Vehicle Parts Salesperson

Also known as:

Automobile Parts Salesperson
Car Parts Salesperson
Motor Parts Salesperson
Parts Salesperson, Vehicle

Introduction

Vehicle parts salespeople work in shops which store vehicle parts for sale to mechanics and members of the public. They provide expert knowledge on the parts required.

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Work Activities

Vehicle parts salespeople identify, obtain, stock, supply and sell all types of vehicle parts and accessories. Their main role is to sell the goods and control stock levels.

Vehicle parts salespeople take orders from customers both over the phone and in person, and advise them on the parts they require. They identify the part number on computer and select the parts from the warehouse.

Parts salespeople issue invoices for sales, handle cash, cheques, credit or debit cards. They order parts that are not in stock by phone, email or online.

In small parts departments, they unload deliveries, check in parts and store parts in the warehouse. Parts departments supply parts to mechanics in the workshop who carry out service and repairs, to customers in the motor vehicle trade and to the general public.

They usually specialise in either light vehicles such as cars or vans or heavy vehicles such as lorries and buses. More experienced parts salespeople may work only on telephone sales/orders.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

The work requires good knowledge both of the products being sold and of the vehicles for which the parts are being supplied. As a parts salesperson, you'll need to understand how to find and use information from catalogues and databases. You will need IT skills and must keep accurate records.

You must be able to use your initiative and work with little supervision. Numeracy is also required.

You should be able to communicate well with members of the public, and be pleasant and polite. When taking phone orders, you must take down instructions accurately.

You'll need to be an active person and have good colour vision.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Vehicle parts salespeople earn in the range of £200 - £230 a week, rising to £270 - £340. Higher earners can make around £440 a week.

Increasingly, parts departments open for longer periods to suit customer demand. Staff usually work a 40-hour week which may include shifts, evening and weekend work.

Employers throughout the UK are parts departments of vehicle main dealerships and motor accessory shops.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed relevant skills in, for example, stock control, handling cash and/or dealing with the public.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 66% of people in occupations such as vehicle parts sales work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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