Dealers: Customer Interest in Online Parts on Rise, But Slowly
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chool Transportation News reached out to several school bus dealers nationwide for updates on what their customers are most often requesting in terms of parts ordering as well as repair and installation needs. At A-Z-Bus Sales, a Blue Bird and Collins dealer based in
Colton, California, Operations Manager Rick Eckert said that customers have begun to request more parts online, though demand remains relatively low. But he forecasts that to eventu- ally change. “Our customer base still likes the personal touch of deal- ing with our part counter staff and making sure that they are getting what they need,” he said. “We do think this will change over the next few years since Amazon, eBay and other online stores are having much success.” Leonard Bus Sales, an New York dealer specializing in IC Bus and Trans Tech for the school bus market, is seeing its custom-
ers increasingly taking advantage of the company’s online parts ordering systems, explained Jon Leonard. This is especially true of VIN-specific parts. But nothing beats old-fashioned, per- son-to-person interactivity. “We find that customers still need to talk to our parts expert
for advice and in some cases to verify that they are buying the right part,” he added. Bob Newman, the regional parts and service manager at
Thomas Built Buses dealer Midwest Bus Sales, said most custom- ers are shy about using the Internet as they still want or need assistance in looking up parts. He added that Midwest’s mobile parts truck that travels to school districts and allows customers to view specific parts and ask questions is a popular option. “(It) gives them comfort in the right part and quality of part before they purchase,” he said.
—Ryan Gray
Buck’s Since 1951
Buck’s Wheel & Equipment “We are the school bus parts specialists”
Buck’s Wheel & Equipment is your #1 source for School Bus Parts. Buck’s Wheel supplies all your major bus parts including Switches, Lights, Seats, Seat Covers, Bluebird, Tomas and also International parts. Please contact your sales representative for any further details and shipping.
Service Dept. • Collision Center • Parts Dept. • Spring Shop Serving the Industry for Over 65 Years.
5101 North Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76179
www.buckswheel.com
Bucks_BG17_HH.indd 1
Phone: 817-332-1228 Toll Free: 800-792-1011
www.stnonline.com 27 11/30/16 3:29 PM
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