As a business in the automotive service industry, finding ways to save money on parts and supplies is crucial to staying profitable. That‘s why many savvy shop owners and fleet managers turn to commercial account programs like the one offered by Advance Auto Parts.
But what exactly are the benefits of an Advance Auto Parts commercial account and how much can you really expect to save? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down all the perks and privileges that come with being a commercial customer.
Whether you‘re considering signing up or just curious about how the program works, read on for an expert analysis of Advance Auto Parts commercial accounts and how they stack up against other suppliers.
What Are Advance Auto Parts Commercial Accounts?
Advance Auto Parts commercial accounts are a special membership tier for business customers who purchase parts and products in bulk quantities. Rather than shopping as a retail customer, commercial account holders are recognized as professional clients with access to exclusive discounts, services, and support.
Commercial accounts are free to open and have no minimum purchase requirements. To qualify, you must use automotive parts for business purposes. This includes:
- Auto repair shops
- Car dealerships
- Service centers
- Tire shops
- Fleet operators
- Auto body shops
- And other companies that maintain, repair, or sell vehicles
According to Scott Bauhofer, a veteran in the automotive industry and expert in commercial sales strategy, commercial accounts are one of the most important factors an auto parts supplier can use to attract and retain business customers.
"For shops, time is money. Commercial accounts help them get the parts they need quickly, at a competitive price, so they can finish jobs faster," says Bauhofer. "They also show a level of commitment and partnership on behalf of the supplier that goes beyond a typical transactional relationship."
Comparing Advance Auto Parts to Other Suppliers
Of course, Advance Auto Parts is far from the only company that offers a commercial account program. Competitors like AutoZone, NAPA, and O‘Reilly Auto Parts also provide benefits to business customers. So how does Advance Auto Parts stack up?
One of the key differentiators, according to Bauhofer, is the sheer scope of what Advance Auto Parts brings to the table. "They really position themselves as a comprehensive solutions provider, rather than just a parts vendor," he explains.
In addition to a massive inventory, Advance Auto Parts commercial accounts come with perks like:
- Dedicated sales support from a Commercial Sales Manager
- Technical training and certification programs
- Marketing tools and signage
- Online and in-store purchasing options
- Multiple business credit options
- Tiered rewards program
- Customized reporting and business analytics
"It‘s one of the most extensive programs out there," notes Bauhofer. "They cover all the bases in terms of helping shops run more efficiently."
Another advantage of Advance Auto Parts is their strong national presence. With over 4,000 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico, they make it easy for businesses to get the parts they need, no matter where they operate. Shops can also order online for delivery or pick up items in-store for added convenience.
Breaking Down the Financial Benefits
Of course, the main reason most businesses open a commercial account is to save money on the parts and supplies they use every day. So just how much can you expect to save with Advance Auto Parts?
The company doesn‘t publish specific pricing or discount amounts since they vary depending on factors like location, purchase volume, and market conditions. However, they do promise "competitive pricing" and "exclusive discounts" to commercial account holders.
To put that in perspective, let‘s look at some industry benchmarks. According to data from the Auto Care Association, the average auto repair shop spends about $250,000 on parts each year. Parts costs typically make up 20-30% of a shop‘s total expenses.
Now let‘s say that by using an Advance Auto Parts commercial account, a shop is able to save an average of 10% on their parts purchases. That would translate to an annual savings of $25,000.
For a small shop with thin margins, that could be the difference between turning a profit or not. Even for larger operations, it‘s a significant chunk of change that can be reinvested in the business.
But the savings don‘t stop there. Advance Auto Parts also offers a robust rewards program called Speedperks. Commercial account holders can earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for free gear, shop supplies, technology, gift cards, and more.
The Speedperks program has four tiers based on your annual spend, each with escalating benefits:
| Tier | Annual Spend | Point Multiplier | Bonus Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $0 – $349 | 1X | 0 |
| Driver | $350 – $999 | 1.5X | 1,000 |
| Pro | $1,000 – $4,999 | 2X | 5,000 |
| Elite | $5,000+ | 2.5X | 10,000 |
As you can see, the program heavily favors commercial customers who spend more with Advance Auto Parts. An Elite tier member will earn 2.5 points per dollar spent and receive a 10,000 point bonus each year. That‘s worth $100 in rewards right off the bat, plus the additional points accumulated on purchases.
By combining a commercial account discount with Speedperks rewards, businesses can stretch their parts budget even further. It‘s a win-win.
Additional Perks and Services
Along with discounts and rewards, Advance Auto Parts commercial accounts also come with several value-added perks designed to streamline shop operations and drive sales. Let‘s take a closer look at some of these benefits.
Dedicated Sales Support
Every Advance Auto Parts commercial account is assigned a dedicated Commercial Sales Manager who acts as a single point of contact. This rep gets to know your business and helps manage your account by:
- Providing personalized service and consultation
- Sourcing hard-to-find parts
- Identifying cost-saving opportunities
- Sharing the latest promotions, events, and industry news
- Facilitating training and marketing resources
Having a go-to person to call on can save shop owners and managers a lot of time and headaches. It ensures you always have an advocate in your corner.
