Buying and controlling components.
WHAT THE CATEGORIES ARE
Original manufacturer parts Original equipment supplier parts Aftermarket parts of varying quality Used and salvaged parts Counterfeit parts
WHY COUNTERFEITS MATTER SO MUCH
They fail early, they damage other components, and safety-critical failures injure people.
WHERE THEY ARE MOST DANGEROUS
Braking Steering and suspension Filters and fluids Electrical and ignition
WHAT TO DO
Buy from consistent, reputable suppliers.
WHAT TO BE SUSPICIOUS OF
Prices substantially below the market Packaging inconsistencies Suppliers who cannot document source
WHAT TO ESTABLISH WITH THE CUSTOMER
What grade of part is being used, and the difference.
WHY
Customers choosing cheaper parts must understand the trade-off, and it protects you when they fail.
WHAT TO RECORD
Which parts were fitted, with their source.
WHY
Warranty claims and disputes depend on it.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CUSTOMER-SUPPLIED PARTS
Whether you accept them, and on what terms.
WHY IT MATTERS
You cannot warrant work using a part you did not supply.
WHAT TO STATE
That no warranty attaches to the part, and what happens if it fails.
WHAT STOCK TO HOLD
Fast-moving consumables and common items.
WHAT NOT TO HOLD
Slow-moving parts for specific vehicles.
WHY
They tie up cash indefinitely.
WHAT TO TRACK
Parts margin, and stock that has not moved.
