Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

The Work

Vehicle parts salespeople identify, obtain stock, supply and sell all types of vehicle parts and accessories.

Their main role is to sell the goods. They will sell new or used parts depending on what's available. They advise customers on the parts and accessories they need.  
 
Vehicle parts salespeople take orders from customers both over the telephone and in person, and advise them on the parts they require.

They identify the part number using a microfiche or computer and select the parts from the warehouse or external supplier. Parts salespeople issue invoices for sales, handle cash or cheques and order stock. They keep records of all parts being sold and stored.

One of their responsibilities is to keep the shop floor tidy and all parts in order where they can be easily accessed.  
 
In small parts departments, they unload deliveries, check in parts and store parts in the warehouse. Parts departments supply parts to mechanics in the workshop who carry out service and repairs, to customers in the motor vehicle trade and to the general public.

They usually specialise in either light vehicles such as cars or vans or heavy vehicles such as lorries and buses. More experienced parts salespeople may work only on telephone sales/orders.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.
• Prepare and submit sales contracts for orders.
• Visit establishments to evaluate needs or to promote product or service sales.
• Maintain customer records, using automated systems.
• Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, or credit terms.
• Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.
• Contact new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs.
• Emphasise product features, based on analyses of customers' needs and on technical knowledge of product capabilities and limitations.
• Compute customer's installation or production costs and estimate savings from new services, products, or equipment.
• Select or assist customers in selecting products based on customer needs, product specifications, and applicable regulations.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

There are many pathways into a career in sales, retail, and parts support. 

Training & Development 

Traineeship Retail, Supply & logistics, Hardware Sales search FET Traineeships

FET centre PLC courses Sales, Marketing, Motor Mechanic & Automotive NFQ level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship Sales NFQ level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €36k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Excel/ Clark

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

There was a large fall in employment levels between 2021 and 2022, declining by over 9.000 persons. Employment for this occupation is across a number of roles (e.g. sales supervisors, window dressers, street traders and debt collectors). A shift in business models, particularly to online selling, may reduce the demand for in-person sales related activities (e.g. van sales persons or window dressers) in the coming years.

• Society of the Irish Motor Industry

  • 5 Upper Pembroke St, Dublin 2
  • (01) 676 1690
  • [email protected]
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• Retail Ireland

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