Survey shows online shopping for auto parts is growing

(March 21, 2013) CARSON, Calif. — Consumers report they're purchasing more auto parts online now than they did three years ago. According to a survey by AutoPartsWarehouse.com, the online trend is fueled by the greater availability of  "How-To" info, more comfort generally with purchasing online, and the growing percentage of older vehicles.

The survey also revealed that consumers believe that saving money and the ability to comparison shop are the top benefits of purchasing auto parts online.

The snapshot survey, which was conducted among over 3,200 online auto parts shoppers, was almost evenly split between occasional DIYers (Do-It-Yourself) and frequent DIYers, with less than 10 percent identifying themselves as DFMers (Do-It-For-Me) — usually go to repair shop/dealership for auto repairs — and another 10 percent as auto mechanics.

"This survey confirms that consumers are becoming increasingly comfortable purchasing parts online, further empowering themselves when their vehicles need repairs, whether by saving money, comparing pricing and/or installing parts themselves," said Shane Evangelist CEO of AutoPartsWarehouse.com.  "

And it makes sense. With an aging vehicle population, more consumers DIYing and repair shops willing to install parts purchased online, it is no surprise that almost 90% surveyed are more likely to buy auto parts online in the future than at the store or dealership."

The survey revealed that occasional/frequent DIYers are doing more online purchasing of parts than they were a few years ago, with 78 percent reporting that they are purchasing more parts online today than they had in the previous 3 to 4 years.

When asked why they were purchasing more parts online today, a "greater comfort with purchasing things online" was the top reason, followed by more access to DIY auto repair info online, and owning an older vehicle ranking third. 

Interestingly, while 31% cited the economy as a reason, it was the bottom-ranked choice, indicating that the macro forces of increased adoption of e-commerce and online information in general, as well as a longer vehicle ownership cycle, are trumping financial challenges, perhaps a reflection of improving economic conditions. 

And survey respondents indicate that online parts purchasing is definitely in their future, with 89% saying they are more likely to buy auto parts online going forward than at the store or dealership.

When asked to rank the top benefit of purchasing parts online, saving money was cited as the top benefit, followed by the ability to compare pricing and the availability of a bigger selection.