Service receptionist

[Marvin]

Hello Eric, and all you ETG fans out there!

I have been following your channel for some time now, and you gave me the courage to seek a job in this field. I am starting classes this autumn for my masters degree in automotive engineering, (Propulsion systems) and just a week ago I got my first job, as a service receptionist. As you can imagine, my experience is zero, though I am quick learner and have good mechanical knowledge.

I rewatched your videos on how to deal with customers, its my primary duty to make sure they are happy, and their problems are promptly solved by the technicians.

I made a good impression to the boss and got along well with the rest of the staff, but I am afraid I ruined it. This Friday, I made a mistake in judgement, well lets call it for it is, a pretty huge f-up.
Whilst taking a customers van inside the shop, lacking experience in manoeuvring such beasts, I managed to fully rip the lifting barrier out of the ground and bend the arm, ding and scrape more then a foot of the side of the van and tear of the moulding.
Its a miracle I did not get fired on the spot. I waited for things to cool down and then went and apologized to my boss. I will be on probation for this month. I am going to have a lot to make up for if I am going to convince the boss that I am the man for the job.

Do you guys have any good pieces of advice for me?

Topic

[Will]

In this profession, I think everyone damages a customer’s vehicle at some point. Driving unfamiliar vehicles & in close quarters can be challenging. Your company’s insurance should cover it. Be sure you can pass a drug test at all times and be more cautious in the future. The only reason I know of anyone being fired over a damage incident in the shop is because they failed the subsequent drug screening.

[Mike]

I’ve done at least 5k in damage among a few different cars in my career, but never when I was that new to a place. You’d be surprised what employers in our line of work will tolerate though, and vehicle damage is known everywhere I’ve been to be a reality that is going to happen. If you’re not fired yet, then you’re probably fine. But please let us know if how it went, we’d be happy to help with other advice if everything’s gone ok.

[Frank Aruffo]

If he wanted to fire you he would have done it on the spot. I am also new to this trade, and Im trying to put in the time now and show my boss I have common sense and am a good worker who is worth holding on to, so that when I damage something which Im sure I will, then he’l let it go

[Author]

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