Job advice

W

Way2SSlow

~werd to yo mutha~
posted this on a few other forums as I am trying to get as much feedback as possible. If you have an opinion and a second to type it out, I'd really appreciate it.


Hey guys,

I am currently employed at an auto glass installation shop, but with the times being as slow as they are, am considering making a change. There is a service advisor opening at a local high end car dealership and I already kinda have an "in". The pay would be largely commision based, so I'm not quite positive how much I would make, but I can hardly imagine it not being considerably more than I make now. I know the hours will be worse, and it will be stressful, and that I cant make a decision solely on the $$....but I am seriously considering it.

I'm asking for opinions. If you've ever been a service advisor and have some input PLEASE speak up. If you think you have some advice that can help me PLEASE speak up. Be as positive/negative as you want. Thanks a lot guys,


Wade
 
Hey Wade...go hire some kids with rocks lol ...no seriously....
All businesses have cycles that they run through of busy and slow. All it will take to get busy again is a local highway or road project and the windshields will be being cracked again...Working as a service advisor is a rough job, between the customers , the management, and making sure the mechanics do their work and in a timely manor is a big headache. I've known many people who have done the job and few stick to one dealership for very long. There are always exceptions, like a guy I know at a Ferrari dealership, but not that many. I'd stick it out as long as you have a steady pay check and benefits and wait for the business to turn around.
 
I agree with the above poster to some extent. Its tough but the upside is pretty good if you stay on top of your game. What do you do at this glass install shop?

I was a service writer/tire salesman for Goodyear. I also sold new cars at a small GM dealership. I had to deal with service writers and a body shop at the GM dealership.

Service writing is tough. I had limited car knowledge and it was even tougher. At the car lot we had a guy that started as a car washer or lot attendant when he was a kid. He has been offered the service manager job several times but turns it down due to the pay cut.

Service writers can make some good coin. You have to stick with it to build up a clientèle. When you say "high end" dealership that automatically makes me think the customers who buy will have to take their cars to the dealership service dept for warranty work and possibly due to the specialized types of vehicles. That's plenty of people to writer service for.

Talk to some folks about what they like and hate about car dealer service shops. I hate never getting a call for update on problems or when the work is finished. Use the info gathered to be different and fill the needs of what these folks don't like. You'll see a recurring theme. This will give you a heads up over the competition (the other service writers) that don't care. Soon enough you'll have a line of folks waiting for you to take care of them.

The mechanics aspect it very true. I have some stories. Two pieces of advice that I'd like to offer. Write every thing down that the customer wants done. Don't assume the mechanic will read between the lines and take care of it while he's in there. He's to busy trying to turn over his labor to make his time.

Secondly, verify something before you call the customer back to pickup. Don't let the customer be surprised about something. You find out first before they get there and get it fixed. I had a lady buy a new camero that needed some body work. She dropped the car off to our body shop. I got the call from the body shop manager the camero was ready. Being new I called the lady before I put my eyes on it. I mean the body shop manager called me so the car should be good to go right. She arrives at the dealership and goes out to her car. After seeing the car, she comes in sobbing. The body shop did more damage than it fixed. Lesson learned, don't take someones word for it verify it yourself.

You do have to interview right? Look at the total compensation package the dealership has to offer before you decide. Interviewing doesn't mean you have to take the job. Hear what they can offer, weigh the pros and cons, then decide.

Good luck, hopefully this will be of some help
 
I guess I should add that I am barely making it right now and living with my parents. I'm 25 and it's a real ego crusher to still be at home. When I said high end, I mean that it's an Audi dealer. There are tons of them on the road around here in Atlanta. I think that even if I dont take this job at the dealership, I am looking to make a move. Thanks a ton for the help guys. If anyone else has anything to add, please feel free.
 
Remember that most high end cars include free service not just warranty work.How will you be paid on these kind of things(warranty and factory paid service)?Its a rough job kissing the customers a$$ and don't pi$$ the techs off, because your pay is directly link to there pay and vise verse.I did it off and on for 4 years and it had its days
 
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