When you’re looking to repair your vehicle, finding reliable parts online is crucial. CarParts.com is one such platform that many car owners consider. But is CarParts.com legit? One customer’s recent experience raises serious concerns, suggesting that navigating this online retailer might be fraught with issues. This review delves into a troubling encounter, highlighting potential pitfalls for buyers.
Damaged Goods and Missing Items: A Costly Order
This particular customer placed a significant order totaling $2995.61. Instead of receiving pristine car parts, they were met with a series of disappointments. The grille arrived damaged, along with damaged driver and passenger door inlays, and headlights that were also not in perfect condition. Adding to the frustration, several parts were missing from the delivery altogether.
Billing Errors and Customer Service Failures
Beyond the damaged and missing parts, the customer was also overcharged for items they didn’t need and, in fact, were never even sent. The value of the missing parts was calculated at $53.98, while the overcharge amounted to $102.49. Seeking resolution, the customer spent an entire day attempting to contact customer service, only to find themselves speaking to an outsourced call center in Manila, Philippines. Despite repeated explanations, the customer service supervisor allegedly refused to rectify the situation, citing various policy clauses as reasons for not sending the paid-for missing parts.
The VIP Membership and Extra Protection Insurance Trap
The most alarming aspect of this experience was the alleged revelation that resolving these issues was contingent on purchasing “extra protection insurance.” Furthermore, it was suggested that a yearly VIP Membership, costing an additional $79, would have been necessary to resolve the multiple problems encountered. This raises serious questions about CarParts.com’s business practices and whether they prioritize customer satisfaction or upselling additional services to address their own errors in order fulfillment.
A Strong Warning to Potential Buyers
This customer’s experience serves as a stark warning. The encounter described paints a picture of a company that may deliver damaged goods, miss ordered items, overcharge customers, and then offer unhelpful customer service riddled with policy roadblocks. The pressure to purchase extra protection or memberships to resolve issues suggests a potentially predatory business model. Before considering CarParts.com, potential buyers should proceed with extreme caution and perhaps explore alternative, more reputable auto parts retailers. This review strongly advises consumers to think twice before using CarParts.com, suggesting that the risk of a negative and costly experience may be substantial.
Date of Experience: January 16, 2025
