If you want to boost your parts department sales, it takes deliberate effort and innovation. Here are some expert tips and tricks that your team can use to grow their revenue.
Ask your special-order customers to make a deposit before ordering parts for them. This way, you can reclaim any obsolete parts that haven’t sold in time.
1. Look for a Reliable Source
As we all know, cars are a big investment. They bring unmatched convenience into our lives, but they also come with a hefty price tag and constant maintenance needs.
When shopping for parts, it is always important to find a reliable source. This will help reduce cost, minimize return issues, and ensure a quality product. Ideally, you want to work with a single manufacturer that can provide a wide variety of parts for different makes and models.
You will also want to make sure that the manufacturer has good lines of communication. This way, you can get updates if a part sells out or is discontinued. It is also helpful to ask about technical support and how they can assist installers or consumers with any problems.
To make the process of finding car parts easier, you should look for a store that uses part numbers instead of names or descriptions. This will prevent you from getting a part that isn’t compatible with your vehicle.
3. Check for Obsolete Parts
Obsolete parts can account for a large percentage of dealer inventory, and they are often the result of parts order mistakes. They also tend to be the most expensive items in the department, and they can lead to a lot of overhead costs.
To reduce the number of obsolete parts in your store, you can implement some new tools and solutions for lowering parts obsolescence. Using these techniques can help you improve overall parts department efficiencies and generate more revenue.
For example, you can sell parts that are going to become obsolete through designated online spaces. These online spaces can reach a larger customer base and provide you with better prices. This can help you make more money from your obsolete parts, and you can use the proceeds to offset other parts department expenses. You can also look into local junkyards to find used, but still good, auto parts that are no longer in production.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Try Third-Party Sales
The internet is a great place for auto parts shoppers to find what they’re looking for. They can find parts in salvage yards for a local buy, or online marketplaces like eBay Motors for significant savings. They can even find rare parts from third-party remanufacturers, which can save them a lot of money over OEM products.
However, there are some important things to keep in mind when purchasing these kinds of parts. Make sure the part is OEM-approved, which means it was made by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. This helps to ensure the part will work correctly and won’t void any warranties.
Whether you’re a dealership parts manager or a DIY car enthusiast, these auto parts tips and tricks are sure to help you make the most out of your next purchase. By implementing these strategies, you can increase parts department sales while helping to keep your customers happy. Shift4Shop offers an automotive eCommerce platform that is designed to make it easy for car enthusiasts and repair shops to sell auto parts online. With features like a robust inventory management module, innovative marketing tools, and 24/7 world-class support, Shift4Shop can give you the competitive edge your business needs.