Dealership Doubles Monthly Parts Revenue in 6 Months Selling Parts Online

Eric Manna, Parts Manager at Cherry Hill Mitsubishi, has been through it all when it comes to selling parts and accessories online. When his department first moved online, things were a complete mess. For one, they were using multiple different vendors to sell the parts and ship out all orders. On top of that, they were manually uploading their listings to eBay and Amazon, which meant spending hours upon hours just to list a small percentage of their inventory.

Something had to be done. The team at the Cherry Hill dealerships knew there had to be a better eCommerce solution to sell their auto parts and accessories online. That’s when they came across RevolutionParts.

Cherry Hill had found a solution for selling more parts, increasing sales, and doing it all at a faster pace. RevolutionParts offered an easy way to sell on Amazon and eBay, but we also offered them the ability to sell through their own parts website. The RevolutionParts platform became their all-in-one solution to bulk upload their entire inventory to marketplaces in a matter of seconds, collect payment directly from their sales, and ship their orders out.

“My favorite feature is the upload feature for eBay and Amazon,” Eric Manna said, “It’s extremely helpful with keeping inventory up-to-date and refreshed. It saves us a lot of time and actually reduces cancellations.”

“We’ve been able to exponentially increase sales,” he explained. Which is not an understatement! Since their first full month of sales, they’ve increased revenue between their Mitsubishi and Suzuki dealership by over 133%.

As Cherry Hill brings on their other dealerships and starts duplicating that success they’re seeing at these two stores, they’ll be making some real big bucks. The team at Cherry Hill now has the same eCommerce partner for all their stores, and they have all the tools they need with RevolutionParts.

“There are so many great features available to use,” Eric says. And his advice to other dealers: “Really take the opportunity to learn about this platform and dig into it. It will help you improve your part sales, and it’s really about improving the success of your parts department.”

Jump on a demo to see how the RevolutionParts platform can improve the processes in your parts department and start boosting your revenue. Contact us today to see it in action.

How One Dealership Turned Online Part Sales into a Success Story

In 2021, 495 Jeep in Lowell, MA, led by General Manager Shah Ghandchi, set out to launch an online parts store, but the journey had a rocky start. The dealership, a family-owned business, faced numerous challenges. “We were stuck back in 1995 selling parts,” he said. 

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further pressured the dealership to find alternative revenue streams as traditional car sales declined. Shah observed, “People are hanging onto vehicles now,” he noted, “and with high car prices and interest rates, more customers were looking to fix and maintain their existing cars.” This shift created an opportunity for the dealership to focus on parts as new avenues for income.

Internal Hurdles to Online Success

Transitioning to an online model required a strategy shift and a thinking transformation. “Changing the mentality of the team was one of our biggest obstacles,” Shah noted.

Shah recognized that the old ways of doing things in the dealership were no longer viable. “We were stuck in our ways, thinking that customers would continue to come to the dealership for parts,” he said. He knew that this old approach meant that the dealership wasn’t prepared to meet the needs of modern customers, who now demand more convenient online shopping options—even when it comes to auto parts.

The dealership’s first attempts to launch the online store were also met with technical and operational issues. “We didn’t have the right tools in place,” Shah admitted. The selling tools and a digital platform they were using forced Shah into an uphill battle. The dealership struggled with the complexities of setting up an online store and creating a seamless and user-friendly online shopping experience. “We underestimated the amount of work required to build a functional online store,” Shah shared. This led to a series of incomplete launches that failed to gain traction.

Forging Ahead with Teamwork and Modernization

In 2022, the dealership made another attempt to launch its online parts store, and this time Shah knew exactly how to harness his success. “It was just getting the right team in place,” Shah explained—and that’s exactly what he did. That team has helped Shah create a powerful parts-selling machine and now possesses the necessary skills and commitment to embracing change.

Finding his foothold in the digital space also required investments in modern technologies and streamlining operations for an online shopping experience. “We knew we had to create a system that was not just functional but also efficient and user-friendly,” Shah explained. This involved working with RevolutionParts to create a custom website, tap into the complete Jeep parts catalog, set up secure payment systems, and arrange quick order fulfillment.

Tapping into the Power of RevolutionParts

Partnering with RevolutionParts was key the setting up their thriving online business. The platform provided a one-stop shop for setting up and managing their online part store. However, he emphasized the hard work of his talented team in actively maintaining and investing in the platform to see real results. “It’s a fancy toy, but if you don’t have a good team to take care of it, if you don’t stay up to date with it, it won’t work,” he said. 

Shah reminisced about seeing initial success. “Once the team saw the orders coming in, they realized that selling parts online was a viable strategy,” he shared. This tangible evidence played a defining role in building momentum and securing buy-in from the entire team. Since adopting RevolutionParts, the dealership has seen remarkable growth. “Sales are up nearly 300% year-to-date compared to when we first started selling online with RevolutionParts,” Shah noted with enthusiasm.

Adapting to the Amazon Era

In the Amazon era, characterized by quick, convenient shopping and near-instant shipping, Shah set out to align his parts business with heightened customer expectations. That required an end-to-end analysis of internal processes. “We had to look at every step of the process, from inventory management to shipping, and find ways to make it faster and more efficient,” he said. This included adopting new inventory management systems that provided real-time updates and integrating more advanced logistics solutions to expedite delivery times. Shah was able to achieve that with RevolutionParts. The dealership reduced order processing times and improved overall efficiency, leading to a better customer experience. Shah noted, “We recreated a perfectly smooth, fast online shopping experience, just like people are used to with big online retailers.”

