Category: Salvage Yard

Decoding Automotive Part Numbers

Posted on by Christopher
Aftermarket Parts
How-To’s
Salvage Yard
Used Parts
3 min read

Decoding Automotive Part Numbers

big-image

When it comes to car parts, understanding the numbering system is essential for effectively identifying and selecting the right components. While part numbers can vary among manufacturers, here are some general principles to help you decode them:

Manufacturer Identification

The first few digits of a part number often indicate the manufacturer. Different brands have their unique prefixes or codes associated with their products. Researching and familiarizing yourself with commonly used manufacturer codes can help you quickly recognize parts from specific brands.

Part Category or System

Following the manufacturer identification, there may be additional digits or letters that represent the category or system to which the part belongs. For example, “EN” might signify an engine component, “BR” could indicate a brake part, or “EL” might represent an electrical component. These codes help narrow down the specific part you’re looking for.

Key Specifications

Part numbers often include digits or letters that convey important specifications. These specifications can vary depending on the part but may include dimensions, materials, capacity, compatibility with specific car models, or other relevant characteristics.

Substitutes and Alternatives

In some cases, part numbers may include references to substitutes or alternative options. These codes indicate that there are interchangeable parts that can be used in place of the original component. It’s essential to cross-reference these part numbers to ensure compatibility with your specific car model.

Packaging or Quantity

Part numbers may also include information about packaging or quantity. For example, a suffix like “-10” could mean the part is packaged in sets of ten, while “-SP” might indicate that the part is sold as a single unit.

It’s important to note that the specific format and meaning of part numbers can vary among manufacturers and even within different product lines of the same manufacturer. Therefore, referring to manufacturer documentation, online resources, or consulting with automotive professionals can help you decipher part numbers more accurately for your specific needs.

By understanding how the numbering system works, you can navigate through various part options more efficiently, ensuring that you select the right components for your vehicle’s maintenance and repair needs.

The Impact of Salvage Yards on Auto Body Repair Parts Sourcing

Posted on by Christopher
Aftermarket Parts
Automotive Sales
Body Shops
Salvage Yard
Used Parts
1 min read

The Impact of Salvage Yards on Auto Body Repair Parts Sourcing

big-image

As the auto industry continues to grow year on year, it becomes increasingly important to find reliable sources for auto body repair parts. With the cost of new parts on the rise, salvage yards have become a valuable resource for body shops. At APFusion, we’ve seen the impact that salvage yards have on sourcing parts for auto body repairs, and we want to share that knowledge with you.

Salvage yards offer a wide variety of parts for almost any make and model, including rare or discontinued parts that are no longer available through manufacturers. The sheer volume of parts available in salvage yards makes it easier for body shops to find the exact parts they need to complete a repair. This is especially beneficial when dealing with older or rare models, which can be difficult to find new parts for.

However, working with salvaged parts does come with its own set of challenges. Salvage yards can be inconsistent in terms of quality, so it is important that you go to a trusted, reputable source for used parts (like ShopEarl).

Despite these challenges, the use of salvaged parts can be a cost-effective solution for auto body repairs. Aftermarket parts, which are often used as an alternative to new parts, can also be sourced through salvage yards. These parts are produced by third-party manufacturers and can often be more affordable than new parts from the original manufacturer. In some cases, aftermarket parts can even be of higher quality than the original parts.

The vast inventory of parts available, including rare and discontinued parts, makes it easier for body shops to find the exact parts they need. While there are challenges associated with working with salvaged parts, the cost-effectiveness of these parts makes them a viable solution for repairs. By establishing a clear process to source parts from salvage yards, body shops can successfully incorporate salvage yard parts into their repair process.

