National AutoBody Research (NABR) announced that it has teamed up with the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) to launch its Ray Gunder Real-Time Labor Rate Survey in the state of Texas.
This survey measures the current range of market prices 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 survey, NABR’s Variable Rate System (VRS) automatically – and in real time – calculates the range of market-based rates for several labor rates including body, paint, frame and mechanical labor, as well as paint and material rates.
“We are extremely enthusiastic to work with an up-and-coming, visionary, and energetic association like ABAT that recognizes the value of our independent survey and VRS technology, all for the purpose of helping Texas shops know their market and cost structures better and what rates to charge to earn a fair, reasonable and sufficient profit for their individual shop,” said Richard Valenzuela, CEO of NABR.
Added Burl Richards, president of ABAT, “Not all shops are equal. There are differences in their level of training, investment in equipment and technology, certifications and overall cost of doing business. Therefore, there are differences in labor rates that reflect the different quality and cost structures among shops. The VRS-Gunder survey will help to reveal this market reality. We’re excited to work with an innovative company like NABR to help us get there, and we’re eager to get started.”
In addition to Texas, NABR recently launched the Ray Gunder survey in Florida and Georgia. The company plans on launching surveys in all states nationwide to add labor rate data to its VRS system.
