Price Not a Big Factor in Selecting Vehicle Service Provider

AAIA Study Reveals Consumer Insights

BETHESDA, Md., March 7 -- Quality and trust were the top two criteria for consumers when selecting a service provider for their vehicle, according to a recent study on the DIY and DIFM aftermarket by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Cost of service ranked seventh in factors that influence consumers' selection decision.

"Repair shops who currently advertise and market on price alone should rethink their strategy to meet the expectations and motivations of today's more savvy motorist customer," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "Convenience, speed of service and their past experience with a service provider are more important than cost of service to consumers."

The Aftermarket Consumer: DIY or DIFM reveals that quality also ranked number one in importance among DIYers in selecting an outlet to purchase the parts and supplies used to perform vehicle service themselves. About 68 percent of DIYers purchased their parts and supplies during the past 12 months from an auto parts store.

The report analyzes consumer responses to numerous topics covered in the survey, including:

  * Consumer maintenance and repair behavior
  * Light, medium and heavy DIY/DIFM work
  * Frequency and type of DIY/DIFM work
  * Where DIYers purchase products and why
  * Factors in selecting service provider for DIFMers
  * DIY and DIFM demographics
  * Tool and accessory purchasing

The Aftermarket Consumer: DIY or DIFM is available to AAIA members for $295 and to non-members for $795. For more information or to order a copy, contact AAIA at 301-654-6664 or visit http://www.aftermarket.org/.

About AAIA

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.- based association whose more than 4,400 member companies and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 45,000 repair shops and parts stores.