Reaping the Rewards of Online Parts Sales

Once Shah and his parts team made their breakthrough, the benefits started rolling in one after another. “It’s a legitimate avenue to sell parts,” Shah said, adding that it allowed them to move parts more efficiently, take advantage of manufacturer incentives, and earn more from aging and obsolete inventory.

Capturing Success on eBay

One of the most impressive aspects of the dealership’s journey was their unprecedented success on eBay. Shah couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when he shared, “We were at a 300% increase in sales from where we were last year.” This milestone was a welcomed outcome of his team’s hard work, commitment to a seamless customer experience, and investment in strategic marketing initiatives. 

Seamless Customer Experience

“People just want to click, click, and buy,” Shah explained. This philosophy was the driving force behind the dealership’s early wins with eBay. They focused on reducing friction at every step of the buyer’s journey through clear product descriptions and competitive pricing while harnessing eBay’s platform’s simplified buying process and familiarity. 

Powerful Marketing Strategies

With RevolutionParts’ guidance, Shah implemented tailored marketing strategies to boost visibility on eBay. They invested in targeted ads and promotions to reach potential buyers actively looking for specific parts. “We didn’t settle for organic traffic. We wanted to make sure that when someone searched for a part we had, our listing was one of the first they saw,” Shah said. This aggressive approach paid off, significantly increasing his store’s nationwide reach.

Customer Feedback and Adaptation

The dealership didn’t stop at just launching the store; they actively sought and responded to customer feedback. “We made it a point to read every review and respond to customer queries quickly. If someone had an issue, we addressed it immediately and used that feedback to improve our service,” the parts manager explained. The results of these efforts were clear: their eBay store saw a dramatic increase in sales and accelerated a growing customer base. 

Looking to the Future

Shah looks towards the future with uncertainty. With the rise of electric vehicles and the potential for new types of parts to become more prominent, he plans to enter the next automotive era with the same openness and drive he had when he started selling parts online. “If EV continues, it’s going to be EV parts,” he said, noting that the industry was at a crossroads. Despite the uncertainties, Shah views them as an opportunity for more growth in the online parts market. 

Shah’s journey from initial struggles to significant success with his online part store is a testament to his drive, talented team, commitment to customer satisfaction, and openness to powerful modern digital tools. With RevolutionParts’ help, 495 Jeep has set themselves up for a bright future in the online parts market.

Driving Success: How Larry Roesch CJDR Accelerated Parts Sales with RevolutionParts

Karla Elms, the parts manager at Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR), dreamed of expanding the dealership’s reach through online sales. She closely followed industry changes, especially the rise in online parts and accessories shopping. Determined to capitalize on this trend, she transitioned her dealership from traditional sales to eCommerce.

The challenge was to sell parts while maintaining high service standards and reaching customers beyond their geographical area.

Karla found a solution through RevolutionParts, referred by a successful industry professional. “I knew it was time to adapt and move forward. RevolutionParts seemed like the perfect partner to help us do just that,” Karla explained. This decision brought rapid success to Karla’s parts department, setting them up for a bright year.

Larry Roesch CDJR Year-to-Date

(January-April)

Partnering with RevolutionParts to Sell Parts Online

Joining RevolutionParts and creating an online parts business was simple for Karla and her team. “Getting set up with RevolutionParts was easy, almost like plug-and-play,” Karla recalled. “The platform was user-friendly, and we could train before going live.”

Karla adopted the RevolutionParts platform to sell online and utilized their marketing services. These services provided expert marketing for OEM parts and high-return campaigns without the burden of traditional marketing tasks.

Additionally, the dedicated marketing specialists (DMSs) keep a close eye on your success and manage your account, ensuring that every campaign is optimized for maximum return on ad spend (ROAS), which, for Karla, is 10X.

Impressive Growth with RevolutionParts

Since implementing RevolutionParts and using RP Marketing Services, Larry Roesch CJDR’s parts department has seen significant growth. From December 2023 to April 2024, online sales increased by 1027%, showcasing the effectiveness of RP Marketing Services’ strategies and the dealership’s dedication.

Their order count nearly quintupled, rising from 36 in December to 177 in April. The average order value also increased from $136 in December to nearly $313 in April, reflecting enhanced customer trust and satisfaction.

Past 5 Months Using RevolutionParts

Driving Parts Profit: How a Michigan Parts Manager Used Online Sales to Transform Revenue

Known for having its roots in tradition, even the automotive parts industry is shifting towards online sales. Joe Kwasneski, a seasoned retail manager who runs online parts sales at Serra Automotive Lake Orion, Michigan is on the front lines of the transition from brick-and-mortar to online parts sales. His dealership, known for its extensive reach, impressive wholesale revenue, and exceptional service, has embraced online sales to redefine profitability and customer satisfaction.

Serra Automotive’s parts department has a storied history of dominating in wholesale parts distribution, covering a large area including greater Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and beyond. Serra Automotive’s parts department has established itself as a leader in the industry but Joe and Chris Hojnacki, the wholesale parts manager wanted more. 

