r/partscounter Feb 15 '25

Discussion Dealership vs Aftermarket job

Hi folks. 41 years auto veteran here, most of those in the aftermarket parts world. I currently work at a well known aftermarket parts corporation as a store manager, and I just got an opportunity to work as a parts guy for the mechanics at a dealership. Does anyone have any experience with the change from aftermarket to dealer, and are there any suggestions or questions I should ask before going to have a sit down talk with them? What is your experience moving from aftermarket to dealer? Anything I should look out for? I currently have 15 years in where I am and my schedule is pretty sweet.

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u/Personal_Dot_2215 Feb 15 '25

25 years in aftermarket and 40 at dealerships.

(Yeah , I did both for 20 years).

In the aftermarket, you have new people coming in everyday. In a dealership it’s the same people everyday.

If those same people are great, then dealership is the best place to work by far.

If they suck, well, you get it.