is carparts.com legit or scam? Carparts reviews & complains 2023

Is CarParts.com Legit? Comprehensive Review of the Online Auto Parts Store

CarParts.com has positioned itself as a prominent online retailer in the auto parts industry, promising accessibility and affordability for drivers nationwide. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the company’s background, customer reviews, shopping experience, and provide alternatives for consumers seeking reliable auto parts suppliers.

Company Background

Established in 1999, CarParts.com has evolved from an online catalog into a full-service e-commerce platform headquartered in Torrance, California. As a public company traded on NASDAQ (PRTS), CarParts.com ships over 6 million orders annually, boasting a revenue exceeding $500 million. The company stocks OEM-equivalent parts from reputable brands like ACDelco, Bosch, and Denso, operating from seven distribution centers across the US.

Reviews and Ratings

To assess CarParts.com’s legitimacy, we turn to customer reviews on various platforms. While Trustpilot and Google Reviews present favorable overall ratings, SiteJabber’s lower rating suggests potential issues with order fulfillment. Complaints include incorrect or defective parts, poor packaging, and challenges with customer service, indicating a need for improvement in these areas.

Upon closer examination of the reviews, it becomes apparent that the overall star ratings may not tell the whole story. Many customers praise the company for its vast selection and competitive pricing, especially on basic maintenance items. However, a significant portion of reviews highlights recurring issues, such as parts arriving not as described, missing pieces, and excessive wait times for returns and refunds.

Shopping Experience

The shopping experience on CarParts.com is marked by a user-friendly website, a vast catalog, competitive pricing, and a variety of payment options. Free shipping on orders over $50 and a 60-day returns policy with a lifetime warranty on select parts add to the appeal. However, reported downsides include delayed deliveries, limited product details on certain items, and extended call center hold times, leading to a somewhat inconsistent customer experience.

While the website’s layout is user-friendly, it may lack detailed product information on lesser-known parts, making it challenging for customers to differentiate between OEM and aftermarket options. Additionally, customers report that some parts may arrive later than projected delivery dates, which could be a significant concern for those in need of quick replacements for essential vehicle components.

Alternatives to Consider

For those hesitant to order from CarParts.com, several alternatives offer reliable auto parts:

• AutoZone: Known for knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of basic maintenance items.
• O’Reilly Auto Parts: A veteran retailer with a deep inventory and free shipping on orders over $35.
• RockAuto: Ideal for DIYers with a vast catalog and competitive pricing, although shipping may take longer.
• Amazon: While offering a vast selection, quality control may vary compared to specialized parts sites.
• eBay: Presents a large used parts market, requiring diligence to ensure proper fit and function.

It’s worth noting that each alternative has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice may depend on factors such as the urgency of the purchase, the need for specific brands, and the customer’s comfort level with online shopping platforms.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About CarParts.com

Q1: What is CarParts.com?

A1: CarParts.com is an online retailer founded in 1999, specializing in providing accessible and affordable replacement auto parts and accessories. Headquartered in Torrance, California, it operates as a full-service e-commerce platform with over 1 million SKUs.

Q2: Is CarParts.com a legitimate company?

A2: Yes, CarParts.com is a legitimate company, publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol PRTS. It generates over $500 million in revenue annually and operates seven distribution centers across the United States.

Q3: What brands does CarParts.com stock?

A3: CarParts.com stocks OEM-equivalent parts from reputable brands such as ACDelco, Bosch, Denso, and more.

Q4: What is the shipping policy of CarParts.com?

A4: CarParts.com claims that 97% of orders ship within 2 business days. They offer free shipping on orders over $50, with a flat rate of $5 for orders below that threshold.

Q5: What is the returns policy?

A5: CarParts.com has a 60-day returns policy, allowing customers to return items within 60 days of purchase. Additionally, selected parts come with a lifetime replacement warranty.

Q6: How do customer reviews rate CarParts.com?

A6: Customer reviews vary across different platforms. Trustpilot and Google Reviews generally show positive ratings, while SiteJabber tends to have more critical reviews, particularly focusing on order fulfillment issues.

