Automotive Parts Service Clerk
An Automotive Parts Service Clerk is a professional responsible for selling new and replacement automotive parts to customers, including wholesale buyers, repair facilities, and the general public. Employment opportunities for clerks exist in various settings, such as dealerships, retail parts stores, and repair facilities. The role typically requires a passion for automobiles and a background in customer service, as clerks must effectively communicate mechanical information to a diverse clientele. Daily responsibilities may include managing inventory, processing parts shipments, and assisting customers in selecting the right parts for their needs.
While no formal education is required to enter this field, strong communication skills, basic math abilities, and some familiarity with automotive repair are beneficial. Clerks often receive short-term on-the-job training to familiarize themselves with inventory systems and customer service protocols. The work environment can vary considerably, with clerks often standing for long periods and performing tasks that include lifting heavy parts and utilizing diagnostic tools. Despite a projected decline in job growth, those interested in the automotive field may find this position rewarding, as it combines technical knowledge with customer interaction.
Automotive Parts Service Clerk
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Marketing, Sales & Service
Interests: Automobile repair, customer service, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $33,900 per year $16.30 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -2% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education No formal educational credential
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Automobile parts service clerks are responsible for selling new and replacement automotive parts to wholesale buyers, automotive repair facilities, or the public. They may work in dealerships, retail parts stores, or repair facilities. Some work for public works departments, managing parts for vehicle fleets. Automobile parts service clerks may test parts before they are purchased, advise consumers on the selection of parts, and deal with any subsequent issues. They are also often responsible for maintaining inventory and making purchasing requests.
Work Environment. Automobile parts service clerks work in a range of indoor facilities, from massive warehouses to smaller parts shops attached to dealerships or repair facilities. Some clerks perform support tasks such as inventorying, stocking, and ordering parts, while others are responsible for identifying, locating, and selling the necessary parts to customers.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of automobile parts service clerk tend to be interested in automobiles and have some experience with automobile repair. They typically have retail experience as well and are devoted to providing excellent customer service. Automobile parts service clerks must be good communicators capable of explaining mechanical processes in a clear and concise manner. They must also be capable of maneuvering heavy parts and have excellent vision and dexterity.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The daily duties of an automobile parts service clerk may include opening or closing the facility, checking stock, performing sales tasks such as running reports and managing a point-of-sale system, and cleaning the facility. Some facilities take online and phone orders from customers, while others maintain more traditional storefronts open to the public, so the extent and means of interaction with customers vary.
Clerks may receive and process parts shipments, inventory and stock merchandise, and ensure that parts are ready for resale. They may also review parts catalogs and websites to anticipate future ordering needs. In large municipal and dealership networks, clerks may need to coordinate the movement of parts between facilities. If a facility receives a specific repair request, a clerk may be required to research the parts needed to perform the necessary repair.
Automobile parts service clerks must often enter and retrieve information from computer databases and research repair needs online. They must also be able to respond quickly to customer requests and, therefore, must be excellent communicators. Clerks who work in parts warehouses or stockrooms and have limited contact with the public must still be able to receive and fulfill orders and work with internal customers.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Many automobile parts service clerks work in retail auto parts facilities and perform duties similar to those in other retail establishments. These facilities vary in size, from small specialty parts shops to vast warehouses. Clerks are often required to stand for long periods of time and to climb, reach, and bend to stock shelves and manage inventory.
Human Environment. Automobile parts service clerks often work closely with the public and have many opportunities for interaction during the workday. Clerks interact with customers, technicians, and managers and often work alongside other clerks and retail staff.
Technological Environment. Automobile parts service clerks use computer databases and parts websites to order parts and determine which parts are needed for particular repairs. They are also often required to use point-of-sale or retail management systems. Some clerks use diagnostic tools to test parts before they are sold or examine defective parts.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A student interested in a career as an automobile parts service clerk should have a strong interest in automobiles and a solid background in communications, English, and math. Many technical and vocational high schools offer courses in automobile repair, which can provide an excellent background for a career in the industry.
Postsecondary. A postsecondary degree is generally not a requirement for employment as an automotive parts service clerk. However, many technical and community colleges offer courses on automotive repair that may help clerks better understand the parts needs of mechanics and fleet managers.
Related Occupations
− Automotive Service Attendant
Bibliography
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 41-2021 Counter and Rental Clerks." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes412021.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.
"Retail Sales Workers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.