Aftermarket car parts make up a significant portion of the automotive industry. In fact, the sector brings around 20% of the revenue to the industry. Whenever someone looks to replace or modify components of their car, they can either turn to parts built by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), third-party manufacturers, or second-hand equipment. Aftermarket car parts are those made by third-party manufacturers, which refer to a different company other than the vehicle&#;s original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are also sometimes known as generic, non-OEM, and/or competitive replacement parts.
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It&#;s important to point out that there are currently over 230.5 million licensed drivers in the United States. Likewise, the age of vehicles on American roads averages out at around 11.8 years. It should come as no surprise then, that the entire automotive aftermarket industry is about $381 billion as of , $282 billion of which is comprised solely of light-duty vehicles. In addition, personal consumption of auto parts in June reached an all-time high of $50.5 billion.
And given the current COVID-19 pandemic, DIY automotive projects have seen a steady rise. Likewise, buying auto parts online has also seen a steady increase. In fact, in the North American auto parts eCommerce business is expected to exceed $20 billion. Traditionally, the eCommerce aftermarket sector was increasing between 3.5% and 3.9% per year. Yet, in light of the coronavirus pandemic effects, aftermarket eCommerce is expected to grow at an even faster rate for the foreseeable future.
It should also be noted that the digital environment has had a significant influence on the overall automotive aftermarket industry. Around $140 billion worth of parts, components, tools, accessories, and services that have been sold through all sales channels, including brick-and-mortar stores and service shops, have been influenced to varying degrees by the digital environment. By , that influence is expected to further increase to over $168 billion.
When it comes to car repairs, some insurance companies may have the option of using aftermarket parts, instead of original equipment manufacturer components. However, many vehicle owners may feel a bit concerned since these aftermarket components are not made by the same company as their cars. Nevertheless, there is more to these third-party manufacturer components and accessories. This guide to aftermarket car parts will shed some light on what automotive parts business owners need to know.
The topic of aftermarket parts and accessories has been going on for a long time among car enthusiasts. Many worry whether aftermarket parts are as good, safe, or reliable as their OEM counterparts. But over the years, aftermarket parts have gained a lot of popularity and acceptance as a good alternative to original manufacturer parts. In some cases, they are even seen as superior by using better materials and more advanced technologies than the car manufacturers, themselves. And according to the Insurance Information Institute, automotive aftermarket components should not interfere with a vehicle&#;s warranty.
That said, it&#;s essential to keep in mind that there are different types of aftermarket parts; structural and cosmetic. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), aftermarket cosmetic parts have absolutely no effect on safety. Everything from fenders, quarter panels, door skins, bumper covers, trims, etc., will not impact the safety of the passengers. Structural parts, on the other hand, are directly responsible for the safety of the occupants in the event of the crash. And according to the IIHS, some aftermarket structural parts can meet these requirements.
When it comes to safe structural components, buyers need to make sure that they have the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) certification. The association has very high standards and guidelines when it comes to aftermarket parts. The CAPA runs numerous tests on both the production and quality of materials, as well as part integrity. To become CAPA certified, the aftermarket components need to be considered as &#;functionally equivalent&#; to their OEM counterparts. By comparison to some insurance companies&#; requirements that the parts should have a standard of evaluation of &#;like kind and quality,&#; the aforementioned CAPA &#;functionally equivalent&#; certification is a stronger alternative of the two. While the &#;like kind and quality&#; requirement doesn&#;t typically include the function and/or crash test performance, a CAPA certification does.
And aside from the fact that aftermarket products are more readily available than their OEM variants, they can also help buyers save more money. According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), aftermarket parts save consumers over $1.5 billion. Generally, OEM parts are 60% more expensive than those made by third-party manufacturers. And it&#;s because of these cost savings that some insurance companies choose to use aftermarket components after accidents.
Given the proliferation of the automotive aftermarket eCommerce sector, more and more auto part businesses are looking to enter the online marketplace. However, the majority of them do not feel prepared to make the transition. While some lack the necessary technical skills and know-how, others lack a comprehensive strategy and business plan to do so. There are also those that do not have the necessary digital resources to operate their car or truck part business, at least partially, online. This guide to aftermarket car or truck parts will also provide some information on how to make the transition.
