One of the most significant areas where technicians can save money is on the procurement of parts. Whether you’re a car mechanic or an appliance engineer, you are likely to have many options as to where you can buy parts from – and the price is likely to vary depending on which supplier you choose. The condition of parts can also affect the cost – a used part could be much cheaper than a brand new one.
Of course, when looking for ways to save money on parts, it’s important to not sacrifice quality and to make sure that the parts you order are fit for use. To help you strike the balance, here are several part-buying tips that could be useful to follow as a technician.
Identify parts correctly
A lot of time and money can be wasted as a result of ordering the wrong parts. It’s important that you always take the time to research and double check exactly which components you require.
Some parts like bearings may seem simple enough to identify. But in fact, bearings can come in many different sizes and materials – with very small differentiations having a big impact on their applications. These are distinguished by a bearing number, and it’s important to research what bearing numbers mean in order to track down the precise part you need.
If you are uncertain as to exactly which part you need, consider tracking down the manufacturer of the machine you are fixing and see if a customer support agent can help you identify the right part. To provide you with some insurance, consider looking into the return policy when buying parts and make sure that you are able to return parts easily for free.
Consider aftermarket options
Aftermarket parts are often cheaper than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Many of these aftermarket parts are just as high quality, making them a worthwhile alternative.
The one downside of aftermarket options is that you have to do more research to check that they are compatible. Use reputable aftermarket parts suppliers that have customer support staff on hand to help you identify the compatibility of parts. It’s also worth reading reviews to see what buyers are saying.
Explore used and refurbished parts
Compared to brand new parts, used and refurbished parts often come at a much lower price tag. They are often worth exploring when trying to greatly reduce the cost of repairs – but you do need to be careful of the condition of these parts.
When buying used and refurbished parts online, check what information is provided by the seller. Are there clear photos? Is information on the part history provided? Have they been tested and is there some form of warranty? Doing all these checks will help to choose a used part that is not overly worn.
Buy parts in bulk
Bulk-buying commonly purchased parts to keep in stock can also save you a lot of money. Many suppliers offer discounts when you buy parts in bulk. Not only does this save you money, but it provides you with easily accessible parts to carry out quick repairs.
Specialist technicians that are used to working on the same types of machines can greatly benefit from bulk-buying. For example, if you are a mechanic who specializes in repairing a certain brand of car, you can stock up on parts for the most popular models and be certain to use them all. Bulk-buying parts may be less worthwhile for general technicians that work with all kinds of machines and brands, although you may still be able to save money on basic parts like screws.
Build relationships with suppliers
While some experts recommend continuously shopping around for the best deals on parts, there can be benefits to staying loyal to one supplier. Certain suppliers may give you exclusive discounts if you commonly use them.
