How To Be A Parts Buying Genius. 3 Brilliant Questions You're Not Asking Your Vendors

Are Rock and Dirt readers getting the best deal from their vendors? Are they doing their best deal on shipping, ensuring the highest quality parts or giving you a break on larger orders? If not, you need to learn a master purchasing agent’s buying secret.

This technique acts like a remote control to get your vendors to pay attention and take action. Press this “magic button” and you’ll see your costs reduced dramatically.

The secret, masters-only technique to ensuring your getting the best service from your vendors is to . . .

. . . . ask them.

Irritated? Think you're wasting your time? There’s nothing magical or tricky to getting someone to do something just by asking them, right? That’s completely obvious.

And most people simply don't do it.

Which means you're undoubtedly leaving money on the table.

Rock & Dirt Readers Can Do Better!
As a Rock & Dirt reader, you know there are literally hundreds of sources for the parts you need. From new, used, new-take-off, you name it... there are many ways to get your machine back in production.

Unfortunately, that doesn't mean you're getting the best value for you money every time, which is why you need to ask your vendors these simple (and direct) questions, just like a seasoned purchasing pro.

#1 - Are the parts I'm buying usable right now?
You would be shocked as to the number of times you may be expected to machine, alter, or otherwise change a part to make it fit your application.

Make sure your parts are "plug and play" ready before you cut the PO.

#2 - What will you communicate to me before the ship date?
How may times have you ordered a list of items, cut the PO, and received the shipment a few days later, only to discover there is one line item missing from the shipment - and no one from your vendor bothered to tell you.

One thing that makes a purchasing a lot safer is to clearly spell out both the things your vendor thinks are necessary to communicate and those things you think are necessary.

This sets expectations right from the start, and keeps everyone involved honest.

#3 - How will my purchase be packaged to prevent damage in shipment?
Many returns can be prevented by simply addressing the issue of packaging quality.

Make sure your vendors have a clear understanding that hard parts need to be protected in shipment, or you expect return shipments and replacement parts covered by the vendor.

...and how about a couple bonus questions regarding replacement parts?

#4 - Have these parts been hardness tested?
Make sure any replacement, non-oem, parts you're considering have been hardness tested and fall within the manufacturers specificatoins for hardness.

If your purchase is large enough, and you have the time, certainly request a copy of any supporting hardness test documentation.

#5 - Can you get me a picture of the parts?
This is even more important if your buying a used, or new-take-off, part.

Have the vendor snap a quick picture of and gears or reman pumps to make sure your mechanic won't throw a fit when the used parts arrive.

One quick photo should allow you to see any nicks or is the hardface has been worn through.

Super Bonus - State upfront what you won't accept.
The fastest way to ensure the issues you feel are important have been addressed is to communicate your expectations to your vendor, before they ask.

Won't buy used parts? Tell 'em upfront.

Not interested in imported parts? Make sure they know that.

Whatever your preference, simply asking a couple questions about the things that matter most to you should, at the very least, let your vendor know you won't be taken for a ride.

Please feel free to browse our manufacturer listings, search our parts page, or call one of our parts detectives at (800) 358-1103.