How Gateway GMC Grew to $1.87M in Online Sales with RevolutionParts

One unexpected delivery changed everything for this Dallas dealership. Read how Gateway GMC used RevolutionParts to turn that mistake into $1.87M in 2024.

With Parts Manager Craig Shield leading the way, Gateway GMC has transformed its parts department from outdated to online success using the RevolutionParts platform. In the busy Dallas market, where huge dealerships dominate, this small to midsize dealership stands out. 

By focusing on smart online sales strategies, Gateway GMC has found a way to compete with big players and reach customers across the country.

The happy accident that kickstarted Gateway GMC’s online sales journey

Craig joined Gateway GMC’s team long before selling parts online was common. For years, he tried to convince the Owner to sell parts online, but the idea didn’t get much support. That all changed in May 2020, thanks to an unexpected delivery.

One morning, Craig walked into the parts department and saw 20 big plastic totes filled with GM parts. At first, he thought he’d made a mistake. “I looked at the shipment and thought, ‘What did I order? What did I mess up?’” he said. But as he checked the packing slips, he realized the parts weren’t for Gateway GMC—they were for the dealership across the street.

What stood out to Craig was where the parts were going. “The packing slips all said eBay or Amazon. That’s when it clicked—this dealership, the same size as ours, was selling a huge number of parts online.”

Craig snapped a few pictures and went straight to the Owner’s office to show him the mistake. At first, the GM was confused and asked, “What did you order?” Craig explained the situation and pointed out how the other dealership was shipping so many parts through online orders.

The Owner’s reaction was a mix of surprise and interest. After a moment, he said, “Okay, maybe we should start doing this too.” That happy mistake was the spark Gateway GMC needed to begin selling parts online.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Just weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. While other dealerships were still scrambling to create new viable revenue streams and keep the doors open, Gateway GMC was already set up to sell parts online.

Hard work leads to big wins

Starting with online parts sales was a learning experience, but Gateway GMC stuck with it and made it work. With help from RevolutionParts, they improved their systems and found better ways to sell parts online. Over time, this became a big part of their business.

“Selling online is a different ballgame. It’s not just about listing parts—you need to understand freight, customer behavior, and market trends. There’s a lot to learn, but the potential is incredible,” Craig said. “Luckily, RevolutionParts makes it easy to get started and simplifies the process.”

Craig also explained how shipping became a surprising source of profit. “Freight has become its own profit center. On some orders, we make more from shipping than the parts themselves. It’s all about being creative and making the process work for you.”

Gateway GMC’s hard work and determination really paid off. Now, online sales are a big part of their success, with numbers that show how much they’ve grown.

Gateway GMC 30-day online part sales

Today, online part sales account for nearly half of the parts department’s total sales. Over the last 30 days, they handled 818 orders, bringing in $117,593 in sales. On average, each order was worth $143. These numbers prove how well their online sales are working and how much customers across the country rely on them.

In just four years, online sales have grown from a simple idea into a major part of Gateway GMC’s success. This shift has allowed the dealership to bring in more revenue, expand their team, and keep up in the industry.

“Without online sales we wouldn’t have the team or resources we do now. It’s transformed our business,” said Craig. 

Why RevolutionParts?

RevolutionParts played a crucial role in Gateway GMC’s success. The platform simplified the complexities of selling parts online, providing tools to manage orders, track inventory, and reach customers nationwide.

Craig highlighted the impact of RevolutionParts, saying, “It’s like having another profit center. We’re not limited to a 25-mile radius anymore—we’re shipping across the U.S. without needing drivers or extra staff. RevolutionParts has completely changed the way dealerships can sell parts.”

The key benefits of online sales for Gateway GMC

Selling parts online has changed Gateway GMC, giving them big advantages that help them stand out from their competitors.

• Increased reach: Gateway GMC expanded its market beyond Dallas, competing with larger dealerships and tapping into nationwide demand.
• Reduced costs: Online sales eliminated the need to expand their fleet of delivery drivers and reduced overhead associated with wholesale operations.
• Steady revenue stream: Even during seasonal slowdowns or adverse weather, online sales kept the department profitable.
• Efficient inventory management: Selling online helped move obsolete parts and cater to the growing demand for older vehicle components.

These benefits show how selling parts online has helped Gateway GMC grow, save money, and stay ahead in a competitive market.

A dual approach: eBay + branded web store

Gateway GMC sells on eBay and their branded web store to cater to different shopping preferences, ensuring broad market coverage and tailored offerings.

On eBay, the focus is on budget-conscious buyers who are often looking for smaller, more affordable parts or accessories. These customers value competitive pricing and convenience, making eBay an ideal platform for selling high-demand, lower-cost items that move quickly.

The branded web store, on the other hand, appeals to DIY enthusiasts and customers seeking high-quality OEM parts for specific needs. These buyers are often well-informed, having researched their options through repair videos or received quotes from dealerships. They turn to the branded store for a more convenient shopping experience, trusting Gateway GMC to provide the exact parts they need.

By maintaining a storefront on both platforms, Gateway GMC maximizes sales opportunities and effectively reaches diverse audiences with varying purchasing behaviors. This dual approach boosts profitable revenue and strengthens the dealership’s reputation as a go-to parts supplier.

The road ahead: goals for 2025

Craig is optimistic about the future—and rightfully so! 

“We’ve grown every year, and 2025 will be no different. Our focus is on streamlining processes, automating more functions, and expanding our branded store’s presence.”

Additional goals for Gateway GMC include enhancing customer communication and response times. By prioritizing clear and prompt interactions, the team aims to improve customer satisfaction and build stronger relationships with their online clientele.

Finally, Gateway GMC plans to improve shipping efficiency by streamlining logistics, reducing shipping costs, and finding new ways to maximize profits through freight. 

A bright future with RevolutionParts

Thanks to Craig Shield’s leadership and RevolutionParts’ easy-to-use selling tools, Gateway GMC has turned online parts sales into a cornerstone of their business—having driven $1.87M+ in revenue in 2024 alone. With high growth goals for the coming years and a consistent commitment to innovation, Gateway GMC is sure to continue being a key player in the online parts space.

Interested in transforming your dealership’s parts department into a key revenue driver? Learn more about how you can replicate Gateway GMC’s success with RevolutionParts.