Parts, Profit and Quality

Wow, yes, Parts, Profit and Quality count. I have insisted on using only Original Equipment (OE) components. It makes a difference, more so than I ever thought it would. Many shops will use specification level parts for a repair, but not OE or Original Manufacturer (OM). The assumption is that the specification component will function as well as an OE or manufacturer’s replacement component.

For a period of time, this may be true, but the long run, no way. OE parts are better, last longer and are well worth the investment. Cheap, min-specification components save the customer a few dollars up front. But there is a gamble, although they may meet minimum specification, their quality control in fit, finish, metallurgy, machining or casting is not the same as OE. To save a few dollars, bypassing the OE component risk failure further down the road. Even with a warranty for the repair, for which many parts manufacturers and suppliers provide, the cost in time and frustration is not worth the savings in buying inferior parts. Cheap parts really do cost more over time.

The motivation for the shop to use less expensive parts is simple, the shop makes more money and attracts price focused customers. Cheaper parts can be sold for less than OE/Manufacturer parts, however they often offer increased margin for a more profitable transaction. At the wholesale level, lower quality parts can be sourced very cheap for the shop, but their charge to you the customer is whatever the market can bear. That is, better mark-up, more profit while giving the customer the impression they are getting a better deal. Nothing wrong with profitable business transactions, but I like mine with more substance. Here at Bryan’s, we focus on quality first and then deliver high value in repair knowhow. We believe that the customer is best served by using OE parts, where they will have a quality repair and at a good price. This way we can warranty every part and installation. I look forward to repeat business, but not for failed components. Use OE components to save money and time. There is great value in being focused on quality in the component and in the repair service.