Paying top dollar for factory parts isn't always smart repair

I see a lot of talk about how only original parts from the camera company are good enough. I have to push back on that idea. Last month, I fixed a Sony mirrorless with a sticky aperture blade. The Sony part was quoted at a high price and would take three weeks to arrive. I used a quality aftermarket blade set from a supplier I trust, and the camera works like new. The customer was thrilled to have it back in two days. If we always wait for the branded part, we hold up people's cameras and charge them more. We should test and use reliable alternatives more often. It makes our service better and faster.

2 comments

2 Comments

casey_jenkins701d ago

Totally get this! I keep a few trusted aftermarket suppliers on speed dial for common fixes.

coleman.henry1d ago

Trusted aftermarket suppliers" is exactly where I was at for years, always trying to save a buck. Then I got burned by a cheap part failing way too early and causing a bigger problem. It completely flipped my view. Now I see that reliable fix as worth paying a bit more upfront, even if it’s boring. I’d rather just do the job once with the right stuff.