Occupation · SOC 41-2022
Parts Salespersons
Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.
Median wage
$37,440
$27,770–$61,750
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
265,060
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
61 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingActive ListeningPersuasionService OrientationReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingMonitoringWritingTime ManagementJudgment and Decision MakingNegotiationInstructingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningMathematicsLearning StrategiesSystems AnalysisOperations MonitoringSystems EvaluationQuality Control AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment SelectionTroubleshootingOperation and ControlRepairingEquipment MaintenanceTechnology DesignManagement of Financial ResourcesProgrammingOperations AnalysisScienceInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageEconomics and AccountingProduction and ProcessingPersonnel and Human ResourcesMathematicsMechanicalEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityTelecommunicationsTransportationEngineering and TechnologyPsychologyCommunications and MediaDesignLaw and GovernmentForeign LanguageGeographyBuilding and ConstructionSociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingChemistryPhysicsPhilosophy and TheologyFood ProductionMedicine and DentistryBiologyHistory and ArcheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
Adobe AcrobatCustomer information databasesInventory control system softwareInventory management systemsInventory tracking softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSmugMug FlickrWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersGetting InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkSelling or Influencing OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersTraining and Teaching OthersThinking CreativelyMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesAnalyzing Data or InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesControlling Machines and ProcessesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleAssisting and Caring for OthersCoaching and Developing OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsStaffing Organizational UnitsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Payment transactions — process cash, card, or credit authorizations under direct supervision at a parts counter.Customer inquiries — respond to basic questions about part availability using printed catalogs or computer displays in a retail parts environment.Stock orders — fill straightforward customer requests from on-hand inventory following established pick-and-pack procedures.Telephone orders — receive and record incoming parts orders accurately using a standardized order form or entry screen.Parts labeling — locate, tag, and place stock items on designated shelves following a supervisor-directed organization system.Sales slips — prepare basic sales receipts and invoices using office suite or point-of-sale software with guidance.Parts catalogs and microfiche — read and navigate lookup tools to identify stock numbers and list prices for common replacement parts.Customer complaints — escalate unresolved issues and relay back-order status updates to customers under supervisor direction.Inventory records — enter received shipments into inventory management software following step-by-step data-entry instructions.Replacement part identification — match simple customer descriptions of malfunctions to correct part numbers using reference materials.
developing
Credit authorization — verify and process credit approvals independently, flagging exceptions to management when limits are exceeded.Back-order communication — proactively update customers on delayed or out-of-stock parts and offer suitable substitutions from available inventory.Stock replenishment — identify low-inventory conditions and place supplier orders through ERP or inventory management software with minimal oversight.Multi-line telephone handling — manage concurrent phone orders efficiently, entering details accurately into CRM software during moderate call volume.Inventory cycle counts — conduct routine stock counts, reconcile discrepancies, and adjust records in inventory management software.Sales contracts — draft complete sales agreements and credit-account paperwork in compliance with store policies and standard templates.Parts lookup — use electronic catalogs and computer displays to determine replacement part numbers and prices for a broad range of vehicle or equipment models.Malfunction diagnosis support — evaluate worn or damaged parts brought in by customers and recommend correct replacements based on visual inspection and product knowledge.Customer upselling — apply persuasion and product knowledge to suggest related accessories or consumables during routine sales transactions.Time-sensitive order fulfillment — prioritize and sequence multiple customer orders to meet promised completion times on a busy parts floor.
proficient
Complex payment situations — resolve charge-backs, account discrepancies, and financing questions autonomously while maintaining accurate financial records.Escalated customer complaints — independently de-escalate difficult service issues, coordinate with suppliers for resolutions, and retain customer loyalty.Special-order management — source non-stock and hard-to-find parts through alternate supplier channels, tracking orders end-to-end in ERP software.High-volume telephone sales — manage peak-period call queues without supervision, maintaining accuracy and customer satisfaction across all interactions.Inventory optimization — analyze stock turnover data using spreadsheet software and recommend stocking adjustments to reduce dead stock and fill-rate gaps.Documentation quality control — review and audit sales slips, contracts, and credit records for compliance and accuracy across the team's transactions.Advanced catalog navigation — cross-reference multiple electronic and print resources to identify superseded, interchangeable, or obsolete part numbers.Diagnostic parts consultation — assess detailed customer descriptions of complex mechanical malfunctions and determine precise replacement components without additional guidance.CRM reporting — generate and interpret customer sales history and service trend reports to support retention and targeted follow-up efforts.New product integration — evaluate incoming product lines, update pricing in inventory systems, and train colleagues on new catalog sections.
advanced
Sales strategy — develop and implement departmental sales goals, promotional plans, and pricing structures aligned with business objectives for the parts operation.Team development — coach, mentor, and assess parts counter staff on customer service techniques, product knowledge, and system proficiency.Vendor relationship management — negotiate terms, return allowances, and fill-rate agreements with parts suppliers to improve margin and service levels.Inventory investment oversight — set stocking policies, approve large purchase orders, and monitor inventory asset value against budgetary targets.Customer account program design — establish and oversee commercial account structures, credit limits, and loyalty incentives to grow wholesale business.Technology adoption — evaluate and lead implementation of new ERP, CRM, or inventory management platforms across the parts department.Performance metrics — define KPIs for sales volume, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction, reporting results to senior management with actionable analysis.Cross-functional collaboration — partner with service, purchasing, and finance departments to align parts availability with workshop demand and cash-flow planning.Compliance and audit leadership — establish internal controls for payment processing, documentation, and inventory shrinkage, ensuring regulatory and policy adherence.Organizational culture — model integrity, dependability, and customer-first values, creating a team environment that sustains high performance and low turnover.
Also known as
39 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Appliance Parts Counter ClerkAutomotive Parts Clerk (Auto Parts Clerk)Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate)Automotive Parts Counter Person (Auto Parts Counter Person)Automotive Parts Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson)Automotive Parts Handler (Auto Parts Handler)Automotive Parts Salesperson (Auto Parts Salesperson)Automotive Parts Specialist (Auto Parts Specialist)Commercial Parts ProfessionalElectronic Parts SalespersonMerchandising AssistantParts AdvisorParts AssociateParts Back Counter ManParts ClerkParts ConsultantParts CoordinatorParts Counter AssociateParts Counter ClerkParts Counter PersonParts Counter Representative (Parts Counter Rep)Parts Counter SalespersonParts CountermanParts CounterpersonParts PersonParts ProfessionalParts PullerParts Representative (Parts Rep)Parts RunnerParts Sales Representative (Parts Sales Rep)Parts SalesmanParts SalespersonParts SpecialistParts Technician (Parts Tech)Retail Parts ProfessionalSales Assistant (Sales Assist)Sales SpecialistSalespersonWholesale Parts Salesperson