This led to the decision to add online parts sales to the operation. They knew this was the way to expand their market reach and increase profitability.

This strategic shift has allowed the dealership to offer competitive pricing, superior customer service, and an extensive inventory to customers far and wide.

Challenges That Led to Selling Parts Online

When Joe started considering selling his parts online, he’d been facing challenges with his parts department’s reach. One of the primary issues was the limitation in distribution and geographical coverage. “We distribute parts across southeastern and western Detroit, all the way out to Lansing and Ann Arbor. We used to go all the way out to even Grand Rapids, Holland, and Muskegon Ludington,” Joe explained. However, limiting their distribution range to Jackson and Lansing was more profitable.

Logistical challenges also played a crucial role. Managing a fleet of around 12 drivers and covering large areas, including Oakland, Washington, and Saginaw counties, added complexity to their operations. “We covered a lot of miles,” Joe noted, highlighting the strain on their resources.

Profitability concerns were another factor in Joe’s decision. While they performed well in wholesale parts sales, expanding their market reach without compromising profit margins was a delicate balance. Joe stated, “We started looking at online sales as a way to add profitability without spreading our resources thin.”

Joe’s Motivation

The path forward was clear: selling parts online would allow Joe to increase profitable sales and lengthen the dealership’s market reach without bearing the strain from far-away wholesale relationships. Joe chose to partner with RevolutionParts, which offered a comprehensive set of tools designed specifically for OEM parts departments. By venturing into online sales, the dealership aimed to tap into a broader market and offer competitive pricing, leveraging their strong wholesale foundation. 

This strategic move was not just about increasing sales volume but also about maintaining and improving their market position. The dealership’s robust online presence now complements its wholesale operations, enabling them to serve a more extensive customer base and stay ahead of the competition with two increasingly strong arms of their parts business.

Joe’s Online Parts Advantage

Joe’s parts department distinguishes itself in the online parts market through exceptional customer service strategies. He puts extra effort into timely and transparent communication with customers, especially regarding order status and inventory checks. “Sometimes before I even tell them their order is in progress, I let them know that I don’t have it in my inventory and it’ll be 24 hours before I get it, but as soon as I get it, their order will be shipped three-day UPS,” Joe explained. This proactive approach helps manage customer expectations and creates trust. 

Pricing Strategy

Another significant advantage Joe has built into his parts strategy is competitive pricing. Joe highlighted this approach as he discussed how he remains competitive and profitable. 

By combining exceptional customer service with competitive pricing, Joe’s dealership has carved out a significant competitive advantage in the online parts market. These strategies attract new customers and foster loyalty in existing ones, driving sustained success.

Revenue Goals

Joe’s openness to competitive pricing and hunger to grow his revenue had him posting impressive monthly numbers from the beginning. “When we first started a few years ago we did about $40,000 per month,” Joe recalled. Over time, these figures double, with monthly revenues reaching around $80,000. Despite this growth, Joe remains ambitious, setting higher and higher targets for continued expansion. Joe aims to elevate the dealership’s monthly revenue from $80,000 to $100,000.

One key strategy to get there includes the potential engagement with eBay. Joe noted, “We’re currently entertaining getting into eBay and Amazon.” By diversifying their sales platforms, the dealership aims to capture a broader audience and increase overall sales volume.

Key Metrics

In an effort to meet his ambitious goals, Joe closely monitors key performance metrics of his online store including days of fulfillment, cancellations, and handling back orders through the RevolutionParts platform. Joe’s success relies on his commitment to timely order processing, “I stay on top of tracking overall days of fulfillment, cancellations, how long it takes for backorder products,” he stated.

Managing backorders is an important part of his strategy. Joe prefers to allow customers to place orders even if the parts are on backorder, as Chrysler fills orders in the sequence they are received. He explains, “At least if it’s on backorder, Chrysler fills the orders in which they’re received. So the customer has a chance of getting it.”

By focusing on these performance metrics and prioritizing order fulfillment, Joe positions his parts department to achieve revenue goals and further strengthen their online presence.

Obsolescence and Inventory Management Made Easy

Joe has tapped into next-level obsolescence management by selling online. Instead of letting aging inventory pile up, he leverages the global online marketplace to find buyers. This strategy, in tandem with Chrysler’s buy-back program, allows Joe to create shelf-space for fast-moving parts and release capital previously tied up in obsolete parts.

Finding a Profit Margin on Aging Parts

The wholesale parts department stays on top of their inventory and addresses parts that are not selling on a weekly basis. Focusing attention on proper inventory turns and addressing obsolete parts is another factor in maintaining profit margins. Joe added, “for dealerships needing assistance with dynamic pricing on aged parts, RevolutionParts has a great tool that saves time and maintains accurate pricing as parts age.”

Conclusion

Online parts sales have taken Joe’s parts department to the next level and made an important impact on Serra Automotive’s overall success. The move has empowered him to expand his customer reach and add to his overall profit. By adding the online business to his already thriving wholesale revenue, Joe manages to offer competitive pricing, maintain excellent customer service, and promise timely deliveries. As Joe succinctly put it, “We just looked at online sales as a way to add to our profitability and sales, and that’s exactly what it did.”

