General Discussion

I can't speak or lecture to other industries on this subject for, in all honesty, I do not claim to be an expert in this industry. My intent of this article is to hopefully send a message to other repair firms that will allow them to have the success Dee's Furniture Repair has experienced.

It's also important to point out that as a furniture repair company, I have made some mistakes in this journey (many in fact) - some I regret. With that statement I hope I haven't put anyone in shock. Maybe put the Naysayrs to rest at best, nay, always some Naysayers.,LOL

Now for my fellow repair firms who provide "Inspection Services" for the moving claims industry , may I offer some insight based on over 25 years in this market. They are breif, so any questions welcomed via email or phone, for clearly more information can be discussed.

I sincerely hope my words will aid in your efforts to provide a respectable living, and that your efforts will be appreciated.

Number 1) Have good insurance . Be prepared to provide a Certificate Of Liability.

Number 2) A big plus, if you can also show proof of a reputable security clearance. Not only for yourself, but other employees if that condition exists.Having once been a Deputy U.S.Marshal(Department of Jusitice) in my very early years, I stress the importance for too many reasons to state here.

Number 3) Be prepared to back up what you claim with respect to quality repairs and service,hence, honesty. Always provide a professional image when going into residences, offer objectivity, and be polite during the Inspection Service process.  Be organized, pre-prepared with knowledge of claim details, and for goodness sake, have sufficient equipment if repairs are authorized on the day of the Inspection Service.

Number 4) Take the time to sit down with the claimant to again, objectively and politely review the claim with the claimant. Explain what information you need to best represent not only their claim, but, most certainly, for the benefit of the moving claim representative and the adjusters of the company that is your client. By the way, some casual conversation, if approachable, is always a plus for many reasons. Building mutual respect by showing some empathy for the stress of their moving experience can usually produce a quality Inspection Service for your client.

5) Communication, Communication, Communication!!! That's right, COMMUNICATE!! In this day, I can't believe at times how people from both sides find it to be a major task to simply push a few keys, or to make a simple phone call. And yes, excuses just don't cut it, at least much of the time, not all of the time.

 Ok, now I sound like a grumpy old man, not to mention a Marine (Once A Marine ,Always A Marine). But seriously, I see this soooo often, and to be honest I just dont get it. That said, exercise some old fashioned discipline to work at being very proficient at COMMUNICATION. Life will be easier, your business will operate more efficiently, your clients will be very appreciative, at least most of the time.

I'm stopping at 5 points for I know the readers can add more , but my objective in this article is not to write a 'How To", Novel. Just sharing a few points that may be helpful for new guys in this business and maybe a few of the old Vets like myself.

Final note, no doubt I'm sure there will be some 'NaySayers' - that's ok, and I'm sure this context could be more effective.

But for what it's worth, I am just the operator of an American family business, a disabled veteran who enjoys helping others the best I can, when I can.

“May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.”

Dee's Furniture Repair

James Bandy - 708-297-4170

Web Site:www.deesfurniture.com

Security Clearance:  www.castlebranch.com

Member: CPPC since 1997

United States Marine Veteran (Vietnam)

Life Member of United States Marine Corps League,

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, 

American Legion