Q7: Are there alternatives to CarParts.com?

A7: Yes, several alternatives exist, such as AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, RockAuto, Amazon, and eBay. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, catering to different customer preferences and needs.

Q8: What are the common complaints from CarParts.com customers?

A8: Common complaints include parts arriving not as described, missing pieces, poor packaging leading to damage, and challenges with customer service, including extended call center hold times.

Q9: Can I trust CarParts.com for urgent auto part replacements?

A9: While CarParts.com offers a vast selection and competitive pricing, customer reviews suggest fulfillment issues. For urgent replacements, considering alternatives with more reliable shipping and customer service may be prudent.

Q10: What is the final verdict on CarParts.com?

A10: In summary, CarParts.com is considered a legitimate online retailer. However, the inconsistency in customer experiences, particularly regarding order fulfillment, raises questions about its overall reliability. Consumers are advised to proceed with caution, read item descriptions carefully, and explore alternative options for a potentially more reliable shopping experience.

The Verdict – Is CarParts.com Legit?

In conclusion, CarParts.com is a legitimate player in the online auto parts market. However, its legitimacy doesn’t necessarily translate to consistent reliability. Competitive pricing is countered by reports of fulfillment issues, making it a hit-or-miss option. Consumers seeking a smoother experience may find better alternatives in industry-focused retailers like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or RockAuto.

While CarParts.com provides a vast selection and competitive prices, the inconsistency in customer experiences raises questions about its dependability. Consumers should exercise caution, carefully read item descriptions, and consider alternative options, especially for critical auto repairs. In the end, weighing the potential risks against the benefits of CarParts.com and exploring alternative, more reliable options may contribute to a more satisfying and trouble-free auto parts shopping experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CarParts.com emerges as a significant player in the online auto parts market, with a rich history dating back to 1999 and an extensive catalog of over 1 million SKUs. As a publicly traded company on NASDAQ, it boasts substantial revenue, and its commitment to making replacement auto parts accessible is evident in its mission.

However, the journey through CarParts.com’s legitimacy and reliability is a nuanced one. The positive aspects, such as a user-friendly website, competitive pricing, and an impressive array of OEM-equivalent parts, contribute to its appeal. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in policies like free shipping on orders over $50, a 60-day returns window, and a lifetime replacement warranty on selected parts.

Yet, the review landscape introduces a layer of complexity. While Trustpilot and Google Reviews generally portray a favorable image, SiteJabber’s lower rating raises concerns, emphasizing issues related to incorrect or defective parts, poor packaging, and challenges in customer service. These discrepancies suggest that, while CarParts.com may be legitimate, there’s a need for improvement in certain areas to ensure a consistently positive customer experience.

The shopping journey on CarParts.com, though marked by strengths, presents challenges. Reports of delayed deliveries, limited product details on lesser-known parts, and extended call center hold times introduce an element of unpredictability. For customers seeking reliability in both product quality and service, these factors become crucial considerations.

Alternatives such as AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, RockAuto, Amazon, and eBay offer a diverse range of choices. Each comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks, catering to the varied needs and preferences of consumers. From the knowledgeable staff at AutoZone to the vast inventory and veteran status of O’Reilly, customers have viable options to explore.

In the verdict, CarParts.com can be acknowledged as a legitimate online retailer with a substantial presence in the auto parts industry. However, the cautionary note arises from the variability in customer experiences. While some shoppers report smooth transactions and satisfactory purchases, others highlight persistent fulfillment issues, casting a shadow on the overall reliability of the platform.

In the realm of auto part procurement, where precision and dependability are paramount, consumers are advised to exercise careful consideration. Reading item descriptions diligently, understanding the potential risks, and exploring alternative options may be prudent. CarParts.com, though a viable choice, comes with a degree of uncertainty, and consumers should weigh their priorities and preferences against the backdrop of the provided information. Whether one chooses CarParts.com or opts for a more established alternative, an informed and cautious approach to online auto part shopping is recommended for a more gratifying and hassle-free experience.