Starting a business almost always involves a fair degree of market research. One of the fastest and most effective ways of doing this is by talking with anyone buying and selling auto parts. This can include everyone from car enthusiasts, auto repair shop owners, local mechanics, and even people who decided to do a small project on their car some time ago. Ask them about their wants, needs, expectations, and pain points. Try to figure out what manages to drive a sale or a purchase for them. Also, ask them about the experiences they had while they made an online purchase. This data will help you learn what to use and what to avoid to improve the overall shopping experience of your buyers.
Like with any other type of business, successfully running an aftermarket auto parts company means that you need to know the customers. These consumers can be divided into two broad categories: B2B and B2C consumers. Business-to-business consumers typically include wholesalers such as auto shops, garages, and other such vendors. The benefits of selling aftermarket car parts to B2B consumers typically translate to higher sales volumes, more stability, and lower costs overall. By and large, auto shops and garages tend to purchase components that need to be replaced more frequently, such as tires, oil filters, plug wires, spark plugs, fuel pumps, and more.
Retail customers (business-to-community buyers) such as end-users and car enthusiasts, will tend to provide less stability and lower volume than is usually the case with B2B buyers. Nevertheless, you will have access to a wider customer base and will be able to provide them shorter delivery times, such as same day shipping. By extension, this means that you will also be able to provide a better customer experience. Likewise, car enthusiasts are generally more interested in cosmetic parts, such as mirror accessories, suspension kits, seat covers, car covers, center caps and other such accessories.
While some aftermarket auto parts businesses choose to sell parts to both B2B and B2C customers, it&#;s often better to focus your services on a specific niche. If for example, you will be building your eCommerce website, catalog, and business predominantly on repair shops, garages, and other such vendors, the bulk of your inventory should also be geared towards parts that are most frequently used by these consumers. It&#;s a good idea to analyze which car parts are most commonly replaced, such as control arms, brake pads, fuel tanks, air filters, fuel pump, wiper blades, headlight bulbs and tail lights, oil filters, batters, spark plugs, oil pans, etc. You should also take a closer look at the components that are most prone to wear and tear, such as fuel systems, water and oil pumps, tires, belts, fuses, alternators, engine sensors, mufflers, etc.
When it comes to B2C customers, such as car enthusiasts and people who commonly engage in DIY projects, you can focus more of your inventory on cosmetic, rather than strictly functional and/or structural parts. By doing so, you will be able to provide a much better shopping experience, greatly increasing the chances of repeat customers. That said, you will also need to keep a constant eye on the best-selling auto parts, as these have a tendency to change over time. Nevertheless, there are certain parts and accessories, such as tires, GPS trackers, car DVRs, smart locks,mirror accessories, seat covers, car covers, plug wires, headlights, tail lights, fog lights, or jump starters, among others, that are fairly consistent top-sellers.
Once you have a general understanding of your target audience, it&#;s a good idea to take a quick look at your competition. Examine all of their sales channels, such as Amazon, eBay, eCommerce websites, and other third-party aftermarket automotive sites. Determine how these auto parts businesses set their prices and how they operate to get a better understanding of how to outcompete them. Compare this information with what you&#;ve learned during the market research phase and determine how you could do things better.
Professional images go a long way whenever you are selling car parts and accessories online. People want to see how these components look as they try to gauge the overall quality of the product. Low-resolution photos or stock images will typically deter people from making a purchase and can even end up hurting your brand&#;s image.
When it comes to describing the car parts and components, you should really take your time and go as in-depth as you can. By using fitment data in your listings, your customers will also be able to find what they are looking for much more easily. Fitment data will tell them whether the part they are looking at will actually fit their vehicle and if it will be able to satisfy all of their needs. Lastly, when you are putting together the product descriptions, don&#;t forget to mention whether the part is aftermarket or made by original equipment manufacturers.
