Why Amazon Hasn't Killed Auto Parts Stores...Yet

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart) 01/22/2020 at 14:45 • Filed to: Documentary

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CNBC has some pretty awesome mini documentaries. They nail car documentaries way better than I’d expect them to!

Have you ever wondered how well auto parts stores are doing in a world where Amazon and Walmart have taken over everything? !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Mercedes Streeter 01/22/2020 at 14:56

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Is it because they’ll install your wipers for free in the rain?  And yes I feel bad when that happens but when your wipers break and you need new ones and they offer..............

TRivet > Mercedes Streeter 01/22/2020 at 14:58

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Wow. CNBC actually put out something accurate.

Good video.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Mercedes Streeter 01/22/2020 at 15:08

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I’ll bite, it’s because you need a 18 MM and you thought it was a 17MM. Turns out you where wrong and have to use the one good car to go to the store quickly because you need two cars for work tomorrow and it is 6 pm on a Sunday.

Is that the basic premise? Is it just me that makes 5 trips to get everything when 1 should be enough?

Arrivederci > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/22/2020 at 15:11

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This.  Generally, it’s because I need a part right TF now.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > Mercedes Streeter 01/22/2020 at 15:12

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Autozone is my go to store when I need parts, oil & filters for my Focus and Explorer. I do get some parts from Rock Auto and A1 Auto, but I’ve been burned by some less than quality parts from them. I can return defective parts from autozone easily, not so much from the online shops.

ranwhenparked > Mercedes Streeter 01/22/2020 at 15:17

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Because sometimes you need something right now, not tomorrow or later today?

That would also apply to mall stores and department stores too, except their inventory selection is so shitty now, you might as well just shop online vs. getting in the car, fighting traffic, parking, and browsing around, only to realize that what you came for isn't in stock/isnt carried at that location and you have to order it and wait anyway. Honestly, I don't think the death of physical stores was an inevitability, I think they've been killing themselves.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/22/2020 at 15:29

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this, last summer when i was replacing the brakes on the explorer and rockauto sent me the wrong pads for the front i couldnt just wait to send those back and receive new ones. so i drove up to autozone and walked out with new pads.

Long_Voyager94 > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/22/2020 at 16:06

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I generally have to make at least 3. The first to get the part, the 2nd to return the wrong part, then the 3rd to go pick up the right part they had to order.

This is why I just use Rockauto and save myself the hassle.

Long_Voyager94 > Deal Killer - Powered by Focus 01/22/2020 at 16:08

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Oh my lord, you can’t pay me to buy parts from Autozone around here. It’s all shit and they never have the right parts in stock.

Rockauto is my go to as I can usually get better parts for cheaper than the parts house crap.

If I need it now, I go to Weaver.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Long_Voyager94 01/22/2020 at 16:18

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Yup you can say that again. If you need a part TODAY part store is what you’re stuck with. Otherwise I can get a part that’s at least twice as good for 1/4 of the cost on RockAuto (at least in Canada)

I’ve never tried wal Mart for parts, didn’t know they sold them, unless they’re referring to their online marketplace shenanigans.

Amazon can sometimes compete with rock auto for oddities but they never seem to have normal brands, and they have a lot of brands I’ve NEVER heard of and can’t find info on. 

Mercedes Streeter > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/22/2020 at 16:34

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Pretty much. lol You can get your parts right now and sometimes you can get some general car knowledge from the employees as well.

Mercedes Streeter > TRivet 01/22/2020 at 16:36

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Can’t say about their print stuff, but their YouTube channel is repeatedly on point. Seems like they saw stuff like Wendover Productions and decided to get in on the mini documentary trend.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/22/2020 at 16:59

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Proud to say I’m down to two trips per repair.

Usually.

Urambo Tauro > Mercedes Streeter 01/22/2020 at 19:58

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Parts stores have a lot going for them that online shops can’t quite match. I recently had to buy a blower motor for my truck, and was planning far enough ahead where I could wait for it to ship. But lo and behold AutoZone actually beat RockAuto in price (before I even calculated shipping) on the one I wanted ( same brand and part number) .

Unfortunately, even though I went with a reputable brand, I somehow ended up with a dud that lasted less than a month. I’m really glad that swapping it out for a new one under warranty was as easy as a quick visit to the local ’ Zone.

I’m still very fond of RockAuto and their catalog, but I do prefer to give local stores my money when the price is comparable. And it’s so much nicer to have a local store there to process thi ngs like warranties and core returns.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) 01/23/2020 at 00:19

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Does my life depend on this ?

Yes- rock auto

No it’s a lawnmower- Amazon

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > ranwhenparked 01/23/2020 at 00:21

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I think it’s a bit chicken and egg. People don’t realize how much distribution and  in stock inventory costs a business when you won’t see that return for weeks or months.

ranwhenparked > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 01/23/2020 at 00:42

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Its a self perpetuating circle of death - foot traffic falls, so cut inventory, which causes traffic to fall further, so cut more. 

Sears has been playing the games to ridiculous extremes.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 01/23/2020 at 08:33

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Stuff can be two things!