# Auto shop step 2: parts and labour

> Add parts, tires, fluids and accessories with brands and warranties, and labour jobs as products without stock, ready for the POS and job cards.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/auto-shop/step-2-parts-and-labour/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

A garage sells two kinds of things: **parts** you keep on the shelf (filters, pads, batteries, tires, fluids, wipers) and **labour** you sell by the job or the hour. Both are products in SmartPOS Hub, so they work the same on the POS, on job cards and in reports.

## Before you start

- **Enable Brands** and **Enable Warranty** are on ([step 1](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/auto-shop/step-1-locations-and-modules/)).
- Categories are set up, for example Brakes › Pads, Filters › Oil Filters, Oil & Fluids › Motor Oil, Tires › Passenger, and **Labor & Services**.

## Add parts

1. Open **Products › Add Product** (or **Products › Import Products** for a long list).
2. Enter the name with the part number and fitment, for example "9006 Headlight Bulbs (pair)".
3. Use the manufacturer's barcode or your part number as the **SKU**. Pick the **Brand**, **Category** and **Unit** (Pieces, Quart…).
4. Choose a **Warranty** (for example 3 years on a battery).
5. On **Pricing**, enter the purchase price and selling price; on **Stock**, keep **Manage Stock?** ticked and set an **Alert quantity**.
6. Save.

## Add labour as products without stock

1. Open **Products › Add Product**.
2. Name it after the job, for example "A/C Performance Check & Recharge", "Brake pad replacement - labour" or "Diagnostic - 1 hour".
3. Category **Labor & Services**, unit **Pieces** or an hour unit.
4. Untick **Manage Stock?** so it never runs out.
5. Enter the price. Save.

![Product list of an auto shop with headlight bulbs, A/C performance check and recharge in Labor & Services with no stock, A/C recharge kit and all-season tires with stock](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/products-list.C-t1Yl17.png) (web app page: `/products`)
*Parts with stock and labour without stock (the A/C check shows -- in Current stock).*

**Tip:** 
Create one "Shop supplies" product (rags, cleaner, small hardware) without stock and add it to jobs at a fixed price or percentage you agree with customers.

## Link parts to car models (optional)

In **Repair › Device models** you keep the models you service most (Honda Civic, Ford F-150…). To link a part, edit it in **Products › List Products** and choose the model under **Device model (for parts)**; the model list shows how many parts are linked. On a job card for that model, those parts are suggested first.

## Sell parts over the counter with vehicle details

A parts-only sale does not need a job card. If you want the plate, VIN or mileage on the sale (to check fitment or for returns), switch on **Order options & personalisation** and import the **Part for my vehicle** form from **Products › Order options › Import prebuilt**. The form opens when the part is added to the sale. See [Order options](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/order-options/).

## Tips and mistakes to avoid

- Keep labour and parts in separate categories; the profit report then shows labour margin and parts margin clearly.
- Don't put tire sizes only in the description. Put them in the name so cashiers can search "205/55R16".
- Core charges (battery or alternator cores) can be a separate product without stock that you add and refund on return.

Next: [step 3: set up Repair for vehicles](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/auto-shop/step-3-set-up-repair-for-vehicles/).

  - [Add products](https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/add-products/)
  - [Import products from Excel](https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/import-products-excel/)
  - [Combo and service products](https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/combo-and-service-products/)
  - [Order options](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/order-options/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I add labour?

As a product with Manage Stock? unticked, in a category such as Labor & Services. Give it a price per job (oil change labour) or per hour, and sell more than one for several hours.

### Can I sell oil by the quart and by the 5-quart jug?

Yes. Use a base unit Quart and a sub-unit such as Jug (5 qt) with Enable Sub Units on, or sell the jug as its own product.

### How do I make parts show first for a car model?

Add the model in Repair › Device models, then edit the part in Products and choose the model under Device model (for parts). Those parts are suggested first on job cards for that model.

### Can I import my parts list?

Yes. Products › Import Products takes a spreadsheet with name, SKU or part number, brand, category, unit, cost and price.

### Do tires need variations?

Only if you want one product with several sizes. Many shops create one product per tire size so the size is in the name and the barcode.