Rock Auto Options

[RamFan]

Have y’all noticed that the options available at Rock Auto has decreased? Compared to when I first started using them (14 years ago), it feels as though the brand options are less or comprised of less known brands. I understand market consolidation has occurred, and maybe that’s all I’m seeing, but it seems more than that.

And yes, I continue to vouch for RA and will insist that in almost every scenario I’ve come across, they’re cheaper than the rest even when factoring shipping.

 

[alcyon]

I noticed they stopped bringing in certain brands or models that received a lot of returns or complaints. They are just protecting themselves. Like how I returned a Westar and Anchor mounts because they don't fit , but R.A didn't want them back because they did not want to sell them to some one else and get returned again.

 

[zzyzzx]

It does seem that way to me, but I was thinking that it was because my car is so old I'm getting less choices and availability over time.

 

[Capt W]

As someone who builds up a lot of bench stock via the closeout section, I think a lot of this phenomenon is caused by RA selling out loads of closeout parts. They seem to buy older stockpiles from others and blow them out, never to be replaced...sometimes because the parts are obsolete or from a brand that no longer exists in the marketplace.

 

[D60]

If you can obtain part numbers from other sources, they often have parts but it doesn't come up by application.

I'm not saying this will always be the case, but on more than one occasion in the past year I've been able to find parts that are known to fit but don't show in the listings by application (use the part numer search)

I don't know if their software is perhaps able to curate listings to show you parts where they're bordering on overstock, or greatest profit margin, or a preferred warehouse (remember RA doesn't really own their supply houses), or if it's sheer incompetence or ghosts in the machine. IOW, a bug or a feature -- I DON'T KNOW.

There are of course the times when their system does not list applications for a part. I just ordered an AC Delco Advantage (aka Garbage) brake rotor. By application they listed several other AC Delco part numbers. We all know the AC Delco part numbers are the same and the suffix dictates the tier. So a 1234A is the "Advantage" bottom-tier rotor. They showed several other 1234 AC Delco rotors, but if you dig up the 1234A by part number search it reflects "no applications found."

If they were smart they'd generate a weekly report of "no applications found" parts and either input applications or delete the parts. Some parts are universal fit but something like a brake rotor obviously cannot be universal.

 

[Capt W]

^^^absolutely^^^

I often plug in Mopar (or other known) part numbers under the "part number search" tab. There are loads of parts that will not appear via the year-make-model search.

 

[I<3oil]

I've noticed the amount of "economy" products has risen

 

[RamFan]

Was not aware of the part search ability! Will definitely check that out next time.

 

[D60]

Was not aware of the part search ability! Will definitely check that out next time.

RA omits any spaces, dashes, dots etc.

Usually search works either way, but something to keep in mind. Wildcards (*) do work, too, but the results can be lengthy. You can choose part category (eg oil filter) to limit results

 

[Chris142]

I've noticed the amount of "economy" products has risen

Ya but all at different where houses so you get dinged on shipping from each one. I've quit using rock Anto over that.