Anyone web order parts regularly?

Due to lack of local parts inventory, price matching games, and b.s. clerical errors from vendors I'm tempted to just order all my parts from Amazon or another online wholesaler. The prices are the lowest, there's no denying that. Most PRIME parts arrive the next morning, quicker than waiting for a parts store order. The only issue is with warranty problems but I'm so frustrated with warranty labor claims I won't even go there. If you are in a major population area I'm sure you don't have this problem but in rural areas I'm sure I'm not the only one with a problem. I can't even get brake pads the same day unless I want to use store brand garbage. Today's example is a window switch for a Colorado. $275 from the national chains, 1-2 days away. $125.00 from Amazon, next day shipping (free). Same exact Door-Man part. That's $150 cheaper. I compared fuel pumps, wheel bearings, electrical parts. All are at least 50% less than the locals, apples to apples comparison (same part #) My feelings are if the customer can wait I can make exactly the same money and at the same time save my customer money, in some cases it's hundreds. What are your thoughts?

Next day delivery from amazon, interesting. But you are right is a lot cheaper for the same parts!

You mean Dorman? Door-Man sounds like its the reason its more than half the cost.

If it's truly the same part and it 50% less, I'd charge an extra 25% and chalk that up for covering warranty expenses (plus the customer is still getting a better deal).

Yes Dorman we call them door-man

I am in the center of one of the most competitive auto part markets, we use rockauto.com or amazon.com only when the cost/benefits is a win/win for our customers and us.

Only problem is when the part delivered turns out to be the wrong part..... We have unfortunately been in that situation a few times but try our best to prevent it by matching part numbers and cross reference different brands.

When I have a job quoted and scheduled and can buy considerable cheaper online, I will buy online and send the savings to the bottom line. I don't worry about getting it warrantied, I just deal with it if necessary. When the GP % is up there, you tend not to be concerned with eating a part every now and then.

I buy a ton of parts, shop supplies and such on Amazon. Prime shipping is great, and most times, especially on a hard to find part, is faster than the stealership. As far as returns go, I've really only had to return a couple of parts, but the process was easy, quick and painless both times. They shipped out a replacement part, packed with an RMP and I shipped the wrong/defective part back in the same box! I once returned a hard to find a/c compressor because the customer bailed on the job. They accepted the return, no questions asked and I got a full refund. So far, I can't report a negative experience with Amazon. As far as profit goes, I tend to pass the savings down the line to my customers. I meet my margins just fine and everybody wins.

Along with what has been said already(I also agree with!):

Can't beat the quality for the buck online - USUALLY.

I'd go for it every chance I have - specially when you are dealing with the best stuff - DELPHI / DENSO / NGK / MOOG / MOPAR etc etc (varies with every situation of course - sometimes after market beats OEM and vice versa)

Labor claims are BS hassle anyways - none of us has time for that if your time is worth anything with daily activities slamming you - just build your warranties into it - especially if you are a shop like most that charge DOUBLE over the counter rate. I don't feel right doing that, which is why I've created my system for how and where and when I get parts.

If you are using good quality gear - warranties should be rare. You build that into the cost up front so you are always ready to provide maximum CUSTOMER SERVICE.

If you have the time to blow versus what's on the shelf, can't be beat.

Some exceptions - such as if you are doing labor claims with local part store, or warranty is worth the extra money having ZERO online versus LIFETIME locally in many cases. Lifetime warranty at Autozone - with them being available usually the most hours is who I go with.

Time is main factor for me - I can't risk ordering parts online unless I'm sure the rig is getting done with us, so I may require parts payment up front if customer wants to save a few bucks - I make a few more bucks - win win versus local parts.

Some parts you can guesstimate chance of failure. Such as getting a MOOG wheel bearing on amazon/rockauto/ebay verse local to save 50%+.

My strategy - being a Small time - 2-man show. - 1st - Autozone, Oreilly, NAPA if in a hurry(depending on part of course, case by case) then eBay/Amazon/RockAuto, etc.

Any shop not doing this is being wasteful and inefficient - but again most are charging DOUBLE over the counter rates - so they don't care - unless work is slow then they have time to burn waiting.

Good luck whatever you choose!

UGH great - now how to delete triple posts - lol - sorry!