Current studies suggest that up to 90% of shopping now begins with an Internet search, whether the product is ultimately purchased online or through a brick-and-mortar retail store. And mobile is overhauling other search devices, with tablets alone projected to account for 65% of all sales made on mobile devices. That’s a rapid change from only a short time ago.

“It’s like dog years, where one year is actually seven years worth of change,” said Bob Moore, partner in the automotive aftermarket consulting company J&B Service in Kansas City, Missouri. “For example, I was looking at a presentation we did in 2010...

A Look to the Future With SEMA Council Leaders

SEMA News annually turns to the leaders of the association’s councils and networks for the December issue to seek their views about how the industry is shaping up for the coming year. The chairs or chairs-elect of each group provide responses based on what their organizations and their companies are seeing within their marketplaces. Their responses provide helpful insights for businesses in every segment of the marketplace.

Think of it as the selling Field of Dreams. Much like the enthralling Kevin Costner movie, it all starts with a lot of convincing, believing and perhaps a small leap of faith as you struggle to understand this challenging new requirement. This uncertain phase is followed by a period of ups and downs, ultimately creating some hard work that, at times, can feel like a hopelessly endless task. But man, oh, man: When you finally get to play, it’s suddenly all worth it!

I can’t stress enough how an ongoing regimen of product data gathering, expanding and quality control is critical to the success of your business. Own the process, understand its importance and seek help when you get confused or sidetracked.

It’s All Wrapped Up in Protection, Branding, Economics and the Environment

A package for an automotive product serves multiple purposes, the most important of which is protection. Whether a package contains highly durable grade-8 fasteners or a fragile electronic tuning device, its main mission is to get the product to the end user in pristine condition. But a package can also serve sales functions, provide branding and inform consumers about an entire product line.

“Our products can be expensive,” said Joe Dussol, marketing director for Powerteq, which is the parent company of Superchips and Edge Products. “Depending on the product, some people might spend $600–$1,000, and we want the customer to feel like he’s holding something worth that kind of money when he picks up our package. That’s why our packaging might be a little bit more costly than doing a cardboard box with some print on it, but we really want it to stand out.”

A Message From TIA Executive Vice President

On behalf of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), welcome to the 2013 Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA. GTE continues to be the largest gathering of the tire industry in North America. From discovering new products to networking, I hope that you will take advantage of all the opportunities that GTE has to offer.

We are excited that the Global Tire Expo has experienced overwhelming growth this year and are pleased to welcome many new exhibitors. We continue to work with our valuable partner SEMA to ensure this year’s show will be a tremendous success.

Once again, it’s “Showtime.” It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone, and we are once again on our way to Las Vegas. What’s not hard to believe is the excitement, passion and anticipation that is already building around this year’s Show.

This year, for most of us, 2013 has been a fairly lack-luster business year but all of us are working toward 2014 being that stellar year we all so greatly deserve. A great 2014 all begins with the 2013 SEMA Show—the Greatest Automotive Show on Earth!

The dapper man in the bow tie is Harvey Crane. He’s talking about his camshafts and valvetrain components to dealers in the Crane Engineering Company booth at the very first SEMA Show (though it wasn’t called that at the time).

In January 1967, some 100 aftermarket companies set up booths in the concrete aisles of Dodger Stadium’s Club Level for what was then called just “the trade show.” Crane, one of SEMA’s earliest members, brought his wares from his company’s headquarters in Hallandale, Florida, and demonstrated them using a “hand-operated engine simulator,” according to a story in Petersen Publishing Company’s Hot Rod Industry News.

Interested in placing an ad in the SEMA News Product and Catalog Showcase?

90+ Products to Be Unveiled at the 2013 SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is all about innovation and creativity. For a taste of what’s coming at the 2013 event, check out the more than 90 new products previewed here. During the Show, head to the upper level of South Hall for a look at the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 5–8, 2013.

Tips for Aftermarket Suppliers and Retailers Before Gearing Up for e-Commerce

The online retail market for automotive aftermarket parts industry and accessories continues to emerge as a tremendous growth opportunity for the aftermarket parts industry. While estimated sales volumes of the online parts industry vary, assessments range from $2 billion to $4 billion annually.

The “2013 SEMA Annual Market Report” found that 46.2% of consumers cited “chain auto parts stores” and “specialty parts stores” as their primary outlets for purchasing automotive parts and accessories. “Online retail” was the next highest at 25.6%, up 1.1% from 2012. Online retailers ranged from online auction sites and chain auto parts online stores to online-only retailers.