I know that looking at my history and byline to the left shows I am employed by an original manufacturer of drivetrain components, and you're probably thinking that of course I am going to recommend using "genuine"original equipment parts and components.
However, I am also an owner of a couple of vehicles and my family and I enjoy traveling this beautiful land in our motor home. I am fortunate enough to do a lot of the repairs on my own, and when I need those certain components that can make a difference between either long term (lifecycle) costs or safety, I choose to use the "genuine"thing.
Yes, I know the cost of the genuine original components (new or Reman) is perceived as or can be more expensive, but when you really look at the benefits to me, as the customer, I feel the decision is justified and correct.
When purchasing a vehicle or any other piece of equipment I intend to use it to its fullest and just like you, am looking to operate it at the lowest possible cost. Of course, the lowest possible cost should be evaluated at the lifecycle cost level and not necessarily on specific part cost. When I was in high school and college, the lowest price was king. When I look back, I sure did a lot of repairs a second—and in some cases, a third—time. Sure, in high school and college, time is time. In business, time is money. In the Commercial Vehicle service business, time is a lot of money.
When you source genuine components, it needs to be understood what is behind the component:
Engineering
The "genuine"original supplier designed the component for use in your vehicle when new. Any updates or product improvements are known and are generally incorporated into the component to assure safety, durability and performance characteristics.
In other words, you have the knowledge and backing of the engineers who designed and built the product. Who best to know the product's limitations and proper operational specs for maximum life?
Technical Service/Support
All that engineering information needs to be transferred to the customer and this is performed through Technical Service. The saying I have always heard is that "Sales earns the first product sale; service earns all the repeat customer sales."This technical support is generally performed by "authorized"locations or by the "genuine"supplier establishing a "hotline"or a Web site (or both) for means of communicating directly with the customer. The customer definitely has the opportunity to have questions answered.
Quality
The "genuine"component supplier wants to assure his product is the highest quality. His reputation as a supplier, not only to the aftermarket but also to future "new vehicle production"business, is at stake.
In addition, it is understood that his business partners (authorized locations) also have their reputations on the line with the customer. And you, the customer, are the one who has the most at stake. A vehicle down means no revenue generation. In addition, the load may spoil and the driver may not be making money.
As part of our job, we as original equipment suppliers are always looking at what the competition offers. I must say there are some good quality competitors out there, but the real concern are those that are doing nothing more than a cleaning, possible reseal, painting and installing a "Reman"tag. Warranties give peace of mind, but that warranty repair creates unscheduled downtime, which is at your expense.
You have to be the judge in regards to the aftermarket product you purchase. But take a look at the "lifecycle"cost of your equipment and not just the "point in time purchase."You may be playing the "pay now and pay again later"game.