Selling Paint and Body Supplies

[Counterman]

Driving has long been one of America’s favorite pastimes and it’s back in a big way. According to Federal Reserve economic data, vehicle miles traveled have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. The latest data analysis from Hedges and Company shows that there are more vehicles on the road than ever.

More vehicles driving more miles is a recipe for more accidents and more demand for replacement parts. While servicing body shop customers can be very profitable from an opportunity standpoint, keep in mind that today’s collision repairs aren’t what they used to be. Modern vehicles are loaded with computer chips, sensors and other electronic components that control a wide range of critical systems. That has added a lot of complexity to autobody work. The replacement parts you provide don’t just have to fit. They have to function correctly with the vehicle’s high-tech safety systems.

New Collision Challenges Require Smart Stocking of Paint and Body Supplies

Many of today’s components are especially vulnerable during a collision, especially front end impacts. Active grill shutters are often the first to be damaged. Charge air coolers, ambient air temperature sensors and center high mounted stoplight assemblies are frequently hit or broken. Lighting components are prone to damage as well. HID modules are sensitive to impact. Headlight level actuator arms can bend easily. Door lock actuators, trunk latches, lift gate actuators and hood latches also can be damaged in collisions.

Inside the vehicle, driver-operated switches, airbag clock springs and supporting sensors are all vulnerable in a crash. Meanwhile, critical sensors such as TPMS, ABS sensors, wheel speed sensors, ride height sensors, and park assist connectors can fail even in minor accidents.

Stock Smart to Meet Unexpected Repair Needs

So how can your part store play a role? Even if you don’t carry major body panels or have a dedicated paint and body equipment section, you can support body shop customers in other ways. Focus on stocking mechanical components, electronic sensors, wiring connectors and small parts that shops might need to complete a repair.

Don’t forget about the consumables. Sandpaper, saw blades, masking paper, tape, welding wire, cutoff wheels, sanding blocks and small trim tools are easy to stock and frequently requested. Pneumatic tools such as dual action sanders, variable speed buffers and specialty driver bits also tend to be strong sellers.

Availability Is Your Advantage

Here’s the key: availability. Major body parts are usually pre-ordered before repairs begin, but last-minute add-ons, hidden damage or emergency needs are where your store can shine.

As Tom Dayton points out in a Counterman article, that $5 bag of trim clips or that replacement sensor might be the one missing piece holding up a $5,000 repair job. Focus on the products you already carry that can help body shops complete the jobs on time and make sure they know you’re ready to help.

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