Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2018 62 S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T L ater this Summer, the 2018 Regional Service Training Institute (RSTI) will kick off its training program with training classes throughout North America. Through this program, United Servicers Association (USA) is enthusiastically focused on helping their membership and the entire appliance service industry achieve optimal success by providing various tools including technical and business training. USA also works to improve strategic relationships throughout the industry. As appliances continue to become more complex with advanced technology and a broad swath of unique brand designs, the opportunities in this industry are growing leaps and bounds. This past January, United Servicers Association hosted their largest Appliance Service Training Institute (ASTI) in St. Pete Beach, FL. They are taking the momentum and excitement from ASTI and bringing it to you on a smaller scale. Rather than the 5 days of intense business and technical training offered in January, these will be smaller, in a more intimate setting. They will offer a concentrated 1-Day Business Bootcamp — which will stand on its own — and another bootcamp in conjunction with technical training. The business training will cover various business management topics and proven strategies on how to improve your business in areas such as financial strategies, marketing plans and service optimization development, flat rate pricing, technician soft skills, CODB (cost of doing business), etc. The technical training will include R600 and Sealed System Service Best Practices, teaching about all options you have with the new R600 regulations, as well as highly-demanded OEM technical training from various manufacturers with products to tear down including a demonstration of the current repair techniques associated with each brand. There will be an opportunity at both sessions for attendees to discuss the current issues and challenges we are all facing today. These RSTI's and Boot Camps promise to be programs that you can't afford to miss! They are designed to allow easier accessibility due to multiple locations and are only two days in length, minimizing the amount of time you will be away from your business. Registration is open to anyone looking to learn, not just members. Registration to a regional event also entitles new members a free first year full membership– a $199 value. As a member, you will get access to all of the benefits United Servicers has to offer including ChatUSA, an on-line chat forum to discuss business matters with hundreds of colleagues around the country. The on-line service lbrary is another key benefit utilizing the latest internet sharing technology. Members can access service manuals online, as well as upload service manuals they have to the library that aren't posted yet, making it even more useful for all members. Member companies can set up accounts for each of their technicians to search OEM service manuals and bulletins from their laptops or tablets right in the customer's house for immediate use. The powerful search engine allows users to search by brand, type and individual keywords found in a document, instantly listing all service manuals containing those search words. You must be a current USA member to gain access to this benefit. There are no CDs, DVDs, 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 who are devoted to building strong service businesses to compete in today's competitive environment. Another key benefit is the opportunity to become an approved member to receive a 15% discount on Sub-Zero parts as well as handle parts under the manufacturers original warranty. Call us today at 800-683-2558 for more information or check out www.UnitedServicers.com to learn more. RSTI training events start at $199. Event details can be found at www.UnitedServicers.com, where you can also sign up to attend. The 2019 Annual Service Training Institute (ASTI) will be March 3-7th in Nashville, Tennessee as we look at the Sound of Success with 5 days of hands-on manufacturer training and business classes. Registration is open at www.ASTI.US — be sure to book early as not to miss out. USA members receive a $100 discount when registering. Every year we sell out the hotel sleeping rooms and this year will be no exception! We look forward to seeing you this fall at RSTI as well as in March at ASTI. UNITED SERVICERS ASSOCIATION 2018 REGIONAL SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTE (RSTI) Sarah Brown, Executive Director of United Servicers Association. For more information, please visit www.unitedservicers.com. RO

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