Why Do New Parts Prices Differ So Much?

[cwilkie]

Thanks for the advice the past couple of days. So far everything is working out and my parts pile is getting smaller every evening. Now I need to buy some more to continue with my mini-restoration. Just out of curiosity I thought I would make a list of all the parts I need to complete my mini restoration and something occurred to me. I was compiling a rather large list and I check the prices of items such as exterior emblems and chrome accessories, carpet, bezels, etc. and I noticed a difference in prices. The differences were of a few dollars; however, if a person needs to order a huge amount of items this "few dollars" tends to add up. Is there a difference in quality or do all the vendors buy from the same manufacturers? Larger vendors can buy larger amounts and receive volume discounts and then sell the same items for less of a prices as compared to smaller vendors who do not buy large amounts and don't get a volume discount. Or am I just assuming? Please let me know what you guys think?

One other thing. Anyone know where I can get a set of NEW Chrome window vents. The used ones I was going to use had a few dings in them and my job of replacing the weather stripping in those didn't go too well. Thanks again.

[Lemield]

I too have found a great variation in the price of parts. Remember though that it is the bottom line that counts...at least for me. Example...Sometimes vendors have a part for a great price but when shipping is added on, it is no longer the cheapest price. I've seen that a LOT on Ebay.

I do think that there is a difference in quality for many items. I bought some green armrests from LMC and they were nothing but painted (poorly I might add) white armrests. I returned them and bought some from Brothers. They were much nicer and actually made from green vinyl.

I have had good luck with all of the vendors on the board as well as LMC.

I just shop around.

[cwilkie]

Quality does mean a lot to me; however, my budget means more. I do plan on buying the remainder of my parts before the end of the year. At a rough estimate I am going to spend in between $3000 and $3500 on new parts from various vendors. So far I have had good luck as well from the board vendors who I have bought parts from. I'm doing my information serch right now.

[neonlarry]

It isn't always quality, I just went to my local GM Stealership and was quoted a price of $228 plus tax for a part (this on a wed, said part would be there following wed or thur). I ended up ordering it online from another GM dealer for $131 plus $10 shipping, and got it in the same amount of time delivered to my door.
I think some vendors are just too greedy.

[mbgmike]

Overhead is a big reason including advertising. A large vendor does not necessarily charge less because of volume buys. We do every thing we can to keep our operating costs down and sell the same products. Many times it makes more labor on us. We do not have a boutique shop we have more of an outlaw shop. I feel when customers want parts they want parts, not some fancy black and white tile floor, fancy chairs, fancy company trucks, etc. Just our opinion. Anything we can save in our business means lower prices to the customer. absolutely no BS. No BS on shipping either. We sell many parts less than Jegs or Summit. Plus when you come to our store you can drink beer and bring your dog too

Mike

[cwilkie]

What's the name of your shop mbgmike?

[mbgmike]

I don't remember. Maybe I did too much acid in my younger days. last I looked it was in my sig. Is this a trick question? ha ha ha

[LUV2XCLR8]

I generally save up for my parts and aquire them at shows, most vendors
sell them at a slight discount at shows, plus no tax, and no shipping, that
is a huge saving, especially when you are buying body panels, my $.02