With only five jobs on average requiring starters and alternators being performed each month, it’s no surprise that only 17 percent of shops surveyed by Counterman magazine say they keep these parts in stock. That’s why fast delivery from the best sales reps is becoming more and more important for techs and shop owners sourcing starters and alternators.

According to Counterman’s most recent P.A.R.T.S. survey, jobbers continue to be the primary source of starters and alternators for shops for 48 percent of shops; retailers and WDs are neck and neck as the second most popular source at 16 percent each.

As seen in the chart below, using a trusted brand is overwhelmingly seen as the most important criteria when choosing a brand of starters and alternators.

Editor's Note: In the chart above, the blue bar represents the year 2008 and the red bar represents 2009.

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.