Parts Salesperson

Your Fit

Income

$37K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Parts Salesperson?

A Parts Salesperson specializes in selling spare and replacement parts for various types of machinery and vehicles. They assist customers in finding the correct parts for their needs and provide advice on part selection and usage.

Sample job titles:

Parts Consultant, Parts Counterperson, Parts Salesman, Parts Salesperson

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Parts Salesperson.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Parts Salesperson earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$28K per year	$31K per year	$37K per year	$48K per year	$62K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Parts Salesperson do?

Work environment

Parts Salespersons typically work in parts departments of auto dealerships, auto parts stores, or service centers. The environment is usually an indoor retail setting, involving interaction with customers, managing inventory, and occasionally working in a storeroom or warehouse.

Quick task list

Assists customers in finding the appropriate parts for their vehicle or machinery.
Manages inventory, including ordering and stocking parts.
Processes sales transactions and handles returns or exchanges.
Provides information and advice on part functionality and compatibility.
Keeps up-to-date with new products and industry trends.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Automotive Parts Sales: Specializing in car and truck parts, often within a dealership or auto parts store.
Industrial Equipment Parts Sales: Focusing on parts for industrial machinery and equipment.
Marine Parts Sales: Dealing with parts for boats and other marine vehicles.
Electronic Parts Sales: Specializing in electronic components for various devices.
Agricultural Equipment Parts Sales: Focusing on parts for tractors and other farming machinery.

Description

Being a Parts Salesperson involves a blend of customer service skills and technical knowledge. The role requires understanding the specifications and uses of various parts, as well as staying informed about new products and industry developments. This knowledge is crucial to effectively assist customers, whether they are professionals in a trade or individuals attempting DIY repairs.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the job involves a lot of interaction with customers. Understanding their needs, explaining complex information in a comprehensible way, and providing satisfactory service are key aspects of the job. Salespersons also need to be organized and efficient in managing inventory, processing transactions, and handling paperwork.

The work can be rewarding for those who enjoy problem-solving and helping others. It offers opportunities to develop expertise in specific types of parts and machinery, and to build relationships with customers and professionals in the field. The role may also include challenges such as dealing with complex inventory systems and staying abreast of rapidly evolving products.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Helping customers find the right parts for their needs.
Gaining specialized knowledge in a particular type of machinery or vehicle.
Building relationships with regular customers and industry professionals.

You might make a good Parts Salesperson if you are...

Interested in vehicles, machinery, and how things work.
Good at problem-solving and enjoy helping others.
Organized, attentive to detail, and efficient in managing tasks.
Able to communicate effectively and explain technical information clearly.
Interested in continuous learning about new products and industry trends.

Pros:

Opportunities for specialization in areas of personal interest.
Interaction with diverse customers and learning about different machines and vehicles.
Potential for career advancement within parts departments or related fields.

Cons:

May require working weekends or extended hours.
The need to constantly update knowledge due to changing technology.
Some physical demands, such as lifting and moving parts.

How to become a Parts Salesperson

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally sufficient for entry into this occupation. On-the-job training is common, and some employers may prefer or require knowledge specific to the type of parts sold, such as automotive parts.

High school preparation

Courses:

Basic Mechanics or Automotive classes for foundational knowledge.
Business or Retail Management for sales and inventory skills.
Mathematics for handling transactions and inventory management.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining automotive or mechanics clubs.
Volunteering or part-time work in auto shops or related retail settings.
Participating in technology or engineering-focused programs.

Preparation after high school

Consider a certificate or associate degree in automotive technology or a related field for specialized knowledge.
Gain experience through internships or part-time jobs in auto parts stores, dealerships, or similar environments.
Attend workshops or training programs offered by parts manufacturers or industry associations.

More resources

Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) - Offers resources and information related to the automotive aftermarket industry.
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - Provides certification and training resources for automotive professionals.
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) - A trade association offering resources and information for businesses in the automotive specialty parts industry.
Parts and Service Professional - An online resource with news, trends, and educational content for parts and service professionals.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.