A smoother ride for consumers
In addition to the benefits to brands, the automotive aftermarket also presents a number of stumbling blocks for customers that brands can help overcome with a strong DTC strategy.
Let’s start, for example, with the do-it-yourself (DIY) segment. The proliferation of original equipment (OE) and OE-equivalent alternatives — all at varying levels of quality and price points, with varying levels of compatibility — drives customer confusion, complicates the automotive aftermarket and in many cases dissuades the potential DIYer from even embarking on a project. Brands can cut through that clutter and deliver a more educational sales interaction by providing a well-designed DTC experience that helps customers figure out what product to buy and how to install it.
Another simple yet practical way that a DTC strategy could assist both DIY consumers and DIFM installers is by helping them purchase the right parts the first time. The typical repair involves multiple parts, fasteners and accessories, many of which are not obvious when focusing on the part or the core issue to be addressed. Brands can and should make the job easier through creation of virtual “kits” to purchase at checkout that don’t just simplify the customer experience but also position the brand to capture a higher sale for each ticket.
And what about the do-it-for-me (DIFM) segment? Many would-be end consumers at DIFM installers/repairers may begin their journey with online research; a comprehensive DTC presence can be an effective way to engage the ultimate consumer at repair shops in a way that brands have never been able to before.
Conditions for an effective DTC strategy
Even so, a DTC strategy isn’t right for every automotive manufacturer. The brands that are best suited for one typically have at least one of the following:
- Products with a relatively high purchase frequency (e.g., at least one time per year)
- An expansive product catalog covering multiple categories and vehicle types
- An enthusiast brand with consumer pull
- A robust customer support infrastructure
- Products that especially serve either the DIY or DIFM consumer segments
Given the growing cost of online customer acquisition, brands need to consider the DTC channel as part of a broader omnichannel approach that encompasses multiple touchpoints, partnerships and cost-effective alternatives. Brands should view DTC as part of a larger investment in customer relationships rather than an isolated expense. They need to make the most of their initial customer acquisition touchpoints and give customers a reason to return to the website, be it for digital content, unique products or other such features. Done right, brands can cultivate a strong first-party relationship that can lead to future interactions with customers, whether they return on their own or in response to prompts via email, a retailer app or other means.
Important as a DTC channel is, brands shouldn’t focus on it to the detriment of other channels. They should also ensure that their products are being effectively represented on marketplaces. This is especially critical when it comes to Amazon, which brands should manage as a quasi-DTC channel because many search journeys start on Amazon and over 50% of American households are Prime members.
Principles for successful execution
Suppose the conditions are right to develop a DTC strategy. Now what? Based on our work with various consumer brands, we’ve identified four foundational principles for successful implementation.
Know your customer. The data that online customers generate means that brands can get to know — and engage with — their customers in new ways (e.g., offering the right product at the right price, at the right time and with the right message). But DTC alone won’t produce enough customer data to effectively predict and speak to their needs. Brands need to think about the digital landscape in totality to fully take advantage of the current ecommerce environment.
Make use of third-party tools. Third-party tools can provide a stronger digital experience, including on marketplaces. Brands that don’t have the staff to launch a digital commerce strategy can engage third parties to set up their entire digital commerce landscape.
Continually try to provide additional value to the customer. Brands should find creative ways to offer value to customers and then communicate these benefits and offers in order to build positive perceptions of the brand. Some companies, for instance, offer subscriptions for consumables. Others provide superior solutions (e.g., selling kits with installation instructions as opposed to the parts only).
Ultimately, aftermarket auto brands need to keep a few points in mind. First, just like other segments of consumer goods, auto part brands need to build stronger consumer connections. Second, a thoughtful DTC strategy can differentiate the winners from the losers by delivering a richer consumer experience. Finally, an effective DTC strategy can deliver significant value-added benefits to a brand’s sales in other channels as well as aid product development and proximity to the end consumer. This can benefit the brand and the consumer, but also in many ways current distribution partners. All successful brands in the future will have to think like retailers, and today’s aftermarket leaders need to spend time there to avoid being lapped.
