How does Amazon make any money on auto parts? Got a cheap filter for my bus

belfert · September 10, 2017, 06:43:08 PM

I did a search on the Wix part number for the air filter in my bus today. The search showed a really cheap price from Amazon. Amazon had it for $18! This was sold direct by Amazon and was eligible for Prime shipping. I couldn't order it fast enough at that price. Amazon will at least refund my money if it is the wrong part.

I don't know how they make any money on auto parts with prices like this. It showed it was the last one and I have read reports that sometimes Amazon severely discounts the last of an item for some reason.

luvrbus · September 10, 2017, 06:52:32 PM

Watch it they do sell a lot of out dated air filters cheap,me I don't really care about the date if the are wrapped in shrink wrap inside the box fwiw air filters most have a 3 year shelf life

PP · September 11, 2017, 07:57:32 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 10, 2017, 06:52:32 PM
fwiw air filters most have a 3 year shelf life

Good thing they last longer in the bus...

luvrbus · September 11, 2017, 08:35:38 AM

LOL they don't really last longer installed either,I change mine regardless of the miles every 2 years or sooner if needed,Donaldson filters have a 2 year shelf life

belfert · September 11, 2017, 08:45:46 AM

I am not worried a whole lot about the age of the filter. The one I installed yesterday is from 2014. I really should change them yearly as I suck in a lot of dust out in the desert and the dust turns into a film of mud from the humidity back home. The one I put in yesterday is a wholesale closeout from Rockauto I bought last year for $39 shipped.

Zephod · September 11, 2017, 09:11:43 AM

I can't believe what I'm reading. seriously... air filters having a shelf life! They're inanimate pieces of paper. That's all they are. I get annoyed at the garage when I get my oil changed because they start poking around the air filter and telling me it needs changing when it has a tiny smudge on it. Air filters unless stored so poorly that they get wet and rot or get mold do not have a shelf life. What's there to degrade? It's dry paper!

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luvrbus · September 11, 2017, 09:41:20 AM

Quote from: Zephod on September 11, 2017, 09:11:43 AM
I can't believe what I'm reading. seriously... air filters having a shelf life! They're inanimate pieces of paper. That's all they are. I get annoyed at the garage when I get my oil changed because they start poking around the air filter and telling me it needs changing when it has a tiny smudge on it. Air filters unless stored so poorly that they get wet and rot or get mold do not have a shelf life. What's there to degrade? It's dry paper!

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Oh well just read the Donaldson or other filter manufactures web site it's out there and always has been

there more to a air filter than paper

Zephod · September 11, 2017, 09:53:28 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 11, 2017, 09:41:20 AM

Oh well just read the Donaldson or other filter manufactures web site it's out there and always has been there more to a air filter than paper

And the aim of the filter manufacturer is... to sell filters...
Of course they're going to say or come up with vacuous studies to "prove" that their filters need to be swopped out whether they're good or not. It makes sales sense. Otherwise, it's a load of nonsense.

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belfert · September 13, 2017, 08:57:53 PM

I got my $18 WIX air filter from Amazon today. It was manufactured at the end of 2014. That manufacturing date is almost exactly the same date as the WIX air filer I bought on wholesale closeout from Rock Auto last year.

I will have no hesitation using this filter next year or the year after.

brmax · September 13, 2017, 10:08:20 PM

I wished i had bought more of the number mine takes, the guy was selling a pallet and a half, 3 tall. It was close to your price, I was very pleased with this one, even though they were new old stock. I really dont have a problem with that at all, rather the equipment being gone and a shelf full of filters. A reason I always took great care in the storage of these. An extremely costly item for fleets.
On the other note how they make money I havent a clue, though they all seem to get their 2-4% trans fee. Thats a tough ? First because we know they are the hub for much of their sales and that infrastructure cost wow. Please let me know the answer after your next board meeting.

Floyd

chessie4905 · September 14, 2017, 12:34:35 PM

Belfert, they lose money on each item but make it up in volume......

eagle19952 · September 14, 2017, 08:51:42 PM

Amazon owns very little of the inventory on their shelves.
many people make a living sourcing stock.
Amazon up fronts the freight in both directions. and takes their cut off the top when an item sells.
then 30-60 days later Mom and Pop or big vendor get their cut.
many brick and mortars use Amazonas an online presence.

belfert · September 14, 2017, 08:54:19 PM

The filter I bought was sold directly by Amazon.com and not a third party seller. I am guessing they sold it cheap because it had been in inventory for quite a while.

eagle19952 · September 14, 2017, 08:56:31 PM

Quote from: belfert on September 14, 2017, 08:54:19 PM
The filter I bought was sold directly by Amazon.com and not a third party seller. I am guessing they sold it cheap because it had been in inventory for quite a while.

most are not.
have a nice day.
ps. happy for your good fortune.