A career as a parts advisor can be a rewarding career path that is both interesting and challenging. If you are highly organised, have good communication skills, and have an interest in the automotive sector, read on to find out more about a parts advisor position.
What does a role as a parts advisor entail?
As a parts advisor, you work with customers who are looking to improve or fix their cars, giving them advice and providing customer service to get them the necessary parts. The role may also involve:
- Order Preparation: Picking parts for customer orders and checking availability of stock from various enquiries.
- Sales and Customer Service: Through in-bound and out-bound telephone enquiries, walk in customers, and internet enquiries you will be developing customer relationships through providing good product knowledge and creating an effective first impression.
- Stock Control: Ensuring consumables and service parts are regularly replenished, providing a swift service to workshop and other departments as well as trade/retail customers.
- Handle warranty claims processing (relating to parts issues) and complete all relevant administration promptly and accurately (including customer records and invoicing).
What qualifications do you need to become a parts advisor?
Employers will likely also expect GCSEs at a minimum. You will usually need English and Maths at grades A*-C (9-4). The best way to enter the profession is through an apprenticeship.
What skills do you need to become a parts advisor?
- Excellent communication skills
- Sound knowledge of vehicle layout, parts catalogues and computer stock lists
- Stock control
- Problem solver
- Self-starter
- Ability to create great customer experiences
How much could I earn?
Starting salary: £10,000 (pre-training)
Experienced: £16,000 – £24,000
The average salary for parts advisors, according to InAutomotive’s 2019 data is £23,938.68
You can also find the regional average salaries for parts advisors below:
Career progression
Regardless of whether you work for a garage’s body shop or a dealership that only sources parts for one make of car, the opportunities for career advancement are good. Once you have valuable experience of sourcing parts and have obtained a high level of knowledge about how different cars operate, it may be possible to apply for positions in more prestigious car companies that will offer higher wages, or perhaps set up a garage of your own.