Due to its huge customer base, Amazon makes for an excellent sales channel for automotive aftermarket parts and components. But in order to have access to the Automotive & Powersports product category, you will also need to have a Professional Seller account. So, you can either get Amazon&#;s approval in this product category or get it to review your independent eCommerce website. There are several basic requirements that will get you qualified to sell auto parts on Amazon. These include the following:
While most automotive parts and accessories can be sold on Amazon, some tend to work better than others. By and large, exterior and interior parts, as well as lighting and LED products, tend to be best-selling categories on the platform.
Among these we can include the following:
Exterior Parts:
Interior Parts:
Other Parts and Accessories
The second most prolific third-party sites to use when selling automotive parts and accessories is eBay. The platform is designed in such a way to streamline the entire process for both the buyers and sellers. Selling auto parts, components, tools, and accessories on eBay is pretty straightforward. If you don&#;t have an account, you will need to sign up on eBay and select the Sell option. You start by creating a product listing and provide eBay with all the details about that component. You will need to select eBay Motors in the Categories section and choose Parts and Accessories. These categories will become more and more specific as you advance with the listing.
However, for an auto parts business, creating listings one at a time can be incredibly labor-intensive and time-consuming. Luckily, eBay&#;s Seller Hub can greatly streamline this process. Also, when you are creating parts and accessories listings, you can also use eBay Motors Parts Compatibility. This tool allows you to add fitment data, such as the year, make, and model of the vehicle, trims, manual or automatic transmission, engines, fuels, and other such information.
Some of the most commonly-sold parts on eBay include:
Whether you decide to sell auto parts and accessories on Amazon, eBay, or both, as a business, you should also consider building your own eCommerce website. To build an eCommerce site basically means that you will be building on an open-source framework or self-hosted eCommerce system. Most commonly WordPress is the go-to open-source website platform. But if you are not particularly tech-savvy and don&#;t have the necessary know-how, you should look to collaborate with a web developer and designer to help you design and develop your site. While there is more investment to be made, building your own site provides you with plenty of opportunities to customize and integrate the pages and information however you want.
A different alternative is to host your eCommerce site. You can do this through hosting platforms such as Shopify or Bigcommerce. These hosted systems will spare you from having to upgrade, maintain, or host your site. That said, the customization possibilities are fairly limited when compared to building your website from scratch.
Whether you are looking to sell fog lights, bumper covers, floor mats, brake pads, or any other type of car parts, accessories, components, or tools on eBay, Amazon, or your own eCommerce website, you will need to keep in mind that simply setting up your channels is only the start. There is plenty of competition out there, and you will need to do as much as you can to make sure that you stand out. Among the most important aspects here will be to always stay up to date on all industry trends and new components that enter the automotive aftermarket on a regular basis. You will also need to know what digital tools to employ to give you an edge in managing your eCommerce catalogs on all of your sales channels.
When you are optimizing your auto parts store and eCommerce platform listings, you will need to make sure that you use the highest-quality product images possible and provide comprehensive and relevant product descriptions. To avoid confusion for potential customers looking to buy car parts online, make sure that each product is backed up by the necessary fitment data. In doing so, you will maximize visibility whenever these customers perform a keyword search.
Most importantly, however, is that detailed and up-to-date fitment data will ensure that every time a potential buyer looks up an auto part or accessory, they will know whether or not it will actually fit their vehicle. What&#;s more, that fitment data will also let them know if that particular car part will be able to satisfy all of their needs. However, making sure that every listing in your auto parts catalog has the correct fitment information attached to it, it&#;s easier said than done. As new vehicle configurations are being introduced and new aftermarket products enter the market on a regular basis, fitment data will change. This means that keeping your own data up-to-date will be an ongoing process. MyFitment can help you with building your online catalog, as well as updating and maintaining it on a regular basis. At myFitment, we have decades of automotive aftermarket industry experience. We will help you increase sales with clear, accurate fitment data that eliminates buyers&#; doubts as to whether the part will fit the intended vehicle. Ask us how we can help you identify opportunities, save time, beat the competition, and build your brand.
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Picture this: You&#;re cruising down the highway, windows down, music up, and suddenly, your car sputters and coughs. Uh oh, it looks like a trip to the mechanic is in your future. The diagnosis: you need a new part. But now comes the real question &#; OEM or aftermarket? This choice can feel like navigating a maze, with twists and turns at every corner. Don&#;t worry, though, I&#;m here to be your guide! Let&#;s break down the differences between aftermarket and OEM parts, helping you make the smartest choice for your car and your wallet.
