If you are in the business of selling used auto parts, then you know that managing a company of this size can be quite difficult.

Auto parts store software is a retail sales system that’s been specifically developed for the sales of auto parts. Auto part stores have more features than most general retail sales systems. Thousands of components for hundreds of automobiles and hundreds of thousands of components available for special orders are typical inventory quantities in an auto parts business.

When compared to general retailers, auto parts stores face unique challenges when it comes to dealing with customers. The accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll is all similar to those used by other businesses. Vehicle part inventory software must include search capabilities and be simple to use.

In this guide, we will talk about what to look for in an auto parts software solution, and we will also discuss what the best software for a used auto parts business is.

Why Running A Used Auto Parts Store With Spreadsheets Is Obsolete

It’s possible to keep track of your automobile components inventory with a spreadsheet, which may be useful if you only have a few things to keep track of. To use a spreadsheet to manage your stock, first make a list of all the auto parts you have on hand. The name of the part, how much is left, and the price should be included in this checklist.

Spreadsheets are no longer relevant in the retail of used car parts and accessories. This is due to the fact that used auto part retailers must keep track of a large number of items. And, as we all know, Excel was not created to manage such a huge quantity of data. As new automobile components become available and existing ones sell out, you’ll need to update your list.

If you don’t pay attention, your spreadsheet may get very cluttered and hard to manage. This is why it’s critical only to use a spreadsheet if you have a minor inventory. If you have a huge list you’ll need to look for a more effective solution for keeping track of your auto parts. You’re putting yourself at a disadvantage if you continue using spreadsheets to keep track of your used vehicle parts inventory. There are several superior alternatives available that can save you time and money in the long run!

The Need For Inventory Management Software

By using inventory management software, you can maintain an accurate auto parts inventory database. You can use this data to generate reports that show which auto parts are selling well and what parts need to be restocked. Inventory management tools include features such as barcode scanning and ordering auto parts from vendors. Furthermore, some inventory management solutions may also be used to calculate your earnings. This data might be useful when deciding who to use for car part suppliers.

Inventory management software will help your company run more smoothly. You’ll always know what items are in stock and what needs to be reordered, which makes decision-making simpler and keeps customers happy. When customers can track their purchase’s progress, they’re more likely to make another purchase from your store in the future! Inventory management systems might also help you save money. If you know when to order more auto parts, you can avoid running out of stock and having to pay higher supplier costs. You’ll be able to keep track of your shipping expenses and make sure you’re not paying too much for the delivery.

The only drawback of using an inventory management software solution to manage a used auto parts business is the price tag. Even though these programs may be costly, it’s worth it if you have a large inventory. You’ll also need to take into account your business needs when choosing which program to buy and ensure that employees are properly trained in how to use it. Although there are some considerations to make, utilizing an inventory management software solution is still the best way to keep track of all aspects of your used auto parts business.

The Need For Auto Parts Database Software

If you have a large stock, auto parts database software may be the best option for keeping track of your car components. Aftermarket automobile part dealerships are specialized in handling data from different businesses. By now, we’d want to emphasize how crucial correct fitment data is. You must guarantee that your clients receive the component that fits their vehicle’s model, brand, and year since there are thousands of various accessories and components available for these vehicles.

If you want customers to easily find the auto parts they need on your website, it’s important to have a software solution that organizes all of your information by brand and model. This way, when they search for components, they’ll only see the ones that match their car.

Keep in mind the Auto Care Association’s (ACA) ACES and PIES standards when looking for auto parts. These industry-developed standards make it easier to find the right vehicle component for your car. With ACES, you can manage vehicle application fitment data; with PIES, you can exchange and manage product data. Auto part database software is a must-have for anyone in the automotive aftermarket industry. Not only does it help you keep track of your inventory, but it also assists you in meeting ACES and PIES regulations. In addition, auto part database software can help boost your profits by giving you key data points that will inform decisions about your business.

Auto parts database software streamlines your company’s organization and decision-making processes regarding inventory orders and customer orders. By having this type of software, you can provide better customer service too. In general, customers follow their purchase’s progress and are more content with the overall buying experience when they can track it. When customers can quickly find what they need on your website or eCommerce store, there is a greater chance that they will make another purchase from you down the road.

What Type of Auto Parts Business Are You?

The first step in finding the best software solution for your auto parts business is understanding what type of company you are. Are you a small business with a limited inventory, or are you a larger company with an expansive product line? Depending on the size and scope of your company, you’ll need different features from your software.

• Local or single store: Single-store businesses need a simple POS solution to handle sophisticated retail transactions, enhance customer service, and manage credit card transactions. Inventory management capabilities are a valuable addition to these enterprises. The platforms in auto parts store management systems also provide basic CRM and accounting tools to help the shop manager perform their duties more easily.
• Multi-store or regional store: Multi-location businesses need solutions to manage their various staff and store requirements. A POS system is necessary for these types of stores in order to reduce checkout times, while inventory management and automated email/text sharing capabilities are needed to run promotional campaigns and engage customers.

Regardless of the size of your business, you’ll need a platform that keeps your fitment data accurate and up-to-date. One of the benefits of using software is that it can help you automatically keep your product data current. With thousands of vehicle makes and models on the road, you must have the most accurate information to ensure that your customers receive the correct auto parts for their cars.

