Aftermarket Senior Salesperson Profile
I entered the automotive aftermarket around 11 years ago. Prior to that I just finished year 12 without knowing entirely what career path I wanted to take. I didn’t know where to go after that, plus my marks weren’t good enough to get me into a university or TAFE course so I looked for a job. I initially entered the aftermarket sector with only a basic level of knowledge of the automotive industry, but I knew if I stuck around and did their initial years, then I would learn a fair bit and have a great time while I’m at it. I basically had to use my head to get through things, and that’s how I got to where I am today.
I loved cars, so I felt a bit spoilt. It doesn’t really feel like work when you turn up everyday and have a great time chatting with some many different people, all of whom have a passion for cars. I hardly see it as work, more of a passion.
The work I do
Often I am involved in the identification of automotive parts and products, providing customer information, conducting sales, stock control, merchandising, packaging and operating computer systems. As part of general customer interaction, I also handle telephone queries and complaints and ‘troubleshooting’ of customer problems. In keeping with the supervisory aspects, I also look at ordering and purchasing stock, co-ordinating merchandise presentation and staff sales performance, producing financial reports and maintaining security.
My workplace
Because we are a wholesaler and supplier, the set-up is fairly similar to an office warehouse. The layout is pretty good, however as the company is continually expanding, we are looking to move to larger premises fairly shortly. But it's a great business with an enormous reputation, which is one of the main reasons why I came here.
The atmosphere is good. All the guys are great fun, and everyone gets along really well and does their job and helps out with whatever they can do to make sure things get done.
Education and training
I recently completed the Certificate III in Automotive Aftermarket Retail Operations, which really improved my overall understanding of the techniques involved and gave me a fair bit of confidence.
However, basically all of my training has come from learning through
on the job experience. Often, due to the nature of the automotive aftermarket
sector, it can be difficult to gain any sort of experience elsewhere, purely
because we work according to the owner’s standards with regards to
selling techniques or stock control procedures. We aim to get people in
here who have a general interest about cars and a fairly basic knowledge.
So training is basically what you learn as you go along the process.
>> course/qualification
Why I love this industry …
I believe I have found something that suits me perfectly. I have an interest in cars, and love the role I am in now. I think the longer you stay in the industry, the more you learn about purchasing habits, the more you learn about products, and the more you learn about how to treat people also. The industry also builds a lot of character, with the continual interaction with customers and all. But there isn’t much more I can really say, except the opportunities are enormous in the industry, and I simply love working here. It is great to get paid for having a bit of fun, whilst learning at the same time.
I definitely wouldn’t mind versifying further down the track, and maybe look into owning my own shop. But the great thing is that I will always have that opportunity, such is the nature of the industry.