Third party repair shop "partner portal"

[DarthBrader]

The service FAQ on Rivian's website suggests that there is now a "Third Party Partner Portal for Parts Ordering and Repair Instructions," and that a third party repair shop could use this to offer non-warranty repairs and service. See https://rivian.com/support/article/can-i-take-my-rivian-vehicle-to-a-third-party-repair-shop.

This seems to be at least somewhat new--none of this language is on the Wayback Machine's last capture of the page from March 2024. http://web.archive.org/web/20240303...y-rivian-vehicle-to-a-third-party-repair-shop.

Has anyone heard of a third party repair shop actually using a partner portal? Sounds promising, given all the reports of service center challenges.

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[Electrified Outdoors]

The service FAQ on Rivian's website suggests that there is now a "Third Party Partner Portal for Parts Ordering and Repair Instructions," and that a third party repair shop could use this to offer non-warranty repairs and service. See https://rivian.com/support/article/can-i-take-my-rivian-vehicle-to-a-third-party-repair-shop.

This seems to be at least somewhat new--none of this language is on the Wayback Machine's last capture of the page from March 2024. http://web.archive.org/web/20240303...y-rivian-vehicle-to-a-third-party-repair-shop.

Has anyone heard of a third party repair shop actually using a partner portal? Sounds promising, given all the reports of service center challenges.

It would be smarter of Rivian at this point to also have certified repair shops that can do Rivian warranty work. Even if the cost is higher it might be less cost than having all the loaner/uber and having cars sit for excessive periods of time due to backlog. It might make the customer happier too.

Maybe Rivian could give the option to the customer too if they want the Rivian official service or if they want to opt to use a "certified partner". Just a crazy idea on my part.

Aside from the cost I know getting it serviced has to be on the mind of just about every prospective owner.

 

[NY_Rob]

This may be unpopular, but I don't think many 3rd party shops actually want to work on EV's.
My bro in-law owns a automotive repair shop and body shop. Last time I was there getting my R1T inspected I kidded him about working on my R1T, he said "no thanks" due to the high voltage components plus all the training and special tools that would be required. He's got plenty of business repairing ICE vehicles that he knows very well, so no desire to work on EV's.

 

[swflor]

Rivian is working on “Certified Repair Shop” partnerships that will get access to full alignment software. Don’t ask me how I know. Please…I don’t want to have to lie.

 

[COdogman]

Rivian is working on “Certified Repair Shop” partnerships that will get access to full alignment software. Don’t ask me how I know. Please…I don’t want to have to lie.

 

[swflor]

?

 

[Dark-Fx]

I've started the process for this. Parts ordering looks to be free. Anything more than that carries a cost.

$2500 a year for service manual and training, $5500 for the above plus diagnostic tools. Not sure if I am really supposed to share that but ?‍

 

[Riviot]

I've started the process for this. Parts ordering looks to be free. Anything more than that carries a cost.

$2500 a year for service manual and training, $5500 for the above plus diagnostic tools. Not sure if I am really supposed to share that but ?‍

But Michigan is so far away... Will you be offering traveling mobile appointments?

 

[Magicbus]

I got the impression while dealing with a Rivian certified body shop that they had access to a back door for parts and assistance. They still had to send it to sman SC for an insurance ordered alignment, but they did everything else including recalibration.

 

[Spaceball1]

I got the impression while dealing with a Rivian certified body shop that they had access to a back door for parts and assistance. They still had to send it to sman SC for an insurance ordered alignment, but they did everything else including recalibration.

this is accurate, but limited to body shops. I believe OP is pointing out that it will now be open to other service type shops like out of warranty suspension repairs, etc.

This is good news since I went through this trying to get hail repair done this summer. The shop I wanted to use wasn’t Rivian authorized and could not get that status since they only due hail damage and not full body work/paint. I had to order parts myself as they will only sell to a customer or authorized shop.

The whole state of CO only has 5 authorized shops and 4 of them are in Denver area ?‍ The one in my town, Colorado Springs, sucks and I’ve dealt with them before with my Tesla. They’re also backed up to all get out.

 

[Dark-Fx]

But Michigan is so far away... Will you be offering traveling mobile appointments?

Not totally sure I'll follow through on the whole program. Still need to figure out what the real limitations are. Like if modules can be reprogrammed for a different VIN for replacement reasons, if I could reprogram for a different tire size, etc.

 

[DarthBrader]

This all sounds promising. Not sure how many shops will want to deal with this program, especially in areas with few Rivians on the road, but this seems like good progress toward a real solution for service. There are only so many buyers who will put up with an hour+ drive to get to a backlogged service center, and when R2 ships it will only get harder.

 

[R1Thor]

I've started the process for this. Parts ordering looks to be free. Anything more than that carries a cost.

$2500 a year for service manual and training, $5500 for the above plus diagnostic tools. Not sure if I am really supposed to share that but ?‍

This feels like a creative way to say 'yep, we're making this available to 3rd parties so we're not monopolizing service, which is scattered, unavailable, and unreliable.'

While essentially locking out 3rd party shops. Because let's face it: at those costs, NO ONE is going to pay that, because they'll never recoup the expense (OR you're going to have to pay that on top of your bill to those shops, because otherwise they're not getting that money back working on 3-4 Rivians/year).

What a crock...

 

[DarthBrader]

This feels like a creative way to say 'yep, we're making this available to 3rd parties so we're not monopolizing service, which is scattered, unavailable, and unreliable.'

While essentially locking out 3rd party shops. Because let's face it: at those costs, NO ONE is going to pay that, because they'll never recoup the expense (OR you're going to have to pay that on top of your bill to those shops, because otherwise they're not getting that money back working on 3-4 Rivians/year).

What a crock...

This is what I'm worried about, which is why I'm wondering if any shops have actually done this. For 3-4 Rivians per year it obviously doesn't work. But there are lots of big service center deserts out there, which may present an opportunity if this program doesn't actually suck.

 

[CaseyH]

Rivian recently mentioned they are working on an Authorized Third-Party Service Provider Network in addition to their Certified Collision Center Network.

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