An automotive cashier receives payments from customers getting their vehicles maintained or repaired, or buying parts or fluids specific to certain vehicles. These cashiers sometimes also act as the front desk receptionist and answer telephones. Some work for dealerships, others for independent or chain repair shops. The positions are entry-level, and many opportunities are available. An automotive cashier's job may appear simple, but this person actually has a wide range of job duties.

Function

Automotive cashiers explain vehicle service recommendations to customers, print out or write up estimates and invoices, and accept payment for the work once finished. While vehicles are being serviced, the cashier is responsible for all the keys. Automotive cashiers record the amount of payment and close the repair orders in the computer system. The cashiers must learn specific software programs to input and retrieve information. Most dealerships and repair shops now keep track of purchased or serviced vehicles in a database, and the cashier updates the customer's service history. They may need to calculate materials charges, repair charges, and taxes. They must understand various types of warranties.

Features

An automotive cashier also has secondary duties. Depending on the size of the company, some of them answer telephones or monitor a switchboard, or act as back-up to the receptionist. They may be responsible for filing repair orders, as well as any other administrative work required by managers. Some maintain the professional appearance of the waiting areas by picking up trash left behind, making coffee, and notifying the custodial workers of full wastebaskets or spilled food or drinks.

Types

In a dealership, some automotive cashiers receive deposits and full payments on purchases and for extended warranties. They prepare receipts for the sales staff, and deliver records to the accounting department. They also keep track of any recall orders serviced.

Significance

Automotive cashiers sometimes must handle customer complaints either on the phone or in person. If anyone complains that their vehicle was not serviced properly, the cashier must respond with concern and according to the company guidelines. They must ensure that all complaints are handled promptly.

Considerations

Automotive cashiers must be friendly and have good communication skills. They need good math and computer skills as well. Cashiers must be able to multi-task and be comfortable in a busy environment. Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and a driver's license. They typically stand for many hours. Full-time hours vary depending on the shops, which usually open early in the morning and may have evening and weekend hours as well. Some shops employ part-time cashiers to cover the extended parts of the shift. Hourly pay as of 2009 was typically between $9 and $10 an hour, with benefits for full-time employees including insurance, paid vacations and holidays, and a 401(k)plan.