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Introduction
The purpose of this research is to
define and explore the key factors
influencing the buying decisions
of professionals who utilized
shop tools and equipment for
automotive repairs. It is intended
to collect and benchmark data on
tools and equipment purchasing
decisions made by those who
use them in their repair shops.
The report contains an analysis
of the major factors driving the
purchasing decisions by those
who use tools and equipment
in t
heir shops. Key influential
factors for tools include warranty,
recommendations by other
technicians and brand preference.
This report intends to help buyers
make informed and strategic
decisions when buying products.
According to Lang Marketing
Resources, Inc., in 2017, Do-It-
Yourself (DIY), consumers
and professional repair shops
purchased $6 billion in tools and
$4.7 billion-worth of equipment.
Furthermore, in a five-year
period from 2012 to 2017, tool
and equipment sales both
experienced annual growth
rates of 3.8 percent.
The Purchasing Trends Study -
Tools and Equipment 2018
is a survey-based research
publication directed by the Auto
Care Association’s Tool and
Equipment Committee. This
publication concludes that repair
shops’ tool purchasing decisions
remain l
argely driven by the
desire for warranty first, then
by recommendations of other
technicians and strong brand
name following close behind. In
2017 , (and for the fifth year in a
row), the mobile tool vendor was
the supplier most frequently used
for tool purchases. The full line
parts jobber and internet sellers,
along with manufacturers were
the next most frequently used
suppliers.