Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM AUGUST 2016 78 T hese 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 Miami earlier this year was a huge success in achieving these goals and we're not stopping there. In August through November, USA will be taking their RSTI & ISM programs on the road and delivering them at regional levels. The 2014 Regional Service Training Institute(RSTI) is a series of two-day training events that will be held in 19 cities all over North America. New for 2016 we've added the Institute of Service Management(ISM) to the Regional Program at strategic locations. The ISM is a one-day intense service business management boot-camp. Not for the faint of heart, the Institute of Service Management is a one-day intense training for service company owners and managers. In a small intimate group, we will cover Finance Strategies, Marketing Plans for 2016 and Service Optimization Development for your own company. USA has partnered with Mr. Appliance, Rossware, Dyer Academy 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, Electrolux, Dacor, BOSCH and on Samsung with a series of business management topics including internet marketing, how to calculate your hourly cost to run your business, flat rate pricing and technician customer soft skills. Each event will include 4 hot meals and discounted sleeping rooms 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. There will be 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 starts at $199 and is 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. Event details and registration can be found at www.rsti.us. Sign up early so you won't be disappointed. 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 on-line 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 2016 Appliance Service Training Institute will be on February 6-9, 2017 in beautiful San Diego CA. 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 is no exception. Make your reservation today. 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 RO 2016 REGIONAL SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTE TAKES TO THE ROAD

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