Estimating System

[El Toro]

Hi all Just a small one man shop doing Restoration work with some collision mixed in. Question what do you do for labor times on a collision estimate that your trying to prepare. Do not have a estimating system as so expensive for a job every other month or do. Have one now a 2013 Chevy Tahoe need labor time for front cover replacement and refinish cover and hood.Thanks in advance.long time fan and SPI user

 

[crashtech]

Favorite technique of shadetree collision men is to have the customer go get an estimate, lol. Back in the day, I used to swipe outdated collision books, but now it's all computer. But overhaul on that bumper cover is 2.5 hrs, refinish is 3.0 plus 1.2 for clearcoat if it is the first or only panel.

 

[El Toro]

Thanks Crashtech you always help out. I have the front cover and the hood to refinish. I do buy some of the older crash books off ebay but like you said all computer these days.

 

[Bob Hollinshead]

You can still write a handwritten sheet-nothing wrong with that other than it takes more time and brainpower calculating overlap etc... Have your customer get a few other estimates for comparison if you want. Or call the parts supplier for parts pricing and just estimate the labor times.

 

[crashtech]

Thanks Crashtech you always help out. I have the front cover and the hood to refinish. I do buy some of the older crash books off ebay but like you said all computer these days.

Oh, didn't see the hood. Funny enough, it is the same time as the bumper, but since one is non-adjacent, it would be 3.4 total for the second panel.

 

[DATEC]

Can't forget blend times, when doing a hood you get blend times on the fenders.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Mitchell used to have a pay as you go online estimating system. You could either pay for one or get a discount buying multiple estimates. I don't know if it is still available or if they've changed.

 

[El Toro]

Thanks all will look in to Mitchell system

 

[DATEC]

Mitchell used to have a pay as you go online estimating system. You could either pay for one or get a discount buying multiple estimates. I don't know if it is still available or if they've changed.

Thanks I too will look into that, never heard that, I usually call my Ins. adjuster buddies and they will do one for me it pays to be friends/friendly with them.