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GlasWeld Blog

Are you the best windshield repair technician in your area?

October 31st, 2012

Most techs would answer “of course!” But really, what does it take to be the best? Being the best comes down three basics: Integrity, Expertise, and Customer Service.

 

Choosing quality equipment and resins can help you be the best windshield repair technician in the business.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I have the “good enough” attitude?
  • Will I do whatever I can to ensure that I am the best?
  • Do I make 400 sure that I am keeping up with the latest training?
  • Do I use the best equipment and supplies available?
  • Do I have the philosophy that the customer is always right?
  • Do I go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction?

If you answered yes to all or most of these questions you are certainly moving in the right direction!

Let’s talk today about one area that can distinguish and help elevate you above the rest of the pack, your windshield repair resins.

In talking to many repair techs, it’s common to hear that there is very little difference between one 400 manufacturer’s resins and another’s. If you accept that logic it would make sense to use the cheapest resin available.

However, when you consider that the resin you leave behind in the repair can make the difference between a happy customer and an unhappy customer, it only makes sense to find and use the best resin available.

That leaves the question, how do you determine which resin is the best?

 

GlasWeld resins are tested and proven to meet and exceed industry standards for quality including ROLAGS, AN 400 SI and BSI.

Here are a few guidelines to help in determining a quality windshield repair resin.

  • Have the resins been tested against the ANSI and/or BSI standards by an independent certified testing laboratory? Did they pass? It is important that the testing be done by a certified independent lab to make sure that there is no bias in their conclusions.
  • These tests should include:
    1. Tensile Strength testing which includes evaluation of adhesion and cohesion, how well the resin adheres to the surrounding glass and how cohesive it is itself so that it will not pull apart.
    2. Weathering to ensure that the resins will hold up to the elements over time.
    3. Stability tests to determine how the resins hold up to color stability like fading or yellowing as time goes by.
  • Does the manufacture offer a variety of resins and do they have the expertise to recommend which resin to use based on viscosity as it relates to the type of damage, temperature, etc?
  • Does the manufacture offer tinted resins? And can they explain when they should be used and which tint should be used for which application?
  • How long have the resin 400 s been used in the field, and what are their track records?
  • What is the resin’s chemistry? Does the manufacturer claim that they are acid free? Are they really? (This brings up another subject – acid free resins, we will address this in another blog).

So what is the best resin to use?

We hope you will seriously consider these questions when choosing the resins you will buy and use in your repair business.

Can you afford to use the best repair resin? Let’s do the math:

If your injector used 4 drops of resin to repair a break then one ounce of resin will repair 200 breaks (minimum).

Very inexpensive and lower quality resin can be bought for $25.00 or less per ounce. At that price you are spending about 12½ cents for each repair.

Top qua 269 lity resins are running between $50 and $60 per ounce. That equates to 25 to 30 cents per repair.

So the question is not can I afford to use the best resin but, can I afford not to.

Being the best windshield repair technician in the area means doing what is best for your customer. Giving him the best repair experience means having the best expertise and using the best equipment and materials available.

Being the best at something is not easy. It’s more than what you do, it’s who you are F4 . It’s a mind set and a life style. Our industry needs leaders; we need technicians that that are the best at what they do.

Are you the best windshield repair technician in your area?

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Minimizing Glass Defects for Manufacturers

May 29th, 2012

sheets of glass free of defectsAsk any manufacturer how they ensure quality control and they will say it’s about an efficient production line. Window and door manufacturers have learned this same truth. Low manufacturing glass defects means higher profits.

More than 50% of all U.S. window and door manufacturers utilize GlasWeld’s glass scratch repair exper 400 tise in their production facilities and in their distribution networks. They have learned through experience the value of our ability to help diagnose glass production problems and offer immediate solutions.

From industry leading equipment and supplies to training support, our partnerships have benefited all involved while improving customer satisfaction and the bottom line.

The Trust of Distributors

May 2 400 3rd, 2012

Our reputation and trust means a great deal to our customers, and to us.

Probably more today than in years past TRUST is not a given but something that has to be earned. After 30 years in the glass repair business, we’ve earned the trust of distributors and authorized resellers worldwide, as well as manufacturers across the country.

Distributors and authorized resellers look to GlasWeld to deliver the best we have distributors worldwidewindshield repair kits, glass repair kits and hea 400 dlight restoration equipment and supplies. They supply these products, and professional training to glass technicians across Europe, Australia, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North America.

