Fleets have several parts options for their operations, and finding the best solution can often be a challenge.
While there are different quality levels of products available, in most, if not all product categories, our experience has been that customers will select the product that offers the best overall value. We have found that more times than not the customer will opt for a premium branded product because of the advantages they provide.
Companies that manufacture premium brands traditionally have a strong research and development department, along with a robust infrastructure of marketing, sales and engineering support.
These companies understand the marketplace around them and have knowledge of current technologies. They plan and preparing for technologies of the future and stay current with the regulatory environment.
The products premium brands manufacture are proven over years of experience and include a strong warranty program. The reputation they carry with their brand name is a product that lasts longer because of its durability.
Premium brand manufacturers are known for meeting rigorous standards to produce uniform quality.
Time and money
The bottom line is that customers know the product can be relied upon to work, even in the most severe conditions, and as result, they often spec the quality brands they trust. Downtime is money lost for truck operators, so running their trucks down the road with premium brands brings peace of mind.
While the initial cost of a premium brand product may be higher than other available products, we have evidence that the lifecycle of the product is typically longer, resulting in an overall lower cost of operation.
Our sales data indicates that customers are willing to pay for higher quality, premium products because of superior quality and performance.
Moreover, there are distributors that handle premium brands, like VIPAR Heavy Duty and its distributors, which provide bumper-to-bumper coverage with the highest quality products from the industry's leading suppliers backed by strong national warranties.
With a significant investment in vehicles and equipment, we believe that most often, fleets choose premium branded products because the incidence of breakdowns can be diminished, plus there is the added value obtained through the longer life of the product.
When choosing a truck parts distributor to do business with, look for those that work hard to develop relationships with their customers so they can better understand all of the variables that affect their operations. It is always best to deal with a “trusted consultant” and the local expert who can help you make the best product selection for each application to provide an overall benefit to your operation.
Jeff Paul is director of marketing for VIPAR Heavy Duty VIPAR Heavy Duty (www.vipar.com), North America's leading network of independent aftermarket truck parts distributors.
