How Does an Auto Salvage Business Owner Spend a Workday?

Introduction

An auto salvage business ("junkyard") owner has many duties throughout the day, including customer service, turning wrenches, inventory control, employee control and sales. It is best if he has mechanical knowledge, as that can affect the pricing he offers.

Administrative Duties

The auto salvage business owner's administrative duties are not always daily duties, but must be done at least weekly. He must prepare payroll, update employee benefits (sick time, vacation, insurance), and prepare any reports needed. Reports include sales tax reports, sales reports, inventory reports and, usually on a monthly basis, he must prepare the hazardous waste reports. Hazardous waste reports are sent to the state, reporting how many batteries and tires and how much oil and gas the business had to dispose.

Customer Service and Sales

He spends some of his day at the counter, waiting on customers. He may also take phone orders from local auto shops or individuals looking for used parts. When he gets a phone call or a walk-in for parts, he checks the inventory on the computer, then walks to the warehouse to get the part. He then updates the inventory by ringing the sale through the computer---the retail sales automatically update the inventory.

Turning Wrenches

Sometimes, the auto salvage business owner will help pull parts of a car, unless the salvage business is a "you-pull-it" business. In a you-pull-it yard, the customer checks in at the counter, then takes his own tools to the lot and gets the part he needs. He will then go to the front counter and pay for the part.

Conclusion

The auto salvage business owner is definitely a jeans-wearing business owner, as there are times he must work on cars. Even pulling parts off the shelf can be a dirty business, especially if the parts are large. He must be able to lift up to 100 pounds by himself. He must know about the different makes and models of vehicles, and he must know what each individual part looks like.