by Bob Beranek
As I write this, my wife and I are self-quarantined in our home. We are not sick and do not have symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. With luck and caution, we will weather this storm and come out better on the other side. However, while sitting here contemplating this issue and how it extends to auto glass and its installation, I thought I would give my thoughts and advice.
If there is a time to practice mobile service, this is it. Most of your customers don’t particularly want to go anywhere right now including an auto glass shop. If you offer mobile service, let your customers know that your technicians practice clean and safe auto glass services. Make sure that your technicians not only show they care about contaminant free interactions but that they take extra steps to avoid disease transmission.
Train your techs on how the virus is transmitted and how it can be prevented and destroyed. Give them, without cost to them, the resources and the equipment that can prevent transmission. Here are some points you want to make to your techs and customers.
- The disease is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids. It is also airborne
- It can live longer on polished hard surfaces (vehicles) versus softer porous surfaces (fabric).
- Soap and water kill it the most effectively and hand sanitizer with alcohol content over 60% will also work well. Wash your hands frequently.
- Social distancing is something everyone should practice. Stay six feet away from your co-workers and customers.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow versus your hand.
What can the techs do in the field that will be reassuring to the customer?
- Wear an approved surgical mask.
- Wear your nitrile gloves always. Even over your safety gloves. They will fit, trust me.
- Change your gloves often.
- Wash your hands often.
- Wipe down hard surfaces with disinfectant before beginning and after the installation.
- Pay attention to where you touch and place your hands.
- Stay a distance away from your customer when communicating.
- Call the customer and arrange for payment and/or required signatures before arrival to eliminate as much close contact as possible.
- Take your time and notice possible points of transmission.
These small demonstrations of caution put your customer’s minds at ease and assures a long-time returning client. Remember you’re not only saving yourself misery and discomfort, but you also may be saving someone else’s life and well-being.
Be safe out there. We’ll all get through this.