The Independent Glass Association (IGA) has announced a series of workshops designed to help auto glass companies decipher and understand the coming changes in NAGS pricing and other pricing changes. Chief among these will be the session at the association's Independent's Days Convention and Spring Glass Show on February 26 in Orlando.

"We expect most insurers will have their offers out by then," said executive director Marc Anderson, "and we plan to devote a great deal of time to helping people understand that changes that take place a few days later."

In addition, Anderson said workshops will be held in Minneapolis on February 3 and in Long Island, New York on February 9 that will include objective information about what the new NAGS Rebalanced pricing will mean to shops.

The Minnesota Independent Auto Glass Association (MIAGA), a local chapter of the IGA, headquartered in Hopkins, Minn., is co-sponsoring the seminar is scheduled for 1 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2005 at the Kelly Inn in St. Paul, Minn. Over the course of three hours, attendees will have a chance to hear about the NAGS rebalancing from Debra Levy, publisher of Auto Glass Repair and Replacement (AGRR) magazine. Rick and Lynnette Hartman, owners of NEON, a business specializing in auto glass claims, billing and collection based in Omaha, Neb., will also discuss what shop owners need to know about getting paid.

The seminar is free to MIAGA members and costs $20 for those who are not members of the organization. Registration fee for the seminar on February 9 is also $20.

Upon completion of the program, participants should understand the coming price changes, and will be understand how the changes will effect their pricing. The workshops are open to all owners and managers of auto glass companies with 100 or less locations. IGA anti-trust policy will be strictly followed.

"If a hypothetical shop charges 55% off NAGS and replaced a 1994 Mecury Villager (DW001144) on December 30, 2004, that shop would be paid $581.48. After the NAGS rebalancing early next year, a shop would be paid $253.47 for the same part at the same discount," said IGA executive director Marc Anderson. "It's imperative that shops learn about the coming changes well in advance so they can prepare for them in much the same way large companies do."

Anderson also said that though "R" Parts are expected to disappear after the rebalancing, IGA estimates the number of net priced parts to double at the same time. "This could be very challenging at best, and a disaster at worst, to the small shop."

"This is one of the most important issues facing our industry. We invite all independents with 100 locations or less to come learn about how it will affect them," he said.

For information about the Minneapolis meeting, click here.
For information about the Long Island meeting, click here.

IGA Seminar Schedule

Seattle December 6 1-4 p.m. Doubletree Hotel/Bellview
300 112st Ave. SE
Seattle, WA
for directions call 425-455-1300

Chicago December 9 1-4 p.m. MTH Industries Conference Room
Address, Hillside, IL
for directions call 708-498-1100