Selling through online marketplaces is one of the best ways to move your obsolete and aging inventory while maximizing your gross profit. They allow you to open up your business to more potential customers, gain faster transaction rates, and maximize a higher sales volume. There are several ways to approach online parts sales. You can have your own dedicated dealership parts website, or you can utilize marketplaces like eBay Motors and Amazon.
READ MORE: The Parts Manager’s Guide to Beating Obsolescence
Amazon and eBay are often the first choice for people looking for auto parts and accessories. In fact, in 2023, dealers on the RevolutionParts platform sold about $60 million in OEM parts and accessories through Amazon and eBay. It’s clear that getting into the online sales business can spell serious bank for your dealership.
So which platform should you use? What are the differences between them? What are their strengths?
Here’s a breakdown of both Amazon and eBay, and how you can utilize each one to your advantage.
Amazon has over 310 million active users.
Is Amazon Right For Obsolescence?
Amazon is an online retail giant. In 2022, Amazon sold nearly $13 billion in parts and accessories and is projected to reach That’s a pretty significant slice of the national market. The platform gives you the option to have orders fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) or by the merchant (FBM), and choosing FBA helps guarantee inventory quality and quantity.
Customers on Amazon are price-sensitive, and they care most about the total cost. They’re interested in free shipping and an easy, convenient customer experience. They look for higher customer satisfaction ratings to feel confident before buying. They’re highly research-driven and the more information you can provide to them in a quicker time frame, the better.
READ MORE: Successfully Sell Parts on Amazon: How to Win the Buy Box
While Amazon charges seller fees (12% in automotive generally, 10% for tires and wheels), the volume focus on the platform means you’re primed to sell more parts and earn an additional 5–10% back on your profit margins through OEM volume incentives.
In addition, Amazon’s vast customer base and sophisticated search algorithm mean that your products can be discovered by a large audience of potential buyers with minimal effort. The platform’s analytics tools allow sellers to track sales, monitor customer behavior, and adjust real-time pricing or marketing strategies to maximize sales.
Amazon’s platform also supports various pricing strategies, from competitive pricing to dynamic pricing models that adjust according to demand, competition, and other factors. This flexibility allows sellers of obsolete parts to maximize their profits by adjusting prices based on scarcity and demand.
Another key advantage of selling on Amazon is the ability to create detailed product listings with comprehensive descriptions, high-quality images, and even videos. This is particularly important for obsolete parts, as buyers often require detailed specifications and compatibility information before making a purchase. Providing this level of detail can significantly increase conversion rates for specialized auto parts.
eBay shoppers are interested in finding niche products and they’ve grown to trust the platform, so dealerships can piggyback off of that customer loyalty.
Is eBay Motors Right For Obsolescence?
On the other hand, eBay Motors is also a force to be reckoned with in the world of online auto parts sales, especially aging and obsolete parts. The website has around 135 million active users, and the eBay app has 599 million downloads — so it’s safe to say you’re working with a loyal customer base when you sell auto parts on eBay.
Plus, eBay is considered the go-to marketplace for car enthusiasts and DIY-ers.
READ MORE: What Every Parts Manager Should Know About Selling on eBay
Customers who are eager to buy old and aging parts are out there; you need to make your dealership known to them. These buyers are interested in comparing the best prices and finding niche products. Plus, they’ve grown to trust the platform itself.
In addition to its large audience base, eBay Motors offers parts sellers a helpful Global Shipping Program, a Seller Protection Program, and Top Seller Status potential to build customer trust.
What makes eBay particularly appealing for the sale of obsolete parts is its diverse and dedicated community. Collectors, restoration experts, and hobbyists frequently scour eBay listings for rare finds that can’t be sourced elsewhere. This creates a unique market where sellers can command higher prices for parts that are in low supply but high demand.
Furthermore, eBay’s user-friendly listing process and the ability to set auctions allow sellers to let the market determine the value of rare or obsolete parts. This can be especially beneficial for items where determining a set price is challenging due to their rarity. The auction format can also generate greater visibility and competition among buyers, potentially leading to higher sale prices.
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