection mirror
- carbide burs (.039 and .047)
- centering tool
- chip brush
- cleaning jar
- curing tape and tabs
- Dremel tool
- glass droppers
- hydrophobic coatings
- industrial strength razor blades
- nylon stick
- pit polish
- slide hammer
- steel wool
Finally, the addition of a comprehensive training DVD means this can be a great kit whether you’re a seasoned pro or plan to start your own business.
This is an excellent kit and has just about everything necessary for a great job every time. You may wish to add a drying gun to the kit to make it more complete. Also, note that the plunger isn’t spring-loaded. This gives more control but can also take longer when performing larger repairs.
2. Clearshield Professional Auto Glass Repair Kit
Containing enough supplies for over 200 repair jobs and a complete tool set, the Clearshield windshield repair kit allows you to do professional-grade repairs right from your garage. The cordless UV light, Dremel, and set of 20 carbide drill bits mean you won’t have to wait for a sunny day and can easily clean out damaged spots. This is the same equipment used by Clearshield technicians.
For a professional level kit, this is also perfect for beginners. The training video is easy to follow, and the results are better than many similar kits out there. Note that this kit isn’t designed for complicated repairs. Also available in larger kits covering 500+ or 1000+ repairs to keep business costs down.
3. Tri Glass TRI 15 Essential Windshield Repair Kit
This professional kit from Tri Glass not only includes a Tri Glass bridge, UV lamp, and resin, but also a Dremel with two bits and a 1/16 inch collet. Additional equipment includes: a thin pit sealer, pit buffer, pit polish, inspection mirror, suction cup lube, shop cloth, acetone container, mylar tabs, hook scribe, and small O-rings. A training DVD ensures you achieve professional results.
When you need a kit that has everything necessary, this is a great choice. You’ll need to invest in some acetone, but otherwise you can get started straight out of the package. On the rare occasion there’s an issue with the hardware, Tri Glass is quick to remedy the problem.
How do I Market my Windshield Repair Business?
By developing strong digital marketing strategies, your customers will see you as professional before you even apply windshield repair resin. Follow these simple tips for making your windshield crack repair business stand out online.
- Encourage Customer Reviews: People trust personal recommendations. Having a wide array of customer reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp can make you seem more trustworthy. Just be sure to respond to the reviews, especially the negative ones, to show off your customer service chops.
- Establish A Social Media Brand: Build your social media pages and keep your posting schedule consistent. Also be sure to curate your content to be appropriate to your audience. For example, if you sell car windshield long crack repair kit services, post videos on how you do it.
- Invest In Your SEO: Even the most beautiful web design is useless unless people are finding their way to your page. This is where search engine optimization comes in. Work with a professional to generate back links around the web and to boost your site in the search rankings.
Try Email Marketing: Allow customers to sign up for a mailing list and send out marketing content regularly. Be sure to make it useful, so you’re not filling their inbox with junk. Offer special promotions to those who opt to receive these emails.
Read Also: Using Skills In 3D Animation To Make Money As A Digital Graphics Artist
Whether you use resin for cracks and chips or replace whole windshields, you are part of a necessary business. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers the windshield as one of the primary safety components of the car.
Since every car owner has a windshield, you should do what you can to reach as many as possible. By perfecting your social media, SEO, customer engagement, and general digital marketing techniques, you can turn any internet browser into a potential client.
Can a 12 Inch Crack in Windshield be Repaired?
It can be difficult to decide what is the best way to fix it. Here is a quick guide to help determine the best course of action for a broken windshield.
Signs a Windshield Can Be Repaired or Should Be Replaced
Can Be Repaired if | Should Be Replaced if |
---|---|
Fixing the damage will not reduce the safety of the car in case of impact or collision. | The windshield is damaged to the point that it impairs the driver’s visibility. |
The crack is shorter than 12 inches or the chip or bullseye is smaller than 1 inch. | The crack is longer than 14 inches or the chip or bullseye is larger than 3 inches. |
Only the outer layer of the glass is damaged. | The inner layer of glass has also been broken. |
The crack or chip is not close to the outer margin of the glass. | The damage is near or reaches a corner or edge of the windshield. |