There are two sides to every coin, workin. You've been exposed to the OEM brain-washing for all those years. I, on the other hand have lived a good portion of my life in the aftermarket. I've been to a number of factories and seen the goods coming down the lines going into a variety of boxes.
At one time I was a factory sales rep for the Monroe shock people. They had a full warehouse, several forklift levels high, of boxes. Not their boxes, but boxes for their main competitor, Gabriel. Also boxes for Ford OEM and Motorcraft, GM OEM and Delco and all sorts of private label retailers.
Also, boxes for tractor manufacturers for the little shocks under the seats, shock boxes for truck manufacturers, even for independent rear suspension and tag axle manufacturers.
With ignition parts, all for the "bakelite type" products such as caps and rotors have mold marks in them. Back in the day when "Genuine GM" parts came in sealed boxes with pull strings to open them I would bet with my GM dealership customers that I could pull a cap off my shelf and it would have the same mold mark as on of their "genuine" parts that they could pull the string on, so there was no playing around.
At the time I was selling Guaranteed Parts, a major phenolic manufacturer for many other companies. Their mark was a diamond with a line through the center of the center that extended on one side. I'd win more than I'd lose. I sold quite a bit to GM dealerships, I've spent many an hour with the guys at the back counters. I'd even make the bet with some techs from time to time. Sort of open their eyes to reality every once in awhile. It's all the same stuff, it all comes down the same line.
One time I ended up in court over a carb kit. Long story, I'll skip the details. Question was OEM vs aftermarket on a carb kit for a Rochester 4GC I think it was. We actually sliced open the sealed bags of one of my kits and a "Genuine GM" kit on the judges counter or whatever you call it.
Item for item they were identical. Laid the gaskets in on the other. Same material, same colors, etc. Even the metal rods on the accelerator pumps had the same scratches in the same places. The instruction sheets were identical, generic with no brand name. Satisfied the judge.
There is nothing wrong with your attitude. And the premium prices the dealerships charge are what makes parts and service often the one profitable area of the entire operation. From a professional standpoint, it's been good to your for years. More power to you.
But, realise it's marketing to the public and propaganda to the techs, not any real difference in the goods themselves. They really do all come down the same line.
We've all got to make a living, and there is no "one size fits all" for dealing with the public. If you can get $40 for the identical item I sell for $ 25, more power to you. But don't kid yourself that you are selling a superior product.
Probably the greatest indication of "aftermarket vs OEM" is in the sheet metal field. Where 10 or 15 years ago an insurance company would not condone use of non-OE sheet metal. Now they not only approve it, but in some cases insist upon it.
Other than the parts issue, I'd say your attitude toward people who bought the brand of car your dealer is selling leaves something to be desired. Just the sort of thing that drives customers and prospects elsewhere.
One time, when working for Monroe I had a current year leased Ford break down in the middle of nowhere. I got it towed to a Ford dealer in a small town and they quickly told me it would be a couple of days to get it fixed. I was on the road, had my packed bags in the trunk. And appointments miles away for the next couple of days.
That "country dealer" gave me a rental to use - FREE. Leased car, owned by some fleet leasing company in Michigan, Missouri tags, clearly warranty work and the gave me a car for a couple of days. Knowing full well that they were never going to sell me a car, that the only time they'd ever see me again was if I made a call on them with the local parts store guy.
I urge you to reconsider your options. There is no telling, it might turn out that treating the sometimes customer as if they were your number one customer might just pay off.
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