Estimating systems

[tom rodman]

Hi All,
Looking for input on an estimating system.I'm a 1 man band and I'm not on a main road, so I dont write a lot of estimates. Right now i'm using a 2 year old set of Motor books, I need an upgrade. I'm thinking of going computerized, but i'm concerned that it may not be cost effective for my volume.
Also, Alldata called on my shop to sell me tech info and frame specs, etc. I asked the price and was floored. Its a bit of a let down to see how expensive it is to stay on top of the latest info, and really NOT cost effective for my volume of work.
I guess what i'm looking for is a cheap solution that fills the need for estimating giudes.

[GPulse]

You may look into buying a set of used Mitchell books on Ebay and continue to hand write the estimates. I think they also offer a "Per Estimate" online option which will only cost you as needed but may still be a bit high.

[MarkFP]

but if you have a high speed Internet connection, consider giving Web-Est a call ((813) 854-9900)

Maybe not as cheap as books, but we've had good results with them.

[admin]

I have a good friend (smart) that has run a small 'boutique' collision repair shop for some 30 years. He works on new Bentleys, Ferrari, MBZ and other such new cars, few older that 5 years, and he hand writes all his estimates. He has a painter and him. Makes real good money. Plays golf on Friday afternoon, never works on a weekend. He does use Mitchell books for parts and that is it. He doesn't deal too much with insurers; he works with his customers to get the job done for the money available. Course over the years he has cemented his customer base.

Simplify your estimates....try to stop listing each and every operation; pool them ...check my prior post on that. I know how tough it is for a single or three man shop to make it; you just have to be smarter. KISS always applies, and those estimating systems do cost for benefits you can do yourself, without the system. Just books for parts.