Day in the Life of a Independent Auto Glass Business [ Windshield Replacement] Ep1

[@Moondahgie]

Can we talk about how fucking clean that Astro van is?

[@AceMeneses]

The toughest part of auto glass is figuring out the correct windshield ive seen so many returns on wrong windshields its crazy.

[@codyspitzer5891]

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 !!

[@Autoglass-guys]

Do you enjoy installing?

[@BUTTA170]

How much do you charge insurance per windshield, and how much do the windshields cost?

[@autoglassdirect9071]

@BUTTA170 $1

[@scissrface2182]

What camera or phone? Like the quality

[@ismaelcastillomusic]

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!!!!

[@autoglassdirect9071]

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.

[@alk1317]

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.

[@Autoglass-guys]

Congrats on that huge account man!

[@blanedabber4300]

Auto glass life all day. I got almost 10 years experience. Great videos man.

[@Autoglass-guys]

Congrats!

[@NyAntiWokeMan]

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

[@hielo1790]

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.

[@levingaccino6160]

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

[@newmenalejandro1362]

@@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.

[@Autoglass-guys]

Very good insights from a veteran! Thanks for sharing!

[@danielkingham9045]

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 ?

[@tonybrit2k]

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.

[@Autoglass-guys]

Where do you run your business?!

[@tonybrit2k]

@@Autoglass-guys california

[@adamneuenscwhander965]

Hey Tony. I have never repaired a crack in a windshield but i am going to order some tools and go to local junkyards so i have room to fail. I want to know what you would do to start making money.

[@ThousandOaksMobileAutoGlas-b5n]

Great video!

[@Autoglass-guys]

Gonna get so many people working this lovely career!

[@niya8458]

Awesome I'm having trouble finding the auto glass warehouse or a distributor how would I locate one I'm located in oregon

[@lisaharris3551]

My husband is wanting to start on his own after working for other companies for 10 plus years. I’m so nervous.

[@autoglassdirect9071]

Gotta start somewhere.

[@tonybrit2k]

What system are you using?

[@roflips6314]

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

[@autoglassdirect9071]

Are you a glass company? How don’t you know how much to charge

[@roflips6314]

@@autoglassdirect9071 Just starting out

[@markclay1000]

What is the best way to get into the industry and get some training?

[@autoglassdirect9071]

Call locals companies. Ask if they want to hire a trainee.

[@newmenalejandro1362]

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

[@jadebustillo1946]

Hello, I'm from the Philippines, Do you have Front Windshield for Mitsubishi Endeavor?

[@karkule5919]

I wonder how much it costs them wholesale for a windshield.

[@glennturner2703]

Where would you recommend getting training for auto glass replacement? Currently a window tinter and would like to add this

[@autoglassdirect9071]

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

[@salvadorbagcal1514]

Magkaano Po Ng window glass Ng fortuner 2012 model sa front po right side

[@AboveAverage2215]

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...

[@autoglassdirect9071]

Depends on your drive. Anything can be done if you are willing to put in the work. It deff takes sometime to get going.

[@Autoglass-guys]

It’s a huge learning experience! A lot more parts than just installing. It can be trying at times, but it’s more rewarding than working for a company!

[@AboveAverage2215]

@@Autoglass-guys appreciate it, I think doing anything for self is worth it overall...

[@tonybrit2k]

How much extra do you charge for the calibration?

[@Autoglass-guys]

Usually it is vehicle specific! There are multiple types of recalibrations!

[@kevinW826]

Static and dynamic are the calibration types. Depending on the car it’s one or the other or both.

[@Ekorslk]

Just left the big guys after 8 years and going solo. Looking for tips and found your videos. Thanks.

[@jamesgarcia8004]

How do you all get the windshields? Do you have a contract with a dealership or how do you get the actual windshields for a particular vehicle

[@autoglassdirect9071]

We buy from various suppliers.

[@jamesgarcia8004]

@@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?

[@jisseko]

How to apply to your company

[@kimmienunez9071]

hey I was just wondering what type of vin decoder to you use ? Mainly for aftermarket glass

[@daveerrington5166]

I am also a Auto Glass business down in South Jersey. Been doing it for 20 years and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

[@professionalautoglass2042]

Thanks guys for the videos 👏🏻✊🏻❤

[@Autoglass-guys]

Love this blog format too!

[@ZulfahmiFahmi-vh1cf]

💪 morning

[@edersafelite]

What stand are you guys using for calibration?

[@autoglassdirect9071]

In the video TOPDON. We also sell the stands.

[@ronportillo3851]

how much profit in glass business

[@autoglassdirect9071]

It varies every company works on different margins

[@Autoglass-guys]

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!

[@danielkingham9045]

I myself am an Autoglaser in Western Europe,,,

[@Ecostainable]

😀

[@24_7Cornhole]

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.

[@autoglassdirect9071]

You should get some calibration equipment and take advantage of the extra money big game changer

[@devintharp597]

Or don't unplug the camera. Problem solved.

[@alk1317]

@@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

[@devintharp597]

@@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.

[@ToscanoAutoGlass]

how much did that calibration unit cost you .

[@autoglassdirect9071]

Emails us for a price