Appraiser

CARSTAR Canada Partnership, LP.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive sector is seeking an Appraiser to provide timely appraisals and enhance customer satisfaction. The role involves inspecting vehicles, managing appraisals, and ensuring effective communication with customers and adjusters. The ideal candidate will have a background in sales or marketing, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently. This position is crucial for maintaining a high closing ratio and fostering positive customer relationships.

Qualifications

• At least one year of management or industry experience.
• Proficiency with management software and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Inspect vehicles and write damage appraisals.
• Maintain communication with adjusters and customers.
• Resolve customer concerns and ensure satisfaction.

Skills

Communication

Sales

Customer Service

Organization

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating Software

Management Software

Job description

The Appraiser is responsible for providing customers with timely and friendly appraisals, with the ultimate goal of closing the sale to maintain a high closing ratio. The appraiser must handle communication with the adjuster and customer regarding the status of the vehicle. This position is often the main point of contact with CARSTAR for the customer, so the Appraiser must strive to represent the Company in a professional manner. The Appraiser should have an outgoing personality, enjoy meeting people, calling on accounts, and possess a background in sales or marketing along with a good understanding of appraising and insurance claims procedures and policies. The Appraiser must be able to make common sense decisions, be self-motivated, and use excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, while portraying a professional business image. It is essential that this person possesses a good work attitude and fosters a positive team spirit in support of the company's overall philosophy.

Accountability and Responsibility of Position

Customer Service

• Inspect qualified vehicles and write damage appraisals.
• Handle all appraisals, work authorizations, repair orders, supplements, and warranties when dealing with customers, aiming to maintain and improve the company's closing ratio.
• Follow up on customer appraisals to increase the closing ratio; develop and implement follow-up programs on appraisals.
• Maintain ongoing communication with adjusters, production staff, and customers regarding repair status.
• Inspect repairs and meet with customers during vehicle pickup to ensure satisfaction.
• Resolve customer concerns or dissatisfaction with work or the company.
• Maintain a consistent sales volume to meet or exceed company goals.

Coordinating Staff to Achieve Sales Goals

• Update and organize WIP reports for daily production meetings.
• Participate in daily production/release meetings to provide key information to management.
• Update WIP reports based on meeting findings and distribute copies.
• Provide detailed reports to departments and reception staff.
• Collaborate with staff in planning meetings and schedules.
• Work with promotional representatives to develop follow-up methods, such as thank-you letters and promotional props, to maintain contact with agents, dealers, fleets, and businesses.
• Participate in monthly company meetings and training programs to enhance personal and professional performance.

Administration of RO Package

• Ensure correct and timely parts ordering.
• Obtain customer authorization before proceeding with parts orders.
• Document parts orders and back orders.
• Communicate any outstanding payments to customers at authorization and prior to vehicle delivery.
• Complete all authorizations, warranty, and CSI documentation as per CQS vehicle release standards.
• Use QA checklists to validate repairs meet CARSTAR and store standards.
• Sign off on the final inspection, confirming vehicle readiness for delivery.

Experience / Skill Requirements

• At least one year of management or industry experience.
• Knowledge of products used in the facility.
• Proficiency with management software (Mitchell and/or Summit) – Intermediate.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) – Intermediate.
• Proficiency with estimating software (Audatex and/or Mitchell) – Intermediate.
• WHMIS and First Aid certification.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change.
• Strong tact and diplomacy, with the ability to interact with all levels of personnel.
• Highly organized, analytical, and motivated, capable of handling multiple tasks.
• Ability to prioritize and plan work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Occupational Qualifications

• Physical skills including lifting (up to 100 lbs), squatting, kneeling, pushing, standing, sitting, walking, reaching, and pulling.
• Repetitive motion skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Exposure to various environmental elements on the job.