A  Michigan Jobs and Career Portal  service.

Automotive Parts Service Clerks (or Automobile Accessories Salespeople) sell replacement parts, accessories, tools, equipment, and related auto supplies in automobile dealerships, repair shops, or parts stores. Their customers include mechanics, service station and repair shop operators, car dealers, and car owners.

JOB DUTIES 

Auto Parts Service Clerks may:

Determine the make, year, and type of part needed by talking with the customer or inspect the damaged part

Advise customers of the needed parts based on the customers' descriptions of problems

Discuss uses and features of various parts with customers

Look up stock numbers and prices of parts in catalogs or on a computer terminal

Advise customers on substitute parts or repairs when a replacement is not available

Fill telephone orders or customers' requests from stock

Order parts for customers

Measure parts to determine substitute parts that can be used

Prepare sales slips and receive payment for purchases

Mark and store parts in the stockroom according to an organized system

Take inventory of stock

Maintain counter catalogs and update price sheets

The machines, tools, equipment, and work aids used by Auto Parts Service Clerks may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Auto Parts Service Clerks may specialize in these areas:

279.357-062 AUTOMOTIVE PARTS COUNTER CLERKS sell auto supplies and accessories, such as tires, batteries, seat covers, mufflers, and headlights. They locate needed items from catalogs based on the make and year of the vehicle.

273.357-030 AUTOMOBILE ACCESSORIES SALESPERSONS sell spare and replacement parts and equipment from behind a counter in agencies, repair shops, or parts stores. They assess damage to parts and determine the make, year and type of parts needed.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Auto Parts Service Clerks usually work under the supervision of parts manager or store manager. They generally work behind a counter in stores or stockrooms that are clean and well lighted. However, parts brought in by customers for exchange, or repair that may be dirty, oily, or greasy. The job is not physically demanding, but Clerks spend much of the time standing and walking.

Clerks may work at a hectic pace at times. Business often comes in spurts, and Auto Parts Service Clerks must serve a line of customers quickly and efficiently while handling several telephone calls at the same time. Busy periods generally alternate with periods of low activity that permit Workers to catch up on their own work.

Most Service Clerks work a 40- to 54-hour week. The workweek often includes weekends. In parts stores that have long business hours and/or are open on weekends, Part Clerks may work shifts or have alternating schedules. Because parts businesses have standardized business hours, little overtime work is necessary. Occasionally overtime may be necessary as Clerks fill in for others who are on vacation or at inventory time.

Many Auto Parts Service Clerks belong to unions such as The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and The Automotive Service Department Employees Division of The Teamsters Union. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Work that involves business contact with people

• Work that involves communication of information

• Work that involves a variety of duties

• Work that is routine at times

You Should Be Able To:

• Work well with others

• Have a working knowledge of auto mechanics

• Present information and explain ideas clearly

• Perform arithmetical problems quickly and accurately to add up bills

• Pay close attention to clerical detail to avoid errors

• Use personal judgment inspecting worn parts/selecting correct parts

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a customer came in to buy three U-joints (at $8.99 each) and one fan belt (at $10.99), what is the total bill (including the 6% sales tax)?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

All caliper and wheel attaching fasteners are important in that it could affect the performance of vital components and systems.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a letter to your supervisor explaining any failure that might have occurred to a piece of equipment while you were on the job.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decipher what part a customer is trying to describe to you.

  [back to top]

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School diploma or equivalent; a high school diploma with specific Vocational Education classes; a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond high school); or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

043 AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS

Approved vocational education programs in Automotive Mechanics prepare students to repair and maintain all types of automobiles. Instruction includes diagnosing problems and repairing engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, cooling systems, and brake systems. Instruction also includes adjusting and repairing individual components such as radiators, transmissions and carburetors.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

058 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Transportation Services & Technology provide instruction in both foundation skills and occupationally specific skills. Upon completion of a core curriculum, students select one of 5 job titles to study: Automotive technician trainee, auto body technician trainee, diesel technician trainee, small engine technician trainee, or aircraft technician trainee.

Courses in other trade & industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

155 SALES TRAINING

Programs in Sales Training provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills useful for employment selling insurance, real estate, or other products and services in a variety of different business settings. Individuals who teach retailing at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

  [back to top]

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Experience can be obtained through part-time or summer employment in a gas station or other business that sells parts or provides auto service. Secondary programs in auto mechanics and transportation services and technology and postsecondary programs in sales training might offer co-op and work experience opportunities. Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. See the apprenticeship file for sources of more information from the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Auto Parts Service Clerk employer

internships

volunteer work with a Auto Parts Service Clerk employer

community service work with an agency

Most Auto Parts Service Clerks enter this field by applying directly to employers such as auto parts wholesalers and retailers, service repair centers, and auto and truck dealerships. Job openings are often listed in newspaper want ads. Assistance in finding a job may be obtained from high school placement offices, local unions, or local offices of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

  [back to top]

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings depend on the geographic area, size and type of employer, and whether or not the Clerk receives a commission on sales.

Nationally, the median annual earnings for all Parts Sales Workers were $20,280 in 1998.

Auto Parts Service Clerks in auto dealerships and auto parts stores had estimated beginning annual salaries averaging $27,106 in late 1998. Parts Managers had salaries averaging $47,438 per year. Wages are usually higher for unionized workers than for nonunionized workers.

Auto Parts Service Clerks who work for automobile dealers or large retail parts businesses may receive paid holidays and vacations and life, health, and accident insurance. Some employers also contribute to pension plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Most Auto Parts Service Clerks learn the trade on the job and are hired as deliverers or trainees. Some start out as stock or receiving clerks. Parts Clerks may advance to parts department manager or store manager positions. Others may become sales representatives for parts wholesalers, distributors, or manufacturers. A few open their own businesses.

The amount of time necessary for a trainee to become a fully qualified parts clerk depends on personal ability. Although trainees may begin waiting on customers after a short period of training, it usually takes 6 months to 2 years of experience before a parts service clerk is fully qualified. A Clerk would need supervisory and business management ability to become a manager. Additional education in sales techniques is usually necessary to become a sales representative.

  [back to top]

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were approximately 165,000 Parts Service Clerks employed in 1998. The majority of these parts clerks sold automotive parts. Employment of Parts Clerks is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Some openings will result from growth. However, most openings will occur as experienced workers retire or leave their jobs for other reasons.

Job security in this field is fairly good. When the economy is slow, car owners tend to repair their cars rather than buy new ones. If the economy is good, they buy accessories to dress up the car or protect it. The trend toward self-service in stores does not apply to automotive parts supplies. These products require knowledgeable sales personnel who know what the customer needs and how to obtain the appropriate part(s).

An estimated 9,450 Auto Parts Service Clerks were employed in Michigan. Employment was possible in all areas of the state, but it was concentrated in large metropolitan areas. Most Auto Parts Service Clerks were employed in the wholesale and retail trade industries. Others worked in the service industry in repair shops. A few were employed in the transportation industry by trucking companies and bus lines.

Employment of Auto Parts Service Clerks is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 380 openings should occur each year with 110 due to growth and 270 due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Reasons for demand for these Service Clerks include the growing number of motor vehicles in use, the trend toward keeping cars in service longer, larger selection of parts for the more complex new cars plus the older ones, and the increased number of do-it-yourself repairers who buy from retail auto parts stores.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Auto Parts Service Clerk can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development