Since 2017, online purchases of auto parts in the UK shot up to £21.6 billion, and the numbers are expected to increase even more by the close of 2021. Online shopping has become more popular, and for this reason, more customers are resorting to this convenient means to purchase items. This is even more critical in the car sector due to the influx of scammers lurking on virtual portals to outwit buyers. How can you make your online auto part purchase as hassle-free as possible? Here are a few essential things to know when buying auto parts online.

• Know the differences in car parts

Auto parts differ in categories. Some specific technical terms associated with these parts that are worthy of note are: 

• Used car parts
• Genuine/OE/OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
• Aftermarket

The used car parts refer to auto parts that are salvaged from scrap vehicles. Sometimes, they’re sourced from wrecked or accident vehicles. Although these types may come cheap, they could pose problems later as the risk of compromised quality is high and may not be worth buying for long-term usage. 

On the other hand, the aftermarket parts refer to auto spare parts designed by another company different from your car manufacturer. This option can also save you money but could pose some challenges when getting the right specification to suit your automobile is concerned.

Lastly, the OEM and genuine parts are the most ideal, as there’s the assurance of the auto part coming from a trusted manufacturing brand. Moreover, they’re reliable and safe to use. Although they’re typically pricier than the other types on the market, it’s worth going for them.

• Opt to have the parts shipped

There are varied forms of auto parts delivery after purchasing them online. Usually, this is where the confusion starts. While some online stores offer to deliver them to a central location for pickup, others prefer the buyer to ship the items themselves. However, you can rely on Shiply to ship the parts you buy online and subsequently have them delivered to you. It’s a hassle-free system that allows buyers to enjoy the convenience of online shopping for auto-parts.

• Purchase from a secure online marketplace

Due to the influx of e-commerce, especially in the auto sector, it can be tough to detect credible ones from fake establishments. Who can you trust in such a ‘noisy’ marketplace? Fortunately, there are tips to help you make that decision. First of all, focus only on trusted names and known online stores that many people buy from. Avoid falling into the traps of online shops that promise huge discounts and too-good-to-be-true offers. More so, when there appear to be no contact details on the website, that’s another red flag.

Be wary of those because many scammers prey on unsuspecting buyers with these tactics. To be on the safer side, focus your attention on online retailers with secure checkout mechanisms. Secondly, look up their return policy indicated on the said website. Moreover, if the online shop offers monthly instalment plans, you can be assured of their authenticity. For example, splitit.com is one such online retailer that offers this option for its buyers.

Buying auto parts online can be risky when you lack the requisite insight on how you should do it. Your focal point must be getting your money’s worth, avoiding scammers, and opting for easy delivery methods.