Joe strongly encourages other dealers to adopt online sales, emphasizing the untapped potential and additional revenue it can generate. “If you’re not selling online, you’re leaving money on the table,” he asserted. The investment in setting up an online sales channel is pennies compared to the potential returns. “For what it takes to start up the online business, it’s definitely worth it,” Joe advised.

Joe values his partnership with RevolutionParts for the simplified order processing, easy customer communication, and efficient logistics management tools. 

By leveraging modern tools and strategies, dealerships like Serra Automotive can also benefit from this growing sales channel and create a competitive edge in the increasingly digital OEM parts marketplace.

A BMW Parts Manager’s Journey to Becoming a King of Volume

From car washer to parts sales leader, Anthony Blubello, the Parts Manager at BMW of West Chester, embodies the journey of passion and perseverance in the automotive industry. Raised in a household steeped in a love for classic cars, Anthony’s early days washing cars in 2003 were just the modest beginning of his great impact in the automotive world. “I’m a car guy through and through. My dad was a classic car guy; he had ten cars when he passed away when I was 15,” Anthony shared. His and his father’s shared connection to cars has fueled his drive to build an impressive parts selling machine at BMW of West Chester. Over two decades later, he now oversees the wholesale, retail, and eCommerce sides of the dealership’s parts department.

In an effort to take his parts department to new heights, Anthony decided to start selling parts online in partnership with RevolutionParts. He had already dabbled in online parts sales with a small eBay store, which he started to help move more volume and clear some aging parts. Eight years later, Anthony now reports nearly $200K in online parts sales every month. Anthony’s impressive transition to selling parts online has allowed him to unlock a huge volume of parts sales, manufacturer incentives, and record-breaking revenue goals.

“We literally started from the bottom with RevolutionParts,” Anthony reminisced, noting that he’s already generated more than $687,000 in online parts revenue this year (January – April 2024). Since then, he’s led a complete shift in how the dealership does parts sales. “We had a little bit of an eBay store years before, but all our online success has come from RevolutionParts,” Anthony continued. This is Anthony’s harrowing story of achievement in online OEM parts sales.

Revolutionizing Sales with RevolutionParts

The decision to implement RevolutionParts was a no-brainer for Anthony. Between pressure from the manufacturer to increase his parts volume and his natural hunger to grow revenue, Anthony knew taking his parts store online was the only path forward. He needed a way to level up his department’s efficiency and productivity, and this was it. He found what he was looking for in RevolutionParts—the platform offered a comprehensive solution that promised to expand his market presence, streamline operations, and increase sales volume. The platform’s user-friendly interface, coupled with powerful tools for inventory management and customer engagement, made it an ideal choice for the parts department’s needs.

Once Anthony was set up with his very own parts web store, the rest was history. Since starting, he has increased his initial monthly revenue more than twentyfold! “The sales numbers we’re putting up now weren’t instant, but $10,000 turned into 20; that 20 turned into 25 and so on and so forth.”

BMW of West Chester Online Parts Sales Snapshot

The Transformative Impact of Selling Parts Online

Anthony’s courageous move to partner with RevolutionParts has completely changed the way his parts department does business. The revenue metrics speak for themselves: “We started out doing $10,000 a month and here we are doing a quarter million dollars a month,” Anthony proudly reported. This isn’t just a huge win for the parts department. Anthony’s online sales strategy also helps drive the entire dealership towards its goals, “Online sales has helped us reach our BMW purchase goals,” he explained. “We get that 3 – 8% bump every year.”

One of the standout benefits that RevolutionParts has brought to the parts department is the dramatic improvement in inventory management. “It’s nice having that online presence,” Anthony explained. “When people search for BMW parts on Google, we pop up.” This enhanced visibility has significantly boosted his sales volume, especially in obsolete parts, which were previously a challenge to move. Selling online helps Anthony clear aging inventory and maintain a healthy stock rotation. Now, Anthony is empowered to keep his obsolete inventory under 3%. “Selling online has been a great way to move some volume and get some obsolescent parts out of your hair,” he elaborated. But it’s not just a volume game for Anthony. He’s been able to pull an average 20% profit margin on his online parts sales—even more on accessories.

Anthony loves to see the revenue growth that’s come from selling parts online, but the impact of RevolutionParts goes even deeper than that.

Accessing a wider customer base has been another decisive advantage. The parts department’s online presence has extended far beyond local geographical limits, attracting customers nationwide. Selling online with RevolutionParts has been completely transformative for Anthony’s parts department. The significant increase in monthly revenue, enhanced inventory management, expanded customer reach, and improved handling of obsolete parts have launched him to a new level of operational excellence. As Anthony put it, “If it wasn’t for RevolutionParts, I really would not have a job because right now that’s my livelihood. It’s selling the parts online.”

Marketing Prowess and Commitment to Customer Service Excellence

It’s not enough to simply get your parts online; you have to let people know about it. That’s why Anthony has adopted a comprehensive approach to marketing and sales, using a variety of strategies to maximize the impact of their online presence. “You have to get creative,” Anthony explained. “Our business model has always been just best pricing for the volume, so we can promote [the] 24-hour turnaround time, we can market the best pricing, [and] we can market the factory quality.” Anthony’s openness to test different pricing models and strategies has allowed him to meet modern customer needs and keep them coming back. 

