Significantly different than other surveys, Variable Rate System (VRS) surveys measure and report the current range of market-based prices (not just one rate) for shop labor and material rates in the collision repair industry, based on factors such as a shop's location, training, equipment, and certifications.
As repair shops complete the online survey, NABR's VRS technology automatically calculates the range of market-based rates for several rates including body, paint, frame, and mechanical labor, as well as paint & material rates.
The survey is the first step in the VRS 5-Step Solution to restore the free market system for labor rate pricing in the auto collision repair industry. Surveys work together with active use of the VRS online tools to break through the long time trend of stagnant labor rates and restore rates to higher, free-market based levels.
"NABR is thrilled to work with AASP/NJ and Charlie Bryant to bring the Variable Rate System to New Jersey," said Richard Valenzuela, CEO of NABR. "Charlie has shown himself to be a courageous visionary willing to go to bat for a product he feels will benefit the industry that he's devoted his life to. Likewise, AASP/NJ has demonstrated the wisdom to put aside old preconceived ideas about labor rate surveys to support a technology that will revolutionize labor rate pricing for the auto collision industry, for the ultimate care and safety of the consumer."
"We're very excited about the Variable Rate System because it is nothing like the traditional surveys we have seen in the past," said Charles Bryant, Executive Director of AASP New Jersey. "The VRS gathers the important information that separates one shop from another - their level of training, level of investment in equipment, the type of vehicle being worked on, and more - and then reports back with a range of rates using an apples to apples comparison. I strongly recommend that collision shops look further into the Variable Rate System, sign up, and give it an opportunity to make a difference."
With the addition of New Jersey, NABR has now launched the VRS Survey in 7 states including North Carolina, Ohio, Idaho, Texas, Georgia, and Florida. Throughout 2015, the Company plans to launch surveys in all states nationwide to add even more labor rate data to its VRS system, enhancing the industry's first and only independent, third-party, and trusted source of real-time, market-based, national labor rate data.
About AASP New Jersey
Founded in 1963, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers / New Jersey is the state's largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, and is dedicated to their success. Offering an unparalleled depth and breadth of educational programs, AASP/NJ sets the standard for quality, relevant educational programming for the automotive service industry.
The Alliance acts as a united voice representing hundreds of independent operators, making it easier for their voice to be heard. As an advocate for the independent automotive service industry, AASP/NJ takes a stand, consistently producing direct and positive results affecting the day-to-day operations of repairers' businesses.
AASP/NJ's ultimate goal is to provide a forum for members to exchange ideas, learn new techniques, improve the quality of service provided to the public, and improve the quality of life of those engaged in the industry.
About National AutoBody Research (NABR)
NABR is a research, technology, and consulting company committed to restoring the free market for labor rate pricing in the automobile collision repair industry.
Through its innovative Variable Rate System (VRS) technology, NABR provides collision repair shops the tools they need to understand the competitive labor rates in their market, understand their cost of doing business, and calculate appropriate labor rates for their individual shop to earn a fair, reasonable, and sufficient profit.
With labor rate data from shops nationwide, NABR built the industry's first and only independent, third party, and objective source of real-time, national labor rate data, making the VRS the collision repair industry standard for market based labor rates.
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