Currently, employers report occasional openings and a shortage of experienced applicants. Working hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some retail outlets may require a four-hour shift on Saturday morning. Hours may also vary, as some parts houses and garages stay open on week nights, Saturdays and Sundays. Fringe benefits usually include paid medical, dental, life insurance and paid vacations.
Some employers pay vision and dental insurance.
An aptitude for arithmetic, legible handwriting and ability to read catalogs and technical materials are essential to parts counter workers. Also essential is familiarity with the function of automobile parts, including knowledge to judge whether or not parts are interchangeable. Counter workers should be neat, friendly and tactful, since they deal with the public. Most parts counter workers learn the trade on the job. Beginners often start as parts deliverers and may work in shipping and receiving departments while training to be Automobile Parts Counter Workers.