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Parts and Service

Posted:
Wed Aug 24, 2016 6:30 pm
by LamboThom
i have an offer out there to become a service manager upon my already title of parts manager.
I have dabbled in service but never went full throttle.
small dealer. 4 techs, 3 advisors. 1 parts guy.
new point. will be trained by the GM.
decent money
I also have an offer for a high line exotic to run their parts dept.
best in the area. doing great now. expanding to more than double the stalls.
very good money.
Thoughts?
Re: Parts and Service

Posted:
Wed Aug 24, 2016 9:04 pm
by lochstein
If it's a new point, I'm guessing you're in a metro area (also if there is an exotic dealer near there as well...) New points will get busy and both depts tend to suffer in my experience with just one person doing both parts and service. Service/Fixed Ops Director is a 2 person job in reality, not a 1/2 person job. If it's a 30-50% pay increase, maybe worth it. I like option B. More money and parts only in a growing and successful dealer; plus judging by your handle, you've done the exotic game before

Re: Parts and Service

Posted:
Wed Aug 24, 2016 9:28 pm
by LamboThom
I have, this would be # 4
Been wanting to add service to my resume so this is a good opportunity. If I fail, I at least am gaining some knowledge and experience.
but I also agree with your B opinion.
there is no wrong answer.
Re: Parts and Service

Posted:
Thu Aug 25, 2016 2:25 pm
by lochstein
Good points, always good to learn and grow. Good luck! I've learned one thing in my 20 years in the business; go with your gut! YMMV
Re: Parts and Service

Posted:
Thu Aug 25, 2016 7:02 pm
by Whiner
Disclaimer: I have never been in a large metro area or exotic dealership.
I have been service manager, parts manager, service & parts manager and now fixed operations manager +++
In my experience I would suggest staying with one department. Only exception would be if you have good people under you in each department. With the people it WILL work. With poor quality people you will fail.
That being said if you are going to a GM dealership without previous GM experience, you will struggle for a while. There is simply so much to learn along with all the exceptions to rule in this or that case. Current level of support from district managers is laughable. Of course this may be different in large metro area.
Either way - go with your gut. Only you know the answer and only you can answer.
Good Luck
Re: Parts and Service

Posted:
Thu Aug 25, 2016 8:05 pm
by TimK
Whiner wrote: Current level of support from district managers is laughable. Of course this may be different in large metro area.
It's not.