Description
Responsible for demonstrating safe and proper use of automotive refinish products to existing and potential customers. Supports sales and marketing efforts for current and new products with automotive and commercial accounts. Tests new products and acts as product liaison between customers and manufacturer.
Personal Characteristics and Skills
Requires good reading, math, science, and computer skills. Must enjoy working with people, working around cars and trucks, and problem solving. Must have excellent communication and presentation skills. Must be goal-oriented, self-motivated, and willing to keep learning.
Job Outlook
With more vehicles and more miles driven every year, collision losses are inevitable and their repair requires specialized equipment, tools, and materials. As refinishing products develop and evolve, continual sales, support, and training is essential. This will continue to be a high-demand occupation.
Pre-Employment Education and Experience
Prior experience as an automotive painter is required. A high school education is required with post-secondary education recommended. Aftermarket material sales experience is preferred.
Earnings
This is a higher technical position, requiring extensive experience and knowledge, and starting salaries from $40,000 to $50,000 are common. Increased earnings follow increased abilities.
Career Path
This position usually follows from repair shop painter experience and subsequent paint material sales positions. There can opportunities for advancement to larger sales responsibilities or management positions. This experience could also lead toward ownership of a distributorship.
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.
see where this career fits within the repair process