Promotions have also played a key role in their strategy. “A lot of customers love promo codes with obsolescence. Hey, buy my part, give me a review, and here’s another promo code for your future purchase, whatever you gotta do to get rid of parts and incentivize the customer,” Anthony detailed. Anthony’s keen marketing sense and creativity encourages sales and fosters customer loyalty and repeat business, strengthening his growth potential.

Customer engagement is yet another cornerstone of Anthony’s strategy. Anthony discussed the importance of connecting with customers: “If you treat everybody like you want to be treated and treat every order like it’s your own and triple check it and make sure the VIN’s on there and check the fitment you’re going to make the customer happy,” he explained. “Make a phone call, check an email, send an email, or send a text. Whatever the case may be. But that’s what really sets you apart is the customer service.” No wonder his web store holds a 4.7-star rating on Google!

Anthony’s Solutions to Online Parts Sales Roadblocks

Success with online parts sales doesn’t come without its challenges. However, Anthony’s proactive approach to problem-solving, coupled with strong support from RevolutionParts, has enabled the parts department to turn potential setbacks into opportunities for improvement.

Anthony described one of the ongoing challenges as managing customer expectations. “In this Amazon world we live in where everyone wants things now, managing shipping times and keeping up with customer expectations is always a battle,” he points out. He has tackled this issue head-on with RevolutionParts’ streamlined shipping integrations, ensuring that parts are delivered as promptly as possible. “When somebody places an order, we’re getting that order from the warehouse, we pack it up, and in 24 hours it goes out to the customer,” Anthony said. “This way we can cater to customer expectations for speedy delivery and avoid sitting on parts that take up shelf-space.”

Another challenge is maintaining accurate inventory levels online, which is important for avoiding costly order cancellations and maintaining customer satisfaction. “Keeping our online inventory accurate is big; mistakes can lead to backorders and unhappy customers,” Anthony stated. To address this, Anthony uses RevolutionParts’ comprehensive parts catalog and inventory management tools.

Anthony also discussed the challenge of marketplace competition and price pressures from other online sellers. “It’s tough when you have so many other competitors out there. We’re all selling the same stuff,” he mentioned. He sets himself apart from the competition with exceptional customer service and by providing detailed product information that helps customers feel confident in their purchase.

The collaboration with RevolutionParts has been instrumental in addressing these challenges.

These tools allow them to respond instantly to inquiries and issues, which wins sales. “We’ve made some very high price sales just through text messaging, without even one phone call involved,” Anthony beamed.

Anthony’s Bright Outlook on the Future

Anthony’s perspective on the future of online auto parts sales is very optimistic, shaped by years of experience and success with RevolutionParts. He believes the industry is on the cusp of significant changes, driven by technology and evolving consumer behaviors, and he’s preparing his parts department to maintain its foothold as a leader in these trends.

“The future is online, there’s no doubt about it,” Anthony asserted. “What we’ve seen in the past few years is just the beginning. The growth for online parts sales is steep, and we’re just climbing up.” Anthony anticipates further expansion in his parts department as more and more consumers shift to online shopping. 

Anthony discusses specific trends that he believes will shape the future of the industry, particularly the increasing role of mobile commerce. “Every single person out there has got one of these,” he said as he held up his smartphone, “and our RevolutionParts sales data shows more and more sales are happening on mobile. So we’re improving our sales channels for mobile shopping experiences,” he elaborated.

Harness Success Like Anthony

Anthony’s strategic approach to customer service, inventory management, and online marketing is exemplary for any dealership that wants to start dominating the parts market. With upwards of $250,000 a month in parts revenue, this growth is not just in revenue but also in customer reach and operational efficiency, which are key in the competitive OEM parts market.

Anthony’s experience with RevolutionParts has reshaped his dealership and offers a beacon to other dealers looking to strengthen their fixed ops.

Anthony’s approach to growing sales shines a light on the opportunity for parts departments to come out of the shadows of the dealership and make their mark as a revenue-generating force in the evolving automotive industry. 

Do you want to 20x your parts department’s sales? Your dealership can start on the path to Anthony’s level of success with RevolutionParts. Revenue growth, enhanced efficiency, streamlined productivity, and a whole world of parts shoppers are within reach, and RevolutionParts can help. Embrace the change and take your fixed ops to new heights with online parts sales.

Sell Parts Like a Girl: Toyota Parts Employee Crushes Goals by Selling Parts Online

In the male-dominated automotive industry, one remarkable person has been shifting gears in the parts eCommerce market. Ryanne Brashear, an ambitious parts employee at Ed Martin Toyota of Noblesville, IN, has been setting new standards for dealership parts revenue. With a tireless drive for improvement and a lifelong passion for automotive, Ryanne has been a leader in revolutionizing how OEM parts are sold.

Raised in Anderson, IN, Ryanne’s passion for cars ignited at an early age. “I grew up around cars,” she recalls, “My dad owned a garage. My uncle owned a garage.” It was this first-hand exposure to the industry that set the stage for a successful career. When she joined Ed Martin Toyota almost seven years ago as a driver, this was just the beginning of Ryanne’s journey. She worked her way up to parts employee, and now Ryanne is crushing online parts sales with RevolutionParts.

