Not cracked up to what I expected (Rockauto)

[Dung Beetle]

I sort of do the same. I will use Rock Auto to shop for options and get part numbers. Then I will look for the best deal elsewhere. Sometimes Rock Auto is still the best deal, but most times not.

I just did a quick comparison of my most recent RA order between my typical shopping places: RA, Summit, and Amazon.
Car and motorcycle spark plugs, air filters, belt, headlight bulbs, wiper blades.

RA's - $162 total - including taxes and shipping.
Summit Racing - $262 total - including taxes and shipping.
Amazon Prime - $301 total - including taxes.

That's quite competitive from RA.

On the other hand, RA's return policies/process pale in comparison to Amazon and Summit Racing.
The fact that RA does not have a customer service department that you can talk to in-person, is alone a reason to spend $100 more with Summit.
I understand that's how RA keeps their overhead to a minimum, but getting a wrong part, or needing help with your order and not being able to call a person just makes you feel helpless.

[Top_Fuel]

...RA does not have a customer service department that you can talk to in-person...

Interesting. I didn't know that.

[Dung Beetle]

Not knowing means you haven't needed it - which is good.

"RockAuto is a completely online company. We do not have a customer service phone number to provide assistance over the phone. All of our customer service resources are available 24/7 online! Online self-service ensures consistent quality and keeps our prices low for you!"

If not the customer service, than just prepaid return labels and longer return window would make RA so much more competitive.

[Wallythacker]

I've used a fair bit of my inventory and thought it might be a good time to start looking around to replenish things.

I don't need a tremendous amount but I like to keep the essential items on hand. I need wiper blades, all 3 sizes, I should have a couple each of all the filters, cabin, air, oil. I still have 3 cabin, 2 actually when I replace my 2014. RA has a nice deal on AC Delco
filters for $4/ea. by the case, but then again Amazon will send me a 10K mile Fram for $4.50 every 4 months.

I found a receipt from RA indicating I did buy plugs, 2 sets. Somewhere I have a mystery box with 203mm drums, shoes, plugs, a Fumoto and other goodies. It will turn up when I organize. Maybe I'll keep my ordering to a minimum.