How Technology Is Helping Salvage Yards Grow

Posted on by Christopher
Automotive Sales
Automotive Technology
Salvage Yard
1 min read

How Technology Is Helping Salvage Yards Grow

big-image

In the past, the automotive salvage industry relied heavily on manual processes to manage inventory and serve customers. However, with the advancement of technology, salvage yards are now able to streamline their operations and offer a far better service. Not only does this help the bottom line of each individual salvage yard, but it makes yard management much easier through streamlined processes, greater accountability, and increased customer and employee satisfaction.

One of the biggest benefits of technology for salvage yards is the ability for yards to expand their inventory with aftermarket parts. With tools like APFusion and ShopEarl, yards can easily identify and find the parts they need, right when their customers need them. This means that yards can fill orders more readily, thus significantly increasing their revenue by offering a wider selection of parts.

In addition to greater inventory access, technology has also made it easier for salvage yards to provide excellent customer service. With the right technology, yards can easily track customer orders and provide updates on when parts will be available and delivered. This increased visibility and transparency greatly improves customer satisfaction while also helping yards manage their workload far more efficiently.

Another way that technology is helping salvage yards grow is by helping all yards increase their online presence. Simply put, the more people that can see a yard’s available inventory the more demand that yard will have for its parts! With the rise of e-commerce, it’s more important than ever for salvage yards to have a strong online presence. This includes having an easy-to-use website, as well as a presence on eBay motors. With APFusion’s Image Sync, yards can easily access a huge catalog of parts that they can relist on eBay motors. Image Sync greatly improves the ability for yards to expand their offerings beyond their physical yards and open new revenue streams that were once a dream.

Overall, technology is transforming the salvage yard industry. Yards are now empowered to expand their inventory, improve their customer service, and increase their revenue. At ShopEarl, we’re proud to be a part of this transformation and to provide the tools that help salvage yards thrive in today’s digital age.

The Best Selling Used Body Parts In North America

Posted on by Christopher
Body Shops
Salvage Yard
Used Parts
2 min read

The Best Selling Used Body Parts In North America

big-image

In the business of selling used body parts either commercially or just at home? Look no further because we’ve got the yard owners’ perfect quick reference guide to the top 5 selling used body parts in the United States.

Bumpers

Bumpers are a top-selling used body part for one obvious reason – accidents usually either come from the front (fenders) or the back (bumpers). With so many accidents the result of low-speed accidental collisions, bumpers are in high demand for repair shops looking to turn over a quick buck.

Hoods

Unlike bumpers and fenders, damage sustained to hoods is generally out of the control of the car owner. Mother nature is often the main cause of hood damage – with hail regularly forcing hoods to be replaced. Used hoods are popular because they can save customers and repair shops money compared to the cost of a new hood. Due to the irregularity of adverse weather conditions, used hoods are also in high demand, making them prime for sale as replacement parts.

Fenders

Fender benders exist for a reason. With many accidents coming from low-speed, low-impact collisions, fenders (and bumpers – see above) are generally the first victims. Fenders are another commonly replaced part in collision repairs, and like bumpers and hoods, they can be expensive to replace with new parts. Thankfully, many used fenders are in excellent condition, making them a reliable option for repairs.

Doors

Doors are in a vulnerable position for impact from other vehicles or objects. They’re usually made of thinner metal or other materials than the body of the vehicle, which makes them more prone to denting or even caving in during a collision. Furthermore, doors often contain windows and other components that can shatter or break upon impact, leading to regular passive damage.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a top-selling used auto part because they can be expensive to replace with new parts. Mirrors are commonly damaged in car accidents because they are typically located on the outermost part of the car and are designed to protrude from the body, which makes them more susceptible to impact from other vehicles or objects. Additionally, they can sustain damage in accidents or from other factors like vandalism. With an often competitive used market, mirrors are great at driving sales for those that sell used auto parts.

It’s your role to keep your revenue from selling parts ticking over. By knowing the top-selling used body parts in the United States, you’ve got one leg up on everyone else selling parts. Stay on top of your assortment and use a tool like ShopEarl to buy and sell more parts for the folks who need them.