Many people wonder, Can You Sell Cars Part Time and make a decent income or even transition into a full-time role? The answer is a resounding yes! Just like in any sales position, succeeding in part-time car sales boils down to your approach, your willingness to learn, and your dedication to customer satisfaction.
If you’re currently working part-time at a car dealership, perhaps detailing cars or in a support role, and aspire to move into a sales position, or if you’re simply considering car sales as a flexible part-time career, this guide is for you. And if you’re a dealership owner or sales manager, stick with us – the advice here is invaluable for nurturing your part-time sales staff and boosting your overall sales performance.
Let’s kick things off with a story that illustrates the power of initiative and thinking outside the box, even when you’re starting in a seemingly unglamorous part of the business.
Back in the day, fresh out of school and looking for work, I landed a part-time gig at a large auto dealership. I wasn’t selling cars right away; instead, I was placed in the accessories department – think floor mats, car covers, and novelty air fresheners. It wasn’t exactly the showroom floor, and frankly, traffic was slow. June is hardly peak season for car accessories.
My corner of the dealership felt like a forgotten zone. Days were dragging, and opportunities seemed nonexistent. After a particularly quiet morning, I decided to explore the stockroom. Tucked away behind shelves of wiper blades, I discovered a box. A dusty, unassuming box. Inside? A brand-new remote-control car – a miniature Ferrari, bright red and gleaming.
Curiosity piqued, I grabbed some batteries, powered it up, and started playing around. A thought sparked: What if I brought this out front?
Leaving the deserted accessories aisle, I ventured towards the main showroom, past gleaming new sedans and SUVs. Reaching the polished floor, I let the little Ferrari loose. It zipped and zoomed, immediately catching eyes. Customers stopped, intrigued. Sensing an opportunity, I steered the toy car towards a potential customer, watching their reaction. Smiles erupted. People were captivated, suddenly feeling like kids again in a car showroom.
I started navigating the remote car onto the small ramp they used for display models, driving it smoothly down to the service reception area, challenging service advisors to a race. Laughter filled the air. Customers who were waiting for service joined in the fun. And then, people started asking about the toy car. Turns out, seeing that little Ferrari ignited a spark. They started browsing the accessories department – my department! They were asking about car care products, upgrades, even… floor mats.
Before I knew it, customers were actually in my forgotten corner of the dealership. And they were buying. That day, we sold out of those remote-control cars (which, surprisingly, we had a few of in stock for kids visiting with their parents). The department manager called, wanting to know what was causing the sudden surge of activity in accessories. I explained my impromptu remote-control car demonstration and the resulting sales. His response? “Keep doing exactly what you’re doing!”
Within weeks, I was moved to the sales floor, selling actual cars full-time.
The lesson? Whether you’re selling accessories or aiming to sell cars part time, success comes from initiative, product knowledge, and making the experience enjoyable for the customer. I took what I had – a toy car in a quiet department – and turned it into an opportunity. I created excitement, engaged customers, and most importantly, delivered results. This is the kind of proactive approach that gets you noticed and promoted, whether you’re aiming for full-time car sales or excelling in your part-time role.
To further explore how to thrive when you sell cars part time, I reached out to experienced car sales professionals and managers for their insights. Here’s a compilation of their top tips, categorized for clarity and actionability:
Learn from the Best
From seasoned sales trainer, Mark Johnson: “Find the top salesperson at your dealership and observe them. Watch how they interact with customers, their product knowledge, their closing techniques. Even better, ask if you can shadow them for a day. Hands-on learning is invaluable.”
Develop Persistence
From veteran car salesperson, Sarah Chen: “Car sales, even part-time, requires resilience. You’ll hear ‘no’ more than ‘yes.’ Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Every ‘no’ gets you closer to a ‘yes.’ Follow up, stay positive, and keep trying.”
Understand Customer Motivations
From automotive sales consultant, David Rodriguez: “People buy cars for various reasons – needs, wants, and emotions. Some need reliable transportation; others desire status or excitement. Dig deeper than just features and specs. Understand why a customer is looking for a car. Are they starting a family? Commuting to a new job? Seeking adventure? Address their underlying motivations.”
