Howdy

[Insert Name]

Hello other parts people, I've just recently been hired into GM as a "parts manager" and I've had the joy of being able to read some of what you guys discuss. I have no experience in the industry except for these last 3 weeks with the dealership, I was only able to get in because my teacher from the school I was studying automotive service at works here part time and he put in a good word for me. I have no complaints so far except for the lack of help from one director that oversees me, and the constant badgering for specialty items we don't have on stock from the sales people. As I stated before, I have no prior experience in this field, however I am still a part-time manager at a fast food chain I was working with while attending school. Therefore, I understand how certain things work number wise. I was just curious as to any tips, suggestions, or cautions you may have for me as I start out, what I think is a really great opportunity/career. I look forward to discussing further with my peers, and one day, good acquaintances.

[possum]

RUN!

WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THE STRENGTH!

[CMayne]

RUN!

WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THE STRENGTH!

DITTO!!!!!!!!!
After 44 years in the business I can tell you it is a guarrantied headache. As long as you can deal with that (it does NOT get any better) it will provide you with a decent living. Green or antique you will always learn something new.

[tmundal]

Wow you got hired in to manage a department with zero previous parts experience? No offense, but how big is the dealership? We will try to help you out if we can...because you were basically thrown into the lions den... blindfolded and deaf.

How many employees?

When was the last physical inventory done?

[Insert Name]

Wow you got hired in to manage a department with zero previous parts experience? No offense, but how big is the dealership? We will try to help you out if we can...because you were basically thrown into the lions den... blindfolded and deaf.

How many employees?

When was the last physical inventory done?

It's not very big, I can walk across the entire lot of inventory in a couple of minutes. Unlike some of the bigger ones that have a fleet of golf carts, we have two, for no reason. I honestly think there's maybe 50 employees. two parts managers, 9 techs and two aren't here full time. the one service advisor that's THANKFULLY on vacation sits back here with us as well. A decent living where I can provide for myself and my family is all I need, I've already doubled what I make here over my other job, and there I actually do have authority.

[Stevenspeaking]

The first thing I learned in this business was CYA. The best advice I ever got.

Steven

[last8please]

.... on the positive side, i was in your same situation 25 years ago... as with any job/position you are going to have frustrating days and people who just flat out piss you off.. everyday is a different day with a different set of challenges that you will learn from. what i did is create a binder and take notes, screen print anything you think might be vital information, make notes in the epc, don't be afraid to ask questions from your peers (like this forum) in which you will get plenty of help.

[PartsPlant81]

This is exactly why I want to write the book. It will help new managers so they know what to expect and best practices to begin running their department.

[CMayne]

This is exactly why I want to write the book. It will help new managers so they know what to expect and best practices to begin running their department.

Sharpen your pencil and get with it!!!!! Before someone else slams the idea!!! Hope it works.
Ya know, with retirement and lots of time I could........ Nah, not my cup of tea!!!LOL

[possum]

I've often described this "BOOK" as well, but only in the context that it would be several thousand pages covering all the different scenarios and anecdotes from just one department of a Dealership! And need amending every day for the latest one you've never heard.