A Beginner’s Guide To Buying Engine Components Online: Do’s and Don’ts
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Published on: 16 July 2021
Last Updated on: 15 November 2024
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- Buy engine parts online to help you with your latest car restoration project for the weekends?
- Do you know how you can ensure that you are buying genuine and quality parts at great prices and with a long-lasting warranty?
- Have you looked at different online platforms only to get confused and overwhelmed regarding the different parts?
Many people make the mistake of thinking that buying auto parts is similar to buying products from Amazon. However, that is not the case. When it comes to buying auto parts, there are many variables that you would need to take into consideration.
There have been so many times when we have bought something off of eBay only to realize that it doesn’t suit our purpose, is defective, or has been grossly overpriced. With online shopping becoming a way of life, the question is- should you be buying auto parts online?
List of 5 Things to Consider when Buying Auto and Engine Parts Online
1. The Credibility of the Online Platform-
The first and probably the most important thing that you need to consider is the reputation, experience, and credibility of the online platform you are buying the parts from. Great online platforms like Helmar Parts do their due diligence before listing auto components.
This is important because good platforms do a lot of internal scrutiny and tests before they upload something on their portals. This ensures that there are checks that are already done so that you do not have to worry about the genuine quality or durability of the parts.
2. Compare Platforms and Prices-
If you are buying an auto part online for the first time, you do not know which platform or part to trust. This means that you need to carry out an in-depth comparative analysis between platforms to compare prices, service levels, delivery times, and after-sales support.
You will be surprised to note that there might be wide variations as far as prices are concerned on online platforms. This is why if you are looking to get the best deals and prices comparing between different online platforms is a must. This will help you get the best deals available.
3. Check out the Warranty and Guarantee of the Product-
You do not want to end up buying an auto part that works one day and gets damaged the other day. Some of the credible online auto portals that sell engine parts and components like the 4g64 engine offer industry-leading warranty to ensure that the buyer has complete peace of mind.
Auto parts are expensive and if you are looking for a relatively rare piece, be prepared to shell out some extra money. However, if the product is of high quality and is durable in nature, you do not have to worry about it getting damaged and you have to make a new expenditure all over again.
5. Does the Online Platform offer a Return Policy?
Imagine you bought something online for a decent price, the product is also great but there is one slight problem- it does not fit! What are you going to do? If you do not have a platform that offers a return policy, you will get stuck with the product and hold up the finances.
This is why you need to check whether the online platform has some return policy in place or not. Yes, there will always be some conditions on the return policy, but that is expected in an industry like auto and engine parts. This can help with you not wasting your hard-earned cash.
6. Is there a Tracking Option for your Delivery on offer?
The online auto and engine parts industry is not as evolved and logistically sophisticated as say an Amazon. Parts need to be shipped and located and can take a fairly long period, depending on where you are. If there is a tracking mechanism for your order it can help you.
Tracking the delivery can allow you to plan your build or repair accordingly. If you are hiring some external mechanics or friends to help you out, you can call them and fix a time if you know when the parts are going to be delivered. This also helps in addressing the curiosity factor.
Challenges of Buying Auto and Engine Parts from an Online Platform
Many of you reading this article might be thinking that your regular good-old physical auto repair part is great and that you have some reservations about buying online. In this section, we look at some major challenges, buyers face when buying auto and engine parts online-
- There is a lot of trust issues involved. Many people who are into the business of buying spare parts and engine components are very old school in nature. They value transparency and feel that online platforms cannot deliver it like physical parts shops.
- There is a sense of community feeling and bonding when it comes to auto and engine parts. Buyers and sellers in this industry are a close-knit community and this has helped foster beneficial relationships. Overcoming this can be a challenge in some ways.
- There is also a sense of supporting the local community, population, and businesses that makes a lot of people opt for traditional auto parts and engine components shops. Buying physically is beneficial for the survival of small businesses.
The Bottom Line
With the advent of genuine, trustworthy, and credible online platforms like Helmar Parts, traditional buyers are now confident of exploring online platforms for parts. The massive advantage they have over physical stores is the extensive type of inventories they usually hold. Even if you do not find what you are looking for, you can always drop them a message and they will let you know when the part is available.
If you have any other questions on buying online engine parts and components online, let us know in the comments section below. We will be more than happy to help you with your purchase and selection decisions.
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