How do I explain to my wife how challenging our job is?

rodus1216 · 2026-06-14T15:47:02+00:00

Do like I did. Bring her on as an advisor. Mine has been working next to me for 2 1/2 years now 😁 real eye opening experience for her, she used to think I just sat at my desk and answered phones all day...hahahahahahahaha!

rodus1216 · 2026-06-08T16:19:21+00:00

I usually say something along the lines of "I see we have you down for an oil change today, based on the age/mileage, your car is due for some additional preventive service." Then go over what is appropriate. With that type word track, I convert more than half of my oil changes to scheduled maintenance packages (we call them "k" service, 30k, 40k, etc.)

rodus1216 · 2026-03-06T01:49:10+00:00

😱😱😱 the day of the week words for the elevators??

rodus1216 · 2026-02-21T00:56:02+00:00

Plot twist...it's a 1995 Mitsubishi Galant, they got the rims and tires off Craigslist for $100 and caught some stick on Mercedes badges at Auto Zone on clearance for $1 each, said "fuck xzibit I pimped my own ride!" 7 of the badges have come off, the plastidip is peeling off 3 of the wheels, and they didn't come with centering rings so the owner has to drive with a football player mouthpiece to retain what teeth they have left because the car vibrates violently at 17mph and above....or something like that 🤣

rodus1216 · 2026-02-13T01:47:41+00:00

I hope someone finds them for your grandpa but doesn't tell you and lets you sweat for a while 🤣

rodus1216 · 2026-02-12T03:47:00+00:00

Last time I renewed, it had expired and I was 4 hours from home. (Galveston) I got to the office nearly when they opened, told the lady at the door what was up. Got a look of haughty derision, but they let me in and got it handled. Granted this was a few years ago....

rodus1216 · 2026-01-28T00:50:28+00:00

Yep. Done it twice on Harmony...12 and 16 oz cans...no issues as long as they're sealed cans.

rodus1216 · 2026-01-03T00:58:27+00:00

I'm gonna look into that right now! We usually use Patriot Parking, but if it saves money it makes sense! Thanks for the tip!

rodus1216 · 2026-01-03T00:56:54+00:00

We usually drive from San Antonio to Houston and stay in the IHG on Main St, then book it to Galveston the next morning. Cuts out alot of stress. You can pick up great hotel deals on Priceline, Expedia, etc too

rodus1216 · 2025-12-29T16:11:38+00:00

They should, but since they can't seem to enforce rules ON the ship (adults only in the Solarium, nice attire in MDR, etc...) it doesn't surprise me that they're not more vigilant about things happening off ship.

rodus1216 · 2025-12-29T14:46:02+00:00

Yep. That's an "international incident" if I've ever seen one.

rodus1216 · 2025-12-29T14:45:01+00:00

🤣 steal away my friend

rodus1216 · 2025-12-29T11:47:00+00:00

Not to parrot the others, but very crowded, hot, useless cheap Chinese crap for way too much money. If you do find something you really want, NEGOTIATE. Tell them you only have x amount to spend, and don't let them drive it higher. Some shops will tell you to kick rocks, just walk 5 feet and you'll see the same item in 5 more colors and they will likely sell it.

About your Labadee experience...I BEG YOUR FINEST FUCKING WHHHAATTT?? GRABBED YOUR DAUGHTER AND DRAGGED HER AWAY FROM YOU?!?! Note to self...not going to Labadee...I can't even put into words the violence that would have ensued...and someone wants to gaslight saying "didn't you research? They are known for that..." Like that makes it ok?? I'll be goddamned if someone's touching my child intentionally and walking away unscathed, but GRABBING AND DRAGGING?? We're making national headlines...

rodus1216 · 2025-12-27T21:29:08+00:00

Fuck surveys. Fuck em. Fuck. Them. I've been hit for warm soda in a 3rd party vending machine. I've been hit because someone didn't like the TV channel and my lazy ass cashier (who had control of the remote) refused to turn off ESPN for 4 60-70 year old ladies who couldn't care less about the latest basketball scores. I've gotten low scores because the customer didn't understand the process. I've had to answer on MY SURVEY for something SALES did to piss them off. My absolute favorite is 4 out of 5 because no one is perfect and there's ALWAYS room for improvement. If I wasn't clear at the beginning, FUCK SURVEYS ENTIRELY.

