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The online auto market has grown quickly and is expected to be worth over $21 billion by the end of 2023. This trend will likely continue as more consumers turn to e-auto for convenience and affordability.
But while the online auto market is undeniably profitable, interested dealers must maximize a good e-commerce platform to reap the profits. So, how does one choose the best ecommerce platform for auto parts among many?
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best eCommerce platforms for online auto parts and essential factors to consider when choosing one.
Factors to Consider When Selecting eCommerce Platform for Auto Parts
There are plenty of e-commerce platforms for online auto parts. Here are four essential factors to prioritize when selecting one:
1. Site Design and Speed
Before settling for any e-commerce platform, consider its site design. This is imperative, as 75% of consumers judge an enterprise’s credibility based on its website design.
Additionally, a good design creates a positive user experience, allows seamless navigation, and keeps you in line or ahead of the competition.
That said, look for an e-commerce platform with an appealing design. It should feature an advanced search function that lets users find auto parts based on parameters like Year-Make-Model, manufacturer, and vehicle identification numbers.
More importantly, it should be highly responsive on mobile and PC as a slow website has been proven to be among the key reasons visitors leave a website.
2. Design Control
While a fast-loading e-Commerce platform with an appealing user interface is essential, auto parts buyers prefer to shop from a brand they recognize. Unfortunately, most auto e-commerce platforms use the same templates to power all their sites.
Consequently, customers have difficulty finding you, negatively impacting their user experience and probability of buying.
You should be able to change the colors, personalize them to fit your brand’s image, and make bulk updates whenever you want. This is particularly essential in selling auto parts since the market is constantly changing, and so are your business and customer needs.
That said, it’s worth mentioning that there are three e-commerce platforms:
- Open source
- SaaS
- And headless
With open-source platforms, users often have complete control over their e-commerce environment. They can view, modify, and redistribute the source code without license charges.
This grants them design control but means they’ll be responsible for their software’s development, implementation, maintenance, and upgrades.
With SaaS e-commerce platforms, on the other hand, the software provider handles all back-end processes, but the user has to give up design control and can only change the source code on request. Headless commerce provides a sweet spot over design control and management.
It separates the front and back-end of e-commerce applications meaning users can tweak website appearance and other essential front-end features without having to deal with maintenance.
3. Omnichannel Marketing
The best e-commerce platform for auto parts should support drop shipping and integrate with marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and the likes so you can fully tap into the e-commerce market.
4. Security
While the transition to the digital world certainly has its perks, it also comes with disadvantages, such as increased cybercrime. Over 33 billion records will be stolen by cybercriminals by the end of this year, while the cost of cybercrime is set to hit $8 trillion.
In that light, look for an e-commerce automotive digital marketing company that prioritizes and invests in cybersecurity to keep your target audience safe.
Best eCommerce Platforms For Online Auto Parts
Here are three of the best e-commerce automotive eCommerce platforms:
1. eBay
eBay is one of the most acclaimed websites for auto parts e-commerce, and for good reasons. To begin with, it’s an open-source e-commerce platform allowing users control over their website features.
Also, the platform has a site specifically designed for all auto eBay motors. It has a user-friendly interface enabling even non-tech-savvy customers to find parts quickly. Selling auto parts on eBay motor is also cheaper as it only charges between a 6% and 10% service fee.
What’s more, eBay offers a global shipping program where its shipping experts manage overseas shipping and customs on behalf of vendors. This significantly opens your market since you can sell auto parts internationally without the added costs or processes.
What’s more, eBay offers numerous free tools and even a seller protection program sellers can maximize to avoid losses from dishonest customers.
2. Amazon
Amazon is one of the best e-Commerce platforms for auto parts. There’s even a proven track record for it—the platform generated an estimated $1.9 billion in OEM replacement parts in 2020 and a whopping $13 billion in auto parts and accessories in 2022.
With over 197 million active users, Amazon offers auto parts sellers unrivaled visibility. Additionally, the e-Commerce platform is open source meaning users get complete control over the front and back-end site settings for seamless updates and adjustments.
They also offer an incredibly comprehensive set of auto-specific features, allowing enhanced user experiences and digital customer engagement.
3. Magento
Working on a limited budget to set up your auto shop on an e-commerce platform? Magento is the best e-Commerce platform for auto parts for you. The platform offers a free, basic level that beginner auto retailers can maximize to cut costs.
It’s an open-source site written in PHP, meaning users can self-host on any PHP website and customize their sites to improve user experiences. Magento doesn’t skimp on security, either. It offers built-in security features to prevent cyber crimes like phishing and other malware attacks.
And with over 167,000 active users, Magento offers auto parts dealers incredible market visibility.
Find Your Favorite Auto Parts e-Commerce Platform
With more consumers increasingly turning to e-Commerce shopping, selling auto parts online is among the most intelligent decisions any auto seller will ever make. However, you must find the best e-Commerce platform for auto parts to enjoy increased sales and expand your market.
We’ve listed the best e-Commerce platform, alongside tips for selecting one to kickstart your journey to setting up a successful auto online shop.
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