H-D dealer Service Writer
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Earth
H-D dealer Service Writer
I have an interview coming up for an open service writer position at one of my local dealerships. The job posting noted no salary range just that it was based on experience and it was base+commision. 8 years ago I was a service writer for a local car dealership for 7 years with the same set up and I would average $47K/year.
Can anyone shed some light on what to expect from this salary wise? What is the "base" salary? What are you paid commision on? I have searched the internet at I have seen figures ranging from a laughable $18K up to $60K. That is quite the range.
Can anyone shed some light on what to expect from this salary wise? What is the "base" salary? What are you paid commision on? I have searched the internet at I have seen figures ranging from a laughable $18K up to $60K. That is quite the range.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Prior Lake, MN
The dealerships are all independently owned businesses, what is true at one may not be true at another, so it's really difficult to figure by asking here. I suspect it depends on the employment situation in the area this dealer is located, what similar jobs at other motorcycle or auto businesses in the same city, etc.
You can discuss compensation at the interview, since you already have it set up.
You can discuss compensation at the interview, since you already have it set up.
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From: Earth
I understand that is can and will vary by location and how many dealers are in a given area.....I have 4 in the greater Cincinnati area. I was more looking to see if there was anyone here, at least in the midwest, that is currently or did hold this position that could provide some info. I have a strong suspicion that this is going to have a base income of $10/hr. which will not work in my case.
Road Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,045
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From: West Chester, Ohio
Most writers at car dealerships make in the $35,000 to $60,000 range. Commission will be paid on service sold or upsold. I do not know if bike dealers pay the same way but most car dealers pay the writers a salary plus, generally about half of what the yearly estimated income is. So a $50,000 job will have a salary of $25,000-$30,000. Good luck in your interview, if you land the job let us know, I could be your first customer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
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From: Florida
The first thought that came to me when I read your post was if you have been a service writer before, why would you want that position again at any pay plan? That has to be the worst position at a dealership. No one shows up to the service dept saying " Damn, I'm glad to be here! My bike won't run & I'm so happy about that." Customers show up PO'd and take it out on the Service Writer. A Service Writer get's paid commissions on upsells (service the customer may not need) & get's penalized if a manager decides to give a customer a break. Why not take a job as a punching bag at a MMA practice facility. You'll feel better at the end of the day & probably make more money.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 234
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From: Ohio
I worked at a local HD dealer for a while. Was present at the service desk many times while customers ranted at the writer. What a **** job. Guy shows up, you tell him it will be $467.44. Then the abuse starts. Not a chance that I would take that job at any wage (I was offered).
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From: Earth
No worries. My worst fears have been proven. I contacted the owner of the store earlier today (after a brief phone conversation a few hours before that) and respectfully declined the opportunity for the interview. He asked why, I told him, he responded with "OK then" and that's where the conversation ended.
i know here at the car dealership i work at the top service writers earn over 100k....the harley store i ran the service advisors all made 50k-75k...
but you shouldn't take a job based soley on the money, you need to enjoy your work, make it a career and the earning will come. im not trying to be an a-hole, but the way you stared this post leads me to believe you are not really excited about the position in general....just my $0.02