When people think of auto accessories, they usually picture pine tree deodorizers dangling from the mirror or cup holders on the door or perhaps the metal foot with toes popular in the 70s that went over the gas pedal. For accessories such as window guards, custom floor mats or seat covers, gauges, chrome and much more, people go to their local automobile parts store. With the advent of the Internet, however many retailers are putting their wares online in an effort to catch the eye of cyber-shoppers not interested in less stocked ground locations. Online, auto accessories can number up to thousands, cost less, and can be picked up at people's local auto parts stores.

When stocked in great numbers, items are cheaper as witnessed by the explosion of club-type stores and bulk grocery stores. Online shopping is generally cheaper because companies pull stock from many locations and ship to the customer. When a customer needs custom work done, auto accessories dealers will go online to contract the work and have it shipped to the store for the customer's convenience. When the retailer is out of stock he will go online to see if another store has the item needed and have it sent to his location for the customer's benefit. If the auto accessories retailer discontinues an item, the customer can use another retailer or go online to find the item.

Both methods of selling have advantages and disadvantages. The personal touch of the guy behind the counter will win out over a cold keyboard any day of the year, but up against that is the sheer number of items for sale online. No one is going to drive in the snow to get an item from the retailer when they can sit in a warm house and order it online. If they need to drive the next day, the shipper will express ship the item to the customer. Where the retailer will gain an edge over the online site is helping the customer with his purchase such as advice on how to install or apply the item, temperature requirements and things of that nature. Sometimes it just takes people.