How To Dropship Auto Parts With Shopify: A Complete Guide

Want to break into the fast-paced auto parts industry without the hassle of managing inventory? Dropshipping might be your perfect lane to go! 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to dropship auto parts with Shopify. I'll equip you with the tools and knowledge to build a profitable online venture. Buckle up, and let's get started!

How To Dropship Auto Parts in Shopify: 7 Steps To Success

Dropping auto parts in Shopify is a long-term journey that requires strategic planning and patience. Let's check this step-by-step guide below to set your foundation for growth. 

Step 1: Understanding the Auto Parts Market

The global online automotive aftermarket is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% from 2021 to 2027, potentially reaching over $140 billion by 2027.

The surge in ecommerce and the need for auto parts mean there's a large, ready customer base. However, also note that the online auto parts market is competitive. Established players like Amazon and eBay, along with specialized retailers, are already vying for customers.

Once you have a good grasp of the overall market, analyze your competitors to know what works well and what doesn't. Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Search help identify the key players in your niches. By carefully analyzing your competitors, you can identify gaps in the market and figure out what needs customers have that aren't being met.

Step 2: Choosing Your Niche

The auto parts market is ripe for niche specialization. Focusing on a specific type of vehicle (e.g., classic cars, trucks, motorcycles) or a particular type of part (e.g., performance parts, interior accessories) can help you target a specific audience and stand out from the competition.

So how do you choose your niche?

• Passion and Knowledge: Select a niche that genuinely interests you and aligns with your existing knowledge or skills.
• Profitability: Research the demand and profit margins for products in your chosen niche.
• Competition: Analyze the competition within your niche to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Target Audience: Clearly define your ideal customer and their specific needs.
• Demand and Popularity: Look for products with consistent demand using industry reports or tools like Google Trends or Amazon to explore seasonal and long-term popularity.
• Shipping and Logistics: Consider the size and weight of the products within your niche. Some auto parts can be bulky or heavy, which might impact shipping costs and delivery times.

For example, 60% of consumers are interested in using smartphones as car keys, meaning that there's a growing market for car electronics like Bluetooth devices, keyless entry systems, and OBDII readers.

Also, plastic bumpers are really popular online. In the US alone, they brought in over  $4.1 million in sales between 2022 and 2023. This shows there's a big demand for parts like bumper covers and brake pads, which are essential for car maintenance and repairs.

Suggested auto parts to dropship

• LED Headlights and Lighting Kits: They are popular among vehicle owners. According to the Automotive Lighting Market Size And Share Report, 2030, the global market for automotive lighting is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.95% through 2025. These parts are relatively lightweight, offer a range of styles, and cater to customization trends, making them ideal for dropshipping.
• Floor Mats and Seat Covers: Interior accessories like floor mats and seat covers see consistent demand across vehicle types. They are easy to ship and offer customization options that appeal to a wide customer base.
• Dash Cams and Safety Equipment: According to Dashboard Camera Market Size, Share, Growth by Fortune Bussiness Insights, the dash cam market is expected to grow due to rising concerns about road safety. These products are compact, lightweight, and attract a broad audience.

Step 3: Finding Reliable Suppliers for Auto Parts

The supplier directly impacts product quality, shipping speed, and customer satisfaction. When choosing auto part suppliers, consider the following factors:

• Reputation: Look for suppliers with verified customer feedback, a proven track record, and high ratings. Many third-party websites like Alibaba, AliExpress, Spocket, and DSers provide user ratings and reviews to help you find a reliable partner. 

For example, Spocket specializes in suppliers from the US and Europe, which can help reduce shipping times if you’re targeting North American or European markets.

• Return policy: The technical nature of auto parts comes with potential defects and mismatches. Thus, you need a supplier who is willing to handle returns smoothly. 
• Location: Location affects both shipping costs and delivery times. Suppliers close to your target market will generally offer quicker, cheaper shipping. 
• Price: Some suppliers may provide wholesale pricing or discounts for bulk orders. You should also pay attention to additional costs such as packaging and transaction fees. 
• Shipping detail: Reliable suppliers give you order tracing and offer shipping insurance to help resolve issues with lost or damaged packages. 

