According to data from the most recent P.A.R.T.S. survey conducted by Counterman magazine, shops on average perform five jobs a month requiring chassis parts, but only 13 percent of shops keep chassis parts in stock.

On average, shops surveyed by Counterman said they have 2.8 sources for chassis parts and jobbers continue to take the lead as the primary source for these products with 56 percent of shops. This is down from 69 percent in 2008, as WD direct increased in popularity as a primary source for chassis parts -- growing from 10 percent last year to 17 percent in 2009. Shops say they rely on their "first call" for chassis parts for their availability (42 percent), good sales reps (30 percent) and fast delivery (21 percent).

As the chart below shows, using a trusted brand of chassis parts is critical to the shops surveyed by Counterman.



These and other statistics can be found in P.A.R.T.S., produced annually by Counterman magazine. Nine years ago, Counterman began surveying repair shops annually to determine when, how and why they source specific automotive parts and products. The resulting data, published every fall, offers perspective on how sourcing and brand-loyalty trends have changed. The 2009 P.A.R.T.S. report is mailed with the September issue of Counterman.