Aftermarket parts are like the cool kids on the block, offering a plethora of options beyond what the original manufacturer provides. These parts are produced by third-party companies, independent of the car&#;s maker. This often translates to a wider range of choices in terms of price, performance, and style. Think of it as customizing your ride with accessories that reflect your personality.
For instance, imagine you want to upgrade your car&#;s sound system. You&#;d likely look to aftermarket brands known for their superior audio quality and innovative features. Similarly, if you&#;re looking for performance enhancements like a turbocharger or a cold air intake, the aftermarket world is your oyster, brimming with possibilities to unleash your car&#;s hidden potential.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are the parts that were originally installed on your vehicle when it rolled off the assembly line. They&#;re made by the same company or a company licensed by the vehicle manufacturer to produce parts to their specifications. In essence, they&#;re identical to the parts you&#;d get if you went directly to the dealership for replacements.
This means you can expect OEM parts to fit perfectly, function flawlessly, and maintain the integrity of your vehicle&#;s systems. They&#;re designed to meet the exact standards of your car&#;s manufacturer, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
There are specific scenarios where opting for OEM parts is undeniably the smarter choice. Let&#;s explore some instances where OEM parts shine.
When it comes to parts directly impacting your vehicle&#;s safety, such as brakes, airbags, or steering components, OEM is the way to go. These parts undergo rigorous testing and adhere to stringent safety standards, providing peace of mind and ensuring optimal performance in critical situations.
Modern vehicles are equipped with intricate electronic systems that control various functions, from engine management to infotainment. OEM parts are designed to seamlessly integrate with these systems, ensuring compatibility and preventing potential glitches or malfunctions.
If your vehicle is still under warranty, using OEM parts for repairs or replacements is often a requirement to maintain warranty coverage. Opting for aftermarket alternatives might void your warranty, leaving you responsible for any future repairs.
Aftermarket parts can be a fantastic option in several situations. Let&#;s explore some of the key benefits they offer and when they might be the perfect choice for your needs.
Let&#;s address the elephant in the room &#; price. Aftermarket parts are almost always less expensive than their OEM counterparts. The cost savings can be significant, making them a very attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. If you&#;re looking to save money on repairs or upgrades, exploring the aftermarket can be a wise decision.
Now, you might be wondering, &#;Are aftermarket parts good?&#; The answer is &#; it depends. The quality of aftermarket parts can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and the specific part. While some aftermarket parts might be of lower quality than OEM parts, many reputable manufacturers produce parts that meet or even exceed OEM standards. It&#;s crucial to do your research and choose parts from well-known and trusted brands.
Sometimes, finding specific OEM parts can be a challenge, especially for older vehicles or less common models. In these instances, aftermarket parts can be a lifesaver. They offer a wider range of options and are often more readily available, ensuring you can get your vehicle back on the road quickly.
The aftermarket is a vibrant marketplace with a vast selection of parts and accessories. This abundance of choice allows you to customize your vehicle to your exact preferences, whether it&#;s performance upgrades, aesthetic modifications, or functional enhancements. The possibilities are truly endless!
Many reputable aftermarket manufacturers offer warranties on their parts, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment. While the warranty terms might differ from those of OEM parts, having some level of coverage is always a plus.
Ultimately, the choice between aftermarket and OEM parts comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If cost is a major concern, aftermarket parts are an excellent way to save money. However, if you prioritize convenience and guaranteed compatibility, OEM parts might be the better option.
The &#;aftermarket vs OEM&#; debate often boils down to one key factor: cost. Aftermarket parts are generally less expensive than OEM parts, although the price varies by brand. According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, &#;OEM parts cost about 60% more than aftermarket car parts.&#; This price difference can be significant, especially when you&#;re facing a major repair. But is the lower cost of aftermarket parts always the best choice? Not necessarily.
