Dealers: how to prepare for hail?
Hail phenomena do damage without distinction, creating problems for everyone from the private citizen with his hatchback to the producer who sees his crop mowed down. One particularly exposed category, however, is car fleets and large dealerships, as a single hail storm can damage their entire fleet with dozens or hundreds of cars damaged. A major blow to any line of business! Moreover, not all dealers have always had to deal with hail damage, and in any case massive hailstorms such as those predicted for the coming months can completely cripple their operations with dangerous economic fallout that is difficult to contain.
The mistakes to avoid
We at EuroHailstorm have worked together with our dealer customers to develop a short handbook that collects some tips regarding “the mistakes to avoid in the first hours after a hailstorm” when managing a park. Avoiding making these mistakes, some of which are quite common and even understandable in the frenzy of the emergency, can minimize economic damage. It is precisely in critical situations such as these that it is essential to react in the most correct manner even in the first hours immediately following a hailstorm. “Prevention is better than cure” is not just a proverb, but a good organizational practice that can avert serious economic repercussions such as those that result from an immobilized car fleet due to damaged cars that cannot be sold. So avoiding mistakes or negligence will also ensure a significant competitive advantage against competitors.
Time
“Haste makes waste “. What does this other proverb have to do with a post hailstorm? If not everything, a lot. The time factor is one of the most important in the immediate aftermath of hail, but it can be a double–edged sword. While it is critical to act immediately because a stranded fleet makes all customers angry if the cars are already sold–and a buyer will obviously never accept a damaged car-and it cripples fleet operations with very serious economic repercussions, it is also true that relying on “the first available hail squeegee“ can be an even greater risk.
Savings vs. Quality
A very similar issue is that of price, since choosing a team of technicians solely on the basis of this-desperately trying to minimize repair costs-can lead to entrusting one’s cars to figures who are inexperienced, superficial, or lacking first-rate tools. The end result, as in the previous case, is to end up with roughly repaired cars, with visible imperfections on the bodywork that would very easily not be accepted by a buyer. Pay due attention, then, to the value of the labor you hire for repairs, remembering to evaluate ALL three basic parameters: quality, cost, time.
Reliability
How then do you choose a reliable contractor? Trivially, even a simple internet search-as long as it is careful and thorough-can help you figure out whether a company is professional or not. Customer reviews and insider ratings are always good clues, since they are based on the direct experience of those who have dealt with them. But elements such as professionalism in the care of one’s corporate image and reputation are also indications of seriousness and quality orientation. Always make the appropriate checks; you will not regret it.
Final check
An equally important piece of advice, which may seem obvious but in times of emergency may not be considered enough, is to pay close attention to the final check. A serious and reliable repairer will usually re-examine cars after they have been repaired and provide the photographic material. By not arranging an inspection tool, there is a risk of not immediately noticing the inadequacy of repairs thus arriving at an escalation of problems. For example, cars repaired several times with disproportionate overall costs, exaggerated timelines resulting in complaints from buyers. If the repairer does not guarantee the final inspection, take the time to do the proper checks yourself, in conclusion, because it is always worth it.
Conclusion
Following these cautions in many cases allows for damage limitation and damage minimization, often also providing a direct or indirect competitive advantage over competitors who are caught off guard by the first hail storms. However, especially when hail storms are particularly violent, even the most farsighted precautions cannot avoid catastrophe. Under these circumstances, that is, when foresight is not enough, the only solution is to find a reliable and competent hail-stripping team! Like that of EuroHailstorm.