How Do You Know You Can Trust Your Online Car Parts Supplier?

Online shopping is nothing new. You’ve probably already purchased at least one thing online this week. Maybe even today. But what about car parts? Although high quality car parts are very much available online, and often at a very favourable price point, a lack of confidence in the supplier can deter people from making a purchase. So, how can you be sure that you’re buying car parts from a trusted supplier?

Four Things to Look Out for When Buying Car Parts Online

1. Research the brand

Banging a new website together is small fry, these days. Which makes deceiving online shoppers fairly easy. Before handing over your card details, research the brand you’re shopping with. Is it a registered company? Do they have a customer service department, and is there a real person on the phone when you call? Are they on social media? And are people saying good things about them? If you can find a brand linked to an independent review site, such as TrustPilot, you’re certain to get a clear idea of the service level available.

2. Check the product inventory

When it comes to car parts, you’re going to struggle to find a company that can provide absolutely everything for every car ever made. If the site is showing 100% availability on everything that you search for, it’s probably too good to be true. It may mean that the site is too generalised, and that when you search for crankshaft sensors for a Citroen, they’re missing out the ability to break down that search into specific models. Or, it might just mean that they’re winging it. Either way, it’s worth asking questions before you buy.

3. Is the website professional?

As previously mentioned, almost anyone can build a bad website. But a business reliant on its website to survive will put time and effort into making their website as user-friendly and easily searchable as it’s possible to be. Check out the legalities and Ts&Cs. Read the returns policy. And when you’re looking at the car parts, see if care has been taken over their descriptions.

4. Is the payment system secure?

It’s really easy to lose money online, even when working with reputable suppliers. And one of the quickest ways to part with your cash is to use a payment system lacking in security. Either use a payment method that you know to be secure – such as PayPal. Or look for that critical https in the address bar.

Buying car parts online can be really easy. If you know the make and model of your car, and the name of the part that’s needed, shopping online can be a great way to save some cash. But it’s really important to know who you’re dealing with before you trust an etailer with your money. So, take your time. Shop around. And when the time comes, buy with confidence.

If you’re looking for high quality, low cost car parts in the UK, find out how Online Automotive can help.