Enhancing Shopify Stores with Year/Make/Model Lookup Functionality

Enhancing Shopify Stores with Year/Make/Model Lookup Functionality
Etraffic Webexpert

YMM Lookup Implementation on Your Shopify Store

If you run an automotive e-commerce store on Shopify, adding a Year/Make/Model (YMM) lookup functionality can significantly enhance the user experience. This feature allows customers to filter products (like car parts or accessories) by their vehicle's specifications, ensuring compatibility and reducing returns.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to implement a YMM lookup on your Shopify store and provide sample code to get you started.

What is Year/Make/Model Lookup?

The YMM lookup is a filter mechanism that simplifies the product search process for automotive-related stores. Customers input their vehicle's details—year, make, and model—and the system filters products to display only those that are compatible.

Why Add Year/Make/Model Lookup?

  1. 1. Improved User Experience: Customers can quickly find compatible products for their vehicles.


  2. 2. Reduced Returns: Clear compatibility checks minimize mismatched purchases.


  3. 3. Increased Sales: Making it easier for customers to find what they need boosts conversions.

YMM Lookup in Action

The Problem

Imagine you’re a retailer selling brake pads. A customer visits your store but isn’t sure which brake pads fit their car. Without a clear way to filter products based on their vehicle type, the customer might leave your store in search of a competitor that provides such a service.

The Solution: Year/Make/Model Lookup

By adding a Year/Make/Model lookup tool to your Shopify store, you’re allowing customers to enter their vehicle's information (such as year, make, and model) to narrow down the products they’re interested in. This functionality can be integrated easily into the search bar or on a dedicated page for vehicle part lookups.

How the Feature Works

Step 1: Select Vehicle Year
A dropdown menu or search field allows customers to first choose the year of their vehicle (e.g., 2020).

Step 2: Select Make
Once the year is selected, a new dropdown appears with a list of vehicle makes (e.g., Toyota, Ford, Honda).

Step 3: Select Model
After choosing the make, the next dropdown will show the available models for that specific make (e.g., Corolla, Civic, Mustang).

Step 4: Product Filter
Based on the selections, products that fit those specifications are shown. For example, once the customer selects "2020 Toyota Corolla", only brake pads that fit that specific car will be visible.

Examples

1. Auto Parts Store

A customer looking for brake pads for a 2020 Toyota Camry visits an online store. Using the YMM lookup:

  • Step 1: They select 2020 from the "Year" dropdown.


  • Step 2: Choose Toyota from the "Make" dropdown.


  • Step 3: Pick Camry from the "Model" dropdown. The store then displays only brake pads compatible with that vehicle.


2. Vehicle Accessories Store

A shopper wants floor mats for a 2018 Honda Accord. The YMM lookup narrows down the options, saving them time and improving their shopping experience.

How YMM Lookup Works

  1. 1. Database Setup: Maintain a structured database of products and their compatible YMM specifications.


  2. 2. Frontend Form: Provide dropdowns or fields for users to select year, make, and model.


  3. 3. Filtering Logic: Query the database to show only relevant products based on the selection.


  4. 4. Dynamic Updates: Ensure selections cascade logically (e.g., selecting a year filters available makes).

Benefits of Year/Make/Model Lookup for Your Store

  1. 1. Improved User Experience: Customers will have a much easier time finding products that match their vehicle, reducing frustration and confusion. By streamlining the shopping process, customers are more likely to complete their purchases.


  2. 2. Reduced Returns and Exchanges: When customers can easily select compatible products for their vehicles, they are less likely to purchase the wrong item. This results in fewer returns and exchanges, saving your business time and money.


  3. 3. Increased Conversion Rates: A simplified and personalized shopping experience makes it more likely that customers will convert. If a customer can find the right product with just a few clicks, they are more likely to complete the purchase.


  4. 4. Better Product Organization: By categorizing products by vehicle specifications, your store becomes more organized and easier to navigate. It also helps you manage inventory better, as you can track products by vehicle compatibility.


  5. 5. SEO Benefits: Properly implemented Year/Make/Model functionality can also help improve SEO by targeting long-tail keywords related to specific vehicles and parts. This can help drive more organic traffic to your store from search engines.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Prepare Your Data

Create a CSV file with vehicle compatibility data. For example:

Product    ID Year         Make               Model

101             2020           Honda               Civic

102             2021           Toyota               Corolla

103             2019           Ford                  Mustang

Upload this data to Shopify as a product metafield or use an external database if the dataset is large.

