Vehicle salesperson

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I sell motorhomes and caravans. My job involves drafting sales notices and carrying out vehicle test drives and condition checks before sales. I also carry out moisture measurements on vehicles using a measuring device dedicated to the purpose. I liaise with customers, prepare quotations and take care of vehicle presentations and paperwork such as sales contracts, financial documents, registrations and insurance. Yes, I have to do these things as well as there is no special vehicle secretary at my workplace. My duties also include cleaning the office and vehicles and maintaining the building.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

I've always worked in sales in a variety of jobs. When I was younger, I sold consumer electronics and found that I did well in a male-dominated industry. I didn't initially consider selling vehicles but, when I heard that more women were being wanted, I contacted a dealership and got the job. This is the second dealership that I've worked for.

Describe your typical working day or week.

I arrive at work at 9 a.m. I go through the emails and prepare quotes for customers. I then get the vehicles to be sold into good condition for handover. I carry out condition checks to make sure all the equipment is working and, if necessary, change tyres, for example. During the day, I post sales ads on the website, make coffee and keep the forecourt tidy. My job is varied, which makes my days varied too.

Work often follows me home at the end of the working day, especially when I'm in the middle of a deal. I also answer emails and the work phone in my spare time, although this is voluntary. I think of myself as working for myself, because I work on commission so I get paid according to how much I sell in a month. Vehicle salespersons rarely receive a monthly salary so this is a common practice in the industry.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I work both inside the office and outside with the vehicles. In the summer, I spend a lot of time outside showing vehicles to customers, washing them and keeping the forecourt tidy. In winter, I spend more time indoors at the computer, but not all day.

Our dealership is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I can choose quite freely which days I work. I often take one week day off and then work on Saturday.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

It's good to be outgoing and interested in vehicles. The job requires continuous learning, and such learning continues throughout your career. I think the best way to learn how to sell vehicles is on the job, rather than on a course or in school. I've studied business administration and management, which has been useful.

People skills and the ability to work with different people are important, as all customers are different. Experience helps in sales, and I don't think I would have been ready to sell vehicles when I was just 20.

What is the best thing about your profession?

I really like my job. The best things are customers, nice colleagues, the varied nature of the work and the opportunity to influence my own work.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

Sometimes working in your spare time can feel like a burden. It's easy to do overtime, but that's not something you have to do. Complaints from customers can sometimes be difficult but, if I handle them well, even those customers will return to the dealership.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a vehicle salesperson?

All kinds of work experience are useful. In particular, customer service work provides a good basis for this job. I would also encourage women to be brave enough to enter the field. If you're thinking about what training would be right for you, consider a vocational qualification in sales.

How do you see the future of your profession?

I believe that the job of a vehicle salesperson will continue, because people will continue to buy them. The proliferation of electric vehicles has not yet reached the motorhome market, but their increased popularity is being reflected in an increased demand for smaller and lighter caravans.

Photo: Ilona Savitie