Automotive Parts Counter Job Description | What is an Auto Parts Counter?

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An automotive parts counter person reviews information on a clip board

Whether you’re looking for a role as a parts counterperson or a manager ready to hire for this position, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we outline the duties and responsibilities of the parts counter team members. Think of it as a sample job description and roadmap to identifying the qualifications needed for securing this role in the future.

What Does an Auto Parts Counterperson Do?

Workers at the parts counter are responsible for selling parts to customers, either in person over the counter, through the shop, or over the phone¹.This role, therefore, involves customer service and retail skills, and these individuals may contribute to inventory tracking, storage, and shelving in support of the parts manager.

For customers looking to purchase an item that is not in stock, the employees at the parts counter will be responsible for ordering through the catalog. Once a customer has placed their order, the counterperson will also need to provide quotes and timelines and follow up with customers. Since they will be working with specific auto parts, this individual needs to have enough automotive knowledge to answer questions and lead customers in the right direction².

What Is the Job Description of an Auto Parts Counterperson?

If you’re looking to apply for jobs at a parts counter, use this section to prepare your skills. For those who are managing a business, you can use the following template as your job listing when you prepare to hire someone for your parts counter:

Help customers choose the parts they need.
Communicate in a friendly and professional manner.
Provide accurate information to customers, backed by knowledge of the automotive industry.
Ensure customers are aware of companion parts they may need.
Promote parts sales and specials.
Answer phone calls and provide informative answers/price quotes.
Work with the body shop to ensure all parts are ordered and notify customers upon delivery.
Pull orders from stock when necessary.
Communicate when parts are out or running low to the parts manager.
Follow-up on backordered parts and track shipments.
Refill inventory on a daily basis.
Ensure all billing for purchases is accurate and complete.
Process payments from retail customers.
Process all returns and exchanges, examining parts for damage.
Record warranty parts returned.
Keep inventory and invoicing records, comparing invoices and purchase orders to ensure accuracy.³
Maintain a clean and professional workspace.
Assist parts manager where needed, including with inventory, lost sales tracking, and parts updates.¹

How Can Someone Become an Auto Parts Counterperson?

The role of a parts counterperson can be done by someone who doesn’t have any sort of specific training and experience; however, these are the general prerequisites:

High school diploma or GED
Knowledge of and interest in auto parts and repair (whether through vocational school training, community college, or previous work experience)
Experience with customer service and retail
Strong communication skills
Attention to detail²

What to Look for When Hiring a Parts Counterperson

When hiring for the role, it’s important to focus on skills like customer service, communication, and organization. If you’re encountering applicants with direct previous experience as a parts counterperson, it will be clearer whether they are suited for the role. But if you are assessing candidates who are making a career shift, checking transferable skills can help with the evaluation process. Look for the following:

Strong interest in the automotive industry, including work on their own car
Strong comprehension skills, with the ability to read instructions, correspondences, and write memos
Clear speaking and presenting skills, with the ability to convey ideas with simplicity and clarity
Mathematical skills, including multiplying and dividing units, measuring, rounding up and down, understanding percents, and fractions
Strong common sense understanding when it comes to following directions
Decision making skills when there are numerous variables
Clear sense of organization and process¹

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