Originally Posted by JamesBond
It's because a lot of body work involves insurance, and when insurance is involved there is fraud and waste. Ever been to the doctor/hospital?
Yep, just like healthcare. The real bodyshop customers now aren't the vehicle owners, they're the insurance companies.
The insurance companies are easier to deal with, with pre-negotiated rates, steer a steady stream of customers to shops, and won't reneged on a bill, even if it's a something equivalent to a $1000 enema.
Most owners care most about minimizing hassle and downtime, not a flawless concours quality job.
Shops that do production work for the insurance companies have a steady stream of business, in/out like a factory.
Independent shops that don't get the steady referrals are finding it tough going, and sell out to big chains like Caliber.
After I got hit a couple years ago, I had a good conversation with the second generation owner of a high end shop that had been doing good work for 50 years. Despite have a good reputation, they had to sell out after losing their referral business from the lux dealers; car nuts alone couldn't sustain the business and allow it to compete. The owner (co-founder's son) stayed on as manager for a short period, but he, too, eventually jumped to the insurance side.
The worst part of it is, even if one is willing to pay for good work, it isn't guaranteed. The old guys with the experience and skill are also retiring.