eBay acquires auto parts and accessories e-commerce platform
eBay is increasing its commitment to its automotive marketplace.
The e-commerce giant is purchasing myFitment, a provider of tools and support to assist online automotive and powersports parts and accessories sellers, for an undisclosed sum. myFitment's technology and platform offer solutions designed to help drive automotive parts and accessories sales and avoid returns.
Specific functions of myFitment solutions include optimizing fitment data for seller listings, which helps ensure customers order the right parts and accessories for their vehicle, ultimately reducing returns and increasing buyer satisfaction.
"eBay is home to more than half a billion parts and accessories globally, ranging from brand new replacement parts to the vintage and hard to find. As we look to elevate the user experience within this category, it is critical we provide innovative tools to help shoppers find the right parts at the right price," said Chris Prill, VP, eBay Motors.
"The integration of myFitment's proven technology marks an important step in eBay's tech-led reimagination. Not only will we optimize the listing process for sellers, but we will offer an added layer of confidence for buyers by simplifying how they navigate inventory to find parts that fit their vehicle."
"We founded myFitment to help online parts and accessory sellers use technology to better connect with their customers, increase their sales, and grow their businesses," said Brian Williams, COO, myFitment. "eBay is one of the leading platforms in the world for people looking to start or grow their online business, and I can think of no better partner to help bring our technology to more of the vehicle and motorsport businesses and enthusiasts we have served for nearly ten years."
eBay drives growth of eBay Motors
Previously a dedicated section of its main e-commerce site, eBay launched the eBay Motors marketplace as a separate mobile app in December 2019. Features include a personalized homepage, streamlined listing capabilities, and improved search filters.
The app uses vehicle license plates to automatically populate key details such as make and model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Sellers can also upload images and a video of the vehicle.
When listing or viewing a vehicle on the eBay Motors app, images of the vehicle are automatically organized by artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a professional-quality listing. In July 2020, eBay initially expanded the functionality of the eBay Motors app by teaming up with Escrow.com to enable secure mobile and online transactions.
In September 2021, eBay began enabling customers to upload their vehicle’s make and model to an interface called “My Garage” to discover corresponding parts and accessories. Customers can also use the app’s existing Community feature to chat with other users, ask questions, and get more information.
[Read more: eBay Motors adds parts and accessories shopping to app]
A seller chat feature allows potential buyers to connect with sellers directly via the app to ask questions about a listing. Meanwhile, a community chat offering enables auto enthusiasts to comment on current listings using text and/or emojis.
All automotive parts and accessories listed on the eBay online marketplace are available for purchase in the eBay Motors app. Once users add a car, make, model and trim to My Garage, the app will only surface items that fit the vehicle.