More and more US bodyshops and garages are turning to the web to purchase parts. That is the conclusion of the Aftermarket Business World Online Purchasing Habits Study which compares 2013 and 2014 stats.

Of survey respondents who said they never purchase online the figure dropped from 46% in 2013 to 39% in 2014. The number of respondents who said they purchase online parts all the time jumped from 3% in the 2013 study to 8% in 2014.

56% of respondents said they now use a smart phone or a tablet in their daily work, with more technicians open to the possibility of buying through apps.

The main reasons given for on-line parts purchases were the ability to compare prices, convenience and product availability. Meanwhile mis-ordering and shipping costs were the main reasons for not buying on the net.