Why Do Auto Parts And Accessories Ecommerce Websites Always Take Longer To Build Than Expected?

Many automotive ecommerce web development projects (perhaps most) extend beyond the due date. We know this because, as an agency specializing in parts and accessories marketing, we talk to a lot of companies about their web development experience. If we had a dollar for every “that developer was soooo slow” story we’ve heard…

Typically, these delays occur for the same basic reasons. Understanding these can help avoid delays on the next big web development project.

NOTE: If you’re planning a parts and accessories ecommerce site development project, contact us. We’re happy to provide suggestions and guidance to automotive companies free of charge.

The Single Biggest Reason For Delays: Poorly Defined Goals

The main goal of a parts and accessories site is to generate revenue, right? Well…

• Manufacturers often want their websites to help customers find local dealers.
• Sometimes manufacturers want to project the brand’s values and image more than they want to sell products.
• Retailers often want websites to minimize customer service requests.
• Everyone in the industry wants website data that self-updates.
• Marketers often want websites to be simplified, as that improves conversion rate and raises return on ad spend (ROAS).

Of course, many of these goals are in conflict with one another. Emphasizing brand could reduce conversion rate. Simplifying might increase customer service requests. Helping consumers find their local dealer might reduce ROAS. And so on.

The point? Conflicts about website goals should be hashed out before web development begins. Otherwise, they’re often resolved mid-project. This leads to considerable delays, as all the different stakeholders have to weigh in, designers have to update mockups, meetings get spent arguing goals, etc.

The Second Biggest Reason For Delays: Slow Communication

Development speed often hinges on how quickly everyone responds with feedback. On the development side, slow client responses cause lots of problems:

• Developers and designers have other projects they can work on, and if they know you’re going to take a few days to reply, they’ll work on those other projects while they wait.
• Most of the “stuff” that requires client feedback has dependencies. For example, the dev team can’t start working on “X” until they get an answer on “Y”, so a slow response stops 2 or 3 tasks from starting.
• Developers often ask for feedback at critical junctures so they can avoid rework and delays…but a slow response at a critical juncture sets the entire project back

On the client side, slow developer response times give stakeholders a chance to reconsider old decisions or make more feature requests. It’s a lot better if the developer moves fast, because whenever someone says “Wait, do we have to do it that way?”, the client can go “yeah it’s already done.”

So to avoid delays, it’s best to establish clear communication channels, set regular meetings, and limit the number of stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Another Big Problem: Scope Creep

Scope creep occurs when new features are added mid-project, extending the development timeline. Deciding late in the project to add a complex feature can cause big slowdowns.

Setting firm initial requirements is a great way to avoid scope creep, but that’s easier said than done. Instead, we’d suggest instead focusing on phases of web development. Here’s an example:

• Phase 1 – Functional ecommerce site, with limited year-make-model lookup, no live inventory, no shipping estimates, etc. Just bare-bones functionality, aka “minimum viable product.”
• Phase 2 – After the site is live, add real-time inventory and shipping estimates.
• Phase 3 – Add a more robust year-make-model lookup that includes trim level and wheelbase.
• Phase 4 – Add on dealer locator.

Etc.

The phase approach eliminates the need to change projects mid-development. Instead, when a new functionality is needed, it’s added as a new phase. And if the new functionality request is critical, it’s added as the next phase. Nothing is delayed, and everyone knows when the functionality should go live.

Missing Data Is Another Big Problem In Parts And Accessories Ecommerce

Automotive parts and accessories sites depend heavily on precise data. If data about parts compatibility or specifications is missing or incorrect, it can halt development. Often, projects are technically complete but can’t launch because essential data isn’t available or correctly formatted. Addressing this typically requires investing in data authoring services or purchasing data licenses. (Learn more about ACES/PIES data in this blog post from Spork.)

A Problem That’s Hard To Solve: Underestimating Task Duration

Development tasks like debugging, integrating complex systems, or tweaking designs are often underestimated. This underestimation usually stems from an inexperienced team or a lack of understanding of the task’s complexity.

There’s no one solution to this problem, but talking to someone who knows the business is a good way to go. At Spork we offer free web development consulting and advice to companies in the parts and accessories industry. We do this because it’s a great way to meet potential clients, but we also do it because it gives us insight into how various developers are doing (and why some of our client’s projects are delayed).

Technical Challenges And Unforeseen Issues Of Course

It’s obvious, but unexpected issues like software compatibility problems, outdated technology, or security vulnerabilities often cause delays. Best practice is to conduct regular technology audits, promote continuous learning for your in-house team, and implement thorough testing systems.

Conclusion: A Lot Of Web Development Delays Are Preventable

Delays in automotive ecommerce web development are often preventable. Effective planning and realistic timelines are key. If you’re working with a good developer, they’ll usually tell you about delays as soon as they realize there’s an issue.

If you’re working on a new automotive ecommerce website project – or thinking about starting one – contact us. We’ll meet with you free of charge to discuss what your goals are, with the goal of helping your company avoid problems and save money. If we do our job, you’ll want our help marketing the new site.