Designing an independent auto parts platform to eliminate eBay dependency, reduce fees, and give the business direct control over pricing and customer relationships.
A private auto parts business was entirely dependent on eBay — paying high fees with no control over pricing or customer relationships.
Platform limitations were blocking growth at every level: commission fees ate into margins, seller rules constrained how products could be presented, and there was no direct path to customer loyalty. The goal was to build an owned e‑commerce platform — with transparent pricing, a compatibility checker, and a direct connection to buyers.
Users face high fees on platforms like eBay and want to reduce reliance on third parties.
→ Lower costs drive platform switchingWant clear pricing and shipping details upfront before committing to a purchase.
→ Upfront pricing builds trustPrefer platforms that carry both new and used options to meet different budget needs.
→ Flexible inventory for diverse needsConsider advanced search and filter functions crucial to finding the right part quickly.
→ Detailed filters are key to usabilityFavor a mobile app for easy access to parts search and order tracking on the go.
→ Mobile‑first approach is essentialWould switch to a new platform for lower fees and better filters if the UX is competitive.
→ Pricing + UX drives adoption| COMPETITOR | STRENGTHS | WEAKNESSES |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Auto | Extensive inventory · Competitive pricing · User‑friendly website | Limited customer service · No loyalty program |
| PartsMarket | Verified sellers · Emphasis on quality parts · Easy‑to‑navigate platform | Limited customer service · No loyalty program |
| Car‑Part.com | Vast network · Advanced search filters · Large database of parts | Dated website design · Poor navigation |
| NAPA Auto Parts | Strong brand recognition · Wide range of parts · Established physical presence | Higher prices · Less focus on online experience |
| O'Reilly Auto Parts | Excellent customer service · Online and offline presence · Loyalty programs | Higher costs in some regions · Slower online experience |
| CARID | Wide range of premium parts · Superior customer service · Intuitive website | Higher cost for products · Shipping can be slow |
USER PERSONA
"I need to keep my repair costs low, but current platforms are failing me on transparent pricing and part compatibility."
Select your car's year, make, and model — the platform instantly filters to show only compatible parts. Eliminates guesswork and reduces the risk of ordering the wrong part.
Multi‑layered filters by part type, condition, price range, and brand. Users can refine results to exactly what they need without scrolling through irrelevant inventory.
Shipping costs, return policy, and full cost breakdown are visible on every product page — before the user commits. No hidden fees, no surprises at checkout.
Order review, shipping details, and payment method on a single streamlined screen. Cart summary keeps totals visible throughout — reducing drop‑off at the final step.
Instant assistance for common inquiries, product guidance, and order navigation — available around the clock. Reduces support load while keeping buyers moving through the funnel.
User research shaped every decision — not business assumptions.
The advanced search, compatibility tool, and transparent pricing directly addressed the pain points users reported. Adding user reviews and personalized vehicle profiles came from research findings, not gut instinct. The biggest takeaway: when you design around real friction, the solutions are simpler and more effective than expected.