warranty consultant

[karen]

I have about 20 years experience as a warranty administrator. Right now I'm available to start a business processing warranty claims from my home. Do you think there is a demand for such work and how would I go about doing it? I live in the Middle Tennessee Area now--relocated here for my husband's job a few years ago, and haven't been in the auto business for the last two years? Any suggestions would be helpful.

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[robc]

Having been on several sides of this question I hope to give you as much perspective that I can.

Maybe at some point my buddy Alan can chime in to since this is his business as well.

First, getting jobs depends on your experience. Certainly knowing GM, Ford and Chrysler makes sure that you'll always have work just because the dealer population is large enough to provide ample dealers who need temporary or permanent help. Besides that knowing ADP and Reynolds&Reyonolds will cover 85-90% of dealerships.

That being said, don't be afraid to take on new makes, because in the end they are all the same - translating the repair work into something their computer will accept for payment.

With setting up the business there are two courses to take. One is a part time in house processor. That normally invovles a visit a week or so to the store to process their claims at the store. These jobs are usually for smaller stores who can't justify a full time warranty administrator.

The second option is to process the work at your home/office. This can get a little more complex as you'll need terminal emulation software to dial into the dealership, pull up the claims and get them ready for transmission to the factory.

Depending on how you work some people charge by the day (figure a weekly wage per day since you have taxes to pay, etc.) Otherwise the larger national processing companies charge based on claims that are paid (it varies between 4% to 10% for the larger in-house fleet services.)

Let me know if you have more questions, or as always, you can just give me a call when I get back to the office on Monday (800-321-5312).



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** Rob, Editor WD&S **
Help is only a message post away!
robc@dealersedge.com

[jargonaut]

Actually I emailed Karen but my counsel was simply to hit the classified ads and call every dealer with a possible situation where warranty claims might be in play such as service manager and adviser positions as well as warranty claims admin. Its going to be hard getting your foot in the door in some area that you arent familar with the people and dealers and dont have referrals from others. Also deciding what you can readily claim you can do for a dealer depends upon your experience and "expertise" which in the long run dictates whether or not you are able to do the job and charge them accordingly. Be flexible always and it doesnt hurt to be willing to learn other makes especially working for the dealer albeit perhaps at a reduced rate. Persistance pays off!!

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Alan The Warranty Guy

[karen]

Thanks Rob and Alan for these ideas. I have been mulling over what both of you have said.

Actually, I do have good references from the last dealer that I worked for, and could get them from Chryslers zone warranty manager in Atlanta (if he is still the zone manager). I agree with you, Alan, that my biggest problem is that I have been out of the business for a couple of years, and that I am not known in this area. If I were back in Alabama, I probably would not have this problem because I earned a good reputation for knowing my work. The dealer that I worked for had a lot of confidence in me as well as the DM. I would get calls from other dealerships to come train their Warranty Adm, or to answer questions. So, no matter the changes that Chrysler has gone through the last couple of years, Im confident that I know their system well enough to handle those claims.

I was really attached to that dealership, too, and I guess going through some kind crossroad in my career. When I had to relocate because of my husbands work, I decided to step out of that business for a while and go back to school. That is what I have been doing for the last couple of years now.

Do you think dealers would be receptive to my asking them to let me do some sort of a non-paying work-study at their dealerships so I could both learn and get the word out about me around here?

Karen

[jargonaut]

Not knowing much about your vicinity Karen makes it hard to tell you for sure but again you have little to lose by reading the classified ads and seeing what sort of positions in service are available in your area and then calling those dealers or even strolling into the stores in person. A smiling face walking into a service department who wants to help while she learns about things and has a reference available from where she worked in past PLUS isnt looking for compensation!!! Sounds like most would believe it too good to be true but would be responsive , unless they're braindead lol. Since you have extensive ADP and Chrysler background I would hit those stores first. Also as your prior dealer enjoyed your work , call them and see if you can get them to send you a letter of introduction to show people in your new area. You can fill in the people you show the letter to about how you moved for your husband's career needs and decided to return to school. Face it people like people who are educated and reasonably smart in any business and want to better themselves and their skills. At worst you might find some dealer who will take advantage of your offer and NOT pay you for your time but you can be a sponge and soak up the knowledge you wish to learn in their store albeit on your time and dime. At best you might find some sort of paying work and can learn on their time and dime. You have nothing to lose but some time and possibly gas driving to these stores. Give it a go.

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Alan The Warranty Guy

[DealerProfit]

Karen,

There is a demand out there. I have been considering at least a temporary switch to an outside service. I have been unsure as to what team my current person is playing for, and consequently lack the confidence in her work. I have been examining websites for definitive pricing, but as of yet haven't moved on anything.

I would caution you that unless building your own business is something you want in the worst way, don't do it. The effort required is tremendous. If it is something that in your heart of hearts go for it. When you finally make it all of the past struggles will have been worthwhile. But I cannot stress enough it has to be really important to you.

P.S. I got your email, and if you don't know what it is why do you want it????