Vehicle parts salesperson

Vehicle parts salespeople, or advisors, work in shops and departments that order and store vehicle parts for sale to technicians and members of the public. They provide expert knowledge on the parts required.

Also known as:

• Car parts salesperson
• Motor parts advisor

Work activities

Vehicle parts salespeople identify, obtain, stock, supply and sell all types of vehicle parts and accessories. Their main roles are to sell the goods, and to control and monitor levels of stock. They might also be known as parts advisors. Vehicle parts salespeople take orders from customers, over the telephone or in person, and use their technical knowledge to advise them on the parts they need. They will have to find out from the customer the exact model and year of the vehicle, and might need to ask further questions in order to identify the correct part. They identify the part number using a catalogue or computer and select the parts from the warehouse.

Parts salespeople issue invoices for sales, and handle cash as well as credit or debit cards. They order parts that are not in stock from suppliers. They do this by telephone or email, or directly through the manufacturers’ own online ordering systems. They contact customers when the parts arrive. In small parts departments, they unload deliveries, check in parts and store parts in the warehouse. They also display goods in the shop, and they count and record details of the parts in stock. This is known as stock control.

Parts departments supply to vehicle technicians in the workshop who carry out servicing 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 might work only on telephone/online sales and orders.

Personal qualities and skills

As a vehicle parts salesperson, you will need to be able to:

• Find and use information from catalogues and computer databases.
• Use your initiative and work with little supervision.
• Communicate well with vehicle trade professionals and members of the public.
• Be well organised.
• Keep accurate records.
• Listen carefully and speak clearly.

You should have:

• An interest in vehicles and how they work.
• Customer service skills.
• Teamwork skills.
• Number skills.
• A pleasant, polite and confident manner on the phone and face to face.
• Some general IT skills.
• A good level of fitness, as some lifting is required.
• Having a full driving licence might give you an advantage.

Pay and opportunities 

The pay rates given are approximate. Vehicle parts salespeople typically start out on about £19,000 a year. Higher earners can make up to £28,000 a year.

Increasingly, parts departments open for longer periods to suit customer demand. Staff usually work a 43-45-hour week which could include shifts, evening and weekend work.

Employers are parts departments of vehicle main dealerships and motor accessory shops. Opportunities for vehicle parts salespeople occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Jobs are also advertised on job boards, such as InAutomotive.com

Entry routes and training

The main route into this career is through work-based training schemes. These offer training, work experience and the opportunity to work towards appropriate qualifications.

Entrants to manufacturers’ training schemes are employed from day one with local dealerships and retail outlets, training at a manufacturer’s centre of excellence on day-release or block-release. Alternatively, some entrants might be offered a full-time place at a training centre. Certificates and diplomas in vehicle parts principles, vehicle parts competence, and customer service are available.

There is not an apprenticeship programme in this specific role, however you could begin an level 4 (higher) apprenticeship in the related role of vehicle damage assessor.

People working in parts departments can expect to go on short courses, often run by the main dealer, such as new product knowledge, telephone sales or IT skills.

Vehicle parts salespeople can progress to senior sales, supervisor and manager posts.

Qualifications

Qualifications vary between employers. Some employers require basic English and maths. Others prefer candidates to have GCSEs at grades 9-4 in English and maths and, sometimes, science or ICT.

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need to be 16 with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. You will also need GCSEs (including English and maths).

Adult opportunities

Age limits: 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.

Related careers

• Builders’ merchant
• Car sales executive
• Car valet
• Sales assistant
• Sales executive
• Warehouse operative