The complexity of vehicles is evolving, and so are customer expectations. In Episode 8 of TecTalk, Lennart Trautmann from eBay Motors and Philipp Haac from Repareo delve into how digitalisation is transforming workshop services in the automotive aftermarket. With more than half of all drivers now searching for workshops online—some studies even reporting figures as high as 70%—the need for seamless, transparent, and convenient solutions has never been greater.
Today, digital platforms are revolutionising how we book services. From flights to hotels to dining, almost everything is now handled online. Yet, auto repair services have lagged behind. Mechanics want to focus on repairing vehicles, not juggling phone calls or managing appointment schedules. Recognising this gap, eBay and Repareo have launched a workshop service in Germany, combining their expertise to help drivers find the right workshop while enhancing transparency and efficiency in the process.
With 18 million active buyers in Germany, eBay is leveraging its extensive platform to bridge the gap between customers and workshops. The workshop service now covers over 30 parts categories, from brake kits to batteries, providing customers with a seamless end-to-end experience. Building on eBay’s 25 years of expertise as Germany’s number one marketplace for vehicle parts and accessories, this initiative represents a significant milestone. Globally, spare parts are a key focus category for eBay, with continuous investment in technical innovations and inventory expansion. This strong foundation not only underpins the service’s success in Germany but also positions it for future scalability and growth worldwide.
A cornerstone of this service is the eBay Vehicle Parts Promise, a guarantee ensuring that purchased parts are the right fit for the customer’s vehicle. By verifying compatibility in advance, eBay minimizes the risk of incorrect parts being delivered to workshops—a scenario that could disrupt repair schedules and create inefficiencies. Using TecDoc integration and vehicle-specific data, eBay ensures customers receive parts that match their vehicle’s specifications, bringing confidence and reliability to every transaction.
Repareo’s role in this collaboration is equally crucial, as the company simplifies the digital transition for workshops. Regardless of a workshop’s existing technical infrastructure—even if they rely on manual appointment books—Repareo provides adaptable solutions to ensure compatibility with eBay’s platform. Registration is quick and straightforward, with workshops able to get online in as little as 15 minutes. Beyond technical integration, Repareo helps workshops access eBay’s robust financial systems, offering multiple payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and Klarna’s buy-now-pay-later services. These features make it easier for workshops to offer flexible payment solutions that align with customer needs.
Currently, Repareo collaborates with approximately 5,800 workshops across Germany, making its network a valuable asset for drivers and workshops alike. By connecting these workshops with eBay’s platform, Repareo creates a seamless ecosystem that benefits both ends of the automotive service spectrum.
As customer preferences shift and vehicles become increasingly complex, the demand for innovative and customer-centric service models will continue to rise. The evolving landscape of e-commerce requires companies to integrate services into their long-term strategies, ensuring they meet the changing needs of modern drivers. The workshop service by eBay and Repareo demonstrates how service offerings are not just an add-on but a vital component of a comprehensive e-commerce strategy, paving the way for future success in the automotive aftermarket.
To dive deeper into this transformative initiative, listen to Episode 8 of TecTalk, available now on all major podcast platforms.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode on your favourite platform:
Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podigee | Audible | YouTube [with video]
Note: This episode is available in German only.
