Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter personnel and professional technicians. This week, using Babcox Research, we look at the primary sources general repair shops go to for belts and hose.
According to the latest P.A.R.T.S. (Professional Auto Repair Technician) survey conducted by Babcox Research and Counterman magazine, 85 percent of general repair shops perform belt and hose replacement.
Sixty-seven percent of general repair shops report that their primary source for these parts is a jobber location. Fourteen percent favor a retail location, and 10 percent a direct warehouse distributor. Three percent go first to the new car dealer, 3 percent use an expediter and 3 percent use “other” sources.
For more information about Babcox Research, go to: http://www.babcox.com/marketing_research.html.