Independent Garage

Vehicle sales advisors, executives or vehicle sales people are responsible for selling new and used vehicles, from cars, bikes and vans to commercials trucks. Duties may vary depending on the type and size of the organisation, but they will commonly include:

• Greeting customers, discussing their needs and advising them on the most suitable vehicle
• Arranging test drives
• Negotiating sale and trade-in prices
• Working out finance arrangements and packages, which may include organising registration plates, road tax and delivery of vehicles
• Highlighting any additional products relevant to the customer
• Processing orders and completing relevant paperwork, which may include carrying out stock checks using manufacturers’ databases
• Updating customers on the progress of orders and contacting potential customers to update them about new vehicles and deals
• Updating stock lists
• Managing advertising and updating the website
• Keeping the forecourt and cars clean and tidy
• Providing potential customers with relevant literature and information
• Inspecting vehicles pre- and post- sale
• Attending auctions

In larger organisations you may work as part of a team, specialising in one aspect of selling. In smaller organisations you may be responsible for all aspects of vehicle sales

As a vehicle sales advisor, executive or vehicle sales person you will need to demonstrate:

• A confident and outgoing personality
• A smart appearance with a polite and professional approach
• Good communication and listening skills
• A high level of numeracy
• Good negotiating skills
• The ability to build and maintain good customer relations
• Confidence in using IT software
• A genuine interest in vehicles
• The ability to explain technical information to people who are not experts
• Good organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• The ability to work both as part of a team and alone, without supervision

Vehicle sales advisors, executives or vehicle sales people do not need any formal qualifications for this job, although many employers will expect GCSEs/Standard Grades (A-C) in Maths and English.

 

Qualifications

IMI Awards

Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Sales Principles

Edexcel

Edexcel Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Sales Competence (QCF) 

Please note: These figures are meant as a guide only and may vary from employer to employer and may be dependent on the geographical area.

Vehicle sales advisors, executives or vehicle sales people usually work around 40 hours per week, which will include some weekend and evening work to cover the busiest trading times. You may also be able to find part time work. Environments may vary depending on employers, but you would normally work in a showroom or an office, often venturing out onto the forecourt to show customers around.

Salary:

• Starting salary for new entrants may be between £9,000-£15,000
• Basic earning for experienced sales people may start at £15,000, but with commission, bonuses and other benefits may reach £20000-£35000
• Successful sales executives in senior roles may earn between £35,000-£50,000 +

Vehicle sales advisors/executives usually receive a basic salary, plus commission on sales and bonuses for meeting sales targets. They may also receive a company car. There may be opportunities for shift and overtime pay depending on the employer. You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes

There are several ways of starting your career as a sales advisor:

• Train at work, in a dedicated training facility managed by the employer; many manufacturers offer apprenticeship programmes that involve training at specially equipped centres
• Study on day release at local colleges or with training providers whilst in employment
• Attend college, or a private training provider who will organise work placements
• Study full time at college with practical exercises as well as classroom work

You may be able to get into this job via an apprentice/traineeship scheme. Apprentice/traineeships may differ from one place of work to the next but they work towards NVQ/SVQ level 2 or 3 in vehicle sales, and technical certificates in vehicle sales. To do this you may require GCSEs/Standard Grades in English, Maths, Science and IT or appropriate equivalents. For further information on apprentice/traineeships in England please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk, for Wales please visit www.careerswales.com for Northern Ireland please visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers and for Scotland please visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
 

Apprenticeships

Vehicle Sales (Intermediate- Sales Adviser)   As an apprentice, you’ll gain a broad range of skills used in a sales environment. You’ll learn how to identify a customer’s needs and interests; advise customers; promote the features and benefits of vehicles; appraise vehicles; and negotiate difficult sales. You’ll also learn how and when to make a successful compromise.

Sorry, there are no relevant jobs on the system at this time