Path to Starting Your New Auto Glass Replacement Business.
- Step 1: Do your Research.
- Step 2: Write a One-Page Business Plan.
- Step 3: Decide on a Budget and Get Funding.
- Step 4: Choose a Business Structure.
- Step 5: Register your Business Name & Domain Name.
Full Answer
Is it easy to start a windshield replacement business?
You get to be your own boss and, because of the necessity of automobiles, starting up a windshield replacement business tends to be a much more secure and safe venture than some more speculative businesses. But as with any business, it takes effort, planning, and money to start an auto glass business.
How to start a mobile-only auto glass business?
The auto glass industry has the infrastructure to support a “mobile-only” business model. You could also lease or buy a building, hire several technicians and customer service representatives, offer in-shop service, and put multiple mobile service vehicles on the road to service your customers.
How do I start an auto-glass installation business?
As an auto-glass installation professional, you can meet that need. Before opening your own business, be sure to explore options for the type of business you launch, secure funding, obtain the necessary insurance and acquire the proper training. Insurance coverage is essential for business owners and should never be overlooked.
What insurance do I need to start an auto glass business?
A general business owners' policy will protect both your property and provide for loss of income if you are unable to work. Also, workers' compensation insurance is essential if you are planning on hiring employees. Get training from professionals in the industry so you can provide excellent auto-glass installation service.
Are glass businesses profitable?
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.
How do I market my windshield repair business?
Marketing Your New Windshield Repair BusinessKnow your Market. ... Set up an online presence. ... Utilize Social Media and Online Listings. ... Partner with other Businesses. ... Start Local. ... Ensure Repeat Business. ... GT Tools® Marketing Support. ... You are ready to go out and get your customers, now how do you service them?
How is automotive glass manufactured?
0:166:50Automotive Glass Manufacturing Process - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy being floated. On hot gas. It's toughened by heating ordinary window glass to around 630 degreesMoreBy being floated. On hot gas. It's toughened by heating ordinary window glass to around 630 degrees centigrade and chilling very rapidly which puts a surface compressive stress into the glass.
How do I start a chip repair business?
0:4319:00How to start a glass chip repair business - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to need approximately five to six hundred dollars to start this business tools wise soMoreYou're going to need approximately five to six hundred dollars to start this business tools wise so you can get a kit online a stone chip repair kit.
How do you market Glass?
How To Effectively Market Your Glass Business OnlineCompany website.Review sites and local listings such as Yelp, Google My Business, and Yellowpages.Email campaigns/newsletters.Social media.
Who makes GM glass?
It is one of the largest auto glass producers in the world, with customers including large international automobile manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, Subaru, and Volkswagen Group....Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd.TypePublicRevenue21.1 billion RMB in 2019Number of employees26,000Websitefuyaogroup.com9 more rows
How thick is automotive glass?
For years windshields have been comprised of two pieces of glass approximately 2mm thick with an approximately 1mm layer of vinyl sandwiched in-between. Today, many windshields include another thin, sound absorbing vinyl layer that helps reduce road noise.
What type of glass is used in cars?
There are two main types of glass in a car: laminated and tempered glass. Tempered glass fractures into small, less dangerous pieces in hopes of preventing serious injuries from sharp edges.
How is windshield glass manufactured?
1:194:56How Safe Windshield Glass Is Made - www.Glass.net - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipToday's windshield glass is made of a chemical combination of silica fine sand limestone dolomiteMoreToday's windshield glass is made of a chemical combination of silica fine sand limestone dolomite soda ash and cullet. Sometimes it also includes small amounts of potassium oxide.
How are glass made?
Glass is made from natural and abundant raw materials (sand, soda ash and limestone) that are melted at very high temperature to form a new material: glass. At high temperature glass is structurally similar to liquids, however at ambient temperature it behaves like solids.
Where is glass for cars made?
Where is Auto Glass Manufactured? Companies producing auto glass are located throughout North America. Some of these companies include AGC Glass Company North America, Guardian Industries, PGW Glass Pilkington North America, and Vitro.
How do they make windscreens?
First, the peripheral section of the windshield is set in a predetermined position in a mold cavity. Next, molten plastic is injected into the mold; when it cools, it forms a plastic frame around the glass. The windshield assembly is then shipped to the car manufacturer, where it is installed in an automobile.
Step 1: Do your Research
Once you’ve come up with your business idea, you will need to do some initial research before moving forward. Think of this as a validation process for your idea. GT Tools ® has already performed some of the market validation for the Auto Glass Replacement Market for you, but you will need to know:
Step 2: Write a One-Page Business Plan
This document will serve as a blueprint, guiding you from start-up to profitability. Before developing an extremely robust plan that accounts for every contingency, take a step back and consider these questions:
Step 3: Decide on a Budget and Get Funding
Starting a business doesn’t always require a huge amount of up-front money, but you will need some sort of initial investment. Try to think of one-time startup costs, as well as other expenses you may need to keep your business running for the first year.
