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What Is Important To Consumers

When automotive enthusiasts go looking for parts for their vehicle-performance parts, accessories, or replacement parts-the thing that is most important to them is the quality of products. In fact, enthusiasts select the retailer they will purchase from in large part based on the quality of products they will find on the shelves.

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In a survey of automotive enthusiasts by Fast Lane Research, nearly 900 shared their likes and dislikes, their thought process and their perceptions of retailers in the automotive industry.

In selecting where they will purchase the products they want or need for their vehicle, consumers somehow find a delicate balance between what they can afford, what’s actually available and what is the highest quality product. 

When considering where to shop, the most important consideration for automotive parts consumers is the product quality.  The second consideration is can they get it now.

It is also important to remember that even though a factor is rated high in importance to the consumer, reality may influence the actual store selection.  For instance, quality is the most important factor, but if all the products available are of a similar medium quality, what choice does the consumer really have?



Please rate the importance to you of the following FACTORS in choosing where to shop for auto parts.


 

 

Factor

Most Important

Important

Less Important

Not Important

Product Quality

81%

19%

0%

0%

Product Availability

69%

28%

2%

0%

Product Selection

61%

37%

2%

0%

Employee Knowledge

57%

31%

9%

3%

Customer Service

53%

40%

6%

1%

Brand Availability

50%

38%

11%

1%

Product Price

47%

47%

6%

0%

Product Warranty/Return Policy

43%

43%

13%

1%

Location (close by, easy to get to)

38%

48%

12%

2%

Discounts/Incentives

32%

44%

22%

3%