Being a part of our glass repair network, they enjoy product previews, favorable pricing, as well as free training support. GlasWeld has a presence at all major industry trade shows and further supports our customers at local industry events.

Yes, a solid reputation, and delivering on that reputation has its rewards. For GlasWeld, the dedication and loyalty of our distribution partners is that reward!

You too could be a part of the GlasWeld family.

Headlight 1AE Restoration: Good Business Decision

May 15th, 2012

As a successful business owner, you know the importance of improving and growing your business. Consider the advantages of adding headlight restoration.

There are strong similarities between windshield repair and headlight restoration: both s 400 ave vehicle owners money; both are eco-friendly not adding to landfills; and both make vehicles not only look better but safer with better visibility.

Dollar signUpfront investment is minimal: For instance, you can get started with a headlight restoration kit for as little as $495—or less if you already have some supplies to remove the oxidation. If so, all you would need is GlasWeld’s OEM UV Hard Coat and UV Curing Light for a long-lasting, durable finish that exceeds OEM standards. And GlasWeld training is included with the purchase of any kit.

Business will come to you: While customers come in for a windshield repair, y 400 ou Shows restored headlightmight notice cloudy headlights and offer the service. Both can be accomplished simultaneously saving you and the customer valuable time. Additionally, you can go to local dealerships and companies who maintain a fleet of vehicles (i.e., UPS, FedEx and utilities) to gain additional business.

So don’t miss this sure-way to get new business—especially, if your location has a lot of sunshine, which makes headlights oxidize faster. Learn more about our Gclear Essentials Kit.

Good Design Sets ecoVac Apart

May 1st, 2012

Dieter Rams, who spent 40 years at German manufacturer, Braun, was so successful at revolutionizing design for consumer electronics such as stereos and home speakers that he created and copyrighted 10 design principals. These principals have inspired many product designers—including the team at Apple. What’s also worth noting is that GlasWeld’s ecoVac car windshield repair injector delivers on four of these principals.

Principal 1: Good design is innovative

Simplicity and efficiency have been the driving force behind ecoVac’s design. Unlike other chipped windshield repair products, it requires less resin per windshield and saves technicians’ money.

Principal 2: Good design makes a product useful

By providing the maximum vacuuming power possible—28 inches at sea level—the product proves its usefulness over and over again, every day, giving technicians the speed they need.

Principal 3: Good design makes a product understandable

Technicians like how the car windshield repair injector removes air and moisture before resin is injected allowing them to repair in most weather conditions.

Principal 4: Good design is long-lasting.

By offering less moving parts, there is less chance a part in the ecoVac will break ensuring longer wear for customers.

While you might not think 400 of your ecoVac as you would your iMac or home speakers, you can see—and appreciate—its good design.

See our windshield repair kits here.

 

Copyright Dieter Rams

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ProCur UV Curing Lamp Gets Kudos

April 25th, 2012

Curing lamp’s speed and its ability to cure resins completely are the reasons.

Best Choice Ribbon on GlasWeld's ProVacTechnicians continue to share with us how satisfied they are with our ProCur UV Curing Lamp. Besides curing windshield repair resins fast, they appreciate the lamp’s dependability and consistency emitting at just the right UV wavelength frequency to cure resin completely.

And complet 1AE ely is the key because they know how difficult it is to visually determine whether resin is fully cured. With ProCur, this challenge isn’t a problem.

Getting back to how fast it is

Technicians have noticed the speed saying that UV Curing Lamp saves up to five minutes per repair, which is saving them about one hour per day and allowing them to fit in one more repair. Not bad. All of us can 400 benefit from an extra hour each day.

Learn more about our windshield repair kits now.

Remove Graffiti from Glass Quickly

April 17th, 2012 < 400 /div>

No matter your personal feelings about graffiti and whether you view it as a powerful art form that supports one’s freedom of speech or as an offensive form of language used for scare tactics, you can appreciate that it’s a big problem for business owners.

All forms of property vandalism can hurt a business’s bottom line, but none is—as visible—or in need of immediate action than graffiti removal. See recent damage on Whistler’s famous peak-to-peak gondola. Customers might turn away and go elsewhere if they see regular graffiti on a retailer’s storefront or business.

glass damaged from graffiti
In 400 2006 the Brooklyn Museum displayed 22 works by New York graffiti artists. While they might treat graffiti artists as celebrities, glass scratch removal technicians see graffiti as a big repair job—one that needs the right degree of patience along with the right tools to remove graffiti from glass.

