A study commissioned by UFC-Que Choisir highlights a significant increase in purchases of automotive parts on the Internet, with the first advantage cited by the respondents, more competitive prices. This trend causes a parallel increase in do it yourself.
The maintenance and repair has never cost so much to the French. According to INSEE, the prices of spare parts have increased twice as fast as inflation since 1998. As a result, households now spend 31% of their car budget on maintenance, repair and spare parts. It is in this context that motorists have sought the most economical possible solutions in order to maintain and repair their vehicle ... to the delight of fast-fitters and car-centers, but also pure-players. The purchase of auto parts on the Internet, still confidential yesterday, has gained considerable momentum in a few years.
According to a study commissioned by UFC-Que Choisir, conducted among 3,160 of its readers : 21% of them said they buy their auto parts on the Internet, a proportion that climbs to 30% among experienced mechanics.
The Web has thus become the third channel most appreciated by buyers behind the workshops of the manufacturer network, still privileged by 31% of respondents and centers-cars, chosen by 22% of them. All parts are now involved in buying online with, in first line, brakes, shock absorbers and engine parts for 49% of respondents, almost the same number for tires (48%), windscreen wipers (40%), oils and coolants (17%), spark plugs (17%) and light bulbs (15%). The amount of the average basket is 167 Euros.
Professionals suffer from this trend
Unsurprisingly, online buying is largely motivated by financial reasons, since 77% of respondents invoke the auto parts prices are lower than in traditional networks. 92% of them think that they have saved money. The price argument is put forward mostly by buyers aged from 18 to 39 and owner of used vehicle. The fact of not having to travel is quoted by 43% of respondents, an argument almost as important as having a large choice of parts (40%).The price offered by the providers is logically a decisive criterion in the choice of pure-player. If the site's reputation is necessary for 46% of 3000 readers as the main criterion of choice of the site on which they will buy their parts, the price and the choice come in the second position for 24% of the respondents. Next comes the advice of a relative for 14% of respondents and advertising incentives for 6%.
This study by UFC-Que Choisir highlights the logical rise of the do it yourself that accompanies this tendency to purchase spare parts on the Net ... to the detriment of professionals. 72% of respondents choose a delivery of parts at home compared to 28% in a partner garage. The result: 40% decide to install their parts by a professional. 93% of the 60% who installed by themselves or by a close friend found that the assembly is easy. Overall, motorists are more satisfied when buying spare parts on the Internet, with a score of 8.4 out of 10. For the purchases in physical points, the score is 7.7.

Original Source : auto-infos.fr

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