Avoid Assumptions
From dealership manager, Lisa Miller: “Never judge a book by its cover, and certainly not a customer by their appearance. You never know who has the budget or the need for a vehicle. Treat every customer with respect and provide excellent service, regardless of your initial assumptions.”
Master the Art of Selling
From top-performing car salesman, Kevin Blake: “Know the difference between features and benefits. Features are what the car has; benefits are what the car does for the customer. Don’t just list features – translate them into benefits that address the customer’s needs and desires. Sell the experience, the lifestyle, the solution – not just the metal and rubber.”
From sales trainer, Maria Hernandez: “The sales process is fundamental: Greet, qualify, present, demonstrate, overcome objections, close, and follow up. Master each step. Engage with customers genuinely, actively listen, and guide them smoothly through the transaction. And always, always thank them for their time and business.”
From customer service expert, John Davis: “Listen actively to what customers are saying and, more importantly, what they are not saying. Their body language, their questions, their hesitations – these are all clues. Steer them towards vehicles that truly meet their needs and desires.”
From sales coach, Ashley Williams: “Understand different customer styles. Some want the newest tech; others prefer classic reliability. Some are decisive; others need time to consider. Adapt your approach to each customer’s personality and preferences.”
Research and Product Knowledge are Key
From automotive journalist, Chris Evans: “Read automotive publications, online reviews, and manufacturer websites. Become an expert on the vehicles you sell. Know the specs, features, trim levels, and competitive advantages. Product knowledge builds confidence and credibility.”
From parts department manager turned sales manager, Jessica Lee: “Do your homework on the vehicles in your inventory. Walk the lot, sit in the cars, explore the features. The more you know, the more effectively you can sell, and the more confidence management will have in your abilities.”
From automotive technician turned salesperson, Michael Chen: “Familiarize yourself with different makes and models. Understand the engines, the technology, the safety features. Be able to explain the unique selling points of each vehicle and brand you represent.”
From car enthusiast and part-time salesperson, David Kim: “Research your dealership and the brands they carry. Understand the company history, values, and mission. This broader knowledge enhances your understanding and passion for what you’re selling.”
Embrace the Fun
From experienced part-time car saleswoman, Susan Miller: “Smile, make eye contact, and be genuine. Enthusiasm is contagious! If you enjoy what you’re doing, it shows, and customers are more likely to connect with you.”
Ask for Help and Learn from Others
From seasoned sales manager, Robert Garcia: “Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your colleagues, especially senior salespeople and managers. Learn from their experience and expertise. Be a team player, and they’ll be more willing to share their knowledge.”
Value Your Contribution
From motivational speaker and sales trainer, Laura Jones: “Don’t underestimate your value, even as a part-time salesperson. Persistence, hard work, and dedication are universally valuable. Prior experience isn’t always necessary – a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn are powerful assets.”
Go the Extra Mile
From top sales executive, Richard Davis: “Be proactive. Show up early, stay a little late. Managers notice dedication. Use critical thinking to solve problems and find solutions independently. Take initiative and always strive to exceed expectations.”
In Conclusion
Can you sell cars part time? Absolutely. Landing a part-time position in a car dealership is your foot in the door. Whether you start in sales directly or in another role, your success in transitioning to full-time car sales, or simply excelling in your part-time role, depends on you.
Prove to your managers that they made the right decision in hiring you. Demonstrate that you can contribute to their dealership’s success with your skills, your initiative, and your commitment to customer satisfaction. When they see your value and your potential, they’ll be eager to invest in your growth and offer you more opportunities.
Use these proven tips to demonstrate your seriousness about a career in car sales, whether part-time or full-time. Apply these principles, and you’ll not only succeed in selling cars part time but also pave the way to tell others how you achieved your goals in the automotive industry.
Dealership Owners and Managers: Share this advice with your part-time sales team to empower them and elevate your dealership’s performance.