7 Best Distributors For Dropshipping Auto Parts On Your Shopify Online Store

Shifteck

Shifteck

Shifteck stands out from many other auto parts dropshipping suppliers because it doesn't just distribute products; it also develops and manufactures them. The company supplies aftermarket automotive parts worldwide, including in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Shifteck's extensive product range includes everything from short shifters to complete suspension systems. Additionally, the company offers two distribution programs for dealers and wholesalers. These programs provide incentives for initial purchases and discounts on bulk orders. Furthermore, Shifteck ensures that all in-stock orders are shipped within 24 business hours and does not charge dropshipping fees.

• Niche: performance parts
• Location: Buffalo, WY (works with resellers and drop shippers worldwide)

Torqued Distribution

Torqued Distribution

Torqued Distribution, a key player in the motorsports, performance, and truck & off-road markets, operates from fulfillment centers in California and Michigan, offering a wide range of car parts. The company ensures the lowest shipping rates, competitive dealer discounts, and provides access to real-time live inventory.

In addition, Torqued Distribution enhances the automotive industry through its eCommerce automation service. This platform, acting as a warehouse-as-a-service, allows seamless integration of your online auto parts dropshipping store with Torqued's warehouse, facilitating easy product uploads and streamlining order fulfillment with just one click.

• Niche: off-road parts, motorsports and racing parts, performance parts
• Location: San Francisco, CA; Detroit, MI

Meyer Distributing

Meyer Distributing

Meyer Distributing specializes in the marketing and distribution of automotive specialty products, serving thousands of customers from numerous strategically positioned warehouses. Leveraging Meyer Logistics' direct ship program, the company offers over 700 product lines with fast and flexible distribution services.

To create a customer account with Meyer Distributing, you must provide several details about your business, including whether it operates as a brick-and-mortar or an eCommerce online store. Additionally, you need to specify your business model, such as dealing in accessories, suspension, or wheels and tires, along with your primary product categories, purchase volumes, and volumes from existing auto parts suppliers.

• Niche: wheels & tires, auto parts & accessories, powersports
• Location: Headquarters in Jasper, IN; Chicago, IL

Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution is a certified distributor ideal for dropshipping businesses, managing bulk orders, and sourcing automotive parts from renowned brands like Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, and Ford. The company operates multiple warehouses across the US and offers global distribution, providing retailers with wholesale pricing and real-time inventory updates.

To partner with Turn 14 Distribution, online sellers must undergo a vetting test to verify their legitimacy as auto parts businesses and possess an effectively managed eCommerce website. Once approved, dealers are required to meet a minimum buy-in amount, and all future orders must comply with the company's minimum order policy.

• Niche: a wide range of parts for niche vehicle markets
• Location: Hatfield, PA; Arlington, TX; Reno, NV

Keystone Automotive Operations

Keystone Automotive Operations

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. specializes in a vast array of automotive aftermarket products, covering everything from replacement parts to enhancements that improve appearance, comfort, safety, and performance for almost all vehicle types.

The company offers an extensive range of specialty automotive equipment, with access to over 185,000 unique stocking SKUs managed across eight distribution centers. This setup ensures that inventory is geographically well-placed and facilitates daily distribution to regional cross-docks.

Additionally, Keystone Automotive Operations bolsters retailer support with a robust logistics network and provides a drop-ship service. This service enables businesses to order products and have them shipped directly to consumers, streamlining the delivery process.

• Niche: wheels and tires, appearance, performance parts
• Location: Exeter, PA; Kansas City, KS; Austell, GA; Corona, CA; Spokane, WA; Brownstown, MI; Ocoee, FL; Flower Mound, TX

AIM Wholesale

AIM Wholesale

AIM Wholesale is a specialized dropshipping supplier focusing exclusively on RV parts and accessories. With over 20 years in the industry, they offer a wide range of products, featuring more than 9,500 wholesale RV aftermarket parts, accessories, and supplies.

