News and Information for Moving Claims Adjusters
Are Repair Firms General Contractors?
by J. Timothy Wilson
As a moving claim repair firm, one topic we all have in common is that we repair furniture. We do it various ways, to various degrees, with various levels of staff, skill, and shop capacity. Some have shops and some have office support staff. We are experts regarding wood and finish repair. We all concentrate on the breadth and depth of our skills in these areas.
Well, another topic we should all have in common is that we are General Contractors. The claim adjusters just assume that whatever is damaged by their company while the items were in transit is something that we, as claim repair firms, will find a way to resolve. The operating assumption is that we have a network of third-party sources that are proven specialists in the kinds of repairs that might become required that our beyond our own in-house capacities.
We all need to concentrate on the breadth and depth of the third-party experts that we call on when needed. But, adjustors need to realize that based on our communities certain specialities just might not be available at all.
In my experience one of every two average claims has at least one such third-party source involved, maybe since we have such a wide network. Some have several and, of course, some have none. To the degree that we have not found, tested, developed, and worked out a common understanding with a wide range of repair experts in other areas, then we just can not perform our function effectively to perform the maximum range of possible claim repairs. The maintenance of such a third-party network requires an extensive investment of time and resources.
It struck me recently that the value of such a network to us, and the moving claim adjusters that use us, may not be clearly and fully recognized. Maybe our extensive list is why in 2007 we repaired 3.58 items on the typical claim versus what we understand is 2.0 for a typical national average.
While I am sure the following summary listing is not complete, particularly since it is constant growing and changing for us, it might be helpful to reflect on its breadth and value. For every third-party source that you have available the repair firm can save money and hassle for the claims adjuster and the claimant.
If you are located in a major city it is easier to find and maintain such connections. If you are located in a more rural area then it means you just may have to search harder, even in your nearby city area.
Each third-party source is another independent business that also services the general public. You need to convince them that it is worth their while to assist you in resolving transit claims; hopefully on a priority basis.
Some third-party repair firms only work on items brought to their shop by our staff, others provide parts for us to know how to install, and in some limited situations some such firms also make house calls. When the later is true we must also rely on them to have adequately trained their service people in how to diagnosis the problem as transit related and to handle the claimant properly.
Here is our list for Greater Kansas City:
- Appliance, Major
- Appliance, Small
- Electronic/Telephone
- Sound Systems/Audio Equipment
- Computers & Components
- Television, Large and Regular
- Sewing Machines
- Heavy Item Moving
- Junk Disposal
- Lamps
- Clocks/Grandfather
- Commercial Photocopiers
- Business Machines/FAXs
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Exercise Equipment
- Piano
- Pool Tables
- Upholstery
- Leather
- Vinyl
- Seating/Caning/Weaving
- Mattresses/Box Springs
- Brass Beds
- Carpet Cleaning
- Upholstery Cleaning
- Carpet repair/replacement
- Oriental rugs
- Linoleum repair/replacement
- Hardwood floor repair/resurfacing
- Bicycles
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- Hardware, Furniture
- Hardware, Cabinets
- Hardware, European
- Hardware, Knock-Down
- Locksmith
- Metal Foundry
- Metal Plating
- Welding
- Patio Furniture
- Hot Tub/Spa
- Acrylic/Fiberglass Repair
- Marble/Granite
- Glass/Mirror
- Glass/beveling
- Glass/leaded
- Sheetrock repair
- Ceiling texturing
- Home Painting
- Home Wood Trim/Doors
- Landscaping
- China
- Crystal
- Ceramics
- Sterling Silver
- Dried Flowers
- Art Work
- Oil Painting
- Art Frames
- Print/Mat/Glass
- ______________
- ______________
- And, what else would you add to the list?
- I've just updated with 10 new ones to our above list.
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The Wood Works Inc of Overland Park (Greater Kansas City metro), Kansas 66202 —
Should not be used by others without giving due credits.
The Wood Works, Inc. (www.thewoodworksinc.com and themovingclaims.com) is located in the Kansas City metropolitan area. We have been serving our customers for 30 years in the areas of wood restoration and repair, moving claim resolution and repair, cabinet refacing and repair and interior and exterior shutters. |
