While it’s a relatively slow-moving category — being used in an average of only one repair job per month — clutch kits is a category where technicians remain very brand-loyal. In fact, 78 percent of those surveyed by Counterman magazine say they only use the brand they trust when sourcing clutch kits.
Only 6 percent of shops keep clutch kits in stock, so when it comes time to re-order they rely on an average of 2.2 sources. For 48 percent of those surveyed, the jobber is their primary source, followed by WD direct (16 percent) and expediters (10 percent). Availability tops the reasons that shops rely on their first call (44 percent), followed by the best sales reps (28 percent) and fastest delivery (20 percent.
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.