Only 13 percent of shops surveyed for Counterman magazine’s 2010 Professional Automotive Repair Technician Survey (P.A.R.T.S.) keep starters and alternators in stock for the estimated five jobs per month, on average, requiring these parts. When it comes time to re-order, shops rely on an average of 2.5 sources, with jobbers being the leading “first call” (51 percent).

As in past years, fastest delivery, best sales reps and availability continue to be the biggest reasons repair shops choose their source for starters and alternators.

These and other statistics can be found in P.A.R.T.S., produced annually by Counterman magazine. Ten 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.