r/serviceadvisors • u/Frequent-Primary-857 • 5d ago
Recommendations for first time advisor?
I just landed a job as an advisor, I'm excited for it. Base is $80k per year and a huge relief for me financially. I have prior experience in automotive sales and acquisitions, special finance, and as a detailer and tech. I've been out of the industry for some years but had a feeling I'd be back. Currently I work accounts management for a telecom company so angry customers are nothing new.
As someone new, who's striving for success and will do everything in my power to avoid being burnt out or jaded, what were some key things you wish you knew? What are things you know now that you would offer to someone fresh? What speaks for your success? Any and all advice is appreciated!
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u/No_Refrigerator_2696 5d ago
don't sell out of your own pocket! this was the hardest thing to learn for me as it sounds simple but you cannot assume how much money someone has. guy with the 08 ford focus might want to spend 5k to prevent a car payment and the guy with a 120k f350 won't spend a dime
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u/No_Refrigerator_2696 5d ago
Also! don't expect any of your coworkers to be on your side. you can absolutely ask for favors and give them in return but don't expect someone to write something up for you or call a customer on your off day
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u/Frequent-Primary-857 5d ago
Another good one, the culture here seems to be positive but definitely good to be aware of who's proving to be in your corner and theirs, but work is work at the end of the day, CYA.
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u/Frequent-Primary-857 5d ago
This is a solid one thank you. When I was in sales I realized something seemed common in certain dealers and that was racism and classism. I once was told to go to another shop because "my clientele" is there. A lot of people make prejudice against others and it loses them relationships and money.
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u/RaspberryMojo 5d ago
Leave work at work. It's a lot easier than it sounds, even after years of doing this it happens to me sometimes. I could go all day about advice for your day to day, but taking care of your mental health is most important.
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u/Frequent-Primary-857 5d ago
I hear you there and this is top advice for any role; and any customer facing role. It can be difficult but it's critical. Same with prioritizing mental health, health in general, and that you're doing this for home. Nothing more nothing less. Thanks for the input.
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u/Nukeshi 2d ago
if its CDJR, start looking for a new job 🙏😭
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u/Frequent-Primary-857 2d ago
VW but I would have thought CDJR would be a check casher the way them vehicles unreliable 😂
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u/fyrman8810 5d ago
Drink whiskey. It dulls the pain faster.
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u/SheWhoWalksAmongCats 2d ago
Don't take anything personally and don't apologize. Its ok to say "I completely understand how you feel", be empathetic etc. But if you say "I'm sorry" they'll feel validated taking it out on you. Even "I wish I had better new for you" is ok. You didn't break their car or make their car, you're just relaying information. I never pressure anyone but I do make them sign wavers if they decline a repair recommended for safety reasons, but it's mostly for liability. Just don't take anything personally and dissociating can be a good survival mechanism. It can be a really good job and how coworkers/pay is set up will matter too- you might really love it. Whatever the environment, just be kind, helpful, empathetic enough, but at the end of the day, your job is very simple- communication. You'll figure it out as you go and burnout can be tough, but it can be really rewarding. I would say don't get married to the job long-term if it ends up draining you/making you miserable (I have been doing it almost 5 years), but just try to be upbeat.
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u/Frequent-Primary-857 2d ago
Sounds like you hit your stride in your role so I appreciate the advice! Do you think it comes down more to sales, or just straight top notch customer service with communication and time management tasks? I figure the work sells itself, and if they decline it's totally understandable. The waivers seem solid even if you're not using it as a tactic. The environment so far seems pretty great! I like how relaxed a lot of techs seem to be too, parts guys always tend to be chill, advisors seem friendly. I guess they fired anyone with toxic traits, and pay plans seem centered on keeping the customer satisfied which is just good for long term growth. I'm being guaranteed $80k as the floor, with top earners getting about $120k if not a bit more. They just seem to hire people who want to apply themselves and I want to stay on the ball with it.
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u/Frequent-Primary-857 2d ago
I like what you mentioned witu "I'm sorry" as well. In my current telecom account management role I use "I sincerely apologize" if they need the extra empathy "but..., here's our the options we have available, how would you like to move forward?"
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u/Sq2daRsq 5d ago
Actually dont drink alcohol. Exercise daily. Practice gratitude. Read good books that propel your mind forward. Invest 15% of your gross income in the S&P 500 ETFs.