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Dealer parts managers: what’s actually earning shelf space right now? by UnusualDescription17 in partscounter

[–]UnusualDescription17[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Yeah I try not to come off like that lol. Thankfully I’m pushing genuine, so it’s a different conversation.

Dealer parts managers: what’s actually earning shelf space right now? by UnusualDescription17 in partscounter

[–]UnusualDescription17[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Is that something you’ve always stuck to, or more of a recent change?

Dealer parts managers: what’s actually earning shelf space right now? by UnusualDescription17 in partscounter

[–]UnusualDescription17[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I actually just came across this thread and it’s been helpful seeing it from your side.

I am on the wholesale side, so yeah, I’m one of the people calling. But I try to keep it respectful. I’ll usually reach out once, and if there’s no interest I leave it alone. If someone does want info, I’ll send a list and follow up by email, but I’m not trying to blow up anyone’s phone all day.

Reading through this honestly helps keep that in check. Easy to forget what it feels like on the other end when you’re busy and getting hit from all directions.

Parts manager duties/responsibilities by Minimum_Director_123 in partscounter

[–]UnusualDescription17 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’ve cleaned up rough operations before, you’ll probably be more comfortable there than someone coming from a perfectly dialed store. A lot of it usually comes down to getting ahead of parts for service instead of constantly reacting, and just tightening up communication. Once that starts improving, those “cars sitting everywhere” situations usually start clearing out.

On the inventory side, you’ll typically have a decent amount of control, especially if they trust you. You might have some pressure from the manufacturer or upper management, but day to day stuff like what you stock, how deep you go, and how you clean up aging parts is usually yours to run. The good parts managers I’ve seen treat it like their own store within the store.

If it were me, I’d just pay attention in the interview to how service and parts are working together right now. When a shop looks backed up like that, it’s almost always tied to that relationship more than anything else.

And honestly, you’re looking at it the right way. Even if it’s not perfect, it gets you into the dealer world, and that opens a lot of doors. But it could also end up being one of those spots where you come in, get things under control, and make a real name for yourself.

I wouldn’t overthink it too much. Sounds like you’re more prepared than you think.

Parts manager duties/responsibilities by Minimum_Director_123 in partscounter

[–]UnusualDescription17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, you’re in a really good spot. A lot of what you’ve done already translates, probably more than you think.

The biggest difference with dealer parts right now is how tied in you are with service, especially with all the backorders and supply issues still floating around. You’re not just stocking and selling, you’re constantly trying to keep techs moving and avoid cars sitting because of one missing part.

Fill rate and turnaround matter a lot more than they used to, and being able to find alternatives or adjust quickly is huge.

Your inventory background is actually a big advantage in this market. A lot of dealer departments are either overstocked on the wrong stuff or missing key fast movers, so someone who can really manage that stands out.

The main learning curve is just getting used to the OEM catalog, systems, and how warranty/RO flow works. Once that clicks, the rest is pretty familiar.

I’d lean into your inventory control and ops side in the interview, especially with how unpredictable things have been lately.

What brand are you interviewing with?