Who Buys Car Parts Online, And Is It Safe?
Who buys car parts online? The short answer to this is someone who wants to save money. Buying online is a great way to get the items you want without breaking the bank.
Shopping online has accelerated dramatically in recent years, and it’s never been easier for consumers to get what they want.
With just a few taps on their smartphones, customers can get the item they want within days, sometimes even in 24 hours.
But how can you be sure you get what you want? Is it safe to buy online car parts, or are you just asking for trouble?
When buying anything online, there is no foolproof way to ensure that you don’t get ripped off, or buy something you didn’t bargain for. But there are ways to minimize the risk of this happening.
Let’s dive right in!
Who buys car parts online?
As mentioned above, buying car parts online has become very popular in recent years. Consumers can find what they want easily, quickly and often for less money than what they would pay in-store.
According to a survey done by AutopartsWarehouse, people state that aside from saving money, the ability to comparison shop is one of the main benefits of shopping for car parts online.
Having a wide selection of products to choose from is also another big reason that people want to shop online. Stores tend to have a limited range, and often need to order parts in before you can get your hands on them.
For some, the magnitude of choices available can be overwhelming, but for many, the pros of saving money and time outweigh this. As long as you get the right part, shopping online is quick and efficient and can be done in the comfort of your home.
According to an analysis done by Hedges & Company, online sales for new car parts and accessories in the U.S is estimated to increase by 16% and reach $12.3 billion this year.
The survey goes on to say that eCommerce for auto parts will continue to increase at an average annual rate of 25 percent through 2022, and online sales of car parts and accessories are thought to reach $19 billion by 2022.
Similarly, according to research conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), British motorists are also enjoying the perks of online shopping.
Research has found that consumers are buying more car parts online than they are are cosmetics or even groceries! It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for an engine, a Miata differential, a car battery, etc. — you’ll find what you need online.
But is it safe?
For many, the main concern about shopping online is whether it’s:
a.) Safe to do so
And
b.) Whether they’ll get what they asked for.
Nobody wants to buy something, and either find that it never comes, or that the wrong thing was sent.
But how can you minimize the risk of buying car parts online? Here are some tips to efficient and safe auto part e-commercing:
1. Know what you want
It seems obvious, doesn’t it?
But it’s surprising how many people shop online with just a vague idea of what car part or accessory they need, rather than absolute certainty.
Having the right car part that is right for your model is essential. If you don’t, then it won’t fit or work properly, and you’ve wasted your money, or you’ll have the hassle of sending it back.
A lot of consumers visit the manufacturer’s website to get precise information about the part they need. Also, if you have one, check your vehicle’s logbook, as this should help provide you with essential information.
2. Use reputable websites
Online shopping on a website that looks unprofessional or is little known is a risky option. Yes, the prices may be tantalizing, but perhaps there’s a reason for that? Use common sense when it comes to specific websites.
Reputable sites such as Redline Auto Parts, Amazon, or eBay are amongst the most popular ecommerce sites to buy car parts. They tend to have reliable, consumer-focused values and can help with issues that may arise.
Take note of what the websites’ policies are in terms of customer rights and refunds or exchanges. If the service looks good, the contact details are viable, and the return policies reasonable, then this is a good sign.
3. Reviews
This point should be used in conjunction with what we just mentioned above. When you’re looking to buy from a website, especially if you don’t know it, look up reviews for it.
Bad reviews are there for a reason, take note of them. However, also keep in mind that nearly all websites or sellers will have the odd negative feedback. Focus on whether the overall feedback is positive and glowing.
When you use sites such as eBay, the seller will have a percentage of “positive feedback,” a feedback score which you can click on, and reviews on how they handled the sale and their reliability.
There is also the means of contacting the seller to ask questions. This will give you a good indication of the seller’s professionalism and reliability; if they ignore your message, maybe think twice before buying from them.
To buy or not to buy?
More people are choosing to buy their car parts online, and it’s not just the younger generation who buys car parts online either.
The ease, efficiency, and value for money are positives that an increasing number of motorists want to benefit from.
This is a collaborative article.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.