Working in the dealership

[brain55]

Some here know I gave up my own mobile equipment repair business at the end of last year and went to work for the somewhat local Kubota/Bobcat/Doosan/Tigercat dealer at the beginning of this year. The plan was that I would work in the shop for a year or two wrenching and then transition into a shop foreman role. Well things change and personnel change. About a month ago I got thrust into somewhat of a service writer/shop foreman role. This is a fast paced dealership with 7 shop and 3 field mechanics currently. To say the learning curve was steep would be an understatement. Not only did I need to learn a knew role, I also needed to learn a computer system that I was only vaguely familiar with. I'm very happy with where I'm at, and though at times I wish I was back in the shop, long term this is the right position for me. We are hiring service writers and as they get up to speed I will be transitioning into a pure shop foreman role.

With 30 years as a professional mechanic and no real knee or back problems I'm quite fortunate, that's one reason I feel moving into more of a management position is the right choice. I was hoping that not having my own business would reduce my stress level and work hours. I should know myself better than that. At least I don't have to worry about getting paid anymore.

Brian

 

[TomSeller]

Sounds like it is all working out. Smell the roses. Congrats.

 

[stuckmotor]

Congratulations on your fast advancement. What does a service writer do?

 

[brain55]

Congratulations on your fast advancement. What does a service writer do?

The service writer is the one that takes in the job, gets all the customer information, inputs it all in the computer and opens the repair order, then closes the repair order when the work is completed, and makes sure we receive payment or the customer's account gets charged.

Brian

 

[Big Barn]

The service writer is the one that takes in the job, gets all the customer information, inputs it all in the computer and opens the repair order, then closes the repair order when the work is completed, and makes sure we receive payment or the customer's account gets charged. Brian

Does this position give you the opportunity to upsell the customer to make the dealership more money?

Oh, and congrats on the new position ,Brian.

Terry

 

[brain55]

Does this position give you the opportunity to upsell the customer to make the dealership more money?

Oh, and congrats on the new position ,Brian.

Terry

The shop foreman is more likely to do the upselling and communicating additional concerns to the customer.

Brian

 

[brain55]

The service manager envisions the shop foreman doing all the communicating with the customer after the machine arrives at the shop. He'd like to not have the customer needing to call to check the status of their machine. Now that I've gotten my feet under me a little more I've gotten to practice this approach, and the customers react quite positively to it, regardless of the size of their bill.

Brian

 

[stuckmotor]

Thanks for explaining, Brian. I learned something new.

 

[AStanton]

Brain,
I have a question: Does the dealer get stiffed for a lot of work done in the field then not paid? Can you put a lien on the guy's tractor once he drives away?

 

[Thomas]

Don't forget the older we get we our bodies tend to slow down you made go move.