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I was alerted the other day to a dealer that has lost a decent number of there service staff during COVID19.  It was explained that all went outside for the industry because of other job openings.

I called around to a few principals today however I was not able to get in contact with them.   Thus I thought I would post to our members what you are seeing.

Are you seeing or have seen a decline for service techs leaving the industry?

If you like something I've posted please feel free to click the "like" button!

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Interesting.... I spoke to two additional Dealer Principals and both have stated that they have lost techs in recent months.  Both stated they are losing because other companies are offering higher wages for other jobs out of the industry.

One chat today was centered about the need to hire and train reps and the need to raise the pay scale to match or exceed the current jobs being offered.

Dealers will need to raise their costs for service and supplies.  Whether it's an increase in a cost per page or adding addition charges to the based maintenance/supply agreement.

Would love to hear from others on this!

Most dealership service operations are over-staffed with technicians. The challenge really is that Effective Time each day is low which has become the expected norm. Service departments can’t monitor to the individual tech’s strength/weakness nor can they provide non-salary compensation to retain the best overall performers.

The greater challenge is 40%~63% of new placements have a MSRP of less than $2000 which is really difficult to support service operations through maintenance agreement income.  

Most dealership service operations are over-staffed with technicians. The challenge really is that Effective Time each day is low which has become the expected norm. Service departments can’t monitor to the individual tech’s strength/weakness nor can they provide non-salary compensation to retain the best overall performers.

The greater challenge is 40%~63% of new placements have a MSRP of less than $2000 which is really difficult to support service operations through maintenance agreement income.  

HI @Greg Moseley

Interesting....I've been doing this for 41 years and I would say that 95% of my new placements are move than $3,000 each.  If I were to ask 10-20 other guys and gals like me I would say that we'll all be lose to  that same 95%.  I would also say that the MFP dealerships will not bother will selling devices that low.  I know I won't.

now if you're talking about MPS there might be a story to tell.

I would also give you 5 dealer principals that I spoke with that don't have enough techs and they can't find techs

No issue with losing techs.  The problem is finding young tech savvy techs to replace the dinosaurs who are aging out or won't keep up with technology.  The days when someone who could work on a bicycle or car was qualified to repair copiers ended 20 years ago.  A lot of the older techs are completely clueless on anything beyond wrenching on and throwing parts at machines.   

As a sales rep, its amazing how much time I spend helping customers or technicians out with things that the tech couldn't figure out on his own.  I'm not talking difficult stuff here.  Basic use of a modern office copier.  If its beyond changing a drum or fuser sleave its beyond comprehension for so many of the older copier mechanics.

I guess the good thing is that it seems like all the manufacturers are switching to user replaceable "units" anyway.  This should reduce the need for higher level techs.  Or maybe even techs at all....black lines?  Overnight a PCU and send them a video link to do it themselves. 

I know a few younger guys that work at an automotive dealership.  Throwing parts at a problem until it's fixed is the norm.

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