PARTS BUILDING BRAND LOYALTY With an eCommerce Parts Program I f there is one thing the most prominent brands out there have in common, it is brand loyalty and establishing this is not just about creating a repeat customer. It is about creating lifelong passion and excitement that only your brand can fulfill. Think of brands such as Apple or Coca-Cola. Their loyalty is fierce. The automotive industry is known for creating the same die-hard customers. So how do you build that loyalty? One often overlooked method of doing this is to implement a modernized parts program that gives your customer a stellar experience they can associate with the quality of your brand. Fixed Ops Managers wanting to build and strengthen loyalty with customers ordering OEM parts need to start by implementing an eCommerce parts program that can do these next five very important things. 1. GO WHERE YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE NOW Today, consumers are online comparing prices and doing their research before they make their buying decisions. This is not just seen in the automotive industry. It is a broader trend that has been increasing for years now. According to data from Oberlo, 230 million shoppers in the US purchased items online so far in 2021 alone. These rising sales are predicted to generate over $469 billion in revenue. creating lifelong passion and excitement that only your brand can fulfill 56 Brands that are not embracing eCommerce are at a significant disadvantage and are all but guaranteed to lose customers. According to Hedges & Company, 74% of all of last year's auto parts customers started their journey online, with 57% of consumers visiting a manufacturer's website. As a Fixed Ops Manager, this is your opportunity to establish connectivity with your customers and not only posture your dealership to sell them more