Customer Service Advisor
Halfords
Estimated pay: £8.32-11.44 per hour
Greater Manchester
Full time
The Breakroom Take
- People enjoy this job
- Recommended by students
- Respectful managers
About Halfords
Halfords is a retailer. They sell car parts and accessories, bicycles, touring and camping equipment.
Job description from Halfords
Great with customers? Join us! With your customer service experience, you’ll be welcoming our customers and giving them the help and reassurance they need. You’ll schedule repair work and MOTs, maintain up to date and accurate records, and talk our customers through work completed. You’ll be dealing with customers by phone, over email and face to face in the Centre, keeping them up to date and explaining technical terms in a clear and understandable manner.
With access to industry-leading, recognised training linked to your skills and experience you’ll be given every opportunity to progress your career. You’ll be responsible for:
- Finding the right solution to suit the customer’s needs
- Quoting and booking services
- Giving clear explanations and advice
- Building lasting customer relationships by treating customers with respect
- Completing all administration to company requirements
- Contributing to the achievement of daily and weekly sales targets
To be a success in this role, you’ll need:
- Experience of delivering first class customer service
- Excellent communication skills
- A proactive approach to helping customers
- The ability to problem solve and find practical solutions for customers
- IT literate
- Experience of dealing with difficult situations whilst remaining professional, tactful and calm
- Experience of working towards and achieving targets
- Health and Safety trained
- Experience of working effectively in a team
- Ideally, you’ll also have some experience of working in an Autocentre
We know that everyone has different priorities at different stages of their lives, so we offer a wide range of rewards and benefits. As well as holiday and contributory company pension, you can expect to enjoy:
- Store discount, with 25% off most products across Halfords and Tredz
- Employee discount, with up to 50% off your garage bills at Halfords Autocentre
- Discount on Halfords Breakdown Cover, with bike cover as standard for all annual policies
- Discounts on everything from groceries and shopping through to holidays, insurance, days out, restaurants and more
- Employee wellness programme offering free, independent, confidential support and counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Fantastic Trade Price Bike Scheme - buy one bike per year from a range of bikes which have been significantly reduced
- Life assurance
- Uniform
- Option to join our Sharesave scheme: save to purchase shares at a 20% discount
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Wagestream – a financial planning app that gives you more control over your pay. Access up to 30% of your pay as you earn it and save automatically from your salary to build a rainy-day fund for the future
- Health Cash Plan - claim cash back towards your healthcare costs and get access to health and well-being services
We’re in an exciting chapter – rapidly growing our business with a focus on motoring services and electric mobility. We’re the UK’s leading retailer of motoring and cycling products and services, and the UK’s largest vehicle service, maintenance and repair business. Join us and be part of our success story in getting the nation safely back on the move.
Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.
Job insights from Breakroom
Retail and sales assistants:
Sales assistants help customers and sell goods and services
What you’ll do as a retail and sales assistant:
- Serve and advise customers
- Take delivery of goods and stock
- Arrange and display goods
- Check for damaged or missing items
- Handle customer payments, returns and refunds
- Keep the store clean and tidy
Is it right for you?
This job may involve:
- Dealing with customers
- Standing
- Wearing a uniform
- Heavy lifting
- Cleaning
- Physical activities
What employees say
Pay
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Needs improving
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Most people aren’t paid a living wage
Do Halfords pay sales advisors enough to live on?
Most people are not paid a living wage.
How we know this
97% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The current rates are £12.00 per hour, and £13.15 per hour in London.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Needs improving
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Most people are paid below market rates
Do Halfords pay sales advisors market rates?
Most people are paid less than average for their job.
How we know this
82% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
Needs improving
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Under 21s get paid less than everyone else
Do sales advisors at Halfords get paid the same regardless of age?
No, people under the age of 21 get paid less than those above 21.
See what Halfords pays different age groupsHow we know this
The average pay of under 21s is less than those who are over 21.Based on data from 125 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2022 and October 2024.
Needs improving
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Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do sales advisors at Halfords get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
74% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get sick pay
Do Halfords pay sales advisors sick pay?
No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.
How we know this
76% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
Okay
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Some people do unpaid extra work
Do sales advisors at Halfords do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
34% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
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Needs improving
-
Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do sales advisors get of their shift pattern at Halfords?
Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 35% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 38% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 13% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 14% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Okay
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Some people worry about their hours
Do sales advisors at Halfords worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
36% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
Okay
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Only some people get a choice of shifts
Do sales advisors at Halfords get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
38% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Needs improving
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Hard to change shifts
How easy is it for sales advisors at Halfords to change shifts?
Most people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
74% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and September 2024.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
Good
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Easy to book holiday
How easy is it for sales advisors to book a holiday at Halfords?
Most people find it easy to book holiday.
How we know this
75% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
Okay
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Shifts can get changed at short notice
Do Halfords managers change sales advisors shifts at short notice?
Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
56% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Okay
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Some people find it hard to take sick leave
How easy is it for sales advisors to take sick leave at Halfords?
Some people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
46% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.
A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.
Good
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Most students say it’s good
Is sales advisors at Halfords job good for students?
Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
How we know this
73% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.
Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.
Okay
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Only some parents say it’s good
Is working as sales advisors at Halfords good if you have caring responsibilities?
Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.
How we know this
36% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and August 2024.
Why this matters
Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.
Workplace
-
Good
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Most people feel treated with respect
Do sales advisors at Halfords feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
76% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
Good
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Most people get proper breaks
Do sales advisors at Halfords get proper breaks?
Most people get proper breaks.
How we know this
97% of people report that they get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
Needs improving
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Most people are stressed
Is it stressful for sales advisors to work at Halfords?
Most people feel stressed here.
How we know this
73% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
Good
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Most people enjoy their job
Do sales advisors at Halfords enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
67% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do sales advisors at Halfords recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
54% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
Okay
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Only some people get enough training
Do sales advisors get enough training when they start at Halfords?
Some people did’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
56% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
Okay
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Only some people get support to progress
Are sales advisors given support to progress at Halfords?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 46% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
Needs improving
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Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do sales advisors think Halfords head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
86% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
Okay
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Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do sales advisors feel well informed about how Halfords is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
44% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
What Halfords employees say about their job
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Best thing
Building bikes for a living and doing repairs is fun. Staff discount is pretty decent (especially a bike on trade price), and 50% off at autocentres. And I work with some really lovely people.
Worst thing
Sales targets with no commission and a high expectation to fulfill demand for email receipt captures, incentives, and motoring club sign ups with only a tiny chance of receiving a small team bonus relative to the work put in (you have to be the best store in your area/the uk to receive a reward). Waiting over half a year for uniform and receiving complaints from senior staff when you don't have steel toe caps on (they're apparently on order), or wearing a cardigan in the winter because it's too cold and you've not been given a jumper. Working in a department without the necessary qualifications required to sign work off for the past 6 months, and no update on if you are going to be given a chance to persue said qualifications after asking. Being told that you take too long to do a job when you don't have the ability to sign it off yourself and have to wait for another colleague to do so. Constant short staff problems as the company is reluctant to give stores the hours needed so they can save profits. No update on the potential for a permanent contract after 8 months and just generally having one dangled over your head.
Halfords Sales advisor, July 2024
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Best thing
Great benefits good tesm
Worst thing
Hours can change at moments
Halfords Customer service, June 2024
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About this pay
CloseEstimated pay
This pay estimate is based on data from 65 Halfords employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and October 2024.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.