Question re: Auto parts websites
 

I do almost all my parts shopping online.

I've noticed that several of the websites seem to have the same make/model/year database, because I've noticed that many have the same errors & ommissions.

Here's some examples of fairly generic online parts stores:
http://www.autopartsonlinecanada.com/
http://www.bestpricecarparts.com/
http://www.partstrain.com/

Sometimes the inventory is the same from one site to another, so I suspect that some of these online "stores" are drop shipping from the same wharehouses.

So what's the story here? Some of these parts stores seem to be reskinned versions of the same parts databases. Is there a templated website & parts database that is available, and then they simply list and maintain their inventory?

Yup. I think the two main warehouses are in NJ and NM.

I've noticed that too when I buy parts for my non-German vehicles. (Of course Pelican supplies parts for the P-car. ;))

I've noticed the same thing. It maybe that they all use the same auto parts database. For instance, I used to work at an auto parts store, and when I did we ran a parts lookup software called Triad (or maybe made by a co called Triad). I think many autoparts stores still use Triad. So the websites may just be a front end for a database that they've bought that has nothing to do with their suppliers/warehouses.

Pelican gets all my Porsche-related business (I don't have one but I maintain my father's 911), but Pelican doesn't carry parts for the Canada-only 93-97 VW diesel, so I buy from these online parts dudes.

However, I've also noticed that the local shop seems to have the same parts listing. For example, I recently had to buy a starter. Online, I noticed an error and knew I had to order a starter for a 94. They were out of stock, so I went to the local guys and ordered one for a 96. Wrong one! They had the same incorrect listing.

Is there a standard parts database that's used by everyone?

Triad, eh? Are there other polular parts databases as well, or are they the industry standard?

I suspect that it could be this. Looks like Triad merged, was bought by one company after another until it turned into the company in the link below.

http://www.activant.com/products/activant-partExpert/

I think it's the stuff in the link above.

Most are tied into the WorldPac system AFAIK. They drop ship from warehouses all over the country. I typically get parts next day with free shipping (parts drop ship from somewhere close). I am pretty sure this is the same system that the chain autoparts stores order from also. I "think" Wayne even uses this system now for many common parts and that is the reason some parts "qualify for free shipping". You have to be a decent sized vendor to be able to get on this system. (Being the cheap SOB that I am, I looked into this to help control the costs of keeping my fleet of old German high mileage cars alive, but my side business I wanted to enroll with was not going to get me on the system ;))

http://worldpac.com/

OK, there you go. WorldPac is the biggee.

They all use the services of this company......

https://secure128.sophiosoft.com/images/sophio-wp1.gif

I suspect they have relationships with the large distributors mentioned.

that is not true, there are a few BIG web parts retailers. All OEM operates under like 500 names...there are several companies that supply ready made data bases, they are generated thru the big supliers, worldpac and IMC. All OEM is the worldpac version..the ones that look different are generally the IMC sites...partsbin is an all oem site, as is parts train, autoparts warehouse etc
I do some dropshipping for these guys on occasion, so i kinda have experience with both styles. I do know how these are done and who to speak to about getting on the respective programs...they are not cheap, but they are almost pathetically easy to operate and the Worldpac one in particular allows for no actual stock....all done thru them, you just take the $$ and send it thru

Ok, but I know I've ordered stuff from CA and had it the next day from UPS and not paid for anything other than standard ground shipping. Someone told me a while back that anything with UPS from Boston down to DC arrives in one day, so there's no point in paying for overnight, since you get it the next day with regular ground. I know I've gotten stuff from NJ when I've ordered from other places across the country. WorldPac, in my experience, has been the supplier for local shops and even gas stations. One local gas station owner, who happens to have a 993, lets me order stuff on his WorldPac account and usually has it the same day or early the next. I only bother with this when I need it right away.

they are big.....and have wharehouses (like 98) everywhere...imc has like 5

I think it's run by the Vatican.

There is a fellow Pelican who I know very well, he lives about a mile from me and his business is maintaining many of the websites that have been mentioned here. He designed and operates those sites.

Cool....the canned GUI / Database interface software on all those sites are from http://www.sophio.com/webstores.asp

What the hell does "drop ship" really mean? People usually mean it comes from some central warehouse, but what is the origin?

Good explanation Wayne. To be honest, I've bought a lot of stuff from these places, if I knew the order was gonna be over $50 to get the free shipping or if it was something I needed in a hurry. I guess I'll need to check out Pelican's catalogue more often now. As soon as I move to AZ, Pelican will be a lot easier for me to shop at, since cross-country shipping won't be necessary anymore.

+1

Most of my German cars are high mileage daily drivers for my myself, my wife and my daughters. I buy stuff from the these places a few times a month on average and get the parts next day for free.... car is typically down for only a day or two instead of a week (paying for next day air from California to Ohio for a $25.00 part for the daughter's 924 is not gonna happen) ;). That said, for the Porsche only parts that I don't need in a hurry, I always check Pelican.