Collision Industry Job Descriptions: Outside Sales

Careers And Career Paths

Collision Repair
Collision Repair Technician Structural Repair Technician Refinish Technician Entry-Level Technician Mechanical/Alignment Technician Supplemental Restraint System Technician

Management
Owner Shop Manager Parts Manager Production Manager/Foreman Estimator/Sales Person Outside Sales

New Vehicle Dealership
New Car Dealership Owner Service Director Service Manager Body Shop Manager Parts Manager Parts Counter Person Service Writer Service Technician

Office
Office Manager Office Support Personnel Information Technology Specialist

Repair Support
Helper/Apprentice Detailer Parts Support Personnel Porter/Car Washer/Lot Person

Training Resources

Collision Industry Job Descriptions: Outside Sales

Description

Promotes collision repair business to potential customers and is responsible for increasing sales. Builds relationships with insurance agents, claims offices, and fleet managers to secure additional business. Promotes business to the community.

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Must enjoy working with people, be out-going, and be self-motivated. Must be able to build relationships with insurance agents, claims representatives, and fleet managers. Good communication, organization, and time management skills are essential. Must have self-confidence and be able to work in an unstructured environment.

Job Outlook

As vehicle population and miles driven increase every year, the need for quality collision repair will always be here. Larger collision repair businesses need to build and keep good relationships with high volume customers as well as growing business volume. Outside sales is critical to meet these objectives.

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

A good understanding of the vehicle repair and insurance processes are necessary to communicate effectively with potential customers. A high school education is expected with post-secondary education in business management recommended. Industry and sales experience is preferred.

Earnings

Depending on sales volume, location, and pay plan, earnings may start between $40,000 and $50,000. Based on sales and increased business, earnings may easily surpass $75,000 yearly.

Career Path

An experienced collision repair technician or manager is an ideal candidate from the technical side, but the position can be learned by the right person with good customer service skills. This position can lead to ownership or to positions in the manufacturer, insurance, or distributor industries.

Continuing Education

Sales training and education is available through a variety of outside sources. Specific automotive management education is available through the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) and can result in the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

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