Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

The occupation "Parts Salespersons" has an automation risk of 63.6%, which closely aligns with its base risk of 64.5%. This relatively high risk is due to the repetitive and routine nature of many tasks involved. The most automatable tasks in this role include repairing parts or equipment, receiving payments or obtaining credit authorization, and assisting customers with complaints or updating them about back-ordered parts. These activities are increasingly being streamlined by technological advances such as automated payment systems, inventory tracking, and customer service chatbots. As these technologies become more prevalent, many core aspects of the parts sales process can be performed faster, more accurately, and at a lower cost by machines. Despite this, certain tasks performed by parts salespersons remain resistant to automation. Tasks such as picking up and delivering parts, measuring parts with precision instruments to determine machinability, and demonstrating equipment and explaining its functioning to customers are less susceptible to replacement by current technologies. These activities require hands-on skills, adaptability to unpredictable circumstances, and real-time problem-solving. For example, safely transporting and correctly interpreting the specifications of irregular parts or equipment often demand human judgment and physical dexterity. Furthermore, effective demonstration and explanation of complex or unfamiliar machinery to customers benefit from interpersonal communication and situational awareness, which are challenging for automated systems to replicate. Bottleneck skills provide further insight into why some aspects of the role resist automation. Notably, the skill of originality—reflected with levels of 2.8% and 2.5%—is cited as a limiting factor in automating this occupation. Originality involves devising novel solutions to unique customer issues, troubleshooting equipment in creative ways, and adapting sales strategies to new or unforeseen customer needs. Such cognitive and creative competencies are not easily codified into algorithms or automated platforms, preserving a vital human element in the parts sales process. As technology continues to advance, roles that rely heavily on originality and adaptive interpersonal skills will remain less vulnerable to automation.