Working for a main dealer
Discussion
Hello
I’ve applied for a mechanic role at a main dealer,
I’ve worked at a independent garage for 20 years and fancy a change,
Can anyone tell me what changes I will come across ?
One thing I may struggle with is the paper work, where I work now your just given a job and the boss does all the paperwork side of things.
I’ve been told I’ll probably find it a lot easier working at a main dealer though ? Anybody had the same experience??
Cheers
I’ve applied for a mechanic role at a main dealer,
I’ve worked at a independent garage for 20 years and fancy a change,
Can anyone tell me what changes I will come across ?
One thing I may struggle with is the paper work, where I work now your just given a job and the boss does all the paperwork side of things.
I’ve been told I’ll probably find it a lot easier working at a main dealer though ? Anybody had the same experience??
Cheers
Opposite scenario to you but I found going from a main dealer to a family run trader incredibly refreshing. I did a different role at each, however the "politics" ruined the experience for me at the main agent, and I found the flexibility and benefits of a smaller company to far outweigh the small advantages I could find from working at a larger place. Constant pressure from above (as you would expect with the traditional dealer hierarchy) Longer hours, less pay (mileage may vary, obviously), more competition for promotions, very rigid policies on breaks, uniforms, holidays etc etc. As long as you are prepared for this culture shock, go for it. There are many variables and I can only speak for sales & service staff, could be a different kettle of fish for a technician.
Both salesman at our place had come from main dealer and had both had enough.
Both salesman at our place had come from main dealer and had both had enough.
Edited by Jimmy No Hands on Tuesday 2nd July 06:45
Cheers Jimmy,
That’s one thing about my place, we are not rushed and if I want time off I can have it anytime,
But the pay is a lot better where I’ve applied and I also feel like I’m going nowhere at the minute, at least maybe at a main dealers I can move up the ladder ?
Thanks for reply
That’s one thing about my place, we are not rushed and if I want time off I can have it anytime,
But the pay is a lot better where I’ve applied and I also feel like I’m going nowhere at the minute, at least maybe at a main dealers I can move up the ladder ?
Thanks for reply
I did the same last year but after 9 years in independent garages depending on the dealership will depend on the paper work some like ford for examples is more technical based than kia/ Peugeot in my experience. In reality its the same job but with new vehicles and focusing on one or two brands. Some brands will have more technical faults than others and different brands have different warrenty periods which will effect work.
If you like doing gearbox/clutch releated jobs Hyundai and Kia are perfect you be kept busy if you like technical jobs electrical etc you be bored as they don't go wrong however Peugeot will be opposite way round.
You earn more money depending on pay and bonus structure some individual systems are high my mate is a workshop controller at a skoda/seat dealership with top band being £1200 per month but base wage is lower others have higher base wage but a group bonus both have their pros and cons.
Best bet is to get a few interviews lined up and ask the questions about pay bonus also training also worth asking about turnover of staff as that's a key pointer on how they treat staff.
Any further questions im happy too answer.
If you like doing gearbox/clutch releated jobs Hyundai and Kia are perfect you be kept busy if you like technical jobs electrical etc you be bored as they don't go wrong however Peugeot will be opposite way round.
You earn more money depending on pay and bonus structure some individual systems are high my mate is a workshop controller at a skoda/seat dealership with top band being £1200 per month but base wage is lower others have higher base wage but a group bonus both have their pros and cons.
Best bet is to get a few interviews lined up and ask the questions about pay bonus also training also worth asking about turnover of staff as that's a key pointer on how they treat staff.
Any further questions im happy too answer.
Each brand will have its own technical online manual which covers procedures from recall work too engine removal timing belts etc very detailed in what needs too either be removed completely too just undo etc. Plus the other techs will more than likely know the job inside out and give you advise.
It will become 2nd nature pretty quickly.
It will become 2nd nature pretty quickly.
You also have symptom based diagnostic, technical service bulletin and also access too a main agent for technical questions where other techs have had similar issues and how to resolve them. You normally have 1 or 2 master techs then senior techs then service techs and the apprentice at the bottom all depends on size of the dealership some can easily have 20+ techs.
Royboy82 said:
Well I’ve got a interview ! Thanks very much for reply’s !
Any tips for the interview ?
I'm an area manager for a manufacturer so I'll give you a few pointers.Any tips for the interview ?
Firstly, it's a sellers market and main dealers are crying out for technicians, particularly good ones, Are you confident in your ability to complete basic service work to a high standard and quickly. How do you feel about tracking down rattles?
Ensure that you leave the interviewer in no doubt as to your ability to repair cars, give examples of diagnostic stuff you have done where you used your intiative.
Some questions you need to ask to establish whether this is the dealer you want to work for
1) how many techs are there in the workshop, and how many ramps. You need to ask this as you need to establish whether the original techs have left on mass, or whether one tech has retired and they are looking for a replacement. If the former this may indicate either a management or pay issue.
2) ask to see the workshop - what condition is it in?
