Dot.com-ings & goings

Motor, Jul 2001 by Nash, Tom

In astrophysics, stars are rated by size and color. The very large ones are called giants and the small ones are labeled dwarfs. The radiation and heat they emit is graded as red for very powerful or white for those on the verge of burning out. In this cycle of the universese, a star becomess red when its nuclear core is functioning at optimum potential, causing the entire mass to expand to gigantic proportions from the energy it produces. When that energy begins to expand itself and cool, the mass collapses, shrinking to dwarf size.

In actuality, each star is a sun that holds a number of planets in its gravitational field. These planets depend upon their central sun for light, heat, energy and the gravitational forces that hold it in place. In turn, many of these planets have moons, or satellites. locked in orbit by the balance of centrifugal force and the planet's gravitational pull. If the star/sun-the powerful central entity-should fail, all the cosmic bodies are doomed.

So it is with the lnternet. The confusing universe of commercial Internet websites has been undergoing a cycle of its own. Many well-known and popular commercial websites are collapsing internally at this moment, destined to fade into obscurity. Others are expalding in size and power and will continue to do so for some time.

The automotive repair industry has witnessed its own version of this galactic dance with the coming and going of many websites. Aftermarket business-to-- business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) websites have rained down on the industry like a meteor shower on a warm summer night. While some have been mere shooting stars, others have already had an impact on the industry.

Broad Website Categories

Aftermarket websites generically fall into two very broad categories-those that sell parts or tools and those that provide a range of business services, including referring customers to repair facilities. However, most sites provide more than one type of service, just like most repair shops perform more than one kind of repair.

There are hundreds of websites that can be beneficial to repair shop owners or technicians. Check the Website Guide in MOTOR's Source Guide, or visit this magazine's website at www.motor.com and link to hundreds of automotive-related companies.

Let's take a look at some of the more popular websites that can increase your shop's Internet presence and exposure to web users. Capitalized words and phrases in the descriptions that follow refer to specific pages or sections of the websites, or specific topics covered.

Online Parts/Tools

istarSystems (www.istarxchange.com), which recently shed the name iStarXchange, was designed to improve the flow of replacement parts throughout the entire automotive supply chain. The iStarOnline section of the site contains the parts buying and selling exchange. The Buy Parts section is a resource for OE, salvage and aftermarket parts. That means that if a part is not immediately available from any of your primary sources, you can still get it, and at the best price available. The system enables you to check the site's inventory, confirm orders, schedule delivery, review order status and look into order history.

OEs, jobbers and suppliers sell their inventory via the Sell Parts section. Benefits to both parties include recall information and an auction site. Initially, iStarOnline will be offering only Toyota OE parts-from Toyota dealers to independent collision shops-- but plans to spread to independent mechanical repair shops later this year.

The site also has a News section devoted to auto industry press releases and events. Other sections include FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), corporate History and details about the website's Partners.

CarParts.com (www.carparts.com) is a source for automobile and light truck parts. It's considered a B2C website, but carries a large selection of namebrand goods that appeal to professional repair shops, as well.

When you first reach the CarParts.com home page, you're required to register the vehicle for which you're seeking parts or accessories. Product categories include Tires, Performance Parts, Tools and Shop Supplies. Under Tires, several brands and styles are listed. You can also conduct a product search by brand name.

The OEM Parts section lists replacement parts available from car companies. However, Toyota is currently the sole OE supplier listed. An extensive selection of recycled parts is offered, as well. The site also contains an area for NASCAR Collectibles and a page for auto enthusiasts. It also offers an e-mail newsletter.

NextPart.com (www.nextpart.com) sells recycled OE parts to professional repair shops in partnership with the Automotive Recyclers Association. Parts purchased on the site carry a 90-day warranty and may be returned for full credit within 30 days. Commissions are paid by the selling companies.

A purchasing shop must register and receive a password to use the system. The site is used by searching for the year, make and model of the vehicle you're working on. You select a specific component or assembly and indicate the acceptable mileage, then enter the shipping information. Shipment tracking is available online or via a customer service phone line.