Thanks to their low shipping rates and competitive pricing, AIM Wholesale provides auto parts sellers in this niche with a chance to maximize their profits. Furthermore, AIM Wholesale ships RV supplies locally from Phoenix, Arizona. They use dedicated delivery trucks for local shipments and rely on reputable freight companies like UPS and FedEx for nationwide delivery.

• Niche: RV auto parts
• Location: Phoenix, AZ

American Tire Distributors

American Tire Distributors

American Tire Distributors (ATD) is among the largest distributors in North America for replacement tires and automotive supplies. If you're considering starting an online business selling wheels and tires, ATD could be an excellent supplier.

ATD provides merchants access to over four million tires, covering nearly every style and size from top global brands. Additionally, they offer special programs that reward brand loyalty, designed to enhance the profitability and growth of your dropshipping business.

• Niche: wheels and tires
• Location: Over 130 distribution centers across North America

Step 4: Setting Up Your Shopify Auto Parts Dropshipping Store

With your niche selected and suppliers secured, it's time to build your online storefront. Shopify provides the perfect platform for showcasing your auto parts and creating a user-friendly shopping experience. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:

Sign Up

To use Shopify, you need to sign up for an account. This platform offers a 3-day free trial to familiarize yourself with its features.

Choose a Plan

After the trial period, you need to choose one pricing plan for your business. There are four plans to help you build a website:

• Basic - $29/month: Great for small businesses with all the essential tools to manage your dropping store. 
• Shopify - $79/month: For growing businesses, this plan offers more features. 
• Advanced - $299/month: Ideal for larger businesses with more advanced reporting and automation tools. 
• Shopify Plus - $2,300/month: Targeting enterprise-level businesses with advanced customization and dedicated support. 

Import Products

• Manually add products you want to dropship or use dropshipping apps like DSers and Spocket to import products from your suppliers directly into your Shopify store.

• Customize product titles, descriptions, and images as needed, focusing on keywords that will help your products rank on search engines. 
• Group products into clear categories to enhance navigation.

Set up Pricing Strategies

Establish pricing that covers your costs while staying competitive. Consider using a cost-plus pricing strategy, where you mark up products by a set percentage to achieve your desired profit margin. For auto parts, factor in competitors’ prices, perceived value, and any discounts or promotions you may want to offer.

Customize Your Store Design

• Choose a theme that’s optimized for large inventories and technical products, such as Sunrise or Sitar.

• Customize the theme with your brand’s colors, logo, and layout preferences to create a professional, branded look. 
• Ensure the theme is mobile-responsive, as many customers will browse on mobile devices.

Set Up Shipping and Payment Options

• Configure shipping rates based on your supplier’s shipping options. 
• Offering free or flat-rate shipping within certain regions can be an incentive for customers. 
• Add multiple payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, and Shopify Payments to make checkout seamless and convenient.

Step 5: Marketing Your Auto Parts Dropshipping Store

Marketing is crucial for driving traffic and sales to your auto parts store. Here are some strategies to reach your target audience effectively:

Define your ideal customer:

Who are you selling to? Are they car enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, or everyday drivers looking for replacement parts? Understanding your target audience helps you tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs help you identify high-volume keywords related to your niche. 
• Optimize your product pages, blog content, and meta descriptions with relevant keywords (e.g., “high-quality brake pads,” “LED headlights for SUVs”) to rank higher on search engines. 
• Consistently publishing helpful articles or guides related to auto parts (such as maintenance tips or product comparisons) can attract organic traffic. 

Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

Consider running targeted advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads to reach a wider audience and generate immediate sales.  You can tailor ad copy to highlight unique selling points, such as “fast shipping” or “specialized performance parts.”

Social Media Marketing

• Build a presence on platforms where your target audience is active, like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. 
• Share engaging content, such as installation guides, product showcases, or user testimonials. 
• Engage with your audience by responding to comments and hosting giveaways to encourage customer interaction. 
• Use Facebook ads, too, to target specific demographics in your target market. 
• Engage with car communities and groups on these platforms.

Influencer Marketing

Partner with influencers who specialize in automotive or DIY content. Influencers can demonstrate the quality and functionality of your products, lending credibility to your brand and reaching a broader audience.

