Platforms for Auto Parts Stores

Do you want to open your own auto parts store? What types of platforms do you consider for this business?

It goes without saying, there is not one solution suitable for all. In this article, we will review which platforms are available on the market and what advantages and disadvantages they have.

What key features are vital for the online auto parts store?

First of all, let’s define which functions should be implemented on websites to sell auto parts successfully.

• Price search
• Price lists upload
• Catalogs to select suitable parts by car makes or VIN
• Standard functions of online stores such as the cart, order and customer management, online payment, connection of delivery services, and creation of product catalogs

These are the key points for your checklist when you select a solution for your auto parts business. You can add other requirements relevant to your needs.

What solutions are available to start up your own online auto parts store?

We can categorize a variety of options available on the B2B market in the following way:

• SaaS (Software as a Service)
• General-purpose CMS (Content Management System)
• Specialized CMS
• Websites developed from scratch

SaaS for online auto parts stores

Software as a service is delivered based on a cloud. It means that if you choose the SaaS solution, you don’t get the platform but you get access to the system hosted on the developer’s side. The platform developer has either their own server or a rented server where the software is hosted. This software can be used to launch several websites. It doesn’t take much time to open your online auto parts store using this solution with its default settings. You just pay a subscription fee and make the initial setup.

What are the advantages of the SaaS platform?

• 24/7 tech support
• Regular automatic updates
• Functions required for the online auto parts store (price search, connection of parts catalogs and other features)
• Easy access over the internet

What challenges can you face with the SaaS platform?

• Data are saved on the platform seller’s server. You might not be able to transfer these data to your premises.
• Issues beyond your control. If any issues arise on the server, you will have to wait till the software provider solves them.
• Limited customization opportunities. Since the data is stored on the software provider’s server, you might be able to introduce additional features only with the help of the SaaS owner.

General-Purpose CMS

A content management system is software used to easily create and manage a website. You don’t need any knowledge of web-design or web-development. General computer skills will be enough to create your own website.

What are the advantages of using the general-purpose CMS for your online auto parts store?

• It is installed on your server and you fully control the website.
• There are lots of various offers of CMS on the market.
• Many web-developers can help you with enhancements and modifications required for your business.

What are the shortages of using the general-purpose CMS for your online auto parts store?

• You have to solve all technical issues by yourself or hire specialists who can help you.
• General-purpose CMS doesn’t include functions required for the auto parts store. You have to develop respective enhancements or find IT specialists who can do it.
• Although there are even free CMS, specifics of the auto parts business require additional efforts for web-development, apart from general costs for website maintenance.

Specialized CMS for online auto parts store

The main difference of the specialized CMS from the general-purpose one is that it includes a ready-to-use set of functions for the auto parts business.

What are the other advantages of the specialized CMS for the online auto parts store?

• You can install this system on your own server and be independent from CMS developers.
• You can choose whether you want to pay only once by purchasing the license or to rent the software on a monthly basis.
• The website works faster as it has only the necessary modules for the auto parts store.

What are the disadvantages of the specialized CMS for the online auto parts store?

• It might be costly.
• There are not so many IT specialists who know the product well. You might have to contact the developer of the specialized CMS in case of any enhancements or issues.

Development of the online auto parts store from scratch

This option is ideal if you don’t want to tolerate any tradeoffs. You can develop a website which will fully meet your requirements.

What challenges can you face when developing an online auto parts store from scratch?

• It requires a lot of time, money, and efforts.
• You need to find highly qualified professionals who know ins and outs of software development and can grasp intricacies of auto parts business.
• You need to think of how to maintain and update the developed website. You will have to agree with the developer on that task or find a reliable team.

Comparative table of platforms for online auto parts stores

For your convenience, here is a short summary of the types of platforms for online auto parts stores described in this article.

Conclusion

You can select among many options when searching for solutions for your online auto parts store. Just evaluate what suits your business best. All in all, you can always switch from one platform to another.