Job Overview General Motors, Ford and Chrysler had been producing millions of automobiles to cater the demands of the people more especially in industrialized countries. In the early years, automobile sales workers have had a bad image to the buyers . The customers felt that they were harassed in purchasing vehicles at an unfair price. This had been solved when the 1958 Price Labeling Law was mandated. Since the price of the cars where displayed in window stickers the conflict between the customers and sales workers went low. Since the competition in sales is high, the methods of selling a car is persistent which still creates a gap between automobile sales workers and customers.
Education,Knowledge and Trainings Required
Automobile sales workers need to be knowledgeable in different types of vehicles. They can learn the basics in high school through Automotive Maintenance classes. Communication is important in this field that’s why courses in Speech, Psychology, Drama and English are recommended to be taken. To explain properly the financial packages, a sales worker should have strong mathematical skills as well. This can be enhanced by taking Business and Mathematics classes. Those who are pursuing a career in a management position can take up degrees in Automotive Aftermarket Management and Automotive Marketing.
Skills and Abilities
All sales workers should be convincing and persuasive. Automobile sales workers should know how to give excellent customer service by answering all the questions of their clients and explaining the packages thoroughly. Excellent communication skills are needed to interact properly with customer. They should know how to read the customers personality. It is important to be enthusiastic and friendly. They should also be neat and professional. This will make the client comfortable in doing business with them.
Duties
Selling automobiles is the primary task of automobile sales worker. They need know how to convince and persuade their customers to buy a vehicle.
It is also important that they know the features of the car. It is their responsibility to educate their customers about automobiles like giving them the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a new model instead of the new one. They greet and customers and ask what specifications their client is looking for. They should know how to answer questions of the customer concerning warranty, leasing options and financing packages. Once the customer agreed with the deal, automobile sales worker should assist the customer with the paper works. Some workers will schedule a periodic maintenance.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Commissions and incentives are given to hard working automobile sales worker. Their income is determined by size, location and method of salary. There is a decrease in the demand for automobile sales workers because of economic recession. The low turnout of sales for vehicles resulted to incentives being taken off and in worst cases, job layoff. Competition is tough since there is a limited need for automobile sales worker nowadays.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.