Email Marketing

Use email campaigns to share product updates, seasonal promotions, and exclusive discounts. Email marketing is a powerful tool for nurturing leads, encouraging repeat purchases, and promoting limited-time offers.

Step 6: Managing Orders and Shipping

Efficient order management is essential in dropshipping to ensure customer satisfaction. Here’s how to streamline the process:

Automate Order Processing

Use Shopify’s dropshipping apps (like DSers or Oberlo) to automatically forward orders to your suppliers. Automation reduces the chance of errors and speeds up the fulfillment process, ensuring quick responses to customer orders.

Set Up Real-Time Tracking

Provide customers with order tracking links so they can monitor their shipments. Apps like AfterShip enable real-time tracking, helping reduce customer inquiries about order statuses and enhancing transparency.

Communicate with Customers

Send timely notifications about order confirmations, shipping updates, and estimated delivery times. Clear communication reassures customers and keeps them informed about the status of their purchases.

Handle Returns and Refunds

Develop a clear return policy and coordinate with your suppliers to handle returns efficiently. Make it easy for customers to initiate returns and ensure prompt processing of refunds if necessary. Apps like Returnly can simplify the return process for both you and your customers.

Step 7: Adjusting and Improving

As your store grows, continuous improvement is key to staying competitive and meeting customer needs. Here are some ways to adjust and enhance your store:

• Analyze Store Data: Use Shopify’s analytics tools to track key metrics like traffic sources, conversion rates, and popular products. Regularly analyzing this data can help you identify trends and make informed decisions about marketing and inventory.
• Refine Your Product Offerings: Based on sales data and customer feedback, adjust your product catalog to focus on best-selling items or remove low-performing ones. Consider adding new products that align with emerging trends or customer requests.
• Target new keywords: Continuously identify new keywords related to your niche and review your keyword rankings. Adjust your strategy based on real-time data to ensure you continue to attract relevant traffic. 
• Experiment with new promotions: Promotions aim to attract new customers. You can consider various approaches, such as seasonal sales, discount codes, or Buy One, Get One. 
• Test and Optimize Pricing: Experiment with pricing strategies to see what resonates best with your audience. Use split testing to compare the effectiveness of different price points, promotions, or discount structures.
• Gather and Act on Customer Feedback: Collect feedback through reviews, post-purchase surveys, and social media interactions. Use this information to address common issues, enhance customer service, and improve product descriptions or site features.

Bottom Line

Dropshipping auto parts with Shopify can be a profitable venture with the right approach, from understanding the market and choosing a solid niche to finding reliable suppliers and marketing effectively. With the seven steps above, you’re well-equipped to launch and grow a thriving auto parts dropshipping store on Shopify.

FAQs

Is dropshipping auto parts on Shopify profitable?

Yes. Most droppers on this platform can earn from $1,000 to $2,000 monthly. The most successful store has an annual revenue of more than $100,000. 

Is dropshipping auto parts worth it for beginners?

Yes. Dropshipping auto parts involves low startup costs and little overhead, making it a good entry point for those new to ecommerce. Plus, as you don't need to manage inventory and handle shipping, you can focus on growing your business. 

Do I need to be a car expert to dropship auto parts?

While having some knowledge of auto parts is helpful, it's not always necessary. You can leverage your passion for cars or focus on a specific niche where you have some expertise. You can also partner with experts or provide excellent customer service by connecting customers with knowledgeable resources.

What challenges are common in dropshipping auto parts?

Challenges include finding reliable suppliers, managing shipping times, and ensuring product quality. Proper vetting and automation tools can help mitigate these issues.

How do I handle returns and refunds in auto parts dropshipping?

Develop a clear return policy and coordinate with your supplier on their return process. Communicate policies transparently to customers to manage expectations and avoid issues.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when dropshipping auto parts with Shopify?

• Avoid selling counterfeit or low-quality products.
• Don't neglect customer service or shipping concerns.
• Ensure your product information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Don't underestimate the importance of marketing and branding.
• Stay informed about industry trends and regulations.