10 revenue capturing reminders before sending a car out the door
1. Review your estimate while performing the final walk through before the customer is called.
- Go line by line and check each thing off your list.
- This is the best way to make sure fit and finish are good on replaced or repaired parts.
2. Light check.
- Make sure all lights are in proper working order regardless of what was done during the repair.
3. Review estimate for missed opportunities before final bill.
- Using a tool like EstimateIQ will help you prevent potential missed opportunities and maximize revenue.
4. Perform post scan on vehicle before customer is called.
- This could reveal additional issues or anything missed during repair.
- Make sure to add the scan to the repair plan and final bill.
5. Upload all research (OEM repair procedures) for insurance review.
- Make sure you have the proper procedures documented in case you need to justify repairs to insurer.
- Tools like RepairLogic make this fast and easy.
Want to strengthen your estimate-writing process? Watch our on-demand session, Tips & Tools for Writing Complete Estimates, to learn practical strategies from a former estimator.
6. Finalize work with techs and paint.
- Make sure all things are added and addressed on the estimate, including any alignment or adjustments that were completed.
7. Upload part invoices and document part changes.
- Photos, photos, and more photos.
8. Check windows, window locks, door child locks, backup camera, and confirm front and rear sensors are functioning properly.
- Not just things that were done during repairs, everything.
9. Review vehicle’s check-in damage sheet.
- Look over vehicle to ensure no new issues were uncovered. Cover your bases.
10. Make sure all photos are properly labeled before locking final estimate.
- Some insurance companies want this. Do it for every car that comes in and make it easy for the adjuster to identify a photo.
10 operations that are often overlooked but commonly paid for
- D&R Battery
- OEM Research and Subscription Costs
- Precision Masking
- Mask Electrical/Wiring/Harness
- OEM Specific Pre and Post Scans
- Test Drive
- Welding Set-Up/Prep Time
- Weld Burn Damage
- Steering Sensor Zero Point Calibration
- Urethane Adhesive Removal
Want to see what this looks like in practice? Download this case study to learn how one collision shop uncovered thousands in missed revenue in just two months.
