What Does a Parts Advisor Do?
Find out what a parts advisor does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a parts advisor.
A parts advisor is a retail professional who helps customers find the right parts and accessories for their vehicles. They may also help customers with general questions about vehicle maintenance or repair, including advice on which parts to buy and how to install them.
Parts advisors are often expected to know everything there is to know about the parts they sell. This includes knowledge of pricing, availability, compatibility with other parts, etc.
Parts Advisor Job Duties
Parts advisors typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Performing research related to new products or services offered by the company in order to create marketing materials that can be used to educate customers about them
- Providing feedback to management regarding product lines and recommending changes based on sales trends or feedback from customers
- Interacting with customers in order to provide them with information about products or services they are interested in purchasing
- Evaluating pricing and availability of products from multiple vendors in order to make recommendations to management
- Recommending appropriate products to customers based on their needs and preferences
- Providing training to new employees regarding company policies and procedures for selling products or services
- Providing support to customers who have questions about their accounts or who are having difficulty completing a transaction
- Communicating with suppliers about product availability and pricing information
- Conducting research on new products or services offered by competitors in order to create marketing materials that can be used to educate customers about them
Parts Advisor Salary & Outlook
Parts advisors’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company size and location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of commissions and bonuses.
- Median Annual Salary: $41,500 ($19.95/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $60,500 ($29.09/hour)
The employment of parts advisors is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.
Demand for automotive repair services will largely determine employment growth for parts advisors. As cars and trucks become more complex, automotive repair shops will need more knowledgeable workers to help customers understand their options and make informed decisions about repairs.
Related: Parts Advisor Interview Questions and Answers
Parts Advisor Job Requirements
A parts advisor typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education: A part-time or full-time position as a parts advisor typically requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers may prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as automotive technology or business administration.
Training & Experience: Most parts advisors will receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training will typically last for a few weeks and will teach the parts advisor how to use the company’s computer systems, how to process orders and how to interact with customers.
Certifications & Licenses: Though certifications are not required to become a parts advisor, they can be useful for increasing your earning potential and demonstrating your skills to potential employers.
Parts Advisor Skills
Parts advisors need the following skills in order to be successful:
Technical skills: Parts advisors may need to use technical skills to understand and explain product features and benefits. You can also use technical skills to identify parts and equipment that customers need.
Customer service: Customer service skills can help you interact with customers and answer their questions. Providing excellent customer service can help you build relationships with customers and encourage them to make repeat purchases. You can also use customer service skills to train new employees.
Communication: Communication is another important skill for parts advisors. You may need to communicate with customers over the phone or in person, so it’s important to be able to convey information clearly. You may also need to communicate with your coworkers to ensure that you have the correct parts for customers or that you have the correct information about customer orders.
Problem-solving: Parts advisors often need to solve problems for customers. For example, if a customer needs to return an item, parts advisors may need to help them find the correct form or procedure to do so. Parts advisors may also need to solve issues with customers’ credit cards or other payment methods.
Product knowledge: Parts advisors should have extensive product knowledge so they can answer customer questions about the company’s products. You should know the features of each product, how to use them and how they compare to other products. This can help you answer questions and direct customers to the right products.
Parts Advisor Work Environment
Parts advisors work in a variety of settings, including auto dealerships, auto and truck parts stores, and in the parts departments of large stores that sell a variety of merchandise. They may also work in the parts departments of manufacturing plants or in the service departments of auto and truck dealerships and repair shops. Many parts advisors work the traditional 40-hour week, although some may work evenings and weekends. Some parts advisors work part time. Many parts advisors are required to stand for long periods of time and to lift and carry heavy objects.
Parts Advisor Trends
Here are three trends influencing how parts advisors work. Parts advisors will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Need for More Technical Skills
As technology becomes more complex, the need for technical skills grows. This is especially true in the automotive industry, where parts advisors are increasingly being asked to provide support for new and emerging technologies.
To stay ahead of the curve, parts advisors will need to develop a deeper understanding of these technologies and how they work. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with customers about the benefits of using these technologies.
The Importance of Customer Service
The importance of customer service is becoming increasingly clear as businesses realize that it is one of the most important factors in determining success.
Parts advisors can utilize this trend by focusing on providing excellent customer service. This includes being friendly and helpful, as well as being able to answer questions about products and services. In addition, parts advisors should be prepared to handle any issues that may arise during the customer’s experience.
More Focus on Employee Development
Employers are increasingly placing a focus on employee development in order to ensure that their employees are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in their roles.
Parts advisors can take advantage of this trend by developing their own skills and talents. This can include taking courses or training programs that will help them improve their knowledge base, or learning new software tools that will make them more efficient at work. In addition, parts advisors can also focus on developing their communication and leadership skills, which are essential for success in many industries.
How to Become a Parts Advisor
A career as an parts advisor can be a great way to get started in the automotive industry. As a parts advisor, you’ll learn about different makes and models of vehicles, as well as their parts and accessories. You’ll also gain experience working with customers and solving problems. This is a great opportunity to develop your customer service skills and learn about the automotive industry.
If you want to move up the ladder, you could become a manager or supervisor. Or you could move into another role within the automotive industry, such as sales representative or technician.
Advancement Prospects
Many people in this occupation start out as parts trainees or parts clerks. With experience, they may be promoted to parts specialists or parts managers. Some parts advisors eventually move into other occupations in the automotive field, such as sales, service, or management.
Parts Advisor Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we’re passionate about two things: cars and customer service. We’re looking for a Parts Advisor to join our team and share in that passion, providing our customers with the expert advice and guidance they need to find the right car parts for their needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of car parts and systems, as well as experience working with customers to identify their needs and provide solutions. They will be responsible for maintaining inventory levels and order accuracy, as well as providing exceptional customer service. If you’re a car enthusiast with a passion for customer service, we want to hear from you!
Duties & Responsibilities
- Understand and follow all company policies and procedures
- Greet customers in a friendly and professional manner
- Assist customers with selection of parts, based on customer needs and vehicle specifications
- Answer phone calls promptly and courteously
- Check inventory to determine if requested part is available
- Place orders for out-of-stock parts
- Receive and process payments
- Keep work area clean and organized
- Follow up with customers regarding the status of their order
- Notify manager of any customer complaints or concerns
- Participate in regular training sessions to stay up-to-date on new products and services
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license
- Excellent customer service skills
- Basic math skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Familiarity with computers and basic office software
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in business, automotive technology, or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in automotive parts sales or customer service
- Working knowledge of automotive systems and terminology
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)