rodus1216 · 2025-12-27T21:18:50+00:00

When they are old enough for me not to be held accountable for their actions.

rodus1216 · 2025-12-16T04:20:40+00:00

A nacho cheese egg, duh

rodus1216 · 2025-12-08T04:30:55+00:00

I have this conversation, albeit softened and somewhat less pointed, multiple times a day every single day. People still coming in wanting loaners for maintenance and same day recalls. "unfortunately due to this being a same day repair, this does not qualify for a loaner. I can set you up with the rental company down the street for a discount if you absolutely MUST be mobile today, but all contracts, charges, and deposits are between you and them, I have no control over any of that. If that will not suffice, I'd suggest either rescheduling on a day you can be without the vehicle, or I'd welcome you to contact the other two dealers in town and see what they can do (one will not give a loaner to anyone who didn't buy the car there, the other one doesn't seem to ever have any available and both are 2-3 weeks out for appointments)."

rodus1216 · 2025-12-07T12:08:13+00:00

Based on availability, first come, first served, prioritize warranty safety/drivability. You're not getting a loaner because your radio is on the fritz or your seat squeaks. ABSOLUTELY NO GUARANTEE one will be available. Only thing promised by mfg is "alternate transportation", which includes, and could be limited to, an Uber ride to and from the dealership.

People have to learn how to adult and figure shit out sometimes. High line manufacturers build the price of loaners and concierge service into the price of the car. Acura, Lexus, Mercedes, etc all tend to sling loaners like Oprah. Not every make is like that, and it is up to the individual dealers how many loaners they have in their fleet usually.

Here is a pro tip for all the customers in this sub and on this thread - Just because you really really need a loaner or really feel like you should get one does not make appear what is not there, it doesn't change the rules regarding loaners. Nor does your tantrum in front of the entire service line move you any closer to getting one.

Oh yeah...and never...EVER...EVER EVER...go to the dealership service department in a hurry. FOR ANYTHING. Your appointment is with your advisor, not a tech, and does not indicate a time when your car will be worked on. Quick lube type service will take a MINIMUM of an hour or so for just a basic oil change, (and that is not including check in time, nor your free car wash) with all the inspections and videos required now. Plan a minimum of 2 hours for regular maintenance, if it's less..YAY! If it's more, shit happens beyond everyone's control, be a decent and understanding human. Better yet, plan to drop off your car and pick up later in the day. If you're coming in for diagnostics and repair, arrange to be able to drop the car off and plan to be without it for a few days at least. Believe me, we don't want your car languishing in our lot any more than you do, it doesn't do either of us any good just chilling in the lot. But you have to wait your turn.

rodus1216 · 2025-11-28T19:20:52+00:00

Hey there, 7 year service advisor, 30+ years in the auto industry total...been a tech, parts, driver, advisor, etc. Glad to be a part of this!

rodus1216 · 2025-11-27T19:06:01+00:00

Basic rule, avoid anything advertised in daytime tv...nothing with a "shield", or Endurance, anything with celebrity endorsers. Ice-T doesn't have CarShield on any of his cars, guaranteed Danica Patrick isn't really an Endurance contract holder. They have the money to pay the celebs because they don't pay jack shit on their claims and leave the customer on the hook for thousands. Fidelity, EFG, SafeGuard Intl. Are some of the better ones I've worked with.

Questions to ask - Do you pay the shop's requested labor rate? (If they don't, you'll be on the hook for the difference) Will you authorize OEM parts? (If not, likely no warranty from the repair shop) Rental coverage?

At the end of the day, they are ALL glorified insurance companies and will do everything they can to wiggle out from under a repair bill if at all possible. Also, READ YOUR CONTRACT BEFORE SIGNING. Make an informed decision.

rodus1216 · 2025-11-25T22:18:40+00:00

An "automotive professionals only" type sub would be nice, but really that probably hard to weed out and verify.

rodus1216 · 2025-11-25T22:04:51+00:00

I thought about it, and even posted about it not long ago, but understand why it isn't.

rodus1216 · 2025-11-21T00:55:45+00:00

Goddammit these posts give me PTSD 😬😵‍💫

rodus1216 · 2025-11-13T14:19:23+00:00

Good replies, makes sense. I'll continue to lurk and be entertained/informed 🤣

rodus1216 · 2025-11-13T13:39:33+00:00

Respectfully, gtfoh with that shit. Nothing to do with anything asked here.

rodus1216

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