“We saw an opportunity to reach a wider audience and cater to the changing preferences of our customers,” Ryanne explained. “By getting our parts online, we’re providing new shoppers with the convenience they expect.”

Expanding Reach Through Online Sales

Before Ryanne brought Ed Martin Toyota’s parts department online, her main goal was to expand its already impressive reach. “Our dealership didn’t really have any difficulties,” Ryanne said. “We just wanted more outlets to sell parts and getting online was the natural next step.” This strategic move would allow Ryanne to tap into a nationwide audience of parts shoppers. “That’s how we got started with RevolutionParts,” Ryanne recalled. “RevolutionParts helped us open up our main web store and then eBay,” Ryanne noted.

The simplicity of online transactions helped attract more customers. “It was just easier doing it that way so they could look online,” she said. In her own words, “We were looking into selling online, and RevolutionParts helped us reach out to more people. We’re able to give parts shoppers a good experience, and hopefully, next time, we’re their first choice.”

Early Triumphs in Online Sales

Within a few short months of selling online, Ryanne began seeing incredible success. “We haven’t been on very long,” Ryanne explained, “but it’s really working.” She instantly strengthened her online presence by combining a customer-first mentality with expert knowledge across her parts department.

One key factor contributing to her early wins is her team’s extensive experience. “Our team is very knowledgeable,” Ryanne shared. Their depth of expertise with next-level management helped the parts business establish a reliable reputation online. “Our GM runs a YouTube channel that reaches people all over the country. Selling online has helped us turn that into a sales channel,” Ryanne noted. “We do a lot of builds, so that brings in a lot of traffic to our parts web store.”

As Ryanne expanded the parts department’s online presence, she realized there were some great opportunities to clear out older inventory and reach previously untapped markets.

Growing Online Sales with Customer-Centric Strategies

Ryanne’s approach to online success is customer-centric, prioritizing long-term relationships over quick sales. “We would rather customers come back,” Ryanne said, detailing her approach to providing helpful resources even if it means directing customers to other dealerships. “Hopefully, next time, we’re their first choice.” This dedication to building trust sets them apart from competitors, nurturing a loyal customer base that appreciates the genuine care and effort put forth by Ryanne and her team.

Ryanne and her team treat each customer interaction with patience and empathy, something she points to as a specific strength of being a woman in the parts department. “Even if you’re frustrated, the customer doesn’t deserve to feel that,” she advised. “Be normal to them. Be kind to them.” This compassionate approach has led to meaningful interactions that make customers feel valued and heard, which helps Ed Martin Toyota stand out.

Ryanne’s parts department uses RevolutionParts to manage multiple online storefronts, giving them a broader reach and greater flexibility in pricing. Finding the right pricing strategy has been crucial to their competitiveness. “We went up and down with the pricing and everything, trying to figure that out,” Ryanne explained. She frequently collaborates with her manager to adjust their pricing based on market trends and customer demand. “This last meeting, we changed it a little bit,” she shared, noting that these adjustments have helped them remain competitive.

Ryanne emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance between being competitive and profitable. “We found what works, but if we want to be more competitive… hopefully [customers] will fall in love with us and just keep coming back,” she said. They are constantly testing and refining their approach to ensure the pricing remains appealing without sacrificing profitability. This flexible pricing strategy, combined with their broad online reach, has allowed Ed Martin Toyota to tap into new markets while efficiently managing their aging inventory.

Female Empowerment in the Parts Department

Navigating a male-dominated field like automotive parts sales hasn’t been without its challenges, but Ryanne has thrived at Ed Martin Toyota by cultivating a supportive environment and demonstrating unwavering dedication. “I’ve been told [by outsiders] that women shouldn’t be in this field,” she recalled, reflecting on the stereotypical attitudes she’s encountered. However, Ryanne’s expertise, passion, and curiosity have empowered her to break through these barriers and win the respect of her colleagues and customers alike. “My team has backed me 100%,” she said. “And I’m not scared to ask—I want to learn.”

Ryanne recognizes how gender dynamics impact customer interactions, especially when women reach out for support. She often sees the positive influence of a female presence in the parts department. 

She’s not only developed her own career but also actively trained a new generation of women. Nyia, a young woman she’s mentoring, has quickly learned about parts management while helping with important tasks that support the online business, like photographing parts and organizing inventory.

Ryanne’s Goals for the Future

Ryanne hopes to strengthen the department’s ability to serve a growing base of customers by honing their approach to pricing and inventory management while fostering customer loyalty. She also plans to leverage her team’s expertise and RevolutionParts’ easy-to-use tools to expand her parts business into new markets. 

Ryanne emphasizes the importance of ongoing improvement through knowledge sharing and mentorship. She wants to empower her team by investing in their professional growth. By fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes learning, she aims to help the department adapt to the changing industry while continuing to build trust with their customers.

Ultimately, Ryanne’s vision is to refine the online sales platform and build a dynamic, customer-focused strategy that positions Ed Martin Toyota as a leader in the automotive parts industry. With her clear dedication to continuous improvement and RevolutionParts powerful online selling tools, the dealership is poised for continued growth and success.

