Building an Online Parts Store for Beginners

When Ford of Montebello wanted to take their parts department online, they needed someone with a fresh perspective and a willingness to learn. So in April 2024 they brought in Ishmael Rodriguez to lead the way. Even though Ishmael had never run an online parts business before, he jumped at the challenge—and RevolutionParts made it possible for him to hit the ground running.

Starting from Scratch  

“I was hired specifically to get our parts department online,” Ishmael explained. 

The idea came from the dealership’s general manager, parts manager, and owner. They noticed other dealerships finding success online and realized it was time to do the same. Ishmael took charge, researching options and quickly finding RevolutionParts. 

“I’d never done it before, but I remembered using RevolutionParts at a previous job without even realizing it. When I saw it popping up everywhere in my research, I knew this was the right platform for us,” Ishmael said.

“It is so user-friendly, and nothing else compares.”

The dealership officially launched its online store in June 2024, just two months after Ishmael started. 

 Why Go Online?  

Simply put: the team at Ford of Montebello had seen other dealerships succeed online and wanted to follow suit. 

After all, there are big benefits to selling parts online: 

• Reach More Customers: Your store can connect with buyers nationwide, not just those nearby. 
• Clear Out Old Stock: Older parts that didn’t sell in-store are finally moving, making room for high-demand inventory. 
• Boost Income: The parts department is becoming its own money-maker, adding revenue beyond retail and wholesale. 

“Money is a byproduct of doing a great job online. If you’re answering messages quickly, keeping your inventory up to date, and focusing on customer service, the money will come,” Ishmael said. 

The Importance of Mindset  

Ishmael points out that having the right mindset was critical. 

“You need to be open to new ideas and willing to adapt. We believed we could make this work, and that belief has driven everything we’ve done,” said Ishmael.

When he joined Ford of Montebello, he noticed that some dealerships were hesitant to embrace eCommerce.

“Some dealerships still have the mentality of, ‘You’ll only make a couple dollars here, a dollar there,’ but that kind of thinking just holds them back. I knew selling parts online could be so much more than that,” Ishmael said. 

He encourages other dealers to adopt the same perspective…

“The world is changing, and if you’re not open to change, you’ll get left behind.” 

By staying positive and focused, Ishmael and his team have turned their online parts store into a growing success.

“I’m constantly striving for growth,” said Ishmael. “I read self-development books, watch YouTube videos, and always find opportunities to learn. It’s about being 1% better every day,” he continued.

Overcoming Challenges  

Getting started wasn’t without its challenges, but Ishmael credits RevolutionParts with making the process smooth. “The platform is so straightforward. It made it easy for me to learn how to upload inventory and handle orders right away”

A big part of Ishmael’s success comes from the support he gets from his parts manager. “He believes in me and lets me try out new ideas. That trust has been a game-changer,” Ishmael said. 

“I look forward to coming to work every day to see what we can achieve together.”

“We’re a small parts department, but we’re making it happen. Every challenge that comes our way, we figure it out and keep moving forward.”

Results So Far  

In just a few months, Ford of Montebello’s online parts store has already made an impact.

“It’s so fulfilling when a customer tells you they couldn’t find a part anywhere else, and you’re the one who has it for them. That’s what makes this work exciting,” said Ishmael.

The dealership is also seeing financial results. “Profit is always a goal, but it’s really about building a strong foundation right now,” Ishmael explained. 

Even the dealership’s owner has taken notice. Ishmael said, “They’re starting to see the potential here. We’re already talking about hiring more people to help with photos, packaging, and shipping. This is becoming its own small business within the dealership.”

Advice for Other Dealers 

Ishmael’s advice for dealerships not yet selling parts online is simple: “Be willing to learn. Take the time to look into it and explore your options. Even if it’s something new to you, it could be exactly what your dealership needs.”  

For those who think it’s not worth the effort, Ishmael has a clear answer: 

“If other dealerships are making six or seven figures online, why not you?”

Looking Ahead

Ford of Montebello has big plans for 2025. In November, they hit $20,000 in sales, which is a huge milestone. Moving forward, Ishmael’s goal is to consistently exceed $10,000 in monthly sales, with a target of reaching $30,000 per month by the end of the year.

“We know this can be a seven-figure business. We’ve met all our goals so far, and I’m confident we can keep it going,” Ishmael said.

Reflecting on the dealership’s progress, Ishmael emphasized the importance of adapting to change. “This is where everything is going. The world is constantly evolving and the dealership industry is as well. If you’re not moving with it, you’re getting left behind,” he explained.

With RevolutionParts and a committed team, the future looks bright for Ford of Montebello’s online parts store.