Moving from Parts to Service

[KIRBYMD]

I've been in the business for 22 years, sent the first 2 years in parts, went to another dealer to advance. There I worked in parts and service, this was the best experience in my career. It made me appreciate what the parts and service people have to do (individually and as a team). Just like Lhansen said in an earlier post, "this will strengthen the fixed ops team". I thought at that time that I wanted to work the service side, but by working with service on a part time basis, I realized that that wasn't for me. I know work at a dealership as Parts Mgr., I have a service manager that also was cross trained, we both appreciate what each other has to do and put up with on a daily basis. Maybe service will work out for you, but the only way to know is to try it out. With the Service Mgr's blessing, try working on the service drive part-time (peak hours, you'll actually be helping them out with the higher volume) then you'll find out if it's for you or not. I would think that your GM would be for it too; you'll either want to move on or stay in your present position. The best part is that it will strengthen you in both area's. GOOD LUCK!!!

[Parts Guru]

My old boss went from parts to service in 2002. He is dead now heart attack early fifties. The stress is huge but if you can handle it go for it.

[DRAINKEPPER]

IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGE, GO TO SCHOOL AND EARN A DEGREE THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS. I ALMOST TOSSED MY LUNCH WHEN I READ THIS.
BEEN AT IT (PARTS) 30 YEARS AND IT'S GETTING WORSE EVERY DAY. IF DEALING WITH THE CHILDREN FROM THE PARTS SIDE IS NOT BAD ENOUGH.

[gmservice1]

I think we all share pretty biased opinions of this business because it's all we know. I would have to believe though that all customer service industries deal with the same high or sometimes even "absurd" service expectation levels that we deal with day in and day out. I think we all have our days where we go home and wonder why we're in this business. I don't have a clue what I would do other than this though.

Sorry for the rambling, but I would say you'll never know until you try. If you are looking for a challenge, you've found it. Service advisors I believe have the most challenging job in the dealership by far. Taking a repair experience and somehow making it enjoyable.

[PARTSMGRMLR]

I HAVE NOW WORKED IN 3 DEALERS WHERE THE PARTS MANAGER WAS MOVED SERVICE. THE DEALER I AM WITH NOW HAS A FORMER PARTS MANAGER WHO WENT TO P & S DIRECTOR AND NOW GENERAL MANAGER. I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO HELP IN SERVICE NOW AS PARTS MANAGER AND THIS AS WELL AS THE OTHER 2 DEALERSHIPS HAVE A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTS & SERVICE.
I SAY GO FOR IT, JUST REMEMBER WHERE YOU CAME FROM (PARTS) AND WORK WITH THEM. AS FAR AS TEH TALKING TO CUSTOMERS, YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN DOING THAT ANYWAY. SERVICE CAN NOT MAINTAIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITHOUT COOPERATION FOR PARTS. I TALK TO SERVICE CUSTOMERS DAILY ABOUT PARTS PROBLEMS. GOOD LUCK

[partman01]

The question I would ask is "are you happy with your job?" If the answer is anything but an enthusiastic YES it may be time to move on. Everybody has the right to enjoy their job. Don't settle for anything less. If it doesn't work out you can always go back to a parts job. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[KevvyG]

That hit the nail on the head!! You can always go back to parts. We're all aware there is a shortage of good fixed-ops people. So give it a try, if you don't like it, you can always go back.

I spent a couple of months in Service and let me tell you..that was enough for me personally!!

I actually thought the suggestion of getting right out of automotive was the best!! LOL Ahhhh....if only I had the money to retrain in something else....

[This message has been edited by KevvyG (edited 08-25-2008).]

[BENT RIM]

If you decide to try being a service advisor for the challenge and enjoyment of problem solving, make sure the facility you choose is looking for those qualities, and not a labor salesman.

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RIM--the enhancement for that "polished turd shine"

[smalltownpartsguy]

Silverbullett, curious if you made the switch, if so how's it going nad would you do it again??

[KevvyG]

Yes, enquiring minds want to know!! Did you go for it??