DealersEdge Professional Forums

Hello everyone.

Wanted to see if this topic could take off and give me and others some insight into your workplaces future along with where you think parts is going or needs to go in the future. Is ecommerce real for parts. Is more internet sales the thing we all need to get on top of and not just through dealer to dealer or b2b system but third party systems where we compliment our own checks and balances. Like setting up your own eBay or Amazon account. Or your own on dealer site setup. Have you seen success and what was the turn around time before it took off and was the roi worth it. Who were you heroes and who were your greatest nay sayers. I plan on being in this business for a while and would like some veteran experienced insight. For reference our dealer just does b2b over phone email and fax and third party apps for collision and recently we sell our clothing stuff on our dealer site.

From a GM dealer's perspective...

I don't see the internet being a large portion of the parts business for the average (smaller) dealership. I don't believe the average dealer can compete with the larger dealer. They have more of everything (including problems?) technology, support, resources, money, etc. But especially discounts and "backside" money.

A lot of this space (internet) has already been staked out. Breaking in can be done (Rock Auto) but it will cost significant dollars. And you will likely have to offer more than GM parts to succeed. Of course I could be wrong, but if you only offer GM, what do you have that ABC dealer in my hometown doesn't have.

You can't compete with GM. Through ACDelco they have already set up shop directly or indirectly with the likes of Amazon.

I would recommend doing a great job within your AGSSA. If you can conquer most of that business then you will be doing better than most dealers.