If you've ever taken your vehicle to a car dealer or garage for repairs, there's a good chance you interacted with a service advisor. The service advisor is typically the point of contact for the customer and oversees all aspects of your vehicle's repair. Service advisors are usually experienced mechanics who possess strong communication and people skills.
Service advisors arrange a time for you to bring your auto in for repairs. Once a mechanic has diagnosed the problem, the advisor will consult with as to the best course of action and write the repair order. When the repairs are completed, the advisor will notify you and process the sales transaction. He will also provide any special instructions or signs to look for to ensure the problem has been rectified.
Competent service advisors benefit the customer by being able to explain complicated car repairs in simple terms and by recommending ways to make the repairs as inexpensive as possible. Advisors also benefit their employer by providing excellent customer service and by generating additional revenue by selling additional services. For example, if a customer brings her car in to have the tires rotated, the service advisor can also remind her that her car is also due for an oil change.
Serive advisors shoulld be highly knowledgeable about all makes and models of cars that are sold at her dealership. If she works for a garage that services all types of vehicles, she will need a wider knowledge base. Regardless of her employer, she needs to be able to advise customers about how to keep their vehicles operating properly and safely.
Service advisors typically start out as mechanics and become service advisors based on demonstrating strong mechanical ability and solid people skills. Training can be obtained through coursework at facilities, such as the Automotive Management Institute, which also offers online courses. A service advisor program of study can include coursework in telephone skills, preparing repair orders, sales techniques and how to deal with difficult customers.
Although most service advisors are honest and genuinely committed to serving your best interests, as with any position where income includes commissions and/or bonuses, unscrupulous individuals are out there. If your repair estimate seems out of line or includes items that do not pertain to your specific problem, you should consider taking your vehicle for another estimate at a different shop.
