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 ThinkingMonitoring
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Document management softwareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareInventory management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative 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.Read catalogs, microfiche viewers, or computer displays to determine replacement part stock numbers and prices.Determine replacement parts required, according to inspections of old parts, customer requests, or customers' descriptions of malfunctions.Examine returned parts for defects, and exchange defective parts or refund money.Manage shipments by researching shipping methods or costs and tracking packages.Mark and store parts in stockrooms, according to prearranged systems.Maintain and clean work and inventory areas.Place new merchandise on display.Advise customers on substitution or modification of parts when identical replacements are not available.Discuss use and features of various parts, based on knowledge of machines or equipment.Demonstrate equipment to customers, and explain functioning of equipment.Measure parts, using precision measuring instruments, to determine whether similar parts may be machined to required sizes.Pick up and deliver parts.Repair parts or 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
53 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Wholesale Parts SalespersonParts Counter PersonParts Counter SalespersonParts SalesmanAutomotive Parts Salesperson (Auto Parts Salesperson)Parts PullerParts CoordinatorSalesperson, PartsSales Assistant (Sales Assist)Parts Representative (Parts Rep)Services Craftsman (Air Force 3F171)Services Apprentice (Air Force 3F131)Marine Corps Community Services Marine (Marine Corps 4133)Services Journeyman (Air Force 3F151)Parts ProfessionalParts AdvisorParts Sales Representative (Parts Sales Rep)Sales SpecialistParts ConsultantMerchandising AssistantParts RunnerParts CountermanParts PersonCommercial Parts ProfessionalParts SpecialistAutomotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate)Services Superintendent (Air Force 3F191)Parts AssociateParts Back Counter ManAutomotive Parts Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson)Retail Parts ProfessionalServices Helper (Air Force 3F111)Automotive Parts Handler (Auto Parts Handler)Parts SalespersonMess Treasurer/Caterer (Navy 1105)Automotive Parts Specialist (Auto Parts Specialist)SalespersonAppliance Parts Counter ClerkParts Counter ClerkElectronic Parts Salesperson