3) was it easy to park? if not it is likely that they have a WIP problem with lots of dead cars they can't repair. Ask them how much work they have in WIP. Anything over 10k for a big dealer is a problem. Ask them why it is so high if this is the case.
4) Ask them if they do a daily job card review and prep for parts availability, this is important as you will get paid on upsell and this is frustrating if the parts have not been pre ordered.
5) Ask if you will be working as part of a team with the service advisors or whether you will have your own dedicated service advisor. Again this is important to know because if he/she can't sell the work you've identified you won't earn any money.
6) At some point you will need to clarify money and bonus. A big main prestige dealer and a hard working efficient tech could earn 40-50k. Smaller dealers you'll do well to see 35k. How does the compare to your current salary. Don't buy any bulls
t that requires you to take a low base. You need to tell them that you are earning at least 2k more than you currently are.7) What product specific training will be offered and when will you be able to access it? Generally speaking they will give you 4-6 weeks to decide if you are worth investing in before sending you on courses. Get a commitment from them as to how they see that operating.
8) try to get a sense of the camaraderie in the workshop. Is there any?
9) be prepared to undertake a service while you are there ( bring your overalls leave them in the car). Confidence is key.
10) Walk away if something doesn't feel right or you don't like the interviewer.
Other than that be your self. But convince them that you can make the cultural adjustment from back street garage to main dealer. Main dealers are significantly more processed based. Have you ever done a job under warranty. How would you ensure that the dealership gets paid for this? Clue - detailed write up of the work undertaken, use of the tech helpline to confirm next steps of the repair.
hth.
Jerry Can said:
Royboy82 said:
Well I’ve got a interview ! Thanks very much for reply’s !
Any tips for the interview ?
I'm an area manager for a manufacturer so I'll give you a few pointers.Any tips for the interview ?
Firstly, it's a sellers market and main dealers are crying out for technicians, particularly good ones, Are you confident in your ability to complete basic service work to a high standard and quickly. How do you feel about tracking down rattles?
Ensure that you leave the interviewer in no doubt as to your ability to repair cars, give examples of diagnostic stuff you have done where you used your intiative.
Some questions you need to ask to establish whether this is the dealer you want to work for
1) how many techs are there in the workshop, and how many ramps. You need to ask this as you need to establish whether the original techs have left on mass, or whether one tech has retired and they are looking for a replacement. If the former this may indicate either a management or pay issue.
2) ask to see the workshop - what condition is it in?
3) was it easy to park? if not it is likely that they have a WIP problem with lots of dead cars they can't repair. Ask them how much work they have in WIP. Anything over 10k for a big dealer is a problem. Ask them why it is so high if this is the case.
4) Ask them if they do a daily job card review and prep for parts availability, this is important as you will get paid on upsell and this is frustrating if the parts have not been pre ordered.
5) Ask if you will be working as part of a team with the service advisors or whether you will have your own dedicated service advisor. Again this is important to know because if he/she can't sell the work you've identified you won't earn any money.
6) At some point you will need to clarify money and bonus. A big main prestige dealer and a hard working efficient tech could earn 40-50k. Smaller dealers you'll do well to see 35k. How does the compare to your current salary. Don't buy any bulls
t that requires you to take a low base. You need to tell them that you are earning at least 2k more than you currently are.7) What product specific training will be offered and when will you be able to access it? Generally speaking they will give you 4-6 weeks to decide if you are worth investing in before sending you on courses. Get a commitment from them as to how they see that operating.
8) try to get a sense of the camaraderie in the workshop. Is there any?
9) be prepared to undertake a service while you are there ( bring your overalls leave them in the car). Confidence is key.
10) Walk away if something doesn't feel right or you don't like the interviewer.
Other than that be your self. But convince them that you can make the cultural adjustment from back street garage to main dealer. Main dealers are significantly more processed based. Have you ever done a job under warranty. How would you ensure that the dealership gets paid for this? Clue - detailed write up of the work undertaken, use of the tech helpline to confirm next steps of the repair.
hth.
I’ll try and remember that lot !
As I say, I’m 36 and this is my first ever interview !
I’m not a confident person when it comes to talking but I’m confident I can do my job to a high standard
Jerry Can, what manufacturer and what area if you dont mind me asking?
OP, what happened? Did you get the job?
I can see this from all angles, I've worked in the back street garages, had the interviews at the swanky prestige dealerships, then walked away having been offered the job because I didn't like the guy. Then started at a mainstream dealer, then ended up being the interviewer for the techs! So yeah, whether you got this job or not dont give up. Yeah theres alot of paperwork and writing and there are literally days where all you will use is a laptop and a pen all day, but would I go back to a indie? No way! Good luck!
OP, what happened? Did you get the job?
I can see this from all angles, I've worked in the back street garages, had the interviews at the swanky prestige dealerships, then walked away having been offered the job because I didn't like the guy. Then started at a mainstream dealer, then ended up being the interviewer for the techs! So yeah, whether you got this job or not dont give up. Yeah theres alot of paperwork and writing and there are literally days where all you will use is a laptop and a pen all day, but would I go back to a indie? No way! Good luck!
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