The e-Commerce world is infiltrating the Heavy Duty Truck parts market faster than many companies may realize. One of the difficulties in getting a handle on this is because the range of heavy duty parts websites is so wide. There are very sophisticated e-Commerce sites that can handle your searches and purchases simply and quickly. On the other end there are lots of websites that have very limited or very frustrating search capability and confusing sites with no way to actually buy a part online. So the buyer’s experience can be anywhere from satisfied to complete frustration with e-Commerce. As with any new thing, the best sites will become the “go to” stores, and the others will either improve to stay viable or become just a placeholder. It is important to realize, however, that having just a placeholder site can negatively represent your company as competitors develop more user friendly e-Commerce sites. Sellers are confronted with how to build a truck parts e-Commerce business without creating serious channel conflict or causing negative impacts on their existing businesses.
Like online sellers, the range of consumer buying patterns online is just as varied. Some buyers use the web just to get information but do little or no online purchasing. If they find something online, they prefer to pick up the phone to order. Others are more inclined to do most of their purchasing online. The latter group is very discriminating as to which sites they frequent.
Ideally, good e-Commerce sites can provide real value for both buyers and sellers no matter what their buying preferences are. Sellers need an online solution that serves buyers who want to shop online without hurting their “bricks and mortar” business. In other words, they don’t want a channel conflict where online revenue takes revenue from their traditional business. Good online stores can provide valuable information from buyers who just want product information to those who want to make purchases online. e-Stores can also be a very effective channel to highlight specific brands, products, and technical information. Done properly, good e-Store offers “progressive” services to accommodate whatever level of participation customers want.
Also, a complete e-Store can restrict the selling market area based on the geographical restrictions of certain product lines. By maintaining geographical agreements, the seller has removed all channel conflicts. Buyers get what they want, a good e-Store can be a very powerful complement to a seller’s traditional business.
The heavy Duty Truck Parts market is in the initial stages of e-Commerce and the reality is that it is developing faster than you may think. However, you can incorporate it into your business and use it for continued growth.
