5 ways to sell more industrial automation parts online

The industrial automation parts market has been growing steadily, but with e-commerce dominating B2B transactions, businesses must adapt. In 2019, 13% of the U.S. B2B commerce market operated online, and that figure was projected to hit 17% by 2023.

For industrial automation distributors, staying competitive means embracing digital sales strategies. The traditional way of selling automation machine parts is evolving, and companies that don’t adapt risk being left behind.

So, how can you increase online sales of industrial automation parts?

The vast majority of potential buyers search for automation machine parts using search engines like Google or Bing. That’s why SEO optimization is crucial.

✅ Use relevant keywords – Phrases like automation parts supplier, buy automation parts, and obsolete automation spare parts online help improve visibility.

✅ Be specific – Companies searching for industrial automation spare parts often know exactly what they need, so detailed product names and descriptions are key.

✅ List on marketplaces – On Automa.Net, you can upload your full stock, including new and refurbished automation spare parts, making your inventory instantly visible to buyers.

Inform the customer about all the things that are important to them. To achieve high sales results you need to build trust with your business partners, which will lead to an increased number of businesses using your services. In order to do this, you need to show reliability, which in practice comes down to telling the truth. So whether you’re selling online or in-person separate new and used parts. In the case of the latter, inform about the production date, state what has been refurbished and what has not. Don’t hide possible product defects. Additionally, if you are selling items online, give true information about the stock to avoid possible delays in delivery.

If you only trade in brand new parts, you don’t have to worry about the visual condition of your goods. On the other hand, if you also sell used or refurbished items, it is very important to take care of this aspect. The parts should be thoroughly cleaned and secured for transportation. It is also a good idea to provide the buyer with the possibility to see up-to-date photos of the actual condition of the used parts before they decide to conclude the transaction.

In commerce, regardless of the industry, one of the key elements is the cost of purchase. Therefore, if you want to have high results, you need to have a good understanding of the trends in the market. Of course, I am not saying that you should go below the profitability threshold or try to maintain the lowest price among all dealers offering a particular product. I also know that it is common practice in the industrial parts trade not to give a fixed price, as this is set independently for each customer. However, observation of the market on an ongoing basis will help you set the terms of cooperation with others in such a way that after analysis of all additional costs associated with the purchase of specific items, the choice of your company will be considered profitable.

Building trust with customers is essential in the industrial automation supply business. Transparency about your products is the best way to build long-term business relationships.

🔹 Clearly distinguish new and used parts – If selling refurbished automation parts, always specify:

• Production date
• Refurbishment details
• Any potential defects

🔹 Show real product images – High-quality photos help customers feel confident in their purchase.

🔹 Keep stock data updated – Avoid delays by providing real-time inventory information.

🛠️ Whether you're an automation parts supplier dealing in new industrial automation components or refurbished ones, honesty and transparency will set you apart.

Sometimes less is more. A large number of potential customers interested in cooperation with you doesn’t necessarily translate into considerable profits. It’s not even about what goods and in what quantities someone wants to buy – it’s about whether they want to buy them at all. In other words, it’s easy to run into scams on many e-commerce platforms. People who are unwilling to pay, impersonating other companies. In such a situation, you may struggle to get the invoice paid for a long time. So it is good to verify your customers. On Automa.Net access to the service is limited to the companies that sell parts, resell and are system integrators. Using the service requires payment of a subscription fee, which, although small, deters fraudsters. Even at this stage of verification, we make your task easier because you don’t have to think about whether you are negotiating with an existing company or with some scammer. In addition, you decide for yourself whether you are going to provide someone with information about your stock, or rather you don’t want anyone to see what you’re selling. Such filtering may limit the number of customers, but in return, it leaves those with whom cooperation will be safe and long-term.

Not every customer is a good customer. Industrial automation distributors must be cautious of fraudulent buyers.

📌 Common e-commerce risks:

• Fake companies placing orders without intent to pay
• Unverified buyers leading to unpaid invoices

🔹 Solution: Platforms like Automa.Net allow access only to verified automation parts resellers, distributors, and system integrators.

This built-in verification system reduces risks and ensures you're dealing with legitimate business buyers.

If you're only selling excess inventory, you're relying on chance. Instead, stock high-demand automation parts to attract consistent sales.

📊 How to optimize stock for online sales:

✅ Identify fast-moving parts – Focus on frequently replaced components like relays, sensors, and PLCs.

✅ Stock obsolete automation spare parts online – Some companies need discontinued parts to maintain production.

✅ Monitor industry trends – Keep track of which automation spare parts are in demand and adjust inventory accordingly.

⚡ A good mix of fast-moving automation parts and hard-to-find components will help you attract more buyers.

Industrial machines don’t know the rhythm of the day; they aren’t subjected to the standard 9 a.m. to 5 p. m. work. This means that a malfunction that brings production to a halt or disrupts logistics chains can happen at any time and according to Murphy’s Law, it will most likely happen outside the working hours of most stationary warehouses. In such a situation there is no time to lose, you have to act quickly to minimize losses. In the classic sales model, the solution would be to wait until the morning for the warehouse hotline staff to be able to answer the phone. The internet never sleeps, so by using it you can place your order even in the middle of the night. Many carriers offer the option of hiring a dedicated courier or even chartering a transport plane. By using it you will be able to ensure the right supplies for the most critical situations, which will, of course, result in high profits – but above all give you the reputation of being a supplier who can be counted on in any situation.

There’s no universal strategy for selling industrial automation spare parts online, but adapting to e-commerce trends is essential.

✅ Optimize your online presence – Use SEO and list on Automa.Net.

✅ Be transparent – Build trust through clear product descriptions and images.

✅ Verify buyers – Avoid fraud by dealing with trusted automation parts distributors.

✅ Stock high-demand parts – Offer both new and obsolete automation spare parts online.

✅ Enable 24/7 sales – Keep your business open around the clock for emergency orders.

If you want to learn more about our solutions for selling and buying, check out: For Suppliers and For Buyers.