Which service consultant's action is correct when calculating an estimate for a repair?

The correct action for a service consultant when calculating an estimate for a repair is to add both the labor and parts totals. This method ensures that the estimate reflects the complete cost of the repair necessary to inform the customer accurately. Each component—labor and parts—plays a critical role in determining the total expenditure for the service. Labor typically accounts for the time and expertise required to perform the repair, while parts represent the physical materials needed to restore the vehicle to its proper functioning condition.

By including both components, the estimate provides a comprehensive overview of the expected expenses, allowing the customer to make an informed decision regarding the service. Utilizing only labor or only parts totals would not portray the true financial impact of the repair, leading to potential misunderstandings or dissatisfaction when the customer receives the final bill. Using average costs might not accurately represent the specific parts or labor rates applicable to the particular job, which can further lead to misleading estimates. Therefore, ensuring that both labor and parts are included in the calculation is fundamental to accurate and transparent customer service.