In a survey of automotive enthusiasts by
                           Fast Lane Research, nearly 900 shared their likes and dislikes, their thought process and their perceptions of retailers in
                           the automotive industry.
In
                           selecting where they will purchase the products they want or need for their vehicle, consumers somehow find a delicate balance
                           between what they can afford, what’s actually available and what is the highest quality product.  
When considering where to shop, the most important
                           consideration for automotive parts consumers is the product quality.  The second consideration is can they
                           get it now.
It is also important to
                           remember that even though a factor is rated high in importance to the consumer, reality may influence the actual store selection. 
                           For instance, quality is the most important factor, but if all the products available are of a similar medium quality,
                           what choice does the consumer really have?
 
 
  | Please rate the importance to you of the following FACTORS in choosing where to shop for auto parts.  | 
  |    |  
  | 
 
Factor  | Most
                           Important  | Important  | Less Important  | Not
                           Important  | 
Product
                           Quality  | 81%  | 19%  | 0%  | 0%  | 
Product Availability  | 69%  | 28%  | 2%  | 0%  | 
Product Selection  | 61%  | 37%  | 2%  | 0%  | 
Employee Knowledge  | 57%  | 31%  | 9%  | 3%  | 
Customer Service  | 53%  | 40%  | 6%  | 1%  | 
Brand Availability  | 50%  | 38%  | 11%  | 1%  | 
Product Price  | 47%  | 47%  | 6%  | 0%  | 
Product Warranty/Return
                           Policy  | 43%  | 43%  | 13%  | 1%  | 
Location (close by,
                           easy to get to)  | 38%  | 48%  | 12%  | 2%  | 
Discounts/Incentives  | 32%  | 44%  | 22%  | 3%  |