Description

Responsible for sales and service of automotive refinish products in a defined area. Sells direct to local resale outlets (jobbers) and assists as necessary in selling to end-users. Develops new accounts, services existing accounts, and resolves technical problems.

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Requires good reading, math, science, and computer skills. Must enjoy working with people, working with technical products, and sales. Must have good writing, communication, and presentation skills. Must be self-motivated and comfortable working in an unstructured environment.

Job Outlook

With more vehicles and more miles driven every year, collision losses are inevitable and their repair requires specialized equipment, tools, and materials. With a large variety of current materials and continual development of new materials, sales, training and troubleshooting are critical to customer satisfaction. This will continue to be a high-demand occupation.

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

A degree in Automotive Technology or Business and 2-3 years of related technical experience are required. Understanding of refinish products and related application techniques, equipment, and processes. Proven customer service skills are essential.

Earnings

This is above an entry-level sales position, requiring extensive experience and knowledge, and starting salaries from $35,000 to $45,000 are common. Increased earnings follow increased abilities.

Career Path

This position usually follows from repair shop painter experience and subsequent paint material sales or service positions. There can be opportunities for advancement to management positions. This experience could also lead toward ownership of a distributorship, positions with vehicle manufacturers, or educational institutions.

Continuing Education

Internal company and manufacturer education programs for advancement or to meet state and local licensing requirements. Continuing technical education is available through outside organizations, including I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair). Certifications are available through ASE.

 

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