Consider getting GlasWeld’s Gforce glass abrading and graffiti removal kits. The kits have been field-tested and proven for scratch removal of graffiti.

Win Over National Chains for Windshield Repair

April 11th, 2012

If you’re like others, you’re windshield repair business is up against national chains more often. They tout their expertise, convenience (some offer mobile service) and their strong warranty program. You too can tout this plus you have an additional edge—you’re local. To combat their onslaught, you must put your marketing hat on and think more competitively. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Local is better: Explain to customers that the national windshield repair chains don’t always deliver the consistent value or service promoted on their websites. Going with a proven, local firm is a better choice because they get to deal with a 400 real person, not a corporation, and have fewer hassles.local glass repair technician helping customer
  • Qualifications: Highlight the fact that not all windshield repair technicians are created equal. Emphasize your talent, skills and certification, which all ensure the best result—and better safety for them and their passengers.
  • Quality products: Communicate that you use high-quality GlasWeld windshield repair kit products, which saves time and money. The products are considered the industry’s best and the resins meet the high 400 est standards.
  • Convenience: Most customers avoid getting their windshield repaired right away because they have to find the time around a very busy work and family schedule. Take the pressure off them by promoting how you can make their service experience more convenient. Are you open on the weekends? Can you do repair in less than an hour? Are you mobile? Can you arrange to drive them back to work or home if they can’t wait? Can you do it onsite at their work if weather is permitting?
  • Encourage feedback: Ask customers to leave positive comments on your Facebook page. Ask them to fill out an online customer survey then show summary of positive feedback on your website.

Every windshield repair business needs an edge in a competitive market. Know yours…then promote it.

Make sure you’re on GlasWeld’s “Find a Tech” page or do local search marketing per recent blog.

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Protect Your Windshield Repair Kit Tools for Success

March 29th, 2012

Are you a windshield repair technician who likes the convenience of storing your repair tools in the back of your truck?  Although this might be an OK practice if you live in mild climate areas—it’s a bad idea if you live in areas with extreme temperatures. Just last week the temperature in Bend, Oregon, the corporate headquarters of GlasWeld, dropped to 17 degrees.

Cold temperatures like these can cause pr 400 oblems for your repair tools.

cold can compromise sealsResins can become thicker and seals can become less flexible causing possible equipment failures—all of which can cost you valuable repair time.  We suggest that you bring your windshield repair kit tools inside your home or business in a climate controlled workspace. Similar to house paint, stains and brushes that need to warm up before proper use in the winter, so does your windshield repair system.

And the opposite can also affect your repairs. When temperatures heat up, as they are in much of the country, resin viscosities get thinner and the windshield’s PVB layer can 400 become softer causing possible flowering issues.

windshield flowering damage

Flowering Damage

A way to combat this is with thicker resins and by minimizing the pressure that your injector exerts against the glass or the pressure that you exert with the probe during flexing.

Stack Success in Your Favor

Keeping your tools stored in a climate-controlled environment and factoring in temperature extremes during repairs are two easy ways to ensure quicker—and more successful repairs. Because we all know, time is money.

Glass Scratch Repair Allows the Cosmopolitan to Open On-Time

March 20th, 2012
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Glass scratch repair becomes especially important for complex architectural projects that must meet a tight timeline for a grand opening. This was the case with Las Vegas’ newest and hippest billion-dollar casino, the Cosmopolitan.

The towering structure utilized a lot of custom glass manufactured in Cthe cosmopolitan hotelhina. Between manufacturing, shipping and installation scratches developed. Some replacement glass was available, however, not enough—and not for the various custom sizes. Since there was no time to order replacement glass, GlasWeld was brought in to prepare a glass scratch repair plan that would allow the casino to open on-time.

Gl 400 asWeld moved quickly and developed a plan that entailed training Union glaziers on the use of our products and techniques then overseeing glass scratch repair for more than six months and 30,000 man-hours.

Thanks to our efforts, the Cosmopolitan opened on-time with the fanfare needed for its success. And, the casino came under budget for original glass replacement costs.

Creating a Union training program was a time-consuming endeavor and training 20 persons at a time proved difficult, but GlasWeld was up to the challenge. Excellent training and glass scratch removal equipment are the hallmarks of GlasWeld—and no job proved it better.