Cars are a daily necessity for most Americans—nearly 70% commute to work by car, according to 2023 census data. For car owners, frequent use means frequent repairs, which can be costly, as mechanics charge for both parts and labor. To save money, some DIY enthusiasts handle simple repairs at home. But for this, they need car parts.
The online auto parts industry, valued at $11.9 billion in 2023, has grown 11.7% from 2018, presenting a significant opportunity for ecommerce businesses. With the right product catalog and marketing strategies, selling auto parts online can be lucrative—and with dropshipping, you don’t even have to handle inventory and fulfillment. Here’s how to set up an ecommerce store and start dropshipping auto parts.
What is auto parts dropshipping?
Auto parts dropshipping involves using a dropshipping business model to sell car parts online. Dropshipping is a product fulfillment method where you outsource inventory management and shipping and fulfillment to a third-party supplier, leaving you responsible for marketing and operating the online store. This model eliminates the need for bulk inventory purchasing, reducing upfront expenses.
Lower costs and simplified logistics make dropshipping a low-risk and popular choice for ecommerce entrepreneurs. With the supplier shipping directly to your customer, you profit from the difference between your price and the supplier’s cost. However, since quality, shipping times, and stock depend on your suppliers, choosing reliable partners is critical.
Best products for auto part dropshipping
Stocking your online auto parts store with high-demand products can help drive sales and attract a loyal customer base. In general, dropshipping businesses focus on easily shippable items that car enthusiasts can install themselves. Here are the most popular products and accessories for your auto parts ecommerce store:
- Car batteries. Car batteries need replacement approximately every three to five years as part of routine car maintenance.
- Jumper cables. Jumper cables are standard in roadside emergency kits and compatible with most vehicles.
- Compressors. Air compressors are versatile tools that may appeal to a wide customer base.
- Car brake pads. Brake pads require periodic replacement, ensuring consistent demand.
- Seat covers. Car seat covers are popular for protecting vehicle interiors.
- Scratch pen. Scratch pens can save money by repairing minor aesthetic imperfections.
- Side mirrors. Replacing a side mirror is a simple repair that many car enthusiasts tackle at home.
- Wiper blades. Wiper blades need replacement approximately every 12 months.
- Cosmetic accessories. Cosmetic car accessories like steering wheel covers and shift knob covers let customers personalize their vehicles.
- Aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts include a broad range of auto accessories and car performance enhancers, like turbo kits. This is a large and potentially lucrative sector—the automotive aftermarket category was valued at $383 billion in 2022.
How to set up an auto part dropshipping business
- Conduct market research
- Choose your auto parts
- Find reliable suppliers
- Select an ecommerce platform
- Set up your store and start selling
1. Conduct market research
You don’t need to know how to rebuild an engine to dropship auto parts, but a basic grasp of car maintenance can help you decide what to stock and, more importantly, accurately answer customer questions; as a dropshipper, one of your major roles is customer service. Understanding common consumer complaints can also inform your marketing language and tactics.
Assess your competitors. Check out the prices on other ecommerce stores and at small auto shops. This competitive research can help you set appropriate pricing for each part.
Then, define your target audience. Knowing your ideal customer informs every aspect of your approach. If you’re targeting foreign car aficionados, for example, you might choose to stock specialty automotive equipment and craft niche marketing messages. A business targeting everyday commuters, on the other hand, might see better results selling common easy-to-install auto parts.
2. Choose your auto parts
Research common maintenance issues and note which auto parts require frequent upkeep. Use analytics tools to identify user demand. Reviewing best-selling car parts on retail sites like eBay and Amazon can reveal commonly purchased items.
Car parts are infamously not one-size-fits-all products. Vehicles require specific parts that are compatible with their design. Read up on popular car models and their specifications. Consider stocking parts compatible with top-selling cars to reach a larger customer base.
3. Find reliable suppliers
Orders pass directly from your dropshipping suppliers to your customers, meaning your suppliers are responsible for providing storing, packing, and shipping of your merchandise. You do not have an opportunity to perform quality checks, so partnering with reputable auto parts dropshipping suppliers is essential.
Use dropshipping apps like DSers and AutoDS to find suppliers. Research several options and compare wholesale prices. Ask about supplier fees, shipping costs, and return policies. Consider how much you want to invest—some car parts dropshipping suppliers have a specified minimum order quantity or bulk discounts. Purchasing in bulk upfront could boost your long-term profits.
Choose partners with strong reviews and convenient warehouse locations. For faster delivery within the continental United States, prioritize suppliers with domestic distribution centers. Consumers expect high-quality auto parts and quick delivery—a supplier with consistent stock and a reliable distribution network supporting a positive customer experience.
A dropshipping business can operate with one or multiple suppliers, but partnering with a supplier offering an extensive product range simplifies logistics, reduces costs, and frees up more time to focus on marketing and store maintenance.
4. Select an ecommerce platform
Your ecommerce platform is where you manage customer interactions and accept orders. Look for a platform that integrates with your auto parts dropshipping supplier, which enables automatic order fulfillment and product inventory updates.
Assess the security features of your ecommerce platform. Accepting payments involves handling sensitive personal information, like credit card details and home addresses. Look for a platform with advanced data protection features, including Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, which verify a website’s identity and enable encrypted data processing. Platforms like Shopify provide built-in hosting with SSL for enhanced security.
5. Set up your store and start selling
Setting up an ecommerce store involves registering a domain name, designing web pages, and optimizing for performance. A well-designed website attracts customers and gives your business a professional sheen.
Choose a domain name that embodies your brand. Short names with simple spelling are more memorable and user-friendly. Use Shopify’s built-in tools to brainstorm names, confirm availability, and purchase domains. Third-party domain registrars include websites like GoDaddy and Google Domains.
Build an intuitive, user-friendly website. Ecommerce websites typically include a homepage, product pages, and a checkout flow. Incorporate a built-in search function to help customers easily find products. Choose between a custom design or a template for a smoother setup. Make sure your store is responsive and easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile devices.
Optimize your auto parts store for search engine performance. Following SEO best practices can help grow your website traffic and increase conversions. Populate your product descriptions, product titles, and URLs with accurate, keyword-rich copy.
Auto parts dropshipping FAQ
Is dropshipping auto parts profitable?
The online auto parts market is valued at more than $11 billion, creating a valuable opportunity. Your automotive dropshipping business can thrive if you provide an excellent consumer experience and use smart marketing tactics to stand out from the competition.
Can I dropship car parts?
Yes. Many dropshipping suppliers offer wholesale auto parts. Selecting a dropshipping model for your auto parts store can simplify business logistics by eliminating the need to hold inventory and manage delivery.
What types of auto parts should I dropship?
Research common car maintenance issues and niche markets to find the best products for your auto parts dropshipping store. You may choose to focus on high-demand items like batteries and brake pads, or cater to a niche market with specialty automotive equipment and aftermarket upgrades that enhance car performance.
