Outboard Motor Wreckers For Parts
Whether you are replacing your entire motor or just need spare parts, buying from outboard motor wreckers can save you a lot of money over buying brand new. Although you may have to shop around a bit to find exactly what you need, in the long run, the money that you save will generally make it worthwhile. Check out these tips to help you find the best deals.
1. Research outboard motor wreckers in your area.
One of the best places to start is by making a list of companies in your area that may have the part that you need. If you are willing to drive to get the part, don’t be afraid to expand your search radius out 100 or more miles beyond your current location. Also, keep in mind that some wrecking companies are happy to ship parts directly to you. If you can find the exact part that you need at a wrecker that is located on the other side of the country, chances are they will gladly ship it your way. Write down the contact information for any companies that seem promising including their phone number and website address.
2. Search online.
Some wrecking companies will have their inventory listed on their website. This can make it incredibly easy to search for the parts that you need. Simply visit their website and type in what you are looking for. You should be able to tell at a glance whether or not they have what you need. Although not every company will have their inventory online, starting with the ones that do can save you a lot of time. Many companies will also have an online shopping cart that you can use to simply purchase the part directly through their website. This is the most convenient way to find what you need. In most cases, these stores all accept major credit cards, making it easy to pay for the part and get it shipped directly to your home.
3. Call around.
For any outboard motor wreckers who don’t have a website, you will need to call in person to find out if they have the part that you are looking for. To make the calls go as smoothly as possible, be sure to have the exact name or part number that you need written down. That way, you won’t have to hunt around for it while the person who answers the phone waits on the other end of the line. Instead, you can give them the exact information they need to determine whether or not they have what you want in stock.
4. Consider shopping on online auction sites.
Many outboard motor wreckers will list their used parts on auction sites such as eBay. This can be a convenient and affordable way to find what you need. All you have to do is type the name of the part that you are looking for into the search box. Any matching results should show up right away in the search results. Simply click on any matching listings for more details so that you can make sure that the part that is for sale matches the part that you are looking for. Also, don’t forget to check the reputation of the seller to make sure that they provide excellent customer service.
5. Take advantage of forums.
One thing that not many people think of when buying from outboard motor wreckers is posting what they are looking for on a forum. Oftentimes, people who own wrecking services frequent these forums. If they see your post and happen to have the part that you need, chances are they will be more than happy to sell it to you.
Another way to use forums is by seeing if any of the other members can pick up a part from a wrecker that is located near them for you. For instance, if you find the exact parts that you need at a wrecking company that is located on the other side of the country, you can post a thread on the forum asking if anyone is willing to visit the wrecker for you to pick up the part in exchange for a small fee. This can help you buy parts from companies that don’t offer shipping.
6. Always double check your part number.
Before you place your order, make sure that the part number is exactly right. Don’t hesitate to double check it with the person who is taking your order. The last thing that you want is to buy a part and have it shipped to your location only to find out that it is not the part that you needed. Many wrecking companies don’t accept returns. This means that you could be out the money that you spent on the part if it isn’t the one you were looking for.
These tips for buying from outboard motor wreckers can help you save a lot of money on the parts that you need. Searching for the right part can be time-consuming. However, buying a used part rather than buying brand new can wind up saving you so much money that the extra time that you have to spend searching is almost always worthwhile. Just be sure to double check your part number before you place your order. Additionally, only buy parts from reputable companies. Always look for reviews from other customers before placing an order with a particular wrecking company. This can help you avoid getting scammed or taken advantage of.