Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM SEPTEMBER 2014 62 R STI takes to the road this coming September, October and November. These are very exciting times to be involved in the appliance service industry. Technology is changing at a rapid pace and is opening up a wide variety of opportunities. The United Servicers Association is energetically focused on helping its members and the entire service industry achieve maximum success by providing educational tools and improving strategic relationships throughout the industry. The Appliance Service Training Institute in San Diego earlier this year was a huge success in achieving these goals and we're not stopping there. This coming September, October and November, USA is taking their RSTI program on the road and delivering it at regional levels. The 2014 Regional Service Training Institute is a series of two-day training events that will be held in 26 cities all over North America. USA has partnered with Mr. Appliance, Rossware, Fred's Academy and Asurion Service Network and the local parts distributors in each city to bring this valuable service technical and management training to a city near you. Each event will feature hands-on technical training from Whirlpool, Samsung, Electrolux and BOSCH, and a series of business management topics including internet marketing, how to calculate your hourly cost to run your business, flat rate pricing and technician productivity through new technology. Each event will include 5 hot meals, discounted sleeping rooms and parking for those folks staying overnight. Each day will feature three, 3-hour hands on OEM technical training sessions. USA will share with attendees proven strategies on how to improve your business in each of the areas listed above. Manufacturers will have products to tear-down and demonstrate the current repair techniques associated with each brand. The first night will feature a round table session for all servicers to discuss current issues and challenges facing us today. These RSTI's promise to be a program you shouldn't and won't want to miss. Registration to the RSTI events is only $199 and open to all service companies. Registration to a regional event also entitles new USA members a first year full membership in United Servicers Association—a $199 savings. As a USA member, you'll get access to all the benefits of USA including ChatUSA, an on-line chat forum to discuss business matters with hundreds of colleagues around the country. To register for a local event near you go to www.unitedservicers.com. Register today as space is limited. For questions regarding these events call 800-683-2558. One of United Servicers Association's key member benefits is an On-Line Service Sharing Library. Utilizing the latest internet sharing technology, USA members can access service manuals online and also upload missing service manuals to the library, making it even more useful for all members. USA member companies can set up accounts for each of their technicians to search OEM service manuals and bulletins from their laptops right in the customer's home. The powerful search engine allows users to search by brand and type but also by individual words found in a document like "dual evaporators" or "thermistor", instantly listing all service manuals containing those search words. You must be a current USA member to gain access to this free member benefit. There are no CD, DVD or mailing fees. All you have to do is go to www.USAservicelibrary.com to register. The service library is one more reason to be a member of the non-profit trade association of United Servicers. We're devoted to building strong service businesses to compete in today's competitive environment. The 2015 Appliance Service Training Institute will be on February 9-12, 2015 in New Orleans LA. Registration is open at www.asti.us. Be sure to book early so as not to be disappointed. Every year we sell out the ASTI hotel sleeping rooms and this year with Mardi Gras just days after the ASTI hotel rooms will be sold out even earlier. Make your reservation today. RO Paul Mac Donald—Executive Director, United Servicers Association. For more information, call 1-800-683-2558 or visit www.unitedservicers.com. S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T UNITED SERVICERS ASSOCIATION 2014 REGIONAL SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTE

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