All Star DCJR Leads the Way in Customer Service Excellence

Meet Justin Akin and the All Star DCJR crew. This isn’t just any parts department at a dealership; it’s a testament to Justin Akin and his team’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

Turning this venture into a multi-million dollar success story was just the beginning. In a world where the online marketplace evolves daily, Justin understood the importance of continuous improvement, especially in providing unparalleled customer service.

The Customer Service Game Changer

Let’s face it; in today’s market, making customers feel valued is everything. An unpleasant experience can send over half of your customers to a competitor. It’s a tightrope walk where 80% of businesses, including All Star DCJR, compete primarily on the quality of customer interactions.

The quest to simplify and enhance these interactions led Justin and his team into challenging yet transformative territories.

Even with an established, sleek business model, All Star DCJR faced its share of roadblocks:

• Overflowing inbox? Check.
• Long waits for parts? Double check.
• Team stretched thinner than the finish line at the Daytona 500? Triple check.

Initially, the journey to refine their chat and email management was fraught with difficulties. Justin recalls, “It was a disaster,” as the team struggled to keep up with the influx of inquiries.

Despite testing various services and technologies, including a promising transition to a new platform for its texting capabilities, the overwhelming volume of customer questions proved too much for the support staff, leading to missed opportunities and frustration.

“We moved from Gugaboo to a company called Captivated because we were interested in their text capability,” says Justin. However, even with the ability to respond to customers quickly via text, it was still too much to handle. 

“There were just hundreds of questions coming in every day, and our order processing team was having to jump in and take on questions to help out the support staff.”

Revolutionizing Customer Engagement with Managed Services

The turning point came when Justin discovered a game-changing solution: Managed Services through a partnership with RevolutionParts. This wasn’t just about outsourcing; it was about finding a partner who could dive deep into the nature of the inquiries and tailor a strategy that fits like a glove.

“It really started with understanding what we were facing,” says Justin, highlighting the importance of a customized and personal solution.

Implementing Managed Services was seamless, immediately alleviating the pressure on the team. This strategic move is known for saving current customers 75% of the time spent managing communications, allowing them to redirect their focus toward improving order processing and exploring new growth opportunities.

What happened after they started using Managed Services?

The Impact: Beyond Time Savings

“The customer experience is getting better because their questions are getting answered faster, and we’ve turned more of those opportunities into sales,” Justin explains.

The transformation went beyond operational efficiencies. This shift bolstered their sales and nurtured a growing base of repeat customers, cementing All Star DCJR’s reputation and future business prospects.

As they navigate this period of rapid growth, the All Star team remains focused on innovation and excellence. “We leased space in an adjacent building to handle our growing Online Parts Department but have now had to lease two floors of that building because of our tremendous growth,” says Justin. 

The journey from the initial chaos to achieving a streamlined, efficient, and customer-focused operation illustrates the power of strategic partnerships and the relentless pursuit of improvement.

With a strong growth mindset, All Star DCJR is poised to redefine what success looks like in the automotive industry.

Cat Security Reaches Over $3 Million in Annual Sales with RevolutionParts

When Cat Security’s team saw an urgent problem among vehicle owners, they took the initiative to solve it. Catalytic converter theft is one of the most significant automobile theft problems in the U.S. In fact, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than 52,000 catalytic converters were stolen in 2021, skyrocketing 1,215% increase over the previous 2 years.

What was Cat Security’s solution to this problem? An easy-install catalytic converter shield cover. Their shields are offered for a variety of vehicle makes and models and are designed to stop auto parts thieves in their tracks. 

With such a massive surge in thefts of this kind within the last year alone, Cat Security became one of the country’s fastest-growing specialty aftermarket auto parts sellers. Today, they’re generating close to $3.5 million in total sales with RevolutionParts. How did they do it? 

Scott McDonald, the General Manager and Director of Operations has some valuable insights. 

Having previously used upwards of 5+ different software management systems on the operations side of the business, Scott and his team recognized the need for a streamlined, all-in-one platform to help them manage their workload. “We’re a fairly small company, and we don’t have a lot of people at this point,” says Scott. Improving operational efficiencies was, and still is, essential to their success.

First Year of Online Sales

The number of steps it took to see their sales at a glance came at the cost of valuable time that could be focused elsewhere. An alternative solution was needed. However, with the level of growth they were experiencing, they couldn’t devote the time they felt they needed to research an alternative solution. 

“We were recommended to RevolutionParts from a third-party logistics consulting company,” says Scott. “They were helping us improve our systems to streamline things… that’s how we came to find RevolutionParts.”

“We have a call center that handles most of our incoming phone calls. They’re using the RevolutionParts system. They’re reviewing customer messages that come in through the message center and responding to them, answering technical questions if they can. The messaging center is a huge benefit,” says Scott. 

Customer communication has only been one of the operational benefits Scott and his team have experienced. It’s also been a great way to integrate their existing sales channels into one easy-access location. “We had sold on Amazon and eBay, which we still do. Now, both of these are linked to our RevolutionParts account,” says Scott. “We’re using the entire thing as a sales platform now.”

For Scott, having a hand in a variety of processes made him stress the need for an all-encompassing solution. “For myself here, it’s more of just an overview, looking and seeing what’s happening, checking sales numbers, and responding to any order issues that may have come up with an order shipment,” says Scott. “It’s a great all-in-one.”

