Car Sales Job Description
A car salesperson's goal is to ensure you get your preferred car. As a result of helping people purchase cars, they receive a commission from each sale. They usually do not make a salary though within some dealerships, like Carmax car, as salesmen are paid an hourly or salary rate to reduce price haggling and aggression often associated with car salespersons. Car sales persons should be experts on the vehicles that arrive in their dealership as they must be able to find the right car based on the needs of the customer.
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Responsibilities
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Car salespersons must assist customers with their new or used car purchase. They may test drive cars with customers to give them a feel for the vehicle, and they may assist customers in filling out their application for financing. They will answer any questions having to do with warranties and assist with negotiation of the sales price of the vehicle. They may coordinate warranties, repairs and detailing of the car before and sometimes after its sale. They may pre-qualify people for approval over the phone and convince their customers to purchase specific autos that may not be completely interested in.
Environment
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Car salespersons usually spend most of the day walking and escorting potential customers to vehicles they may be interested in. They may have to fill out much paperwork as many dealerships suggest a car salesman fill out car loan applications for their customer to reduce mistakes. They must work in all weather conditions though customers may not shop for vehicles on days of inclement weather. They may have a desk or cubicle shared by other car salesman unless they are working for a higher-end luxury car dealership. They can work a full-time schedule or part-time, and may go to daily or weekly meetings to discuss increasing sales and other issues the dealership may have.
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Skills
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Car salespeople must be organized, aggressive, have keen negotiation skills, effective communication skills and also the ability to persuade customers to act and purchase a vehicle. They must be flexible and have adequate writing skills. Depending on the location being bilingual is helpful. They must care about their appearance and have strong sales skills.
Education
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No formal education is necessary for a car salesperson, however they may undergo a training program with the car dealership they choose to work for. They may also shadow a tenured car salesperson if they are new to the car sales industry. Car salespersons may also self educate themselves by reading popular sales strategy and persuasion books from Zig Zigler and other sales experts.
Salary
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Car sales persons can make between $19,000 and $36,000 per year if they have less than one year experience, and can make between $30,000 and 60,000 if they have between five and nine years experience, according to PayScale.com. The car industry, and the type of automobile dealer can also determine the salary of the car salesperson.
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References
- Photo Credit Taillight and spoiler on new white car image by steven Husk from Fotolia.com
