The Circuit – September 2024 Newsletter

The Aftermarket vs. OEM Debate:

Why Aftermarket Parts Often Come Out on Top

By Chay Chauncey, VP of Sales

One crucial decision when repairing or modifying pump dispensers is whether to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket alternatives. The pump dispenser’s manufacturer makes OEM parts, while aftermarket parts come from third-party companies. While both options have their merits, aftermarket parts frequently prove superior in cost, customization, innovation, availability, and quality.

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Aftermarket parts offer significant cost savings compared to OEM parts, which are typically more expensive due to branding and marketing. Benefiting from economies of scale, aftermarket manufacturers can produce high-quality parts at a lower cost, passing the savings on to service providers.
2. Greater Variety and Customization: The aftermarket industry often provides a wider range of parts, addressing issues OEMs might overlook. Aftermarket companies focus on the existing product line, offering both standard replacements and specialized solutions. This focus on the current install base allows for more customization, catering to specific needs and correcting OEM shortcomings.
3. Innovation and Technological Advancement: Aftermarket manufacturers are often more agile and responsive to market demands than OEMs, enabling them to introduce new technologies and designs more quickly. This flexibility fosters innovation, leading to advancements in materials, performance, and aesthetics that OEMs may not offer.
4. Availability and Accessibility: When a pump dispenser model is discontinued, OEM parts can become scarce and expensive. In contrast, aftermarket parts remain widely available, ensuring that older dispensers can continue operating. These parts are also easier to find, and available through various channels, including online retailers and local shops, reducing wait times associated with OEM parts.
5. Comparable or Superior Quality: Many aftermarket parts match or exceed the quality of OEM parts. While some low-quality aftermarket options exist, reputable manufacturers offer parts equal to or better than OEM counterparts, often backed by superior warranties. Aftermarket providers typically offer warranties from the date of installation, compared to OEM warranties that start from the date of shipment.
6. Competition Drives Improvement: The competitive nature of the aftermarket industry encourages continuous product improvement. Multiple manufacturers vying for market share must innovate and offer better products at lower prices. This competition benefits service providers by ensuring access to high-quality parts with enhanced features at reasonable prices.

While OEM parts have advantages, especially for units under warranty, aftermarket parts often provide superior solutions for pump dispenser repairs and upgrades. Aftermarket parts frequently come out on top with benefits like cost savings, greater variety, innovation, availability, and quality. Service providers who choose reputable aftermarket brands can enhance their pump dispensers’ performance and longevity, making aftermarket parts a compelling choice.