Since their initial partnership with RevolutionParts in March of 2022, Cat Security has been busier than ever. “We just recently launched our B2B pro-side portal so that we can move our wholesale customers to place their own orders instead of calling in and us doing manual orders that way,” says Scott, “And that’s continuing to gain speed.”

Cat Security is also looking to increase its repeat buyer segment, especially where wholesale customers are concerned. Nearly 85% of their business currently comes from single-purchase consumers. To maintain their sales growth, they recognize that they’ll have to continue expanding other areas of their business. 

As the specialty aftermarket parts retail market continues to diversify, Scott sheds some words of wisdom for those looking to streamline their business. “Do the research on what you need to solve for and how to find the solutions that will get you as much of your problem-solving tools under one platform as possible,” says Scott. “The least amount of tools that you need to implement to get work done is the optimal solution.”

Mercedes-Benz of Laredo’s Exceptional Service Leads to Goal-Breaking Success

In the 19 years that Mike Adams has been a parts manager, he knew that his department would have to change the way it did business, especially after the 2020 pandemic hit. Mike joined Mercedes-Benz of Laredo in 2004, and in the years since he started, he’s noticed how the internet has transformed the parts retail market. “This is where the future is headed, and that’s what prompted me to start looking for platforms to start selling parts online.”

Mike and his team at Mercedes-Benz Laredo began their partnership with RevolutionParts in 2018, just two years before the start of the pandemic. “This was the first time I sold online, ever,” says Mike. Parts eCommerce represented uncharted territory, and at the beginning, Mike was unsure how to get started.

“When we first started, we saw maybe one to two orders a month online,” says Mike. However, with time, effort, and help from their RevolutionParts customer success manager, they grew that into 300 orders a month. By 2020 they had generated $90k in monthly online revenue. “During COVID, our business just skyrocketed. It’s been a great experience.”

Since 2020, his parts department has transformed into a well-oiled machine. Keeping a pulse on their online sales traffic seemed complicated at first, but with a little help, they learned the ins and outs of parts eCommerce fairly quickly.

Sales Performance

“The first thing I look at is the RevolutionParts dashboard to find out how many daily orders have come in that morning,” says Mike. “From there, I usually check the emails, check in on individual orders. Depending on how many orders we have, we can pack and ship out orders that day. It’s very easy.”

Having a quick, easy-access overview of new orders and total sales has been a great help to their existing sales strategy. Rather than abandoning their existing techniques, they’ve built upon them, making the transition into online sales smooth and painless. They’ve even used features like the Quoting Tool to help them solve other problems behind the parts counter.

 Mike’s team has also integrated an online chat feature. “The online chat feature has increased our quote volume significantly. We do about 50-60 quotes a day,” Mike explains. “Our quote conversion rate is above 50%.”

Since partnering with RevolutionParts, Mike has been pleasantly surprised at the amount of cooperation he’s experienced with his team’s Customer Success Manager. “Working with them has been very pleasant,” says Mike. “I love talking about our goals with them, chatting about the things we want to do and how to realistically achieve them.”

Speaking of goals, Mike has no plans to slow down his ambitions for his department. He confidently set a goal to grow his annual online revenue to $1.5 million by the end of 2023. Not only did they achieve this goal, but they also surpassed it, reaching an impressive $2.2 million in annual revenue.

A Testament to Customer Service Excellence

The commitment to customer service has been a cornerstone of their success. “We’re getting a lot of repeat customers. They appreciate our service and keep coming back,” says Mike. “We have customers calling us just to say hi. It’s great.”

Advice for Future Online Parts Sellers

With the success his department has seen, other dealerships have turned to Mike for advice, and he is always happy to help.

 Perhaps one of the biggest pieces of advice Mike can give others is the importance of patience and perseverance. “Have patience with it. Spend whatever time you need with each customer. It will happen.”

Mike Adams and his team at Mercedes-Benz of Laredo have successfully navigated the transition to online parts sales, achieving and surpassing ambitious goals. With a strong focus on customer service and innovative tools, they continue to set new benchmarks for success in the industry.

Looking to grow your parts business just like Mike at Mercedes-Benz of Laredo? Look no further! RevolutionParts is ready to help you today. Schedule a free demo with one of our resident experts and get the process started. With the right eCommerce strategy, you can unlock your parts department’s selling potential.

All Star DCJR Builds a Multi-Million Dollar Parts Business

Annual Sales Performance

• Focusing on SEO and SEM
• Making sure their website has high-quality photos 
• Ensuring that each listed part has the correct dimensions

“We were working on SEO and updating stuff in the backend, and you could see the different times where Google would rescan the website and recognize what we had done and saw the sales just skyrocketed.”

“We have a lot of repeat customers now from all over the all over the country, because we got there part shipped out in a timely manner.”

Justin and his team may have built a successful parts department, but they are not planning on slowing down anytime soon. In fact, they have big plans to expand their business through online marketplaces.  “I’m about to hire a manager, just to run this business for us and they’ll be working closely with me to understand my vision for eBay and Amazon,” says Justin, “We need to maximize all of these channels because they all have tremendous growth potential and could get us to that million dollars per month in online sales.” The All Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram team has big goals, and there is no doubt they are on their way to reaching them. Justin knows that there is no limit to how far his dealership can go with the right tools, strategies, and team.

The All Star DCJR Team