What Are The Benefits of Using an Auto Parts Software

If you are running a used auto parts store, then you know that using spreadsheets to manage your inventory is obsolete. There are many benefits that come with using an auto parts software solution, such as:

• Keeping track of inventory in real-time: This is important because it lets you always know what parts you have in stock and what needs to be ordered. It also helps you avoid overselling a part.
• Easily searchable database: When you have a lot of different parts, it can be difficult to find the one that you need. With an auto parts software solution, all of your parts will be cataloged in an easily searchable database. This makes it quick and easy to find the part that you need.
• Automatically update product data: As mentioned before, one of the benefits of using software is that it can help you automatically keep your product data current. With thousands of vehicle makes and models on the road, you must have the most accurate information to ensure that your customers receive the correct auto parts for their cars.
• Improved customer service: With an auto parts software solution, you can provide your customers with up-to-date information about their orders. This way, they can always know where their order is and when it will arrive.
• Better POS transactions: Employees and consumers may benefit from these solutions since they reduce the wait time, automate cash books, track stocks, and execute marketing campaigns automatically. Human mistakes can be reduced or even eliminated with automated billing and real-time inventory status updates. Furthermore, these solutions aid in credit card payments and digital wallet transactions by allowing them to process faster
• Maximizing Profits: One of the primary reasons to use auto parts software is that it may help you make more money. You can ensure that you don’t sell a part or accessory too soon by keeping track of your inventory. Furthermore, effective software solutions will let you monitor pricing patterns as well. This way, you’ll always be sure that your goods and accessories are offered at a fair price.
• Minimizing Overhead Costs: In addition to reducing your workload, auto parts software can help you save money by managing your inventory. Too often, business owners order too much of a product and then have to pay for storage fees on top of the wasted merchandise. With this software program, though, you can avoid those costly errors.
• No Time Waste: One of the most important benefits of using auto parts software is that it can help you save time. By automating tasks such as inventory management and order processing, you can free up your time to focus on more important tasks. In addition, good software solutions will also allow you to automate customer communication. This way, you can keep your customers updated on the status of their orders without having to manually send them updates.
• Increase Sales & Minimize Returns: Finally, one advantage of utilizing auto parts software is that it may help you increase your sales and decrease returns. You can keep track of your inventory levels to ensure that you always have the components and accessories a customer requires on hand. Also, useful computer software solutions will allow you to upload and maintain fitment information correctly and up-to-date. As a result, you won’t sell a part that doesn’t fit their car.

What Features To Look For In Used Auto Parts Software?

Aside from all of the other features we’ve talked about up until this point, here are a few more things you should keep an eye out for:

• Ease of use: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing any software solution is how easy it is to use. You don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to use the program. Instead, you want something that’s intuitive and easy to use.
• Compatibility: You’ll also want to make sure that the software you choose is compatible with your existing systems. This way, you won’t have to spend time and money on upgrading your systems just to use the software.
• Customer support: Whenever you’re using any type of software, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. That’s why it’s important to choose a program that offers excellent customer support. This way, you can get help when you need it and won’t have to wait for a fix.
• Part lookup: The system should be able to identify any component for any vehicle based on the car’s make, model, and year. A catalog should be kept on the premises or in the cloud by a catalog provider. The system should also be able to suggest alternative parts in addition to locating original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components.
• Tracking special orders: If a client wants a component that isn’t in stock, the system must find it from a supplier and place a special order. When the part arrives, the system should notify the customer (or at least a cashier).
• Kit pricing: Kits or assemblies of automobile components are possible. If a kit or assembly is sold, the system should properly deconstruct the individual components.
• Integration with eCommerce catalogs: The system should be able to integrate with online catalogs from parts suppliers, for both OEM and aftermarket parts. Look for compliance with the Auto Care Association (ACA) as well as integration with major parts vendors such as Amazon, eBay Motors, or Walmart, among others.

What’s The Best Software Solution Based On Your Used Auto Parts Dealership?

When shopping for automotive parts, it’s important to make sure that the part is compatible with your vehicle. This process is called fitment (compatibility), and retailers use fitment data to ensure customers purchase the right product. You would need to know the car’s make, model, and year as well as more detailed information such as engine size, fuel type, transmission, and more.

As you know, fitment data is crucial for any auto parts dealer who offers used products. The good news is that the best software solutions already have this feature built-in. With accurate fitment data, you can quickly and easily find the right parts for your customers’ cars without any hassle. Evokat Premier is one such software solution specifically designed for automotive aftermarket organizations.

Evokat is a cloud-based reporting and authoring product that’s meant for those who need to generate various types of reports. It also aids in the coordination of all varied inquiries from a single location. This auto parts database solution allows users to access the most up-to-date ACA database versions as well as a live catalog mapping interface. This interface notifies users of any vehicle issues that may arise and provides tips on how to fix them. Users can also run complete health checks on application and product data.

The most significant feature of Evokat Premier is that it periodically rechecks your vehicle’s configuration database against the new ACES and PIES standards. As a result, you can be confident that your catalog’s fitment information will not be lacking. The platform frequently provides practical answers to issues. You have the option of fully customizing the catalog mapping procedure by adding diverse sorts of product information as needed.

This fitment information management solution will not only reduce the incidence of data entry errors but will also significantly decrease the chance of product returns as a result of those mistakes. This data management system will also allow you to considerably speed up your interactions with your channel partners and customers.

With Evokat Premier, you’re able to take your company’s branding into account so that you can add any brand-specific PIES data overrides and particular ACES fitment notes as needed. This way, you can easily customize your product data to meet the specific needs of your trading partners and private label requirements much more efficiently.

Finally, Evokat offers superior data security than other solutions. With multi-factor authentication, antivirus and malware protection, VPN, HIPAA and PCI DSS compliance, access control lists, and more, you can rest confident that your information is safe from cyberattacks. Simply put, this software solution may help your company develop in today’s fiercely competitive commercial market. Contact us right away if you want to learn more about the Illumaware LLC Evokat Premier software system and how it may benefit your automobile parts catalog.