With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the world, global auto sales are in a tailspin. IHS Markit predicted that worldwide vehicle sales dropped by 22% in 2020. The United States and North America as a whole are expected to lead the global decline with a 26.6 percent decrease in domestic automobile sales. However, the automotive aftermarket sector does not appear to be slowing down. In fact, according to recent industry news, the entire sector surpassed $433 billion in 2021.
By the end of 2022, sales in the online automotive aftermarket sector are expected to reach $19 billion. Digitally influenced revenue in the vehicle market segments industry is anticipated to rise by as much as $162.4 billion. The auto aftermarket will provide a lot of possibilities for individuals who want to sell automobile components online.
Whether you’re selling automobile parts to individual repair shops, individuals who keep their own automobiles, or major vehicle repair companies, the process of selling auto components on the internet is not the same as it is for other items. Every auto parts eCommerce company must have a solid business plan with a comprehensive fitment data management system in place. Customers will be unable to discover what they want if there isn’t enough accurate and complete fitment data.
When a person searches for a component or an accessory for their Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Nissan Altima, they must first ensure that it will fit their vehicle. This is why fitment data is so important.
Since the majority of automobile parts are suitable for a wide range of vehicles, fitment data used in an auto part catalog also need to include information such as the vehicle’s year, make, and model, as well as additional critical details for each component. This might contain things like trim level, engine type, and more. Furthermore, this compatibility data must be precise, comprehensive, and, most importantly, correct.
All aftermarket suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and others in the automobile eCommerce market may benefit from auto parts catalogs by connecting with their customers and selling car parts online. These catalogs are also beneficial for sellers on eCommerce platforms such as eBay Motors, Amazon, or through their own websites who want to sell online.
If you want to increase sales, you need an accurate car parts catalog. This may seem like an obvious statement, but it is something that many businesses overlook. Fitment data accuracy is essential when it comes to selling auto parts. If the parts don’t fit the vehicle, you will end up with a lot of angry customers. In this article, we will talk about the importance of accuracy and how it impacts your overall sales numbers. We will also discuss the ways in which having an accurate car parts catalog can increase sales.
Why Fitment Data Needs To Be Accurate
When it comes to auto part sales, fitment is crucial, whether you’re selling aftermarket car parts and accessories, OEM replacement parts, agricultural goods, or Powersports products. When it comes to online vehicle part catalog listings, compatibility data (also known as fitment) allows your consumers to see if your components will actually fit their cars. As a result, having interested consumers visit your online auto parts store is only half the challenge.
If potential customers cannot discover what they are searching for, your success is limited. The fitment data management system accomplishes this automatically. However, it must be maintained and updated regularly for your components to be visible to your purchasers. It’s critical to note that two industry-wide standards govern fitment data: the Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES) and the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). The Auto Care Association (ACA) created and maintained both standards.
- ACES Product Data – ACES is the North American industry standard for managing and exchanging automobile catalog application data. Manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and others may transmit and receive this information in the form of brand, part number, part type, etc., and application fitment data such as make, model, submodel, year, transmission type, truck bed length, and more.
- PIES Product Data – The PIES system is used to manage and exchange part number data. It also standardizes all field definitions and demands, as well as the delivery mechanism utilized to transmit product-specific information across all members of a supply chain. This data may include interchanges, pricing, product characteristics, kits, digital assets, marketing content, and other items.
These two standards are used simultaneously to manage and exchange part numbers and fitment information and to provide a cross-industry standard for anybody who uses them. Whether it’s store owners, suppliers, warehouse managers, or other automobile component consumers, they all utilize ACES product data to see if a part or accessory will fit their car. After this is confirmed, they’ll move on to the PIES data in order to determine whether that component can meet all of their demands. This will also include picture identification.
Using ACES and PIES data at the same time eliminates a lot of the uncertainty that may otherwise exist when purchasing automobile parts from an online store. When someone searches for a specific component, fitment data will instantly display all of the compatible components in your inventory. This will remove any concerns as to whether a part will fit the intended car, and it will also enhance customer satisfaction.
Keep in mind that a typical automobile component is compatible with somewhere between three and thirty automobiles at any one time. You will be missing out on potential sales and delighted consumers if your parts catalog and fitment data are not correct and complete. If you have a potential buyer searching for a part for their Honda Accord, but the component you have in stock does not list it, you will miss out on that sale. Customers are often unaware that the components they require may also be used on other vehicle models and that they don’t have to buy automobile components solely based on the brand. As a result, if they aren’t sure it will work for them, they won’t purchase it.
Confirming to your consumers that the part fits correctly will not only improve sales growth rates, buyer trust, and client happiness, but it will also help you avoid costly returns, frantic phone calls, shopping cart abandonment, and negative reviews. Furthermore, providing clear and precise information in your catalog may assist your listings to rank higher in Google’s search results while simultaneously increasing exposure for your business by exposing it to millions of people who might buy from you. The best approach to expanding your company is using ACES and PIES data simultaneously. However, the key is to maintain that data accurately and keep the number of potential mistakes as low as possible.
How To Increase Sales With An Accurate Car Parts Catalog
Increasing automotive aftermarket sales should be the goal of every online retailer of auto parts and accessories. Yet, maintaining the accuracy of a car parts catalog can be incredibly time-consuming. Therefore, a third-party fitment data management system is the best way to maintain the accuracy of your car parts catalog and, by extension, increase your sales.
In 2013, myFitment was created to help online parts and accessories retailers accept the complicated but powerful ACES data standard. Over 5,000 vendors have used myFitment to provide fitments for platforms like eBay, Amazon, NewEgg, AutoZone, and other stores.
The myFitment eCommerce Catalog is the world’s most comprehensive Powersports and automobile catalog. InquisitorTM technology can assist you in locating:
- The Best-Selling Categories
- The Best-Selling Titles
- Maximum Vehicle Coverage
- Item Specifics
- Product Details
The only way to communicate ACES data before myFitment was through costly subscriptions or expensive Windows-based software, both of which were designed for aftermarket manufacturers and brands. We recognize the needs of our eCommerce clientele at myFitment, and we’ve created a solution that meets your demands while also providing far more features than you’d expect
We use automation in our solutions because it works best for us. We have hundreds of reports and bulk procedures to keep you out of the weeds and run your online components and accessories business smoothly.
Our group has decades of aftermarket industry expertise and is ACES-trained and ready to assist you in managing and communicating your most valuable business asset: product information.
Conclusion
Maintaining your vehicle parts catalog doesn’t have to be difficult. You may use the appropriate equipment and maintain your fitment data on a regular basis to ensure that your clients can obtain the right parts for their vehicles. Furthermore, by keeping your catalog up to date, you may avoid consumer dissatisfaction and ensure that your business runs smoothly.
With myFitment, you may take advantage of all the necessary procedures to easily keep an up-to-date and accurate catalog. myFitment is a comprehensive fitment data management solution that allows you to focus on your business.
If you would like to learn more about how myFitment can help you maintain your car parts catalog, visit our website or contact us today!
