Estimated read time: 5 minutes
Fixed Ops Roundtable | Featuring Junior Saint Romain, Parkway Family Chevrolet
Meet Junior: the parts manager who did it backwards
Junior didn’t start in auto parts. He started in the Marine Corps, tried motorcycles, did real estate, then moved into eCommerce.
“Everyone else was a parts guy trying to sell online. I was an eCommerce guy learning to sell parts.”
Today, Junior runs a booming eCommerce operation for Parkway Family Chevrolet and he’s proof that online parts sales can change the game for any store.
From one-man show to high-volume operation
When Junior started, he did everything himself:
- Took orders
- Pulled parts
- Packed boxes
- Shipped everything out
Now, he leads a 4-person eCommerce team, fulfilling 150–250 orders per day. His growth is 100% driven by online sales.
Why eCommerce works (even with a small team)
Hiring more people isn’t the only way to grow. Junior used smart tools and systems to do more with less.
Here’s how he scaled without burning out:
- Integrated Amazon, eBay, and shipping into one platform
- Centralized order management in the CRM
- Focused on shipping fast and accurately
“Efficiency is key. eCommerce works 24/7. But if your systems are a mess, you’ll feel like you are too.”
When to hire help (and when to wait)
Junior didn’t wait until things were “perfect” to grow.
“RevolutionParts said when you hit $75K in monthly sales, you need hire help. I waited until $125K.”
Once he got his sales well into the six-figures on a monthly basis, he convinced leadership to expand his team.
Pro tip:
- $75K/month in online parts sales = time to hire
- Can’t afford it? Focus on system efficiency first
Online sales vs. traditional parts sales
Traditional sales (wholesale, service, walk-ins) rely on local traffic. But online sales?
“Amazon and eBay bring the customers to me. I just need to ship fast and price right.”
Junior’s store now sells:
- Across the U.S.
- Internationally via eBay
- Without spending on local ads or mailers
“It’s a volume game. You don’t need more foot traffic; you need more reach.”
What to say to leadership who thinks it’s “too much work”
Worried about online sales being a burden? Junior hears it all the time.
Here’s his advice to GMs, Controllers, and even other Parts Managers:
- You can start small. Just get your digital footprint out there.
- Don’t wait until you have time (or you’ll never get started)
- The longer you wait, the more your competition pulls ahead
“Even if you’re slammed, set up the basics now. In 6 months, you’ll be glad you did.”
What really drives sales (hint: it’s not just price)
Junior wins not because he’s the cheapest, but because he’s the fastest and most reliable.
“I might be five dollars more, but I’ll get the part there a week faster.”
Here’s how he beats competitors:
- Same-day order processing
- Clean, secure packaging (“Would your mom be happy opening this?”)
- Direct shipping pickup from UPS and others, no middlemen
That’s how you win the Amazon Buy Box and earn repeat business.
If you’re still not sure, think about this
Junior puts it simply:
“This is money we wouldn’t have made without eCommerce.”
Benefits of selling online:
- Reach customers outside your zip code
- Add a revenue stream without new brick and mortar
- Let your systems sell while you sleep
- No pressure to go big; start small and scale
If you’re a Parts Manager thinking about getting started online, here’s what Junior would say:
“Start now. Even if it’s just a few listings. Even if it’s just local pickup. Don’t wait. Don’t be Toys-R-Us. Get your name out there and grow from there.”
