A vehicle salesperson sells new cars and buys and sells second hand cars, motorcycles and vans.

The Work

You could be:

• greeting customers and discussing what type of car they want
• telling customers about the features of various vehicles
• arranging test drives and accompanying customers on them
• arranging terms of sale — this can involve discussing complicated financial options
• negotiating trade-in price for the customer’s old vehicle
• telling the customer about any optional extras such as after sales service or accessories
• doing a final inspection of the vehicle and checking paperwork before delivery
• buying second hand cars at auctions or advertising in trade journals
• maintaining presentation of the showroom forecourt.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

As a vehicle salesperson you could start off earning between £18,000 and £20,000 a year. With experience it could rise to £35,000 to £50,000 a year. There is normally a basic salary and you can earn more through bonus schemes and commission on sales. A company car is normally included.

Conditions

• You will work in showrooms and offices, but will demonstrate cars outdoors.
• You work around 40 hours a week but have to work evenings and weekends, the busiest trading times.
• You will probably have to meet sales targets every month.
• Your pay will vary because some of it will be from commission on sales.

Getting In

• You do not need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful. Customer service skills are more important.
• You need a clean driving licence.
• Sales experience from any industry is useful.

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• interested in and knowledgeable about the product you are selling
• an excellent communicator
• smartly presented
• persuasive and a good negotiator
• self-confident and outgoing
• self-motivated and determined
• able to do calculations, complete paperwork and keep accurate records
• able to stay calm when working under pressure to meet sales targets.

Training

• Training is mostly on the job.
• You could study for the SVQ in Retail (Sales Professional) at SCQF Level 6.
• You may work towards the IMI Sales Accreditation. This involves sitting practical exams and completing online knowledge tests to become a Technician. There are two levels of job roles within IMI Accreditation Sales: Sales Executive and Senior Sales Executive.

Getting On

• Promotion may depend on your sales record.
• In larger companies you can move into sales management and then into general management.
• Some car salespersons become self-employed.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.