Why are replacement appliance parts so expensive?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a broken appliance and cringing at the price tag of the part you need, you’re not alone. You might be debating if you should just bite the bullet and buy a new unit instead.

Unfortunately, sometimes appliance parts can be pricey, but we’re here to help you understand what’s really going on behind those dollar signs.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Factors that affect appliance part prices

Appliance replacement parts can be pricey for several reasons. Here are a few of the main ones.

1. Manufacturing costs

If you’re purchasing genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts — as you should be — then high-quality and durable materials are often used to extend the life of those parts.

Some complex parts may also require intricate manufacturing processes, which can increase production costs.

Read more: Why It’s Best to Choose OEM Over Aftermarket Parts for Appliance Repairs

2. Supply chain issues

Disruptions in the supply chain — whether local or global — can lead to part shortages and higher prices. Rising shipping costs can also impact the market price of parts.

3. Research and development

If manufacturers invest in research and development to enhance appliance efficiency and performance, it may drive up part prices, especially if parts are updated with new features.

4. Limited competition

There are many different appliance part distributors, but not all of them offer the same products. If a specific part is only available from one manufacturer, the lack of competition can lead to higher prices.

5. Branding

Major appliance brands may charge more for certain parts due to perceived quality and reliability, along with included warranties.

6. Distribution costs

Storing, handling, and distributing appliance parts all add up due to the labor and time spent to get them to customers. This adds to the overall cost, especially for less common items.

7. Market demand

If an appliance is discontinued, the demand for its replacement parts can soar, which may drive prices up.

8. Regulatory compliance

Replacement parts may need to meet specific safety and efficiency standards, which can complicate production and increase costs along the way.

What do part retailers do to keep prices affordable?

Part distributors may employ several strategies to keep appliance part prices affordable.

1. Bulk purchasing

By buying parts in bulk, retailers can negotiate lower prices from manufacturers so they can pass those savings on to customers.

2. Supply chain management

Effective logistics and supply chain management can help minimize costs associated with storage and distribution.

3. Online sales model

Operating primarily online reduces the need for physical storefronts, which can lower business expenses.

4. Inventory management

By keeping track of parts and regularly adjusting inventory, retailers can prevent overstock and reduce markdowns.

Read more:  How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

How to determine if a part is worth the cost

• See if the part is OEM. OEM parts, while they may be more expensive, are guaranteed to fit and work better than aftermarket ones.
• Check the seller. Look at the warranty, shipping and customer service options before placing an order.
• Does the appliance have multiple problems? If so, it might be better to replace it.
• Compare the cost of the replacement part against the price of a new appliance. If the part is a substantial expense and the appliance is older, it may be more economical to buy a new unit.
• Look for reviews of both the part and the appliance. Feedback from other consumers can help gauge the reliability after repairs.
• Is the part difficult to find? This could justify a higher price.
• Consider the potential long-term savings from a more efficient part. This may reduce energy bills over time.

Read more: My part is no longer available! What do I do now?

Should you buy a part on backorder?

Here are some things to consider to help you decide whether to order a backordered part.

• If the appliance is essential for daily use (like a refrigerator), see how long you can wait for the part. Delays could disrupt your home. If it’s a less critical appliance, you might be more willing to wait.
• Check the estimated delivery time for the backordered part. If it’s a shorter time such as a few weeks, it might be worth the wait. However, backordered items can sometimes be canceled or delayed further.
• If you have an older appliance or one with hard-to-find parts, the backordered part may be more likely to become even harder to find in the future, so securing it now might be wise.

Read more:  5 Common Mistakes That Shorten The Lifespan Of Appliances

More information

Thanks for reading! If you need replacement parts for any of your appliances, check out AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to find exactly what you’re looking for. Most orders arrive in two business days, and we have thousands of free resources to show you how to install your new parts.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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