In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, staying competitive means embracing the digital landscape. While many dealerships focus on their sales and service departments, one area that’s often overlooked is the parts department. The reality is, your parts department could be a goldmine of untapped revenue, but without an online presence, you could be leaving money on the table.
Let’s explore why having an online parts department is not only a smart business move—it’s a necessity for long-term success.
1. The Dangers of Staying Offline
For years, dealerships have relied on in-person transactions to move parts. While this worked for a time, it’s no longer enough. Gen Z, now entering their prime car-buying years, has grown up in a world where convenience is king. In fact, 63% of Gen Z prefers shopping online for products, including auto parts. When they need a replacement part or accessory, they want to be able to find it quickly and easily, without having to call or physically visit the dealership.
A lack of an online parts catalog is a massive missed opportunity. Without an online presence, your dealership risks losing sales to competitors who have embraced digital platforms. In today’s market, the convenience of online shopping is not a luxury—it’s an expectation. Gen Z expects to be able to browse parts, compare prices, and make purchases from the comfort of their own homes.
If your dealership is behind the times, the consequences are clear: you could be losing sales not only to local competitors but also to large, established eCommerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and specialized marketplaces like eBay Motors. These platforms are incredibly effective at catering to the DIY repair and parts-buying market, and they offer a seamless shopping experience that today’s consumers are used to.
2. The Future of Automotive Parts Sales
The rise of online shopping is not a passing trend—it’s the future. According to PwC, 75% of automotive parts revenue is expected to come from online sales by 2030. This isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a seismic shift that is already underway. Dealerships that are slow to adopt an online presence risk falling behind as the market continues to digitalize.
As Gen Z becomes the dominant consumer demographic, dealerships must adapt to their preferences. This generation is digital-first, and they don’t just expect to shop for clothes and electronics online—they want to shop for car parts the same way. Offering an online parts store is no longer a luxury or a competitive advantage—it’s an absolute necessity for any dealership that wants to grow its bottom line.
Having an online store means more than just listing parts for sale. It’s about providing a seamless, user-friendly shopping experience that includes everything from up-to-date inventory and pricing to detailed product descriptions and fitment data. By offering a robust online experience, you not only cater to Gen Z but also position your dealership as a leader in the increasingly competitive parts market.
An online store also means you’re not limited to local foot traffic. The internet opens up a global market, allowing you to tap into a much broader customer base. When your parts are available online, you’re no longer restricted to customers who walk through your dealership doors—you’re now serving customers across the country, and potentially across the world.
Why Now?
The opportunity is clear. Online sales in the automotive parts industry are growing rapidly, and Gen Z is driving much of that demand. The shift to digital shopping is only going to increase, and by not establishing an online presence now, you’re giving competitors a chance to take your share of the market.
In addition, having an online presence doesn’t just help with sales—it provides valuable data that can help you optimize your inventory, pricing, and customer service. By understanding what parts sell best, when customers are buying them, and what products they’re interested in, you can make more informed decisions that improve your operations and increase profits.
Key Takeaway: Don’t Let Your Dealership Fall Behind
The bottom line is simple: Dealerships without an online parts presence risk falling behind. The automotive parts market is shifting toward online sales, and if you don’t adapt, you’ll miss out on a growing and profitable segment of the market.
As Gen Z becomes the dominant consumer group, meeting their expectations for convenience and ease of access will be essential for long-term success. Online sales are no longer an optional strategy—they’re an integral part of staying competitive in the modern automotive industry.
