Parts Salespersons
People classed as Parts Salespersons sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store. Interest ratings put Realistic on top at 5.6 out of 7 and Conventional second, so the code is RCE and the day leans toward hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to speaking, active listening, and persuasion as the ones to build. Expect to receive payment or obtain credit authorization. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.
What they do
Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.
Main tasks
- Receive payment or obtain credit authorization.
- Assist customers, such as responding to customer complaints and updating them about back-ordered parts.
- Fill customer orders from stock, and place orders when requested items are out of stock.
- Receive and fill telephone orders for parts.
- Locate and label parts, and maintain inventory of stock.
- Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.
Skills
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Persuasion
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
Who this career fits
May suit you if
- You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
- You like clear rules and getting the details right.
- You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
- You are comfortable relying on speaking and active listening.
May not suit you if
- You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
- You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
- You want a career built on years of advanced study.
Interest profile
O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCE takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.
Preparation
Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.
Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.
Also called
- Parts Advisor
- Parts Consultant
- Parts Counter Salesperson
- Parts Counterman
- Parts Counterperson
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.