Step 4: Choose a Business Structure
Your business can be set up as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation. GT Tools ® recommends you consult a CPA, or your local state secretary’s office, to determine which structure would work best for your business.
Step 5: Register your Business Name & Domain Name
Your business name is going to play a role in almost every facet of your future. Check to see if it is trademarked or already in use, and then register it with the state or county clerk (if a sole proprietor). Corporations, LLCs, or limited partnerships will register their names when the business formation paperwork is filed.
Step 6: Choose your accounting and customer management systems
Systems are key to running an effective business and this starts with an accounting system to manage your budget, sell your products or services, and file your taxes. In many cases, your accounting system will also contain a module to help you manage your customer base.
Get your first 50 Customers
Now that you've started your business, it's time to grow your customer base.
How to Start an Auto Glass Repair Business
So you want to start an auto glass repair business? We don’t blame you! With millions of vehicles on the road every day, windshield repair is a very lucrative business! It is probably the least expensive business you could start and the payoff can be huge.
Conduct Some Research
The first thing to consider when wondering how to start an auto glass repair business is the competition. In your area, will you be competing with a large company or do most drivers have to go out of town to get their windshields repaired?
Develop a Business Plan
This is where you’ll come up with most of the initial cost for your auto glass repair business. Your business plan will outline several points important to the start of your company. These include:
Decide on a windshield repair kit
Your windshield repair kit is the central item in your business. It is how you make your income and what you use to do quality work for your customers. A good quality windshield repair kit is very important but do not forget that windshield repair is not as technical as one may think it is.
Start Marketing
Start with business cards and word of mouth. Friends and family are a great first start in doing your first windshield repairs and with insurance companies paying for the repairs you will most likely not have to charge them anything! And of course make sure to pass out plenty of business cards whenever possible.
The Bottom Line
The benefits of owning your own auto glass repair business will be the most rewarding experience you have ever had. If you make this step you will almost for sure wonder why you waited so long!
Step 1 Initial Contact
The first step is reaching out. Fill out the form on the right or call (800) 944-6811. We’ll send you an e-mail and give you a call to start guiding you through the rest of the steps!
Step 2 Q&A Call
The first time we talk, we’ll schedule an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have of our NOVUS experts. We’ll also have some questions for you about your goals and plans for business ownership. We’ll also give you some ideas of things to ask a franchising company to get you started.
Step 3 Qualification
Starting a business is an important decision. NOVUS is looking for franchisees with a vision for growth. You should be looking for a franchisor who has a vision for your growth as well. During this step, we will learn more about you and you will have the opportunity to learn more about NOVUS.
Step 4 Discovery Day
After qualification, it’s time for you to meet NOVUS in person. You will visit our corporate offices in St. Paul, Minnesota for a day of meeting the people you’ll work with as a NOVUS franchisee.
Step 5 Business Ownership
At Discovery Day, or soon after, you’ll sign a franchise agreement, attend training, and open your NOVUS franchise! Your NOVUS franchising representative will be available to help and guide you throughout this process.
What to do if your windshield breaks?
If a windshield cracks or breaks, a car owner will want a knowledgeable and skilled service provider to repair or replace the auto glass. As an auto-glass installation professional, you can meet that need.
Why is insurance important for business owners?
Insurance coverage is essential for business owners and should never be overlooked. In addition to auto insurance for your vehicles, you should have liability coverage to protect you in the event of an accident or problem with any of the work you do on customers' vehicles.
BUSINESS STARTUP GUIDE
Interested in starting a new business? Trying to grow your current business? This Business Guide will walk you through the foundations of running a successful glass repair business, including pricing and how to find customers.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
The windshield repair business for me has been everything I thought it would be. If you have a desire to get out there and meet people, love people, and hustle, it’s a good life. And it’s never been better for a repair technician with regard to the quality of the Zoom, I can’t see it ever wearing out… it’s just so well built.
FAQs
If you want to be your own boss + experience work-life balance + keep your hard-earned money, consider starting a glass repair business.
How to contact Novus Glass?
You can reach us at our website or by phone at 800-944-6811.
Why do franchisors charge fees?
There’s a reason why franchisors charge franchising fees: franchisors provide value. There’s a reason why over 10,000 people each year pay those fees: franchise fees are worth paying. Just like your initial capacity and initial marketing, you can spend less to start an auto glass business on your own, with no support, ...
Get Started Checklist for Windshield Repair
So you are ready to start your own windshield repair business – congratulations! Once you get over the initial excitement, it’s time to make a comprehensive game plan for getting your business up and running. By using the Windshield Repair Business Checklist, the process of starting your own business is broken down into manageable pieces.
Read over 500 articles on Windshield Repair
By going through this checklist you are setting yourself up for success. Using the right equipment and resin and having the industry’s best training, you are steps ahead of the competition. Avoid costly mistakes by skipping steps like not obtaining the proper business license or not being set up to submit insurance claims.
