Pro techs make more online parts buys than DIYers

BETHESDA, Md. (Oct. 17, 2014) — A new study by the Auto Care Association (ACA) has found that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the largest portion of the online purchasing, or e-tailing, market for replacement parts is the professional technician segment.

The study — E-Tailing in the Automotive Aftermarket — also found that pro techs purchase a slightly different mix of products, compared to the consumer/do-it-yourself (DIY) segment, resulting in a higher dollar volume.

The ACA called it a “groundbreaking” digital study analyzing the online retail market for sales of aftermarket parts. It “serves as the foundation for the Auto Care Association to provide a unified estimate of online sales within the aftermarket,” the Bethesda-based trade group said.

It noted that the full report “provides a comprehensive analysis of the e-tailing channel based upon a triangulated analysis of pre-existing studies, existing data, consumer and installer surveys and in-depth interviews (IDIs) within the auto care industry.”

In addition to the full report, the ACA said the research is also available in these four modules:

• An executive summary provides an overview of all the key component study findings, which include insights from the market sizing, repair shop/installer and consumer research.

• Market size and growth totals dollar volume of replacement parts sold via e-tailers for 2013 in consumer dollars.

• Repair shop/installer survey results includes an in-depth analysis of repair shop usage of e-tailing within their business.

• Consumer/vehicle owner survey results examines DIY automotive consumers and their e-tailing habits.

IMR Inc. and The Martec Group were commissioned by the ACA to perform the research and modules for the report. Each version of the report is priced differently for association members and non-members. For pricing and more information, visit the ACA's website.

The ACA said it has more than 2,000 member companies representing approximately 150,000 independent businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies and perform vehicle service and repair.