Assured Performance Launches Consumer Advocacy Organization to Identify, Promote & Reward 5,000 Top Shops

For Immediate Release:
February 13, 2007

Contact:
Stacy Mitchum
for Assured Performance Network
949-221-0088 X: 229
Stacy.Mitchum@AssuredPerfromance.net

February 5, 2007 – Irvine California – Assured Performance Network announced the official introduction of its separate, non-profit consumer advocate organization called Assured Performance Collision Care. The consumer advocate organization serves as a qualifying and certifying entity that provides an objective listing of qualified collision repair businesses specifically for consumers. The service allows vehicle owners to select a collision repair facility from a list of businesses that have been objectively pre-qualified by the Collision Care service. This service represents the first time a distinction has been made between body shops based upon objective standards without a participation fee, requiring concessions, or purchasing a product.

In concert with the qualifying collision businesses, the consumer advocacy organization offers consumers an exclusive type of VIP service. Now, over 5,000 independently owned shops can offer a better class of service than any direct referral programs or dispatch center, and it could be an enhancement to any. Using the tools, word track and special “qualified” or “certified” status awarded them through the program, shops can offer “peace of mind,” convenience, and VIP - white glove treatment!

Once the collision business meets the qualifications, they can use an assortment of tools packaged as the Assured Performance Collision Care VIP program. The collection enables the individual business to promote themselves, and the entire national network to offer “VIP white glove” services to consumers with “a light in every community.” According to Assured Performance, they are uniquely positioned to deliver a consumer experience even more appealing than a Concierge-like program. The “Collision Care VIP” program is a turnkey, comprehensive package including PR, promotions, marketing, advertising, word track, VIP cards, retention program, sales and even marketing to agents, dealers and insurers! It comes complete with training tutorials, brochures, direct mail pieces, commercials, consumer awareness video, displays, posters, VIP cards, video profile, and more.

The group’s founder and CEO, Scott Biggs, said, “We built this network so that top shops can compete at the next level. What this network now offers far surpasses any other group, even insurance company direct repair programs, in quality and scope of service (CARE), convenience of location, full service offering, expertise, key performance, and overall qualifications. Frankly, these shops represent what everyone needs and wants!”

Shops cannot buy their way into this program. They must be objectively qualified by meeting the Assured Performance criteria and standards. Their network of shops includes over 5,000 repair businesses demographically located within 10 - 20 minutes or less driving distance of 95 percent of the entire U.S. population. The complete national coverage has been built by objectively identifying shops based upon their business qualifications and performance, rather than on product brand purchase, price concessions, or the simple willingness to pay a participation fee. Assured Performance said that each week hundreds of shops are still being surveyed, evaluated, and analyzed to be included or excluded from its consumer-focused referral network.

Biggs explained that to be chosen as part of the network, shops must have a top credit rating, all of the required tools, training, licenses, permits, and at least 5 years or more in business as well as meet or exceed standards far more stringent than those defined by the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Class A shop definition.

“We are objectively selecting repair businesses that have the proven capability to repair the customers car right the first time, operate at top business performance, and provide a VIP level of service and treatment to consumers.” Biggs said, adding, “But the best part of our service is that once a shop is qualified, they are financially rewarded! A key to making this work is that there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

Shops that become “Qualified” through the consumer advocacy also receive a reward through their complimentary co-op from top vendors and suppliers. The strategic partners participating in the co-op providing rewards include Enterprise Rent-a-car and 3M, as well as notable suppliers including 1-800 Radiator, FinishMaster and a growing list of jobbers and wholesale parts dealers.

Biggs concluded by saying, “The non-profit, consumer advocacy is the key to regaining ownership of the customer and getting the industry’s focus back on the vehicle owner. Our strategy that enables the best independently owned shops to retain ownership of their customers, profits, and future while doing the right thing for the consumer.”

Additional information is available online at www.CollisionCare.ORG (for consumers) and www.AssuredPerformance.net (for shops).

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