The survey cites the greater availability of "How-To" information, more comfort generally with purchasing online and older vehicles as factors driving the surge,
Purchasing Auto Parts Online
It also revealed that consumers believe saving money and the ability to comparison shop are the top benefits of purchasing auto parts online.
The snapshot survey—conducted among more than 3,200 online auto parts shoppers—was almost evenly split between occasional DIYers and frequent DIYers. Less than 10 percent identified themselves as DFMers (meaning they usually go to a repair shop or auto dealership for auto repairs) and another 10 percent said they are 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, America's largest spare parts warehouse 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 percent surveyed are more likely to buy auto parts online in the future than at the store or dealership."
Among the survey's highlights:
Survey respondents also indicated online parts purchasing is definitely in their future, with 89 percent saying they are more likely to buy auto parts online going forward than at a store or car dealership.
When asked to rank the top benefit of purchasing parts online, saving money was cited, followed by the ability to compare pricing and the availability of a bigger selection.
What do you think is the TOP benefit of buying auto parts online?
Saving money — 33.8 percent,The ability to compare prices online before buying — 25.1 percent, Bigger selection of parts than in the store or at the dealership — 18.0 percent, Access to more information about each part — 10.9 percent,Saving time — 9.0 percent,Other — 3.2 percent
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