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Car sales representative vs retail sales representative

The differences between car sales representatives and retail sales representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a car sales representative has an average salary of $44,026, which is higher than the $37,907 average annual salary of a retail sales representative.

The top three skills for a car sales representative include customer service, test drive and car sales. The most important skills for a retail sales representative are retail sales, retail store, and POS.

Car sales representative vs retail sales representative overview

Car Sales RepresentativeRetail Sales Representative
Yearly salary$44,026$37,907
Hourly rate$21.17$18.22
Growth rate4%-
Number of jobs189,827391,763
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4741
Years of experience4-

What does a car sales representative do?

A Car Sales Representative works at car dealerships primarily to help clients find the vehicle that fits their needs and preferences, securing sales in the process. Their responsibilities include greeting clients, identifying their needs and budgets, showcasing vehicles and promotions, discussing specifications, answering inquiries, and assisting customers throughout the entire procedure, aiming to build positive client relationships. A Car Sales Representative conducts research and analysis to find new business and client opportunities, generate leads, and develop sales strategies.

What does a retail sales representative do?

A retail salesperson's responsibility is to sell products and provide necessary information to the consumers to convince them of availing items. Retail salesperson's duties include coordinating with promotional programs, recommending strategies to increase sales, answering customer's inquiries, and escalating any concerns to the management that might affect the company's sales performance. A retail salesperson must have excellent communication skills to build a good rapport with the customers and assist them with their needs. A retail salesperson also helps with inventories and documenting a customer's suggestion for service improvement.

Car sales representative vs retail sales representative salary

Car sales representatives and retail sales representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

Car Sales RepresentativeRetail Sales Representative
Average salary$44,026$37,907
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $92,000Between $28,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityRichmond, VAPortland, ME
Highest paying stateNew JerseyMaine
Best paying companyAl Hendrickson Toyota ScionPella
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between car sales representative and retail sales representative education

There are a few differences between a car sales representative and a retail sales representative in terms of educational background:

Car Sales RepresentativeRetail Sales Representative
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Car sales representative vs retail sales representative demographics

Here are the differences between car sales representatives' and retail sales representatives' demographics:

Car Sales RepresentativeRetail Sales Representative
Average age4741
Gender ratioMale, 75.4% Female, 24.6%Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.2% White, 72.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 6.9% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%7%

Differences between car sales representative and retail sales representative duties and responsibilities

Car sales representative example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate and manage services and requests from clients for BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes for auto body repairs and restorations.
  • Open, operate and close POS.
  • Recruit to increase Hyundai and Subaru sales.
  • Select for Chrysler's MVP program this year.
  • Assist customers in the selection of Toyota new vehicle selection.
  • Promote the sale of new Nissan models to prospective buyers.
  • Show more

Retail sales representative example responsibilities.

  • Track leads, manage business opportunity, and initiate sales promotions using Siebel CRM.
  • Achieve quarterly and yearly bonus goals by controlling business expenses and effectively managing payroll costs.
  • Train new RSC members on sales techniques.
  • Complete daily office visit entries through CRM.
  • Conduct WebEx & PowerPoint presentations over the phone.
  • Used passion for technology and resourcefulness to generate sales.
  • Show more

Car sales representative vs retail sales representative skills

Common car sales representative skills
  • Customer Service, 47%
  • Test Drive, 33%
  • Car Sales, 14%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 1%
  • Automotive Sales, 1%
  • Customer Inquiries, 1%
Common retail sales representative skills
  • Retail Sales, 30%
  • Retail Store, 17%
  • POS, 12%
  • Store Management, 7%
  • Customer Relationships, 4%
  • Broadband, 3%