The latest Babcox Internet study shows that counter professionals as a whole are increasingly using the Internet to help them work more efficiently. They use the Internet in a number of ways – for accessing manufacturer websites, to locate and purchase parts and even to communicate with other stores and suppliers.

However, when it comes to their own web-presence many parts stores and jobbers are lagging behind, not utilizing technology and web capabilities in ways that could make their businesses run more efficiently.

According the Babcox Internet Study, 47 percent of Counterman readers said they have a website for their business. Forty-six percent do not but another 7 percent said they would like to. Of those businesses that do, the majority only offer the most basic information. Ninety-six percent of the parts businesses with websites offer company contact info and 82 percent offer hours of operations and directions. Yet, only 53 percent offer customers the ability to make purchases online. Even less (40 percent) offer the ability to check inventory. Only 11 percent allow customers to process returns online and 7 percent can schedule deliveries online.

To learn more about Babcox Research, click here.