Why Purchasing Non-OEM Parts Can Lead To Higher Costs

They look identical to OEM (original equipment manufacturer parts). They’re even cheaper. If replicated part manufacturers can be believed, non-OEM parts perform just as well as OEM replacement parts. There might even be extra savings on delivery. However, price is not the only consideration when a pump needs repair or spare parts need to be purchased. You simply must take quality and efficiency of your parts into account. Or you might end up paying more in the long run. Here’s why:

1. Purchasing non-OEM parts means that the original manufacturer’s warranty becomes void.

2. Some parts are hard to replicate, and might not meet original performance specifications, for example the contours of impeller vanes. Even small design changes can have a huge impact on performance.

3. Fits and tolerances of non-OEM parts are usually inaccurate, creating opportunities for failure and shortened life right from the start.

4. Replicating parts manufacturers are focused on replicating parts. This means they usually don’t spend time on research and development to keep up with improvements in hydraulic efficiencies, which means your parts may not be in line with the latest developments.

5. Replicated parts manufacturers cannot meet the latest quality standards without the original drawings.

6. The material properties and metallurgies of the non-OEM part may not meet OEM standards, creating opportunities for wear and tear, corrosion and reduced pressure.

Of course, there are some situations where you might need to buy non-OEM parts, such as when your pump is obsolete and the only parts available are replicated ones, or when you have a trusted supplier.

However, keep in mind that many non-OEM suppliers only provide the most popular high-volume parts, which means that you may need to buy low volume OEM parts anyway. If you’re buying all your low-volume parts from OEMs it might make sense to buy the high-volume parts at the same time, and benefit from bulk discounts.

To avoid higher maintenance and repair costs when using non-OEM parts, first ask these questions (courtesy of Goulds Pumps) from your supplier:

• Do the parts incorporate the latest design changes (pressure, capacity or other refinements) to improve efficiency, long life and safe operation of the pump?
• Does the supplier provide low volume and high volume replacement parts?
• Does the supplier stock all the parts you need and can they get these to you on time at an affordable rate?
• Does the supplier have a computerized system to allow upgrade recommendations and recommended spare parts lists for pump purchases that will allow you to reduce inventory and lower costs?
• Does the supplier offer a choice of metallurgies for different applications and is the required metallurgy the same as the OEM parts?
• Does the supplier have a quality control program that ensures the quality of every part is uniform, with impeller and rotor balancing?
• Does the supplier have an on-going research and development program for continuous improvements in design, materials and construction to match those of OEMs?
• Are the parts made from the original engineering drawings
• Does the supplier accept responsibility for the exacting tolerances that maintain the precise fits required to ensure a pump’s original high efficiency and long life?
• Does the supplier offer application expertise that can help solve pump problems?
• Will use of the parts affect the manufacturer’s pump warranty in any way that would increase product liability?

If you’re looking to cut costs and need to decide between genuine OEM and non-OEM parts for your pump, call us on our toll-free number 1-800-367-4180. Our experts are on hand to help you choose, install, and maintain a variety of equipment. And to answer questions about things you’ve previously tried gone wrong.