Step 2: Add YMM Dropdowns in Liquid Template

In your Shopify theme, modify the product or collection page template to include dropdowns for year, make, and model.

Code Example:

 
 








<form id="ymm-filter">
  <label for="year">Year:</label>
  <select id="year" name="year">
    <option value="">Select Year</option>
    <!-- Dynamically populate years -->
  </select>

  <label for="make">Make:</label>
  <select id="make" name="make" disabled>
    <option value="">Select Make</option>
  </select>

  <label for="model">Model:</label>
  <select id="model" name="model" disabled>
    <option value="">Select Model</option>
  </select>

  <button type="submit">Find Products</button>
</form>


Step 3: Populate Dropdowns with JavaScript

Use JavaScript or a library like jQuery to dynamically populate the dropdowns and cascade selections.

JavaScript Example:









document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
  const data = {
    2020: { Honda: ['Civic', 'Accord'], Toyota: ['Camry'] },
    2021: { Ford: ['Mustang'], Toyota: ['Corolla'] },
  };

  const yearDropdown = document.getElementById('year');
  const makeDropdown = document.getElementById('make');
  const modelDropdown = document.getElementById('model');

  // Populate year dropdown
  Object.keys(data).forEach(year => {
    const option = document.createElement('option');
    option.value = year;
    option.textContent = year;
    yearDropdown.appendChild(option);
  });

  yearDropdown.addEventListener('change', () => {
    const selectedYear = yearDropdown.value;
    makeDropdown.innerHTML = '<option value="">Select Make</option>';
    modelDropdown.innerHTML = '<option value="">Select Model</option>';
    modelDropdown.disabled = true;

    if (selectedYear) {
      Object.keys(data[selectedYear]).forEach(make => {
        const option = document.createElement('option');
        option.value = make;
        option.textContent = make;
        makeDropdown.appendChild(option);
      });
      makeDropdown.disabled = false;
    }
  });

  makeDropdown.addEventListener('change', () => {
    const selectedYear = yearDropdown.value;
    const selectedMake = makeDropdown.value;
    modelDropdown.innerHTML = '<option value="">Select Model</option>';

    if (selectedMake) {
      data[selectedYear][selectedMake].forEach(model => {
        const option = document.createElement('option');
        option.value = model;
        option.textContent = model;
        modelDropdown.appendChild(option);
      });
      modelDropdown.disabled = false;
    }
  });
});

Step 4: Filter Products Based on Selection

On form submission, use JavaScript to redirect the user to a filtered collection page or query your database to display relevant products.

Example Redirect Code:









document.getElementById('ymm-filter').addEventListener('submit', event => {
  event.preventDefault();
  const year = document.getElementById('year').value;
  const make = document.getElementById('make').value;
  const model = document.getElementById('model').value;

  if (year && make && model) {
    window.location.href = `/collections/all?year=${year}&make=${make}&model=${model}`;
  } else {
    alert('Please select all fields.');
  }
});


Step 5: Update Your Shopify Backend

Create smart collections or tags in Shopify that correspond to specific YMM combinations. Use Shopify’s product filters to match the parameters passed via the query string.

Optional: Integrate with an App

If you prefer not to code, several Shopify apps (e.g., Year Make Model Advance Search) can streamline the process.

Final Output:

You can check the final output in this video to see how it works. The video provides a demonstration of the functionality, giving a clear understanding of the expected results.

Key Considerations

  • 1. Accuracy of Vehicle Data: The accuracy of your Year/Make/Model database is critical. You want to ensure that the parts you offer actually fit the vehicle specifications provided.


  • 2. Mobile Compatibility: Many customers will use their mobile devices to shop for auto parts. Make sure that the lookup tool is optimized for mobile devices to provide a smooth experience on all platforms.


  • 3. Integration with Inventory: The Year/Make/Model tool must be linked with your product catalog to ensure that only compatible parts are shown for each vehicle.



Conclusion

Implementing a Year/Make/Model lookup on Shopify is an excellent way to improve your store’s functionality and customer satisfaction. Whether you choose to code it yourself or use an app, this feature can make your store more professional and user-friendly.

Year/Make/Model lookup functionality is a powerful tool for automotive e-commerce stores on Shopify. By integrating a YMM filter, you not only improve the user experience but also establish your store as a reliable destination for vehicle-specific products.

Whether you’re selling auto parts, accessories, or any other vehicle-specific items, investing in a robust YMM lookup system is a step toward building trust and boosting sales. Start implementing today and make shopping effortless for your customers!

 

 Drive Sales and Satisfaction with Seamless Year/Make/Model Lookup!

 

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