Parts Salespersons

What parts salespersons do

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

Typical tasks

1. 1Receive payment or obtain credit authorization.
2. 2Assist customers, such as responding to customer complaints and updating them about back-ordered parts.
3. 3Fill customer orders from stock, and place orders when requested items are out of stock.
4. 4Receive and fill telephone orders for parts.
5. 5Locate and label parts, and maintain inventory of stock.
6. 6Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.
7. 7Read catalogs, microfiche viewers, or computer displays to determine replacement part stock numbers and prices.
8. 8Determine replacement parts required, according to inspections of old parts, customer requests, or customers' descriptions of malfunctions.
9. 9Examine returned parts for defects, and exchange defective parts or refund money.
10. 10Manage shipments by researching shipping methods or costs and tracking packages.

Technology used

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Word
• Inventory control system software
• Inventory management systems
• Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• SAP software

How to become one

Education

The most common level among workers surveyed is a high school diploma (47%). Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Training

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.