Is it hard to write a proper estimate for a bodyshop?

A place for professionals to network and discuss the business and technology inside the shop.



Non-Lurker
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:12 pm
PostPosted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:39 am
I only have about 6months experience working at a body shop and wanted to know if its too early for me to become a estimator?



Settled In
Posts: 92
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:20 pm
PostPosted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:54 am
Among many other things,you will need to know and understand how a vehicle is put together and know how to handle people in general. We are in a business where your customer is upset when they walk in your door, so you have to be a social engineer so to speak.



Non-Lurker
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:12 pm
PostPosted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:30 pm
im great with people but not an expert at how a vehicle is put together but i know how to operate a estimating software i played with it before at the shop you think i need to take a appraiser's training course? thank you

User avatar

No Turning Back
Posts: 854
Joined: Tue Oct 28, 2003 12:50 am
Location: Cleburne, TX
PostPosted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:17 pm
It's one thing to be an insurance adjuster who just plugs the numbers into a computer and another to be an estimator. It takes years of working in a body shop to develope the skills and knowledge of what it takes to repair a car.

A person that has been repairing cars for several years knows that the book may say it will take 4 hours to R & R a fender. But experience tells you it will take 8 and a good boby man can get it done in 6.

One way to piss off the boss is UNDER estimate repair jobs. It just take a few to reck havoc with the profit margin which is already very thin.

Frank Cox
Cox Custom Cars



Non-Lurker
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2006 12:12 pm
PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:47 pm
I guess i just need more experience working around the shop to be a great estimator appreciate the advice thank you

Return to The Pro Shop!

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 31 guests