What is a Service Runner at a Car Dealership?
When you bring your car to a dealership for service, you might interact with several people, including service advisors, technicians, and cashiers. But have you ever heard of a service runner? While they might not be as visible, service runners play a crucial role in ensuring your dealership experience is smooth and efficient.
Service runner bringing car to service bay
The Role of a Service Runner
A service runner at a car dealership is responsible for the movement and handling of customer vehicles within the service department and the dealership lot. They are the link between the service advisors, the technicians, and your vehicle.
Key Responsibilities of a Service Runner:
- Greeting Customers: Often, the service runner is the first point of contact when you pull into the service drive. They greet you, confirm your appointment, and direct you to the appropriate service advisor.
- Vehicle Intake: Service runners carefully park your vehicle in the service queue and may gather initial information like mileage and any visible issues.
- Moving Vehicles: They move vehicles between the service drive, the service bays, the wash bay, and the parking lot as needed throughout the service process.
- Assisting Technicians: Runners support the technicians by retrieving parts, delivering tools, or moving vehicles within the shop to improve efficiency.
- Maintaining Organization: Keeping the service drive, parking areas, and service bays organized and flowing smoothly is a key part of their job.
Service runner navigating busy service lane
The Importance of a Service Runner
While their work might seem behind-the-scenes, service runners have a big impact on a dealership’s service department:
- Improved Efficiency: By managing vehicle flow and assisting technicians, service runners help reduce wait times for customers and keep the repair process running smoothly.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Their friendly greetings and helpful demeanor contribute to a positive first impression and overall customer satisfaction.
- Protection from Damage: Carefully moving vehicles within the confined spaces of a dealership lot helps prevent accidental damage to customer vehicles.
Qualities of a Successful Service Runner
- Strong Communication Skills: They need to communicate clearly and effectively with customers, service advisors, and technicians.
- Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and maintain order in a fast-paced environment is essential.
- Attention to Detail: Noting existing damage on a vehicle, parking cars correctly, and accurately relaying information are crucial aspects of the job.
- Team Player: Service runners must work well as part of a team and be willing to assist others to achieve common goals.
Service advisor explaining repair estimate as service runner moves a vehicle in the background
Beyond the Basics: How Service Runners Add Value
- Building Customer Relationships: For many customers, the service runner is their first and last interaction at the dealership. A friendly and professional demeanor can leave a lasting positive impression.
- Problem Solving: Service runners often need to think on their feet and find solutions to logistical challenges that arise throughout the day.
- Maintaining a Safe Environment: They play a role in ensuring a safe environment for themselves, other employees, and customers by following safety procedures when moving vehicles and maintaining order in the service areas.
Conclusion
While they might not be the most visible employees at a car dealership, service runners are essential to a smoothly operating service department. They ensure that your vehicle is handled with care, that the service process is as efficient as possible, and that your experience is a positive one. So next time you visit your dealership, be sure to thank the service runner – they play a vital role in keeping you on the road.
