I do some accounts probably 15% of my business, $300 labor plus glass make it worth while , they want quick service. Usually make approx $200 on the cash jobs unless the glass is over $100 then I charge more , usually down to 6 -7 average in winter , six days a week.. not a bad business been at it over 20years still enjoy it.
I’ve been installing for 30 years. Had a business for 17 of those 30. Had almost 60 accounts at one time. There is absolutely zero loyalty from almost everyone of those accounts. I’ve stopped serving all but a handful of them for various reasons. I bent over backwards to take real good care of them. Did outstanding work. In 30 years I’ve had less than 10 leakers. Used to make great money before Triumph and Safelite screwed the market up. Never would have left if the margins stayed. Years ago, paid more per part, but made triple per! Today you have to do 3 parts to make what one part paid. That’s 3 times the liability, 3times harder, for the same money.. Years ago you could make a nice living off of 5 insurance replacements a week. Now… an insurance job nets u 300-400 average. Still great money hourly… I agree… but the bs u have to deal with to get, keep, and continue to get insurance customers is ridiculous bc of the “networks”. That’s when I told them to kiss off. 5 years just as good as 20 years experience. Only helps when working on older cars. Once u install 20-30 windshields u should have a very very good idea of what ur doing. It’s not rocket science.. these auto glass guys think there gods. I don’t mean the people in the video… I mean the average guy who has been in competition with the others of who can slam more parts… who gives a shit? Anyone can slap a glass in 25 minutes! This industry is truly hit or miss on quality!!!! Stick with the independent installer!!! And if u can help it… don’t have a windshield replaced on a Friday or a Saturday. The installers wife’s are bitching all day about getting done on time. And the local Safelite keeps adding jobs to the installer who’s wife or GF is bitching about him getting done on time! Stick with the small shop, bc he cares about you, and his work! The installer at the big shops have no skin in the game. He just wants to slam them in to make bonus pay, and get out as soon as possible. Good day too ya all
Hey your comment here comforts me brother. Im going to be starting the learning process within a month with my father in law who has been installing for 5 years. I plan to go out of state to FL for 2 months to grasp everything i can. The job is good, pays $125 per installation and both my in law and his son get 5+ jobs a day aside from side hustles. Im looking forward to changing my life with this job and hope it isnt rocket science as some people make it seem like it is.
Would love some advice been tinting vehicles for over 10 years really wanted to head into windshields. Seems like the new thing is callibrations. Would love feed back on starting my own thing. Any advice would be helpful
@@hielo1790 After a year I was pretty comfortable doing most regular cars and after two years I was comfortable doing high end cars, semis, almost any doorglass or backglass. You will learn something new every day and its a fun job imo. Listen to podcasts or music and do your job with no manager over your shoulder.
Yeah great job !I've been installing for almost 4 years now love my job.. been wanting to do the video of the life of a glass installer for awhile ...but anyways just wanted to say you did great !!
You guys doing rental company’s? Just got my foot in at Hertz in Seattle international airport! Been doing glass for 10+ years but rental companies are the way to go especially the airports.
Just seen your good video 👍explained very good,,thanks,,,, only ,don’t you Check your new delivered screens for scratches or any other defects before you start your daily tour ?
Love it! Thanks for the video, question where can I find a video course or a complete guide (book) on auto glass? I’ve been looking for books online and there’s absolutely nothing. I’m looking more for a book that can teach me on the different types of glass brands XYG FYG SCM etc. And teach about different calibrations. I only see books on how to become an installer. I don’t know if I’m explaining myself, but any answer would help thanks!!!!
unfortunately there is no course on the info you are looking for. Safelite prob is your only option but eventually I will be offering something like this in the future.
I worked for safelite for two years you dont get very great training depending on location and people you work with but sometimes its the only option for paid training in your area
Hello, in talks with a dealership to provide replacements for them I just dont know what to charge for replacements + calibrations any suggestions. In Texas
Aye man great content, I currently work for a company already, just wanted to know is it worth going at it by myself? Just wanted some input from someone in the field...
hands on experience is your best chance the schools that they do offer are only a week of training. It will give you the concept but good Idea to be someone locals apprentice
@@autoglassdirect9071 how did you get into the business. I applied at safelite to hopefully get hired and learn more but they didn’t hire me so any advice on how to start?
It’s also market dependent! I see it in the three counties I work in, labor vary. Also depends on if you recalibrate, how skilled the staff is, and how streamlined your systems are! I’d recommend getting into this if you love working on cars!
Vehicle calibrations makes me wanna find a new profession. The fact that new cars have so many options built into the windshield is irritating. Arriving at someone's home just to have the incorrect part because of so many options is just getting old.
@@devintharp597 it still throws it off on some cars I’d be careful with that. Lawsuits can come if something happens in a accident. It’s rare but not unheard of
@@alk1317 I agree. I like your response. It's more professional as well to an extent. The car will tell you if the system is not functioning. I wouldn't let it stress you to bad.
![Day in the Life of a Independent Auto Glass Business [ Windshield Replacement] Ep1](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
