Serving both form and function, bumpers protect and personalize our cars, and enthusiasts have demonstrated they’ll pay high-dollar for the right fit and application. For the first two quarters of 2007, enthusiasts spent more than $1 million on bumpers, bumper covers and related parts via online auction, according to data from Terapeak, a developer of market-focused research software that monitors online sales and auctions.
Although sales have slowed in the third quarter, the numbers are still on pace to top $1 million. In the first quarter, online auction sales averaged $1,356,300, then $1,271,600 in the second quarter (a 6.2% drop).
Predictably, the highest ticket items were for European applications, such as a front bumper clip and nose for a Ferrari F430 that sold for $1,150. Bumpers, covers and fascias for Porsche, Audi and Volvo also sold near the top of the pay scale, as did fitments for Ford’s Shelby GT500 Mustang and late '50s Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles and T-Birds. A pair of rear bumper ends—simply the ends—or a ‘57/’58 Cadillac went for nearly $1,300.
How prevalent is Internet purchasing among specialty-equipment enthusiasts?
"For the past two years, SEMA research has shown that the highest percentage of automotive enthusiasts indicate they purchased their performance parts and accessories over the Internet," says SEMA research analyst Ty Michael.
"Interestingly, roughly the same percentage of enthusiasts indicated that they purchased their parts at traditional brick and mortar shops. Thirty-nine percent of enthusiasts said they purchased on the Internet, compared to 31% who indicated they went to a physical location to make their purchases."
Terapeak Motors P&A Research provides sellers with access to comprehensive research on the past year of online auction data and allows users to get in-depth research reports on the competition and themselves. More at www.terapeak.com/motors.