For auto shop owners, parts procurement can be a tedious, time-consuming process. Finding the right part at the best price often feels like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. But the good news is there are efficient solutions that can save you time and money by eliminating many of the steps and much of the heartburn associated with traditional parts ordering. 

Let’s take a closer look at how streamlining this process can make your shop more productive, improve customer satisfaction, and provide a shot in the arm to your bottom line.   

Understanding the Parts Landscape

Before getting into procurement solutions, it's important to understand the different types of parts available and when to use each.

OEM and Dealership Parts: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are the same ones that were used when the vehicle was built. These parts are usually more expensive but offer perfect fitment and often come with better warranties. They also deliver reliable performance and longevity. OEM parts are ideal for newer vehicles still under warranty, higher-end or luxury cars, or for customers who may eventually want to sell or trade in their car.

Aftermarket Parts: Aftermarket parts are made by companies other than the original manufacturer. They can vary significantly in both quality and price. The advantages of aftermarket parts include lower costs, greater selection, and wider availability; many also meet or exceed OEM standards. However, fitment and reliability can sometimes be issues, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting high-quality parts from reputable manufacturers.

Balancing Cost and Quality: The choice between OEM and aftermarket parts often boils down to cost vs. quality. While much of the decision will depend on the customer’s budget and personal preferences, other factors to consider are the vehicle’s age and condition, and the function of the part(s) being installed. 

Procurement Solutions for Different Part Types

OEM and Dealership Parts: For OEM parts, one option is to work with dedicated OEM parts suppliers. Companies that specialize in OEM parts may have thicker catalogs and better pricing than dealerships (which are another option). However, those dealerships can make procurement easier by delivering parts to your shop, or offer you preferred pricing; others may have inventory consignment programs.

Then there are platforms like RepairLink, which consolidate OEM and dealership parts into one easily searchable online database. These aggregators eliminate the need to handle multiple accounts by providing direct access to pricing, availability, and vehicle information for various manufacturers. Some can even integrate right into the shop management platforms you’re already using (more on that later).

Aftermarket Parts: On the aftermarket side, there are a few different options. Wholesale distributors like Automotive Parts Group and Factory Motor Parts offer a wide selection of aftermarket parts, often with better pricing than you can get buying direct from manufacturers. Independent auto parts suppliers are more like specialty shops that may or may not cater specifically to a certain type of vehicle. They can be more hit-or-miss than larger distributors in terms of availability and pricing. Online parts marketplaces like Amazon, eBay Motors, and RockAuto have massive selections and competitive pricing. But they can also be clearinghouses for counterfeit or poorly made parts, and customer support may be spotty. 

Also popular for aftermarket parts, aggregators let you look up and compare products from a wide range of suppliers. PartsTech, for example, offers access to millions of parts and tires and thousands of different brands from more than 30,000 supplier locations. Among its benefits, the platform provides real-time availability and updated product descriptions and pricing. Some of the top systems also can be integrated into shops’ existing management programs.

The Power of Integration

You guessed it: This is where the real magic happens. Combining streamlined parts procurement with an integrated shop management software can do wonders for your operation. Consider the benefits of:

  • Real-time Part Availability: Know right away if a part is in stock, and how quickly you can get it, while eliminating back-and-forth phone calls.

  • Automated Ordering and Invoicing: Cut down on manual data entry–and potential errors–while freeing up staff to focus on repairs rather than paperwork.

  • Access to Multiple Suppliers: Compare prices and availability across different vendors from a single search, without having to manage numerous accounts. 

  • Improved Inventory Management: Enhance your auto parts inventory management and set up automatic reordering to prevent shortages or overstocking.

Case in Point

As an American Tire Distributors (ATD) affiliated shop, Black Forest Technik in Cary, North Carolina, has access to ARD’s expansive tire inventory. But service advisor Morgan Wilson noticed the process of ordering tires had become inefficient. Between finding the tires he needed on ATD’s wholesale site and then price-matching with competitors, too much time was being wasted toggling between multiple platforms. And, it was affecting customer service.

Soon after implementing Shopmonkey’s management software and activating its integration with ATD, Wilson saw immediate returns. He could now find the right set of tires at the right price on a single platform. Plus, the convenient search feature allows the team to quickly access product information and share it with customers, reducing the time needed to create tire service estimates.

Solutions Made to Order

Time is money, and every minute wasted on inefficient parts procurement is a potential hit to your bottom line. However, the good news is you no longer have to sift through numerous tabs, make multiple calls, or juggle different accounts to find the right part. Streamlined ordering allows you to save time, increase productivity, and keep better tabs on inventory, all of which can enhance your shop’s customer satisfaction and profitability. By using shop management software with integrated parts procurement, you can turn a complicated process into a competitive edge.


Don’t let parts procurement limit your shop’s potential. Instead, consider Shopmonkey’s auto repair shop management software, which integrates with both RepairLink and PartsTech to make sure you can get the parts you need, when you need them. Request a demo today and see firsthand the benefits of a modern, all-in-one solution.