There are instances where opting for OEM parts makes more sense, particularly when dealing with critical components of your vehicle like the engine, transmission, or safety systems. In these cases, the assurance of quality and compatibility that comes with OEM parts can outweigh the cost savings of aftermarket alternatives. After all, the potential consequences of a faulty part in a critical system can be far more expensive than the initial price difference.
So, we&#;ve established that OEM parts are the safe, reliable choice, mirroring the quality of the original components used by the manufacturer. But what if you&#;re looking for something more? What if you want to enhance your vehicle&#;s performance or give it a unique personal touch? This is where the vast world of aftermarket parts truly shines.
Aftermarket manufacturers often go the extra mile, producing parts that not only match OEM specifications but surpass them. These parts are specifically designed to boost performance, improve fuel efficiency, enhance durability, or simply add a touch of style that sets your vehicle apart from the crowd.
The age-old question in the automotive world: OEM or aftermarket? It&#;s a debate that sparks discussions among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. There&#;s no one-size-fits-all answer to the &#;aftermarket vs OEM&#; dilemma. The better choice truly depends on your individual circumstances, priorities, and the specific situation you&#;re facing. Let&#;s delve into the factors that can help you make an informed decision.
Choosing between OEM or aftermarket parts isn&#;t a simple &#;one size fits all&#; answer. It&#;s more like selecting the right tool for the job. Both options come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, and the &#;better&#; choice truly depends on your specific needs and priorities. Let&#;s break down some key factors to consider when navigating the OEM vs. aftermarket decision.
When discussing car parts, you&#;ll often hear the terms &#;OEM&#; and &#;genuine&#; thrown around. It can get a bit confusing, especially when trying to decide which type of part is the best choice for your vehicle. Let&#;s clear up any confusion: OEM and genuine parts are essentially the same thing. They are both produced by the Original Equipment Manufacturer, the company that made the parts for your car when it was first built.
So, whether you see a part labeled as &#;OEM&#; or &#;genuine,&#; you can rest assured knowing it&#;s the real deal and specifically designed for your vehicle&#;s make and model.
Generally, yes, OEM parts tend to be more expensive than their aftermarket counterparts. There are a few key reasons for this price difference. Firstly, OEM parts are manufactured to meet the exact specifications set by the vehicle manufacturer. This often involves using higher-quality materials and more rigorous quality control measures, which naturally increases production costs.
Secondly, the research and development that goes into designing and engineering OEM parts is extensive. Vehicle manufacturers invest heavily in ensuring that each component perfectly fits and functions within the complex systems of a car. This investment in R&D is reflected in the final price of OEM parts.
Let&#;s unravel the mystery behind the affordability of aftermarket parts. The lower price tag often boils down to a few key factors:
Let&#;s delve into the world of replacement parts. The terms &#;OEM&#; and &#;aftermarket&#; often pop up, but what do they actually mean? Understanding the distinction is crucial when choosing the right parts for your vehicle. Let&#;s break it down.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are the parts made by the same company that produced your vehicle. For example, if you drive a Ford, OEM parts would be manufactured by Ford itself. These parts are designed to be identical to the ones originally installed on your car, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. They also maintain the integrity of your vehicle, especially when it comes to complex systems like safety features.
On the other hand, aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers. These companies are not affiliated with the original car manufacturer. This opens up a wider range of options for consumers, offering a diverse selection of parts with varying features, qualities, and prices. The sheer variety is a significant advantage, as you can find parts that cater to specific needs, performance enhancements, or even aesthetic preferences.
Let&#;s dispel a common myth: aftermarket parts aren&#;t inherently inferior to OEM parts. The truth is, the quality of aftermarket parts can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and the specific part in question. While some aftermarket components might fall short of OEM standards, others can match or even surpass them in terms of performance and durability.
In fact, many aftermarket manufacturers specialize in producing high-performance parts designed to enhance a vehicle&#;s capabilities beyond what the original equipment offers. Enthusiasts often turn to the aftermarket for upgrades like performance brake pads, suspension components, or exhaust systems. These parts are meticulously engineered for specific applications, and their quality often rivals or surpasses that of OEM counterparts. So, when considering the question &#;is oem better than aftermarket&#;, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
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