Technical Training
Staying on top of the latest automotive technologies and repair techniques is essential for any shop that wants to remain competitive. That‘s why Advance Auto Parts offers exclusive training opportunities to commercial account holders.
The Carquest Technical Institute provides hands-on and virtual training on a wide range of topics like:
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Engine performance and repair
- Brake and suspension service
- Hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance
- Shop management and operations
According to the 2020 Auto Care Factbook, the auto service industry will need to fill nearly 46,000 technician jobs by 2026. With the ongoing technician shortage, investing in employee training and development is more important than ever.
By participating in Advance Auto Parts‘ technical training, shops can upskill their workforce and provide better, more efficient service to customers. Plus, many of the courses offer valuable certifications that can differentiate a business from competitors.
Marketing Support
Another benefit of an Advance Auto Parts commercial account is access to professional marketing materials and signage. Let‘s face it, most independent shops don‘t have a big budget for advertising. Advance Auto Parts tries to fill that gap by providing ready-made marketing assets that shops can deploy in-store and online.
For example, commercial account holders can take advantage of the Motorvisuals program. This digital library includes over 10,000 high-quality images and animations that illustrate how different vehicle systems work and common maintenance needs.
Shops can use these graphics to create eye-catching customer education materials like:
- In-store displays
- Service menus
- Estimate templates
- Promotional emails
- Social media content
Using professional visuals helps shops project a polished brand image and educate customers on the value of different services. It‘s a tool for shops to build trust and drive more revenue.
Inventory Management
Finally, Advance Auto Parts provides commercial account holders with tools and data to make smarter inventory decisions. With the Partskeeper program, shops can access analytics on their purchase history, including:
- Top selling parts
- Seasonal demand trends
- Parts failure rates
- Inventory turnover
- And more
These insights allow shops to optimize their inventory levels, reducing stockouts and overstock situations. Shops can even set up automatic reordering to ensure they always have popular items on hand.
By taking the guesswork out of inventory management, Partskeeper helps shops boost efficiency and customer satisfaction. It‘s just another example of how Advance Auto Parts looks for ways to make life easier for their commercial customers.
Expert Perspective: Is an Advance Auto Parts Commercial Account Right for Your Shop?
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this guide, but you may still be wondering if an Advance Auto Parts commercial account makes sense for your business. As a seasoned expert in the auto care industry, I‘m often asked to weigh in on these decisions.
In my experience, the shops that get the most value from commercial accounts typically:
- Spend at least $10,000 per year on parts and supplies
- Struggle to manage cash flow and need flexible credit options
- Want to streamline purchasing across multiple locations
- Aim to develop a more strategic, data-driven approach to running their business
If one or more of those sounds like your shop, then it‘s definitely worth exploring an Advance Auto Parts commercial account. The combination of competitive pricing, exclusive discounts, rewards, and business support can yield significant savings and operational improvements.
Of course, a commercial account is not the only factor to consider when choosing a parts supplier. You‘ll also want to compare:
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Availability: Does the supplier have the parts you need in stock regularly? How quickly can they source hard-to-find or specialty items?
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Speed: How fast can you get parts delivered to your shop? Is there a local store where you can pick up items same-day?
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Warranty: What kind of warranty coverage does the supplier offer? Look for generous guarantees and hassle-free returns.
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Service: Do they provide exceptional customer service? Are reps knowledgeable and responsive to your needs?
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Convenience: Is it easy to place orders, track shipments, and manage your account? Do they offer online and mobile ordering tools?
In my analysis, Advance Auto Parts consistently performs well across these key criteria. They have an extensive inventory, multiple delivery options, industry-leading warranty protection, and a robust eCommerce platform. All that‘s in addition to the benefits that commercial account holders enjoy.
At the end of the day, only you can decide what‘s best for your business. But if you haven‘t considered an Advance Auto Parts commercial account before, I highly recommend giving it a closer look. It could be the secret weapon that gives your shop a competitive edge.
Unlock the Advantages of an Advance Auto Parts Commercial Account
There you have it – the ultimate guide to Advance Auto Parts commercial accounts. By now, the advantages should be clear. From substantial cost savings to streamlined operations to comprehensive business support, a commercial account can be a game changer for your shop.
But don‘t just take my word for it. The proof is in the numbers:
- The average commercial account holder saves 10-30% on their annual parts spend
- Elite tier Speedperks members earn 2.5 points per $1 spent, plus a 10,000 point bonus each year
- Participating shops gain access to over 10,000 professional marketing assets with Motorvisuals
- Partskeeper users can access over 1 million parts from 500+ suppliers to optimize inventory
In an industry as competitive as auto repair, those numbers are hard to ignore. A commercial account with Advance Auto Parts isn‘t just a nice-to-have, it‘s a must-have for businesses that want to boost efficiency, profitability, and growth.
Luckily, signing up is easy. In a matter of minutes, you can create your account and start enjoying all the perks of being an Advance Auto Parts commercial customer. And with over 4,000 locations and 24/7 online ordering, you‘ll always have access to the parts and support you need.
So what are you waiting for? Join the ranks of the 500,000+ commercial shops who trust Advance Auto Parts to power their business. Your bottom line will thank you.
