AUTOMOBILE PARTS COUNTER WORKERS Number 237 Interest Area 8 1995
THE JOB
AUTOMOBILE PARTS COUNTER WORKERS sell replacement parts and equipment in automobile dealerships, wholesale and retail parts shops and auto repair shops. They locate the necessary parts and equipment and dispense them to mechanics, to other businesses or to the public.
Counter workers perform a variety of duties. They inspect damaged parts brought in by customers to determine the proper replacement. They may identify the necessary part on the basis of the customer's description of the trouble. They examine returned parts for defects and confer with customers about exchanging the part or refunding their money. They consult catalogs for stock numbers and prices and bring parts from the stockroom. If a customer needs a part that is not stocked, counter workers may suggest one that is interchangeable, place a special order for the part, or refer the customer elsewhere. Counter workers unpack and mark incoming parts and store them in the stockroom according to a prearranged system. Other duties include receiving and filling telephone orders, keeping catalogs and price lists up-to-date, recording sales and taking inventory.
In wholesale auto parts businesses and in those auto supply houses known as jobbers, counter workers sell to garages, retail supply shops, trucking companies, auto dealers and the public. In retail auto supply stores and auto dealerships, they sell to the public, and they supply parts to mechanics employed by the firm.
Counter workers may also be employed in specialty firms that supply only certain types of parts, such as electrical and carburetor systems, mufflers, brake parts or similar equipment.
Counter workers use tools such as micrometers, calipers and fan-belt measures to measure parts for interchangeability. They also may use equipment such as the coil-condenser tester to find defective parts. In some establishments, particularly small wholesale houses, they use brake-riveting machines and brake-drum lathes to repair parts.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Automobile Parts Counter Workers can expect to work indoors, constantly standing, walking and reaching high and low for parts. Most places of employment are reasonably clean, well-lighted, heated during the winter and air conditioned in the summer. Counter workers must frequently work rapidly for example, when waiting on mechanics who have taken time from repair work to get parts. They may also be required to lift heavy items.
Some counter workers belong to either the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America, or to the International Association of Mechanists and Aerospace Workers.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 30,470 Estimated number of workers in 2005 38,710 Projected Growth 1990-2005 27% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 13,400
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Automobile Parts Counter Workers are among a group of salespersons which is expected to grow slightly faster than the average for all occupations during the 1990-2005 projection period.
This slow, steady growth in automobile parts supply houses is expected to continue through 2005, particularly in larger metropolitan areas, resulting in a need for more workers to supply parts for a growing number of motor vehicles in use. Besides jobs from employment growth, many jobs are expected to occur because of the need to replace workers who leave the labor market or transfer to other occupations. Due to a shortage of experienced workers, employers have been willing to hire inexperienced applicants and train them on the job. Currently, employers report occasional openings and a shortage of experienced applicants.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Pay for entry-level counter workers ranges from $4.25 to $9.50 an hour. Experienced counter workers can earn between $5.50 and $12.75 an hour. Journey-level counter workers can earn as much as $17.00 hourly.
Working hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some retail outlets may require a four-hour shift on Saturday morning. Hours may also vary, as some parts houses and garages stay open on week nights, Saturdays and Sundays.
Fringe benefits usually include paid medical, dental, life insurance and paid vacations. Some employers pay vision and dental insurance.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
An aptitude for arithmetic, legible handwriting and ability to read catalogs and technical materials are essential to parts counter workers. Also essential is familiarity with the function of automobile parts, including knowledge to judge whether or not parts are interchangeable. High school graduation is not an entry requirement of the majority of employers; however, it is an asset, particularly when seeking a trainee job. Counter workers should be neat, friendly and tactful, since they deal with the public.
Most parts counter workers learn the trade on the job. Beginners often start as parts deliverers and may work in shipping and receiving departments while training to be Automobile Parts Counter Workers. Although trainees may wait on customers after a few months of experience, it generally takes them about two years to become fully qualified counter workers. Courses in automobile mechanics, business mathematics, merchandising, selling and English, which can be taken either in a high school or community college, are good preparation for the occupation. Previous work experience with cars, in an automobile service station or repair shop, is also helpful. Often employers promote from within to fill openings for parts counter workers.
ADVANCEMENT
If employed in a large firm, the competent parts counter worker may be promoted to assistant parts manager or parts manager. With sufficient experience and financial backing, counter workers can go into business for themselves or into a partnership enterprise.
FINDING THE JOB
Automobile Parts Counter Workers can seek jobs by direct application to employers or by referral to job openings through field offices of the California Employment Development Department Job Service.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Automotive Service Industry Association 444 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (708) 228-1310
National Automobile Dealers Association 8400 Westpark Drive McLean, VA 22102 (703) 827-7407
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Automobile Mechanics No. 24 Automobile Body Repairers No. 68
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed. Rev. 1) Salesperson, Parts 279.357-062
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Salesperson, Parts 490140
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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